Introduction to Judaism course

Introduction to Judaism course;
. I have decided to prepare and offer this course, online by Zoom. Both because you asked, and I love to teach.
. This course is suitable both for those who want to "choose" Judaism, and those (Jews by birth) who want to learn more about Judaism -- something with more depth than Sunday Schools you might have had.

[The initial meeting was scheduled for Tues Aug 29, but its initial meeting was ultimately moved to Wed November 1. If interested, appear; better, pls RSVP. We are now (Dec 6) at session 5 ("week 6").
(If you have joined more recently, I have given, or will give you some materials then, along with your needing to buy (and get delivery of!) the texts below -- see below on how to get). You can ask any Qs you have. ]
. I estimate 2 hours/session. Changed from Tues at 5 PM, to Wed, 7 PM EST.

ZOOM LINK for the initial Session.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85186801988?pwd=Q0tpdmhHZnBhckpYNXl6K3hEN0ZBUT09

Meeting ID: 851 8680 1988 Passcode: 772132

. I will start out with introducing and explaining Judaism's foundational texts -- the parts of the Bible, the Talmud and other key Rabbinic texts, and then address how we live Judaism today.
. I will use several texts:
-- Chaim Potok's "Wanderings: a History of the Jews",
-- Nina Beth Cardin: "The Tapestry of Jewish Time",
-- Chaim Donin: "To Be a Jew", (Orthodox viewpoint),
-- Mark Washofsky: "Jewish Living -- A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice",
-- Michael Strassfeld: "A Book of Life -- Embracing Judaism as a Spiritual Practice."

Also recommended (but not as essential):
-- Haim Ben-Sasson, ed.: A History of the Jewish People.
-- Abba Eban: Heritage-- Civilization and the Jews,
-- Isaac Klein: A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice.

You should also have as sources:
-- Bible: Tanakh -- the Hebrew Scriptures (by JPS);
-- a Chumash with commentaries: (i) Everett Fox (Schocken books); (ii) Torah -- Modern Commentary, ed. Gunther Plaut, (UAHC),
-- (iii) The Stone Chumash (Artscroll, Orthodox), (iv) Etz Chayyim (USCJ, Conservative) (Obviously, the more of these you can peruse, the more a sense of diverse interpretations we have)
-- Prayerbooks: Siddur Sim Shalom (Conserv); Artscroll Siddur (Ortho); Gates of Prayer (UAHC/URJ, Reform) or Mishkan Tefillah (URJ, Reform -- more recent).
-- Kol HaNeshamah: Shabbat veHagim (Reconstructionist Press).

. Getting these books: I think that many of the books are avail at discounted prices on Thriftbooks.com (sometimes multiple copies, each w/ different price: So whoever buys first copy gets the best deal).
Usually less than Amazon. If a given book is unavailable on Thriftbooks, then try Amazon. Get them now!
. A few other discount vendors -- e.g., Abebooks.com, have some of the books. Google/research for the prayerbooks and Chumashim.

. This course will run 25 sessions. $10/session, meaning total $250 p/p. (If more people enroll, I will lower the per-person charge).
. I estimate 2 hours/session. Most likely Tues, est 5:00 PM EDT.
. You will pay me via Zelle (= QuickPay); fields below don't allow for that; when you contact me, I'll send Zelle link. Obviously not cash. (and checks by mail are too insecure).
. Please include your email address on registering/paying.
*Zoom: (i) so distance is no object(excuse ;-) ) . (ii) We will see each other in Gallery view. I'll talk ("lecture") but you can "raise a hand" to ask Qs (as participation helps our overall learning)
(ii) Pls respond as soon as possible.
. Payment via Zelle; I'll send payment link to those expressing interest.
. I will send Zoom link to each of you upon payment of tuition.
. I will send the Zoom link (for subsequent sessions ) upon payment of tuition.

. If the Photos field doesn't work, look at my Facebook page for a pic of me: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.zimet.5
. Contact me at **jdz@zimet.org** with any comments, Qs. Include your email address. I am looking forward to meeting with you.
Thank you,
Jonathan
Rabbi Jonathan D. Zimet
267-385-7717 . c-609-621-2318
[jdz@zimet.org](mailto)