Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism

Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm ET

Module 1 begins January 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

January 6 – February 24, 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

January 6 — Introduction: What is a Jew?
January 13 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. I: From Abraham to Maimonides
January 20 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. II: From Ramban until Today
January 27 — Torah: From the Bible to the Talmud and beyond
February 3 — Jewish Belief
February 10 — What Is Zionism?
February 17 — Antisemitism
February 24 — The Jews in America: Movements & Secularism

Module 2: Practices and Lifecycle

March 3 – April 21, 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

March 3 — Introduction to Shabbat
March 10 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Marriage
March 17 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Divorce, Death, and the Afterlife
March 24 — Prayer: An Introduction
March 31 — Fall Festivals: Elul, Slichot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
April 7 — Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot: Harvest Festivals
April 14 — Purim and Chanukah
April 21 — Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects: Their Meaning and Use

Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism: Cohort 3