Jewish Cultural Studies

Jewish culture is like no other culture. It has not only evolved over thousands of years into what it is today, but it has also kept the Jewish community together through its most persecuted times in Jewish history. Within the culture you will find a rich heritage that divinely connects the natural and spiritual makeup of the Jewish people.

In addition, understanding the Jewish Culture and its history enables you to understand the scriptures, especially the New Testament, in its cultural setting. If you are one who seeks G-d for more truth and increased revelation, you will want to be a part of these exciting and deeply informative classes.

Introduction to Jewish Culture:

On a world wide scale Jews are divided into two main sects: Sephardic (Middle Eastern Jews) and Ashkenazi (European Jews). Each class of Jewry possesses its own religious structure, traditions, lifestyle and cuisine. This material gives an overview of Jewry and its cultural makeup.

Jewish Culture 101: Jewish Holidays

We will explore the four major feasts (The High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur), Sukkoth, Passover and Shavuot), as well as Hanukkah and Purim (the feast of Esther) with their symbolic meanings and developed traditions.

Jewish Culture 102: More Jewish Holidays

During this four week segment we will look at additional holidays in the Hebrew Calendar. These include: Tu Bish Vat (The planting of the trees), Lag b’Omer (the days between Passover and Shavuot), Yom Hatzmoat (Israel’s Independence Day), Yom HaShoa and HaZikaron (Holocaust day & Memorial Day), Tish B’av (the destruction of the Temple), Yom Yerushalyim and the Minor Fast days.

Jewish Culture 103: Jewish Life

We will examine the deep revelational truths behind the development and meaning of the Sabbath, and the Family including birth, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Marriage (Jewish Wedding), Divorce, and death.

Jewish Culture 104: Synagogue Life

The Synagogue life is at the heart of the Jewish community. We will look at Synagogue Life: Its history, structure and purpose.

We will also look at the development of Synagogue life from Babylon until today. We will learn about the different religious articles used in Jewry and their place biblically and symbolically. These articles will include: Tefillin, Talit, Tzitzit, Mezuzah, Prayer Books, and the use of Head Coverings.

We will look at the fundamental differences between the three major classes of religious Jewry, how secular Jews view religious Jewry, and the influence of “Halakha” in Jewish thought.

Course includes Field Trip to Synagogue