Online Class: Judaism 101 — An Introduction

Dive into the depths of Judaism in this course, where ancient traditions and rituals illuminate the historical and spiritual journey of its people. Students will explore everything from the significance of Jewish Holy Days to the intertwining of faith and daily life, culminating in a reflection on the resilience of the Jewish spirit through history.
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  • 19
    Lessons
  • 40
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 637
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 16
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.6
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Discovering Judaism: A Comprehensive Online Introduction

Embark on a transformative journey through the rich tapestry of Judaism, one of the world's most ancient and profound religious traditions. In "Judaism 101," we endeavor to unveil the depth and breadth of Jewish heritage, beliefs, and practices that have shaped the course of history and influenced countless lives over millennia.

Judaism isn't just a religion; it's a confluence of history, culture, tradition, and spirituality. In this course, students will traverse the dawn of Judaism, acquainting themselves with foundational beliefs and tenets that have sustained this faith for over 3,000 years. You will be ushered into the heart of Jewish communal life—the Synagogue—and uncover the significance of life-altering rituals such as the bris (covenant of circumcision) and the bar and bat mitzvah (rites of passage).

Jewish festivals and Holy Days, replete with symbolism and ancient wisdom, will be illuminated, offering insights into the profound importance of each celebration in the Jewish calendar.

Your journey won't be confined to places of worship or major events. You'll be welcomed into the sanctity of a Jewish home. From understanding the nuances of kosher dietary laws to the warmth of the Shabbat dinner table, you'll witness firsthand how faith seamlessly intertwines with daily life. Delve into the written and oral laws—integral pillars of Judaism—and discern their pivotal role in guiding aspects of life, from matrimony to mourning.

Beyond the tangible, we venture into the spiritual realm, exploring Jewish perspectives on prayer, mysticism, and age-old beliefs about the celestial and the ethereal—including angels, demons, and conceptions of the afterlife.

History is a testament to a people's resilience and faith. From the epoch of the patriarch Abraham, through the eras of prophets and kings, you'll traverse time, culminating in the solemn reflection of the Holocaust—one of the darkest chapters of human history. Yet, from the ashes of the past emerged the resolute spirit of the Jewish people, leading to the rebirth of a nation in the form of the modern State of Israel.

Our aspiration is that "Judaism 101" becomes more than a course—it becomes a beacon. A beacon that not only enlightens but also inspires deeper exploration and understanding of Judaism and, by extension, fosters a world enriched by tolerance, knowledge, and mutual respect for all faiths.

Embark on this enlightening journey with us, and let the timeless wisdom of Judaism illuminate your path.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.69 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,093 votes)

  • Lesson 1. Judaism 101

    Jewish places of worship, like synagogues, are central to learning and spiritual practice, reflecting the educational aspect of the faith. The Torah serves as the core guide for ethical conduct, history, and theology, shaping Jewish life for millennia.

  • Lesson 2. Leaders of the Synagogue

    Each religious leader in the synagogue, from rabbis to cantors, is responsible for teaching the faith and helping resolve community disputes through Jewish law and tradition. Their roles often extend beyond religious services, including officiating weddings, leading festivals, and educating community members.

  • Lesson 3. Understanding Life Milestones in Judaism

    From birth to death, Jewish rites of passage like brit milah and bar mitzvah are profound communal affairs. This lesson underscores the integration of religious traditions into life's pivotal points, underlining communal and familial support.

  • Lesson 4. A Journey Through Jewish Celebrations: Holy Days and Their Significance

    Rosh Hashanah signifies the Jewish New Year, marked by reflection, repentance, and symbolic meals to bring in a hopeful year. Culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement emphasizes seeking and granting forgiveness, backed by a 25-hour fast and deep synagogue engagement.

  • Lesson 5. The Heart of a Jewish Home

    The Jewish home integrates its religious obligations into everyday life, using symbols like the mezuzah to express faith and devotion. The spirit of shalom bayit promotes peace within families, supported by traditions that recognize equal partnerships in marriage and the integral roles of both husband and wife.

  • Lesson 6. Clean and Unclean: Defining Foods through Leviticus

    Strict guidelines in the Torah guide Jews in eating kosher by defining foods into clean and unclean categories and enforcing humane slaughter methods. Kitchen practices further emphasize the separation of meat and dairy, reflecting a holistic lifestyle beyond just diet.

  • Lesson 7. Understanding the Foundations of Judaism through Written Laws

    The Torah, believed to be divinely revealed to Moses, is central to Judaism and intertwines ethical, legal, and narrative elements. Encompassing both written and oral laws, the Torah is a timeless guide for faithful Jews, emphasizing a continuous journey of learning across generations.

  • Lesson 8. Foundations of the Oral Laws in Jewish Tradition

    Jewish tradition sees the Torah as comprising an eternal written law and a dynamic oral law, both given to Moses at Mount Sinai. The oral law, evolving into the Mishnah and later the Gemara, guides interpretation and application of Jewish laws throughout generations.

  • Lesson 9. Transitions and Traditions: Jewish Funeral Customs

    In Judaism, death is a revered transition involving numerous rituals such as the recitation of a final confession, communal preparation of the deceased, and meticulous funeral protocols. The mourning period spans several phases, each with specific customs that showcase the profound respect and compassion afforded to a departed soul.

