YouTube Recording – You will be sent a link to a private playlist containing all sessions from Fall 2021 within 48 hours during standard office hours.

This class will explore the basic beliefs of Judaism, life cycle events, important holiday, and the differences between the various branches of Judaism.

Hopefully we will have time to discuss the ultra Orthodox communities that inspired television shows such as Unorthodox, Shitsel, and One of Us.  Judaism is as simple as the prayer called the Sh’ma.  Sh’ma Israel Adonai Eloneinu Adonai Ehad.  Hear Oh Israel,  the Lord Our God, the Lord is One.  It is as complicated as the 613 commandments found in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible.

Sources used for this class are Essential Judaism by George Robinson, The Prayer Book (Weekday, Sabbath, and Festival) translated and arranged by Ben Zion Bokser, plus the Hebrew Bible.

The history of Judaism is essential to understanding the Jewish faith which has a rich heritage of law, culture and tradition.  Jewish people believe there’s only one God who has established a covenant – or special agreement – with them.  Their God communicates to believers through prophets and rewards good deeds while also punishing evil.

Instructor: Rene Goldman is a lifelong Kansas City resident.  She has a Masters degree in Education with an Early Childhood emphasis from UMKC. she has worked as a substitute teacher in both the Kansas City and Center School Districts and in the Early Childhood Program in Kansas City and as a preschool teacher at the Beth Shalom synagogue.  Four years ago she became an adult Bat Mitzvah at Temple, B’Nai Jehudah.  She has been a dedicated SPARK member for four years.