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:

  1. Regular attendance is required.
  2. 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.
  3. If applicable, the spouse or partner of the participant who is contemplating conversion is required to take the course.
  4. 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

PJ Library Tot Shabbat at Congregation Shalom

PJ Library Tot Shabbat at Congregation Shalom

Friday, June 16 at 6 p.m.   Congregation Shalom, 87 Richardson Road, Chelmsford Join Congregation Shalom and PJ Library for an interactive tot Shabbat featuring stories and age-appropriate prayers and music with Rabbi Shoshana Perry. After the program, families...

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PJ Library Nosh, Play & Learn

PJ Library Nosh, Play & Learn

Sundays at 9:00 a.m. June 11 Ba'al Tashchit (Do Not Destroy or Waste) Temple B'nai Abraham, 200 E. Lothrop Street, Beverly During PJ Library Nosh, Play & Learn, we will use Loose Parts Play, a sensory play that encourages immersive, creative and open-ended play in...

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PJ Library J-Play!

PJ Library J-Play!

Sunday, June 11, 20239:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Playground in Haverhill (exact details provided upon registration) J-Play! is designed for children ages infant to pre-K. It's a periodic Sunday morning playgroup. Meet other families with young kids and play together!...

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PJ Library Shabbat Shalom Circle

PJ Library Shabbat Shalom Circle

Friday, June 16 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.  NSJCC, 240 Lynnfield Street, Peabody Families with young children, 8 and younger, and parents, grandparents and friends, are invited to join us to welcome Shabbat with Shabbat stories, songs, friendship, and dinner! The program is...

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