The Jewish Course of Why spans a diverse range of topics, from fun, light, and of-the-beaten-track questions, to more complex and controversial issues. Ever wondered why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l'chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What is the cause of antisemitism? What does Judaism say about Christianity? About the role of women in Jewish life? Join us to gain insight into mysterious Jewish practices, strange biblical narratives, and enigmas of Jewish identity.
Light snacks will be served.
The 4 classes will be on:
1) Wed, Nov 12, 2025
2) Wed, Nov 19th, 2025
3) Wed, Dec 3rd, 2025
4) Wed, Dec 10th, 2025
FROM 7:00PM - 8:00PM
-
Why ask “Why?”? Isn’t Judaism a belief system? Why are there no miracles today of biblical proportions? Why do we pray? Doesn’t G-d know what He is doing? Can we really affect His will? Why is there so much fragmentation in Jewish practice? Why have the Jews survived millennia while so many other civilizations have vanished? Why don’t Jews accept the Christian messiah? Why do we kindle yahrtzeit candles to commemorate the dead? This session addresses this syndrome by guiding participants to discover that place of authenticity within themselves and to use their newfound awareness to introduce a significant and lasting shift in perspective.
-
Why is the Star of David a Jewish symbol? Why does a mikveh “purify”? Why do people require “purification”? Why are there so many dos and don’ts in Judaism? Why do many Jews sway when they pray? Take it out? Why do traditional synagogues have separate seating for men and women? Why is Israel important to the Jews? Why does the Bible call for animal sacrifices?
This session explores human nature to discover the dynamic that produces these seemingly unfortunate feelings in the first place. It then charts a course that empowers participants to maintain genuine optimism and positivity about themselves and their goals in life.
-
Why are there so many Jews in Hollywood? Why do we believe that Jews cannot convert out of Judaism? Why did our ancestors continue to identify as Jews despite being victims of so much suffering through the ages? Why does a mourner recite Kaddish? Why do Jews place pebbles on headstones? Why is it not customary to leave flowers at the grave? Why does Jewish law exempt women from certain ritual obligations that are obligatory for men? Why are ten men required for a minyan? Why doesn’t G-d respond to my requests? Why does G-d give us negative, even harmful inclinations? Why doesn’t Judaism seek converts?
-
Why does the Torah say that the Jews are the “chosen people”? Isn’t that racist? Why do we believe that we have free choice if G-d always knew how we would choose? Why does the Torah permit slavery? Why does Jewish law obsess over details? Why does the Bible refer to sexual relations as “knowing”? Why aren’t vegan foods and restaurants Kosher by default? Why do we say lechayim as a drinking salutation?
This session rises to the gallant challenge of sensitively enhancing our internal perspectives to allow the sun to shine despite the reality of our suffering. It succeeds to the extent that the suffering can even open the shades with its own hands.