The Colorado Agency for Jewish Education and Haver, the Rabbinic Council of Boulder, are pleased to offer a new class, “Ikar: The Essentials of Judaism,” starting in August.
The curriculum for the course was developed by Dr. Sarah Levy, the Director of Adult Education for CAJE, in consultation with Haver and reflects the needs and interests of the Boulder community. It introduces material in a pluralistic, non-denominational way, drawing from sources from Torah through modern times from a variety of perspectives.

The class features educators from Haver including the following: Rabbi Ori Har Digennaro, Rabbi Ruth Gelfarb, Rabbi Sarah Bracha Gershuny, Rabbi Jamie Korngold, Rabbi Hannah Laner, and Rabbi Marc Soloway. Each Rabbi will be teaching different classes, and the course will facilitate the students’ learning the fundamentals of Jewish thought, tradition, and practice through this survey course. Topics will include Jewish lifecycle events and rituals, holidays, theology, prayer, and history from a pluralistic, non-denominational perspective. Additionally, the course will include experiential elements and panels on topics such as the denominations of Judaism.

Rabbi Korngold, the Adventure Rabbi, added, “I am enormously excited about this new class. We have brought together star teachers and a comprehensive, carefully constructed curriculum. It’s going to be a winner. I am thrilled to be able to offer a curriculum that specifically addresses the needs of the Boulder community and presents material from all different viewpoints.”

This course is perfect for interfaith couples, those considering conversion, Jews looking for an adult-level introduction, and anyone else interested in learning. Ikar: The Essentials of Judaism reflects some of the recent upgrades to the CAJE Adult Ed program, really focusing on the needs and interests of our specific community. For more information, contact Sarah Levy at slevy@caje-co.org or 303-951-0275.