WELCOMING: wandering Jews • wondering Jews • LGBTQIA+ folks • Jew-ish • interfaith relationships • people of
color • singles • couples • families • multiracial relationships • single parents • adult children of interfaith families •
Jews by choice • non-Jews • seekers • low-income households • multicultural relationships • cultural Jews • older adults •
Tastes of Tradition for the Wondering Jew
Does Jewish tradition seem to be based on unbelievable stories? Or outdated rituals we are supposed to carry out?
Though Judaism can look this way, it is more honest, sophisticated, and connected to our deepest yearnings than many of us are taught.
In this series we look beneath the surface to explore core dimensions of Judaism from a complex, questioning, and deeply human point of view.
Rabbi Bridget teaches this class in an open environment, with no assumptions about prior Jewish knowledge.
WHEN: Classes meet 7:00-9:00pm on Tuesdays, March 13, 20, and 27. See below for topics.
WHERE: Participant's home in Berkeley area.
HOW: The fee per session is $25. Register here.
WHO: All are welcome. You don't need to be Jewish to explore Jewish tradition. Please feel free to invite friends who may be interested.
QUESTIONS? Contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne by email or at 510-410-0622.
Session 1: March 13, 7:00-9:00pm
THE GOD I DON'T BELIEVE IN ... OF THE BIBLE AND THE PRAYERBOOK
Judaism offers a variety of understandings of God and the holy, but unfortunately most of us are only familiar with the "guy in the sky" version of God we meet in the Bible and in traditional Jewish prayers. We will explore other ways that Jewish tradition teaches of thinking about and connecting with God, including questioning the centrality of "belief" in God within Judaism.
Session 2: March 20, 7:00-9:00pm
JEWISH SPIRITUALITY
What is spirituality? Is it connected to the supernatural? To mystical experiences? To belief in God? Is it different from religion? What does it have to do with daily life?
In what ways is Judaism "spiritual"? What makes Jewish spirituality different from other kinds of spirituality? How does, or might, Jewish spirituality speak to you? Join us to explore these questions together.
Session 3: March 27, 7:00-9:00pm
JEWISH MYSTICISM
Jewish mysticism, and particularly the form of it known as Kabbalah, is more widely known than ever because of references to it in pop culture. Yet what is it really?
Mysticism has been part of Jewish tradition for thousands of years. It is fascinating, deep, and does not require overriding our intellect or going beyond normal human experiences.
In this session we will explore how mysticism connects to real life, and look at two forms of it within Jewish tradition: Kabbalah and Hasidism.
​