Weeks 1-3 Introduction; Theology/Philosophy
Weeks 4-6 Introduction to and Explanation of Mitzvot (Bein Adam L’chaveiro/La’Makom etc. with emphasis on Ethics)
Weeks 7-10 Shabbat – Positive and Negative Commandments (Kiddush, Bishul, Eruv etc.) Weeks 11-12 Jewish Holidays
Weeks 13-17 Tefillah and B’rachot
Weeks 18-20
Kashrut
Weeks 21-23 Lifecycle – Youth, Dating, Marriage, Family Relationships, Gender Differences, Sexuality, Death and Mourning
Weeks 24-25 Tanach and Jewish History-Traditional Approaches and Modern Challenges
Weeks 26-27 Contemporary Judaism – Israel, America and World Jewry; Different Models Within Orthodoxy (Chareidim, Chasidim, Torah U’Mada etc.) Weeks 28-29 Contemporary Halacha – How the System Works: Applying Halacha to New Issues (Medicine, Technology etc.) Weeks 30-31 How to be a Successful Jew in the Workplace & Society-Day to Day Issues and Kiddush Hashem
Weeks 32-33 Building a Jewish Library; Jewish Commentators and Personalities You Need to Know
Weeks 34-36 Issues Relating to Converts - Dealing with the Holiday Season and Non-Jewish Family/Friends, Jewish Names, Kashering and Cooking, Navigating the Jewish Community etc. Weeks 37-39 Summary and Review
The above is an approximate timeline, as the curriculum generally takes a year to cover. We often explore topics for longer times and also have discussions of specific chagim in the weeks leading up to the various holidays. We also discuss current events and their relation to Judaism, and also have occasional guest speakers on related topics.