  • Lesson 10. From Genesis to Exodus: The Birth of a People

    Genesis tells the vast historical narrative of the Jewish ancestry, from the Creation and Noah's flood to the cultural birthright of Abraham and his descendants. Marking pivotal events and promises, this book sets the foundation for the Jewish faith and their covenant with God.

  • Lesson 11. Exploring Exodus: The Essential Journey of Faith and Liberation

    As the narrative of Exodus unfolds, it delineates both the physical liberation and deep spiritual journey of the Israelites, prompted by years of bondage in Egypt. It introduces fundamental laws and instructions for the tabernacle, reflecting an early structured approach to communal worship and obedience to God.

  • Lesson 12. Jewish Leaders of Old

    Highlighting storied leaders from the Old Testament, this lesson weaves a rich tapestry of conquest, monarchy, and prophecy that define Jewish heritage. It emphasizes the enduring essence of prayer and scriptural teachings that continue to hold relevance in Jewish life today.

  • Lesson 13. Diving Deep into Jewish Prayer Traditions

    Jewish prayers are deeply rooted in tradition and serve to praise, supplicate, and give thanks to God, forming a key part of Jewish life for thousands of years. They naturally blend written laws, rituals, and melodies, with morning, afternoon, and evening prayers shaping daily spiritual practice.

  • Lesson 14. Angels and Prophets in Jewish Tradition

    Jewish mysticism offers a complex blend of beliefs about angels, demons, and the soul, stressing personal interpretation in a faith rich with historical prophets. Kabbalah, often misunderstood as dark magic, embodies tradition that has both intrigued and misled many over centuries, focusing on divine mysteries rather than superstition.

  • Lesson 15. Prelude to Horror: The Nazi State's Rise and Reach

    Escalating anti-Semitic violence erupted with Kristallnacht, leading to mass arrests and deportations to concentration camps, exploding further with Germany's territorial expansions during the war. In the shadows and darkness of human nature, figures like Mengele and Eichmann operationalized horror on unthinkable scales, while heroes like Raoul Wallenberg defied oppressors to save Jews.

  • Lesson 16. Conflict and Triumph: Israel's Path from 1946 to 1967

    In the aftermath of World War II, Jewish displacement led to the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, amid ongoing regional tensions and conflict. The new state sought to affirm Jewish cultural and political identity, though it fueled controversies and violent confrontations with Arab neighbors.

  • Lesson 17. Israel's Struggle for Survival: The Six-Day War Unveiled

    Faced with existential threats from neighboring states, Israel launched a swift military campaign, capturing strategic territories and altering the geopolitical landscape. The aftermath of the Six-Day War left the region in a state of unrest, perpetuating a cycle of conflict and fragile peace talks.

  • Lesson 18. Great Minds, Great Impacts

    Cultural icons like Hank Greenberg showcased the intersection of sport and identity, breaking barriers in American baseball despite rampant antisemitism. His adherence to Jewish traditions amidst professional duties exemplified resilience and pride.

  • Lesson 19. Zion and the Jewish Diaspora: A Changing Connection

    Judaism, deeply rooted in millennia of history, has demonstrated resilience and unity, particularly following the Holocaust, and continues to prioritize social justice and ethical teachings alongside maintaining cultural identity in the modern age. Women have progressively acquired religious roles once restricted to men, marking significant advancements in gender equality within the faith.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development and fundamental beliefs of Judaism by describing key events, people, and traditions associated with the faith.
  • Identify the geographical and cultural diversity within Judaism, recognizing differences among practices and beliefs of Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and other Jewish communities.
  • Describe the historical development of synagogues and their transformation from temple worship to houses of prayer and study.
  • Recognize the roles and responsibilities of different leaders within a synagogue and their significance in religious practices.
  • Describe the customs and community involvement in the celebration of Jewish lifecycle events, including brit milah, bar/bat mitzvah, marriage, and death.
  • Recognize the significance of the four key life milestones in Jewish tradition and their associated rituals.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the rituals practiced during Rosh Hashanah by explaining the symbolism behind specific customs and rituals.
  • Identify and describe the significance of at least three major Jewish holy days and their associated traditions.
  • Describe the concept of shalom bayit and explain its importance in maintaining peace and mutual respect within a Jewish family.
  • Recognize the significance of the mezuzah and its role in demonstrating a Jewish family's love for God and His commandments.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of kashrut by identifying tahor and tamei foods according to Leviticus Chapter 11
  • Describe the kosher food preparation process by explaining the significance of shekhitah and the separation of meat and dairy in meal preparation
  • Recognize the historical significance of the five books of Moses in shaping Jewish beliefs and practices
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Judaism 101: An Introduction
Course Number: 7550540
Lessons Rating: 4.69 / 5 Stars (1,093 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: With online access available nationwide, this course reaches all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Additionally, it’s open to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: March 2024
CEU Value: 1.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "The Instructor is very knowledgeable and was extremely helpful. Interaction with the Instructor was thought provoking. Detailed analysis and thorough grading are appreciated. I definitely appreciate the time, effort and expertise offered by the Instructor to provide feedback on my learning process. I definitely would like to take more courses with this Instructor." -- Mohammad H.
  • "The instructor was amazingly quick in correcting exams and reading my assignments. His comments were encouraging. The overall organization of the course was helpful. " -- Teresa B.

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