Omaha is blessed with a Jewish community whose members have deep affection for each other and for their spiritual leaders, regardless of which congregation they happen to belong to. Embracing our desire to be together and learn together, this exciting Beit Midrash (house of study) gives all of Jewish Omaha the opportunity to engage in spirited and challenging cross-denominational study with local rabbis and cantors.

Sessions will be Hybrid: Join us in-person in the Wiesman Reception Room in the Staenberg Omaha JCC OR via Zoom. In-person participants are also asked to register.

Drop in for one session, or become a regular attendee – everyone is welcome. Registering allows you to participate in any or all sessions.

Register Today

 

Contact Mark Kirchhoff for more details (402) 334-6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org.

Shalom is a wonderful Hebrew word that means hello, goodbye, AND peace. With all three of these definitions, we are delighted to welcome you to “Intro to Judaism” a course brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

In this class you are encouraged to ask questions, interact with other learners, consider multiple perspectives, and discover what is meaningful to you in Judaism. We’ll explore Jewish holidays and life-cycle ceremonies, beliefs, values, prayer, Jewish texts, Israel and the American Jewish experience.

Intro to Judaism includes opportunities to experience Jewish locations in Omaha, including synagogues and the Jewish Community Center.  You can learn from professionals who deal with a variety of areas related to the religion. The course will culminate with a panel discussion with the community’s rabbis and clergy who will each provide a perspective on Judaism through the lens of their respective congregations.

This 12-session, sequential course is suited for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, individuals considering conversion, and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life, no matter faith tradition, cultural background or religious upbringing.

Sessions: October 15, 2023 – January 28, 2024

Most sessions will be held at the Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center, but a few community experiences will be noted!

The instructor for ‘Intro to Judaism’ is Naomi Fox.  Naomi grew up in Omaha and began her education career teaching Hebrew and Jewish studies to elementary aged students in religious school.  She earned her Bachelor’s in Education from Indiana University, and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  Until recently, she has been teaching English learners in elementary, middle, and high schools in Omaha Public Schools.  Throughout this time, she continued to teach religious school twice a week and mentored students studying for their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs (Jewish coming of age ceremony).  Naomi joined the Jewish Federation of Omaha in July of this year and is loving working on community programming for her city. 

Updated information will be provided on this page, The Jewish Press and JFO E-News. If you have questions about this class, would like help in accessing the Jewish Press, or would like to receive the JFO E-News, contact Naomi Fox at nfox@jewishomaha.org or Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org or call (402) 334-6463.