URJ Introduction to Judaism

I just completed the 18 week program and it was more than I could have ever expected. I was a student at the West Hollywood Kol Ami class with Rabbi Sabine Meyer. Our student group was a great mix of adults who were taking the class to further their religious education and/​or convert for marriage. Most partners of each student attended the classes which made the group discussions even more engaging. I now have a strong group of friends who just embarked on a similar journey.
Although the 18weeks was a crash course on history’s oldest religion, I found the course easy to understand and very informative. At the start of the course I was unsure if Judaism was the right faith for me but as the class took its course it was easy for me to make my conversion choice.
I 100% recommend URJ’s Intro to Judaism course!

I am in the process of completing my Introduction to Judaism at Kol Ami with Rabbi Sabine Meyer and want to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She in very intelligent and very knowledgeable about the subject. She encourages class participation and insures that everyone
can learn from the weekly lessons. I also feel as though I have made a lot of new friends as a result of the class. I highly recommend to anyone interested in converting or just to learn about the subject.

I took this class as a Jewish adult who was raised Reform but wanted to get back in touch with my roots. It was taught at University Synagogue in Brentwood by Rabbi Feinstein and Cantor Shapiro. There is no need for me to convert but I took it for my own edification. Both of them are wonderful people and I learned so much. So whether you are looking to convert and/​or just re-​learn many practices you already know, or rather learn WHY we, as Jews, practice certain customs, this is the class for you.

My fiancée and I just completed the Intro to Judaism classes at Kol Ami with Rabbi Sabine Meyer. The classes were fantastic. Interesting and informative and with a lot of room for input. That was my favorite part of the class-​that the students had the opportunity to participate just as much as Rabbi Meyer had the opportunity to teach. The class (as well as the Rabbi) was very open minded and open to discussion of many tough issues. For anyone with trepidation about the conversion process or about organized religion, this class will definitely make you feel more comfortable. I am really looking forward to my conversion now that I have finished this class!

Rabbi Sebine Meyer is intelligent, poised and generous scholar who makes it easy and comfortable for people of all faiths, backgrounds, gender, etc. to learn about the Jewish faith and all that it encompasses for a Jew, his/​her home and community. Highly recommeded~

I completed this class with Rabbi Neil Daniels-​Comes in Santa Monica at Temple Beth Shir Shalom. Couldn’t have asked for more. I grew up Jewish but understood so little. Rabbi Neil opened my eyes to a religion I love. He always encouraged questions and discussion. Rabbi Neil clarified for me so many things I earlier did not understand and got me excited to be Jewish! My husband was raised catholic (now is agnostic) and attended the class with me. He still considers himself «unclaimed» but has grown to find judiasm a special religion and REALLY respects Rabbi Neil. Now my husband asks if we can go to services on Friday night.

I couldn’t have asked for a better class or a better teacher than Rabbi Sabine Meyer. My fiancé and I had been to another Introduction to Judaism class that was not through the URJ or affiliated with a synagogue and it was horrible. Everything that was wrong with that class, this class did right. Rabbi Meyer encourages class discussion so you never feel as though you are being lectured to. The material is interesting and environment is welcoming. They even have snacks!!! If you are considering a class to take to convert or simply because you are interested — I strongly recommend this class — I liked it so much I may even take it again!!!

I have almost completed the URJ Introduction to Judaism class at Congregation Kol Ami with Rabbi Sabine Meyer. Rabbi Meyer is a fabulous discussion leader with incredible knowledge and perceptiveness that have made this course an amazing experience for me. The course syllabus is extremely thorough, and the accompanying readings are relevant and informative, and cover all aspects of Jewish holidays and life events. The history component of the course is fascinating. I have also been lucky enough to meet some wonderful people that I now consider to be friends. I would highly recommend this course to anyone seeking more knowledge and understanding of Judaism, Jew and non-​Jew alike.

I attended the Hollywood classes with Rabbi Sabine Meyer and had a very good experience. I didn’t feel overwhelmed with information but also feel that I learned a lot about Judaism. I’m in the process of converting but think that this class would be a good opportunity for anyone who is interested in the religion (or even practicing) to get a good overview.
The course was about 16 weeks long, required reading and a short written assignment each week, 2 shabbat services attended and one Shabbaton service.
I really can’t imagine that there is a class that would serve the purpose of teaching an overview of Judaism better than this one.

I found the class to be incredibly informative as well as practical. I felt like I learned the most important aspects of Judaism and I learned how to actually begin to practice the religion’s rituals. I recommend this class to anyone who wants to begin their journey through this profound and enlightening religion.