Basic Judaism

Rabbi Solomon runs a weekly class on Sundays, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, on basic Judaism. 

This is primarily intended for those wishing to convert to Judaism (see more information here) but is also open to all members and friends of the congregation and others interested in exploring Judaism.

The syllabus is in three sections:

1) The Jewish Year. This includes: Shabbat; Jewish Prayer and Liturgy; the Synagogue and Torah Scroll; The Jewish Calendar; and all the main festivals: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah, Chanukkah, Tu Bishvat and Purim.

2) The Jewish Life Cycle. This includes: Early Life Rituals (including b’rit milah); Jewish Education; Bar/bat/b’nei Mitzvah; The Jewish Home; Conversion to Judaism, Jewish views of sex, sexuality and gender; The Marriage Ceremony; The End of Life (including discussion of assisted dying); and A Time to Mourn.

3) Jewish Belief and History . This includes the role of belief in Judaism; God; Torah, revelation and prophecy; Jewish ethics; Jewish views of the human being; the People of Israel; the Land of Israel; an overview of Jewish history; modern varieties of Judaism; Messiah and Messianic Age; Life after death.

The festivals are studied as they occur in the course of the year. Classes are held in person on the weeks when Rabbi Solomon is in Leicester or Edinburgh, but all classes are hybrid, with the majority of attendees on Zoom. For further details, or to discuss your interest,

please email Rabbi Solomon

Leicester and Edinburgh Joint Sessions

Autumn Term – Focussing on Jewish Belief and History - 24 August – 21 December 2025

Sessions are on Sunday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Sessions will take place in person and

on Zoom.