Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism

Thursdays, 7-8:30PM EST | Module one begins October 29th

Course Overview

Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism is a broad-stroke survey of Jewish life, culture, belief and non-belief, and the major ideas that have shaped Jews and Judaism across time. The course offers participants a grounding in the practices, philosophies, and expressions of Jewish life from the ancient world to the present.

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

October 29 — Introduction: What is a Jew?
November 5th — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. I: From Abraham to Maimonides
November 12th — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. II: From Ramban until Today
November 19th — Torah: From the Bible to the Talmud and beyond
December 3rd — Jewish Belief
December 10th — What Is Zionism?
December 17th — Antisemitism
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

January 14th — Introduction to Shabbat
January 21st — The Jewish Lifecycle: Birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Marriage
January 28th — The Jewish Lifecycle: Divorce, Death, and the Afterlife
February 4th — Prayer: An Introduction
February 11th — Fall Festivals: Elul, Slichot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
February 18th— Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot: Harvest Festivals
February 25th — Purim and Chanukah
March 4th — Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects: Their Meaning and Use

Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism: Cohort 5