Reconnecting with Judaism?
It is not uncommon for me to meet Jews who seek to reconnect to their Jewish identity in adulthood. Whatever the reason for this renewed interest, I have always been committed to mentoring adult Jews in their journey to reappropriate Judaism in some form into their lives.
Two programs for reconnecting
For adult Jews who seek more hands-on Jewish learning or personalized rabbinic mentoring I offer two programs.
The first is a study course called Exploring the Jewish Experience Course. It is a year-long course in Jewish studies covering a wide variety of Jewish subjects. It is offered through my organization Torah with Friends NM. You can learn about it here.
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The second is an immersive program call Living the Jewish Year. It is more experiential oriented. I provide opportunities for participants to experience the Jewish way of life: the cycle of Sabbaths and Festivals, home rituals and dietary practices, and exposure to life cycle ceremonies. Essentially it is a guided spiritual tour through the Jewish year.
Jewish-by-birth participants graduate from LTJY through selecting one Jewish skill which they can master of the year of study. Training to learn one of these skills is provided in the program.
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Hosting a Shabbat meal
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Doing an ‘aliyah’ and reading a portion of Torah
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Preparing and giving a Dvar Torah at a Jewish gathering.
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Learning to lead the Torah service at a minyan.
Included in the program are 10 monthly group meetings with other participants and myself in which I give everyone a “Mesimah-Hebrew for mission” connected to a festival or ritual to experience directly in various communities and households. I also meet with each participant at least 6 times over the course of the year, one on one to discuss the journey of experiential learning that is integral to LTJY.
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The LTJY program is designed for persons who are engaged in the process of conversion to Judaism and for Jews who seek to experience of living the Jewish year. The diversity of this intentional group of adults is what makes LTJY unique, focused, and transformative.
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If you are interested in joining LTJY, please make an appointment with Rabbi Gartenberg.
