Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism

Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm Pacific

Module 1 begins April 6, 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 6 – May 25, 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 6 — Introduction: What is a Jew?
April 13 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. I: From Abraham to Maimonides
April 20 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. II: From Ramban until Today
April 27 — Torah: From the Bible to the Talmud and beyond
May 4 — Jewish Belief
May 11 — What Is Zionism?
May 18 — Antisemitism
May 25 — The Jews in America: Movements & Secularism

Module 2: Practices and Lifecycle

June 1 – July 20, 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 1 — Introduction to Shabbat
June 8 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Marriage
June 15 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Divorce, Death, and the Afterlife
June 22 — Prayer: An Introduction
June 29 — Fall Festivals: Elul, Slichot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
July 6 — Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot: Harvest Festivals
July 13 — Purim and Chanukah
July 20 — Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects: Their Meaning and Use

Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism: Cohort 4

By American Council for Judaism, Inc.

Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism: Cohort 4