Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Introduction to Judaism
Interested in Jewish history and ritual? Involved in an interfaith relationship? Want to learn more about your Jewish neighbors, friends, or family members? Seeking conversion?
Organized and taught by the rabbis of the Synagogue Forum of Greater Dayton, this course offers an in-depth look at Judaism from Conservative, Orthodox/Traditional, and Reform perspectives along with guest speakers who offer their insights and broaden exposure to the Jewish community. Presented by the Synagogue Forum of Greater Dayton; Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob Congregation, Temple Beth Or, Temple Israel; with the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.
Class Overview
The 2025-2026 Introduction to Judaism class meets on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sessions are available both in person and via Zoom, featuring guest speakers and the rabbis from Dayton’s local synagogues.
Participating Congregations and Leaders
- Beth Abraham Synagogue ~ Rav Aubrey Glazer
- Beth Jacob Congregation ~ Rabbi Leibel Agar
- Temple Beth Or ~ Rabbi Judy Chessin
- Temple Israel ~ Rabbi Tina Sobo
Class Schedule
| Date | Location | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| November 4 | ZOOM | All rabbis; Introduction to Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Judaism |
| November 11 | Beth Abraham | God and Theology: Is belief required to be a Jew?/Theodicy |
| November 18 | Temple Beth Or | Torah: Jewish texts, the life of a verse |
| December 2 | Beth Jacob | Klal Yisrael – Peoplehood |
| December 9 | ZOOM | Zionism and the State of Israel – Israeli guest speakers |
| December 16 | Beth Jacob | Jewish History |
| January 6 | ZOOM | All rabbis; Doing Judaism – Mitzvot (personal observance) |
| January 13 | Temple Israel | Life Cycle |
| January 20 | Temple Israel | Shabbat |
| January 27 | ZOOM | The ABC’s of the JCC – guest speakers |
| February 3 | Temple Beth Or | Jewish Holidays |
| February 10 | Beth Abraham | Prayer and Liturgy |
| February 17 | ZOOM | Antisemitism & the Holocaust – guest speaker |
| February 24 | Beth Abraham | All Rabbis; Siyyum |
