Path to Judaism

The Lisa F Brill Institute for Jewish Learning presents an array of opportunities to search, discover, examine, and experience multiple facets of Jewish life. Our programs and classes offer individuals of all backgrounds the opportunity to explore: Jewish texts and their analysis, philosophical inquiry, memory making experiences for Shabbat and holidays, and more. All are welcome to take this journey!

• Taste of Judaism
• Derech Torah
• Foundations of Jewish Living

Taste of Judaism

Free, 3-week introductory class

Pathways presents "A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?" a 3-session class, offered FREE of charge, welcoming all who are curious about Jewish tradition: unaffiliated Jews, interfaith couples, and those of other religious backgrounds.

Classes are scheduled at synagogues all around the metro area - on Sundays and on weeknights. We select dynamic rabbis and educators to lead this informal class, encouraging lively discussion of Judaism's approach to living in our rapidly changing society. The sessions explore Jewish spirituality, values and community.

For more information and to register, contact: tasteofjudaism@pathwaysatlanta.org or 678-812-4161.

Derech Torah

Derech Torah I - 20 weeks
Derech Torah II - 12 weeks

This unique introduction to Judaism is designed for individuals who are new to Judaism, and for interfaith couples who wish to explore and define its place in their lives. Classes touch upon all the major aspects of Judaism including lifecycle events, ethics & values, holidays, the Bible, Israel, and history.

Derech Torah has been selected by the Atlanta Rabbinical Association as the officially designated program for those individuals seeking to convert to Judaism.

Unique strengths include:

• an exceptional, introductory course in Judaism for those with very limited background, or those considering conversion to Judaism (interfaith couples are encouraged to take Derech Torah classes together).
• a pluralistic approach to learning – as opposed to courses offered at synagogues which come from a denominational perspective, Derech Torah makes a point of teaching multiple perspectives. Experiential, 20-week sessions that include visits to local synagogues, prayer services, as well as various other Jewish ritual practices.
• learning with a community of motivated adult peers who understand the sensitive issues related to approaching Judaism with limited background.
• an excellent faculty comprised of veteran adult educators with relevant expertise. small class sizes that encourage lively class discussion and student input.

Foundations of Jewish Living:

Values for Jewish Parents to Share with Their Children

Foundations of Jewish Family Living is a new curriculum for parents that provides a thought-provoking encounter with the core values of Judaism. Developed by the renowned Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, a project of the Hebrew University, the curriculum brings to life the master stories from our tradition and the profound messages they convey.

This rich learning experience for adults will provide an opportunity for you to bring the Jewish conversation home to share with your children. At a time in your family's life when your child is beginning his or her own Jewish education, Foundations of Jewish Family Living provides you with the learning, the language, and the confidence to be a teacher to your own children.

The topics to be explored include: being created in God's image; welcoming guests; caring for the environment; kindness to animals; respect for parents; Jewish space; Shabbat and holidays; prayer; using words carefully; improving the world; and becoming a Jewish nation.