Intro to Judaism: A Statewide Class from 
the Center for Small Town Jewish Life 
taught by Maine rabbis and educators

September 2024-February 2025

Introduction to Judaism Series
Thursdays, 7:00-8:15 p.m. on Zoom
Taught by rabbis and educators from across Maine
Registration Fee: $180* for the series
*Cost should not be a barrier to participation. To arrange alternative payment options please contact Rabbi Erica Asch or Melanie Weiss. 

Do you want to learn more about Judaism? If so, this class is for you. You could be Jewish and wanting to deepen your knowledge, exploring Judaism, or just curious about Jewish traditions and practices. 

The series will cover Jewish holidays, Jewish texts, history, prayer, denominations, and more. Each session will include 45-60 minutes of presentation on a topic and 15-30 minutes for questions and answers.

Participants are encouraged to attend the Center for Small Town Jewish Life’s Fall Shabbaton (November 8-9 at Colby College in Waterville). 

• The class is limited to 23 participants and will take place entirely on Zoom. Priority is being given to those who were waitlisted for a previous series of Intro to Judaism classes. Preference will be given to Maine registrants.
• Registration is for those 18 and older.
• Those who register should be able to attend all or most of the classes. 
• For those interested in conversion to Judaism, this series will be one part of the process. 

Required Text:
Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Participants must obtain their own copies of this book. Please plan so to have it by the end of August. A syllabus with the readings will be sent out at that time.

Schedule: 
Class will be held on the following Thursdays, 7:00-8:15 p.m.

September 5, 12, 19, 26

October 10

November 7, 14, 21

December 5, 12, 19

January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

February 6, 13, 20, and 27

March 6

Questions? FMI contact  Rabbi Erica Asch or Melanie Weiss.