Intro to Judaism Resources

These texts are for anyone interested in Judaism.
The texts support active discussions about Jewish identity, creating a Jewish home, celebrating Jewish holidays, and more.

Some helpful resources:
Blessings for food and more -  From Kol Haneshamah: Songs, Blessings and Rituals For the Home, pp. 108-­‐117
Shabbat Blessings, Recordings and more from the URJ - Shabbat Stuff

The conversion process around the mikvah can be found here.

A great source for maps and other things about Biblical times can be found here.

Unit Alef – “א” –The High Holy Days, the Days of Awe

4 class sessions (August-September 2015)

Many holy days - what are they all about?
What we do:
- A look at the scope of the High Holy Days
- A look at Elul in particular, and the time to prepare for the holidays.
How we do it:
- Create a tshuvah practice for Elul
Readings:
Strassfeld, A Book of Life, pp. 260-273, The High Holidays
Knoble, Gates of the Seasons, The Days of Awe

Rosh HaShanah
What we do:
- Rosh HaShanah in detail – history, services, practices
How we do it:
- Avinu Malkeinu (3 different versions) – meaning and singing
- Celebrating the Jewish New Year in synagogue
Reading: Strassfeld, pp. 3-21, Dawning - beginning a Jewish spiritual practice 

Yom Kippur
What we do:
- Yom Kippur in detail – history, services, practices
How we do it:
- Ashamnu and v’al kulam, Kol Nidrei – communal confession
Reading: Strassfeld, A Book of Life, pp. 176-­205, The Path of Prayer
 

Sukkot and Simchat Torah
What we do:
- More holy days! History, services, practices
How we do it:
- Sukkot practices & liturgy – living, eating, dwelling with nature
Reading: Strassfeld, A Book of Life, pp. 274-283, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, and Shemini Atzeret


High Holy Day celebrations:
- S'lichot –
- Rosh HaShanah –
- Shabbat Tshuvah –
- Yom Kippur –
- Sukkot –
- Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah –