Jewish Learning

Today in class we discussed different organizations whose main goals are to promote Judaism. The National Jewish Outreach program is said to "get Jews to do Jewish things". What are those Jewish things that would make someone who barely associates with the religion Jewish? Is it attending Shabbat services such as Shabbat across America. Is this one time Shabbat meal enough to catch someones attention and interest long enough for them to want to make their own Shabbat meals? It might not be, but its a good start. The promotion of things Jewish is so important to the Jewish community which is becoming less and less active. CAJE and Limmud are two organizations which focus on learning and those who have learned, to teach. The teaching of Jewish material to those with less of a background is important because even the smallest piece of knowledge we are giving to another about Judaism is helpful.

Although I have never heard of these programs before todays class, I think the intent is good. There are hundreds of thousands of Jews who simply associate with the religion by saying they are Jewish. By teaching these people something new or engaging them in a Shabbat dinner, we are associating them to the religion. I think that these organizations should try and put themselves out there more such as on facebook or myspace so that more people will know about the great programs and oppurtunities they offer.