AN INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM: Exploring the Basics with Rabbi Michael Skobac
This informative 6-week workshop is a virtual “everything you always wanted to know about Judaism but had no one to ask.”
Using a pre-recorded presentation, Rabbi Skobac will explore the basics of Jewish Belief and Philosophy, the Jewish Life Cycle, Interpersonal Relationships, the Jewish Home, Shabbat and Holidays, keeping kosher and much more.
Then, during a live Question & Answer session afterwards with participants, Rabbi Skobac will answer all of your questions.
- Six consecutive Wednesdays, Jan 18 – Feb 22, 2023 • 8:00 PM ET
- ZOOM attendance only
- Registration required to receive Login ID and PW
- To register, please complete the registration form below. or for more info go to jewsforjudaism.ca/intro23
- Email: info@jewsforjudaism.ca • Telephone: 416-789-0020
To register, please fill in the form below the Course outline.
COURSE OUTLINE AND DESCRIPTION:
• Jan 18: Session #1 • JUDAISM: Big Picture Overview
Judaism is the spiritual path of the Jewish people. This session will discuss the history of the development of the nation of Israel and the meaning of their mission to be a light to the nations. In addition, we will map out the basic contours of G-d’s revelation of Torah to the people of Israel.
• Jan 25: Session #2 • JEWISH THOUGHT AND IDEOLOGY: The Essential Concepts
There have been many attempts to compile a list of the most essential theological concepts in Judaism. The most well-known are the 13 principles of Jewish belief enumerated by Rabbi Moses Maimonides. In this class, we will briefly discuss each of these principles, In addition, the issue of why bad things happen to good people will be introduced.
• Feb 1: Session#3 • JUDAISM’S TEACHINGS ON: How To Get Along with Others
When the famous sage Hillel was asked to summarize all of Judaism while he stood on one foot, he famously said: What is hateful to you, don’t do to others. This is the core of the Torah. For the rest, go and learn. In this session we will show how Judaism is an integrated system where all parts of the Torah are connected. For example, we will discuss how the ritual laws relate to living more wholesome ethical lives.
• Feb 8: Session #4 • JUDAISM’S STAGE OF LIFE RITUALS: From Birth through Death
In Jewish thought, every moment of life has profound spiritual significance. Special practices and traditions are associated with special life events. In this session, we will discuss circumcision, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Marriage and rituals connected to death and burial.
• Feb 15: Session #5 • JUDAISM IN THE HOME: From Furnishings to Food
Jewish homes are distinguished by distinctive ritual objects that are plainly visible to anyone entering. In this session, we will discuss many of these items, such as the Mezzuzah and objects used in the celebration of the Sabbath and holidays. In addition, we will discuss the basic rules of Kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws as well as several views of their purpose and meaning.
• Feb 22 postponed to Mar 1: Session #6 • JUDAISM’S SHABBAT, HOLY DAYS & FESTIVALS: The Why’s and How’s
The Sabbath is one of foundations of Jewish life. In this class, we will summarize the basic laws of the Sabbath as well as discuss the meaning and significance of Sabbath observance. As well, we will discuss the basic practices and meanings of the Jewish holidays including Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Chanukah, Purim and Tisha B’Av, the national day of mourning for the destruction of the holy Temples in Jerusalem.
