Visitors are common at the temple of Congregation B’nai Israel in Little Rock. College students studying world religions come to learn about Judaism. Adults curious about the temple stop by for a look. And those interested in interfaith relations often visit.
The temple also frequently hosts young people preparing for confirmation in the United Methodist Church who are learning about Christianity’s Jewish heritage. As they learn about Judaism, visits to a synagogue are often part of the program.
“We regularly, many, many weeks out of the year, we will have a group from a United Methodist church visiting the temple, and one of our fabulous volunteer docents gives them a tour of the facility and an introduction to Judaism, and often they stay for one of our services,” said Rabbi Barry Block, the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Israel.
Even with all the visitors, Block said, the congregation realized they might be able to do more to welcome the public and tell others about Judaism. In an effort to do so, the congregation is hosting a series of three free classes. The first was Thursday, with the others scheduled for this Thursday and April 14. The program, “A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?” is sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism, which says, that in 15 years, more than 70,000 people in North America have participated in the classes.
The sessions will be led by Block and are open to all, including those of different faiths or those who have no religious affiliation but simply want to learn more about Judaism.
“We wanted to open the door more broadly to invite people to learn about Judaism,” Block said. “Some people have a misapprehension that we’re some kind of closed society, and nothing could be further from the truth … but when something is foreign they may feel like they can’t just walk in the door and they can.”
The goal, Block said, is to provide information about Jewish spirituality and offer a taste of what Judaism is all about. It’s not about finding converts, he said.
“In no way, form or fashion is it a conversion program,” Block said.
The first session focused on the concepts of God in Judaism, while the second offers information on the practice of the faith — how Jewish people live out their faith. The final class will offer information about Israel, although not in a political sense. The focus will be on what it means to adhere to the religion not only as an individual but also as part of a religious community. The session will also include an “ask the rabbi” section.
Registration is required and can be done online at reformjudaism.org/taste or by calling the temple at (501) 225-9700.
Christie Storm can be reached by email at storm@nwadg.com.