Hinduism (First Class) Session 2 Agenda

World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Agenda

Module 3: Judaism (First Class)

Problem: Exile -- we have become distant from God, and distant from our community.

Solution: Return -- through storytelling and law.

Purpose

●  To share personal experience with/exposure to Judaism

●  To explore Jewish FAQs, (origins, history, beliefs, demographics, etc.)

●  To discuss God is Not One, Chapter 7, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return

●  To prepare for visit to a synagogue

Preparation

●  Read God is Not One, Chapter 7, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return

●  Listen to Interfaith Voices, World Religions 101, Judaism: The Way of Exile and Return

●  Listen to Interfaith Voices, The Soundscapes of Faith, Judaism: The Shofar

Bring to Class

World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Agenda

  Class agenda

  God is Not One by Stephen Prothero

  Chalice and matches

  Judaism 101

  Name tags

  Easel paper (optional)

  Markers and pens

  Class Covenant

World Religions and Spirituality: Exploring and Experiencing Agenda

  Judaism Thought Questions

Session Exercises

●  Opening reading and chalice lighting (5 minutes)

●  Administrative Issues (10 minutes)

●  Gathering Activity (15 minutes)

●  What is your experience (if any) with Judaism? Judaism 101 (30 minutes)

●  Problem and Solution Discussion (20 minutes)

○  What did you think of the reading?

●  Optional Activity

○  Discuss 1 or more Judaism Thought Questions

●  Preparations for synagogue visit (details below) (5 minutes)

●  Hand out Judaism Thought Questions for next session

●  Closing reading and extinguishing the chalice (5 minutes)

Synagogue Visit

●  Location: Name of synagogue, Address

●  Date: Date, Beginning Time – Ending Time

●  Comments: Men may be asked to wear a yarmulke when entering for worship (the synagogue/temple may provide them for visitors). In some congregations, women may also wear them, although they are generally optional. In some places, women and men may worship separately. Using electronics or writing may be forbidden on the Sabbath. Add other instructions as necessary.