The course is divided into two 8-week modules.

Recordings will be provided for anyone who cannot attend live. We encourage regular participation, while recognizing that life happens. The course pairs well with either Judaisms by Aaron Hahn Tapper or Jewish History: A Very Short Introduction by David Meyer.

Course Pricing

• Module One: $300

• Module Two: $300

• Modules One & Two Together: $550

• Scholarships available by application

Module 1: History and Ideas

October 29th - January 7th

This module traces the historical development of Judaism from biblical times to postmodernity, with attention to key philosophical questions, diaspora as a civilizational framework, the advent of Zionism, and Jewish responses to nationalism.

Weekly Topics

1. October 29 — Introduction: What is a Jew?

2. November 5th — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. I: From Abraham to Maimonides

3. November 12th — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. II: From Ramban until Today

4. November 19th — Torah: From the Bible to the Talmud and beyond

5. December 3rd — Jewish Belief

6. December 10th — What Is Zionism?

7. December 17th — Antisemitism

8. January 7th — The Jews in America: Movements & Secularism

Module 2: Practices and Lifecycle

January 14 - March 24th

This module explores Jewish practices, lifecycles, and rituals. Grounded in lived experience rather than nationalist narratives, it introduces the rhythms and symbols that shape Jewish religious and cultural life.

Weekly Topics

1. January 14th — Introduction to Shabbat

2. January 21st — The Jewish Lifecycle: Birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Marriage

3. January 28th — The Jewish Lifecycle: Divorce, Death, and the Afterlife

4. February 4th — Prayer: An Introduction

5. February 11th — Fall Festivals: Elul, Slichot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur

6. February 18th— Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot: Harvest Festivals

7. February 25th — Purim and Chanukah

8. March 4th — Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects: Their Meaning and Use