Shabbat
Want to learn about the Shabbat morning service? Join us for a Learners Service on Saturday, November 22 at 10:00 AM at Germantown Mennonite Church. Learn the basic structure and melodies of the service. This service is geared to adult beginners- no need to have any experience. A light kiddush will follow the service.
Intro to Judasim
Are you interested in learning about Judaism? The traditions and history- the texts and the community- the holidays and observances? No matter what’s bringing you to this course, whether you are considering becoming Jewish or grew up in a Jewish family but didn’t learn much or just because you’re interested in Judaism, this is a class for you!
The class is fifteen weeks long, taught by Rabbi Linda Holtzman and Rabbi Lonnie Kleinman, two queer antiZionist rabbis from different generations. Rabbi Linda was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1979 and Rabbi Lonnie was ordained in 2022.
We will meet approximately every other week starting October 21. If you are interested in conversion, monthly meetings with Rabbi Linda, Rabbi Lonnie, or another rabbi in your community will be expected in addition to attending Shabbat and holiday services in a variety of synagogues.
The cost for the class is $360 – $500 per person. We ask you to set your own fee within or outside of the sliding scale. Please reflect on your and your family’s access to financial resources and privilege and set a fee accordingly. While you do not need to discuss your reasoning with us, we invite you to reach out if you would like support in utilizing the sliding scale recommendations or reflecting on what you might consider when selecting a fee. We also encourage you to let us know if you are unable to pay a fee within this sliding scale and we will work together to make a plan.
The class will meet in person at Germantown Mennonite Church on Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM the following dates:
- October 21
- November 4
- November 18
- December 2
- December 16
- January 6
- January 20
- February 3
- February 17
- March 3
- March 17
- April 7
- April 21
- May 5
Have questions? Either Rabbi Linda (rabbilinda18@gmail.com) or Rabbi Lonnie (rabbilonnie@gmail.com) will be glad to talk with you.
Ready to sign up? Fill out this form!
Children’s Learning
Our children’s program will consist of creative Jewish Antizionst learning through play, crafts, song, and stories. Some of these programs will be for families to attend together; some will be just for children, with separate family services and programs at the same time.
Our children’s programs will start with a focus on children ages 3 to 10 with options for older children and b’nai mitzvah training available upon request. We plan on expanding the ages of children we include in future years.
All of our programs (unless a different location is given) will be at the Germantown Mennonite Church, an accessible space.
Following are the dates for the fall program. (Spring dates will be sent by late October):
- September 13, 10:00 AM to Noon- Elul offering for families
- This program will include a chance for everyone, children and adults, to meet and get to know all participants in the program. Learn about and prepare for the New Year that is about to start!
- High Holiday services – Our High Holiday services will be open to everyone, adults and children. There will be a specific children’s service on Rosh Hashanah morning while the main service is being held.
- Tuesday, September 23, Rosh Hashanah, Day One, services Children’s Service 11:00 AM to Noon
- Thursday, October 2, Yom Kippur family program with the goats at Awbury Arboretum 2:30 PM
- Sunday, October 5, 1:30 PM –Sukkot: Children and Adults will decorate the sukkah at Rabbi Linda’s home and learn customs and traditions of the holiday as we celebrate together
- Tuesday, October 14, 5:00-6:30 PM – Simchat Torah: Children and adults learn about the Torah and celebrate it together
- Sunday, November 16, 1:00-3:00 PM –Cheshvan learning and Shabbat service for children and adults
- Saturday, November 22, 10:00 AM– Learning about Shabbat
- Sunday, December 7, 1:00-3:00 PM– Chanukah learning
- Sunday, December 14, 2:00 PM- Chanukah party for everyone!
Cost of the program:
$360-500 for one child, $650 for two children, reach out for fees for additional children
We ask you to set your own fee within or outside of the sliding scale. Please reflect on your and your family’s access to financial resources and privilege and set a fee accordingly. While you do not need to discuss your reasoning with us, we invite you to reach out if you would like support in utilizing the sliding scale recommendations or reflecting on what you might consider when selecting a fee. We also encourage you to let us know if you are unable to pay a fee within this sliding scale and we will work together to make a plan.
Tikkun Olam Chavurah 