Thresholds offers numerous programs and opportunities for individuals, couples, groups and communities:
- Group Classes and Workshops
- One-On-One or private and semi-private instruction
- Rabbinic and Interfaith Counseling
- Professional Training and Community Growth
- Be A Thresholds Partner
Introduction to Judaism
Our Thresholds Introduction to Judaism offers an excellent and in-depth overview of
Judaism’s whats, whys and hows. It
is highly recommended for couples or individuals exploring Judaism seriously
for the first time or contemplating or pursuing conversion. While the intention to convert is not a
pre-requisite, this class may serve to fulfill the educational requirements of
conversion to Judaism. Classes
meet weekly for 30 weeks, offered in 3 10-week segments which run continuously throughout the year. Class can be taken in either 10 or 30 week segments. Full course description and more information below.
Call or email for next start date. Classes held at 7.30pm
Course description:
Thresholds Introduction to Judaism is a course for Jews who seek a
deeper connection with their heritage and for non-Jews who are considering
conversion to Judaism or wish to have a greater understanding of Judaism while
remaining in their own faiths. It
is especially appropriate for interfaith couples wanting to broaden their understanding
of Judaism or who are raising or plan to raise Jewish children.
For non-Jewish participants, this Thresholds
class can serve as preparation for conversion to Judaism. We do not
require a commitment to convert at any point in the program, nor do we perform
conversions. Conversions are supervised by rabbis, to whom we can arrange
referrals.
For those enrolling in Thresholds’
Introduction to Judaism within the context of a relationship, we recommend that
both partners participate. An informal informational interview is required
prior to enrollment. Please contact Rabbi Leana Moritt at RabbiMoritt@gmail.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.
$425 for 10-week unit per person/couple
7.30-9.30pm
Contact Rabbi Moritt for more details and location information.
When your Adult
Children Choose Non-Jewish Partners: Crossing the Interfaith Divide
Your child’s interfaith relationship may not have been what you bargained for. Examine your role and potentially profound influence as a Jewish elder in your family. We will explore answers and solutions to questions such as: How do we embrace our children’s non-Jewish partners? Do we draw them into and teach them about our family’s traditions? Mourn? Silently despair? How do we stay true to our own convictions without risking alienation? How can we best support our adult children and encourage Jewish choices for our grandchildren? How do we communicate compelling reasons to pass along the tradition and raise a Jewish family without pushing their buttons? Do we encourage conversion or tip-toe around it? Is it really all about the grandchildren?
5 monthly sessions
Workshops are being schedule for various locations for fall 2010. Contact Rabbi Moritt for details.
Thresholds Nosh
A three session introduction to key Jewish ideas and principles.
Three weekly sessions.
Parenting Jewish Children (for non-Jewish and Jewish parents)
A Jewish Primer for Adults in the Parenting Years
Our Jewish parenting classes are an an excellent way to meaningfully support, nurture and stay one step ahead of your children’s Jewish education and identity. Taught in a spiritually vibrant and comprehensive manner, the course is divided into three rotating six-week units: the Jewish holidays; major Jewish ideas and foundational books; and Jewish life cycle celebrations and practices.
Meets weekly. Separate registration for each six-week unit.
Celebrating Shabbat at Home
Shabbat At Home
Learn (or review) and experience the beautiful timeless rituals, blessings and songs involved in making Shabbat at home. Delve into their meanings and history and explore creative ways to make them unique for your family at any age. Recommended: bring a device to class (to record the songs).
Two class sessions followed by a relaxing celebratory Shabbat dinner together with Rabbi Moritt
Conversion
So you might want to convert?
Speak openly and address your questions and concerns about conversion. Find out what the process entails. Explore the spiritual, practical and denominational ramifications, joys, expectations and gifts of joining the Jewish people.
2 sessions
Company in Conversion/Welcome to the Tribe: A
resource and support group only for those who have already converted or who are
actively in the conversion process.
After conversion, experiences, questions, challenges and feelings arise that often benefit from open, supportive conversations with others who travel the same road. Gain confidence and comfort in your growing Jewish identity. Share stories, ideas and concerns with others in their process. Address the questions that arise with taking on a new in identity, in interactions with different family members and when encountering new or unfamiliar practices and traditions. Facilitated by Rabbi Moritt, these meetings are an opportunity for both open sharing and to address specific timely topics. Confidentiality respected and required.
Meets every other week, drop in basis with flexible 5-week packages
Synagogue and Prayer
Making Meaning of the Synagogue Service and Jewish Prayer
Designed for those who are new to or unfamiliar with synagogue services and Jewish prayer as well as for bar/bat mitzvah parents less familiar with the Shabbat morning service. Learn the meanings of the specific prayers, the structure, rhythm and choreography of the service and about the spiritual practice of Jewish prayer.
Three weekday class
sessions supplemented with one Shabbat synagogue service, accompanied by a
teacher.
Private and Semi-private Instruction
Curious about a subject not yet listed or scheduled here? Is your schedule tight? While we strongly believe learning in a group context is preferable to strictly private study, we understand schedules and circumstances often preclude this possibility. Contact Rabbi Moritt to discuss designing a personalized schedule or program.
Rabbinic and Interfaith Counseling for Individuals and Couples
Rabbinic counseling is helpful and particularly important in many circumstances. It is particularly recommended for couples contemplating an interfaith marriage, raising children in an interfaith context and conversion. Many also find supportive and informative conversations useful when experiencing or confronting other major life transitions or planning life cycle events. Rabbi Moritt is also available for general pastoral and spiritual counseling as well as to facilitate Jewish life cycle events.
There is no fee for inquiries, initial conversations or for those enrolled in a Thresholds educational program.
Professional Training and Community Growth
The unique opportunities and challenges presented by diversity in our Jewish community are not always evident to or easily and sensitively handled by many professionals and lay leaders in the Jewish community. Contact us to create a professional development program for your staff or laity.
Be a Thresholds Partner
All
Thresholds programs can be offered
to your specific synagogue, institution or private group.
Send
us a link and the information so we can pass it on.
Support Thresholds
