Interfaith Outreach
A Preview of Introduction to Judaism

The course is geared to:
- Individuals of faiths other than Judaism who want to learn more about Judaism or who are considering conversion to Judaism
- Individuals who identify as Jewish, but have little or no prior knowledge of Judaism
Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. ET on Zoom
June 8, 2023 What Do Jews Believe: Wrestling with God with Rabbi Alison Adler, Temple B’nai Abraham in Beverly, MA
June 15, 2023 Finding Torah in Our World: How the Torah Developed with Rabbi Jessica Lowenthal, Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose, MA
June 22, 2023 What is Jewish Community: The People Israel with Cantor Vera Broekhuysen, Temple Emanu-El in Haverhill, MA
June 29, 2023 Where Do We Go from Here: Next Steps Q & A with Clergy Panel
A Preview of Introduction to Judaism is free thanks to generous support from the Morton and Lillian Waldfogel Charitable Foundation and Peter and Maureen Waldfogel.
For more information, contact Sharon Wyner at 978-565-4450 or email swyner@lappinfoundation.org.
Introduction to Judaism
Introduction to Judaism is a free 21 week course designed for individuals of faiths other than Judaism who want to explore Judaism or who are considering conversion to Judaism.
For those considering conversion, please note the following:
- Regular attendance is required.
- Upon completion of the course with approval of your sponsoring clergyperson, a participant may proceed to a rabbinic court for conversion. Your sponsoring rabbi or cantor will assist you in making the necessary arrangements.
- If applicable, the spouse or partner of the participant who is contemplating conversion is required to take the course.
- Lappin Foundation will fund the cost of immersion in the mikvah (ritual bath) for individuals converting to Judaism.
Sponsoring Clergyperson
Individuals who are taking the course for conversion to Judaism are required to have a sponsoring rabbi or cantor. If you need assistance selecting a sponsoring clergyperson or for more information about Introduction to Judaism contact Deborah Coltin at 978-740-4428 or dcoltin@lappinfoundation.org.
Tuition
Tuition is free. Participants are responsible for purchasing books. Booklist will be provided before the course begins.
Check back soon for information on dates and times for the next series of classes.
Subsidized Conversions to Judaism & Welcome Gift
Under the supervision of a sponsoring rabbi or cantor, costs related to conversion, including mikvah (ritual bath) are fully subsidized for men (non-surgical), women and children.
For more information on subsidized conversions, or if you need a rabbi or cantor to sponsor your conversion, call Deborah Coltin at 978-740-4428, dcoltin@lappinfoundation.org or contact your clergyperson.
In celebration of conversion to Judaism and in welcoming the new Jew-by-choice to our Jewish Family, the Foundation is pleased to offer a gift bag of Jewish ritual items. Contact Deborah Coltin at 978-740-4428 or dcoltin@lappinfoundation.org if you have questions.
Upcoming Programs

A Preview of Introduction to Judaism
This course is geared to: Individuals of faiths other than Judaism who want to learn more about Judaism or who are considering conversion to Judaism Individuals who identify as Jewish, but have little or no prior knowledge of Judaism Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. ET on Zoom...

Shared Legacies
Thursday, June 8, 20237:00 p.m. ET on Zoom Join us for a screening of the full length documentary, Shared Legacies: The African American - Jewish Civil Right Alliance. The crucial historical lessons of Black-Jewish cooperation are revisited and revived in this utterly...

PJ Library Book Swap and Havdalah
Saturday, June 3 at 5 p.m. Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover Say goodbye Shabbat and hello to new books! This event is for children up to age 8 (older siblings welcome) and will feature Havdalah (Jewish ritual service to welcome a new week) and an...

PJ Library Shabbat Sing-along
Friday, June, 23, 20235:30 - 6:00 pm Congregation Ahavat Olam, 1600 Osgood Street #3068, North Andover This interactive, creative, engaging Shabbat Celebration is filled with music, movement, and stories, as well as a welcoming of Shabbat with the blessings. Join us...