Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism

Mondays, 6:30–8:00 pm Pacific

Module 1 begins April 20, 2026

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. A third module, focused on personal Jewish development and practice-building, will be offered after the conclusion of Module 2.

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

April 20 – June 8, 2026

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

April 20 — Introduction: What is a Jew?
April 27 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. I: From Abraham to Maimonides
May 4 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. II: From Ramban until Today
May 11 — Torah: From the Bible to the Talmud and beyond
May 18 — Jewish Belief
May 25 — What Is Zionism?
June 1 — Antisemitism
June 8 — The Jews in America: Movements & Secularism

Module 2: Practices and Lifecycle

June 15 – August 3, 2026

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

June 15 — Introduction to Shabbat
June 22 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Marriage
June 29 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Divorce, Death, and the Afterlife
July 6 — Prayer: An Introduction
July 13 — Fall Festivals: Elul, Slichot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
July 20 — Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot: Harvest Festivals
July 27 — Purim and Chanukah
August 3 — Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects: Their Meaning and Use

Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism: Cohort 4 (copy)