Jewish Plans: What’s Next?

Image: Fred Isaac, my first study partner, and I look over a Torah scroll. Photo by Linda Burnett.

Tonight I had my last meeting for the year with my Wednesday night Intro class. Every class has its own personality, and I always hate to see them go.

Besides talking about Jewish American food customs (a fun topic, which is why I use it for the last night of class) we talked a bit about “What next?”

Some of them are moving on to conversion programs, or weddings, or some other preset project under the wing of a rabbi or congregation. I want to be sure that the others get the support they need to take whatever is the next step for them. Next steps could take many forms, including:

  • Another formal class (Hebrew perhaps? Maybe via an online class?)
  • A commitment to attend services weekly for several months to learn the service?
  • Develop and commit to a no-matter-what Shabbat routine?
  • Join a Torah Study group?
  • Chevruta study [study with a partner] on a course of reading or maybe films?
  • A Jewish book club?
  • Learn how to blow the shofar?
  • A bagel making class or other Jewish cooking program?
  • Search for and join a synagogue?

And you, dear reader: do you have any Jewish plans for the summer? Feel free to share them in the comments where they can inspire others, and where I can cheer for you!

 

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rabbiadar

Rabbi Ruth Adar is a teaching rabbi in San Leandro, CA. She has many hats: rabbi, granny, and ham radio operator K6RAV. She blogs at http://coffeeshoprabbi.com/ and teaches at Jewish Gateways in Albany, CA.

6 thoughts on “Jewish Plans: What’s Next?”

  1. My big Jewish plan this summer is to begin rabbinical school! I am heading to Jerusalem for my first year one month and one day from now.

    Reply

    1. Wow!!!!! I had no idea this was afoot – had been wondering how you were doing! I gather you are going to attend HUC? Please stay in touch (rabbiadar -at- gmail)! If I can do anything at all to be supportive say the word!!!

      Reply

      1. Yes, I’m going to HUC, and I couldn’t be more excited! Between all the preparations for school, my husband transitioning off of active duty, and a move, I’ve fallen off the face of the blogosphere lately. I would absolutely love to stay in touch. I’ll drop you a line via email soon. 🙂

        Reply

  2. I’m going to the Hevreh 2016 Adult Learning “camp” in Waynesboro PA at Capitol Camps. I went last year and it was an amazing experience. Amazing faculty (Rabbi Laurence Hoffman, Cantor Ellen Dreskin, Dr. Erica Brown, Rabbi David Teutsch, and more). I went last year and it recharged every Jewish battery in my body and soul. I’m also reading the new book (published in April, I believe) Why Be Jewish? by Edgar Bronfman . . . wow! Required reading for Jews, I’d say–especially for the faith challenged!

    Reply

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