In this 18-week course we will explore together many aspects of Jewish life: daily spiritual practices, the holiday cycle, Shabbat, eating practices, migration, history, and more. This class is geared toward anyone who wants to learn more about Jewish life: individuals exploring conversion, non-Jews part of Jewish families, and Jews of all stripes who want to learn more. If you think this class might be for you, it is! Students are encouraged to come with questions, curiosity, and challenges. Ever wonder why Jews do [insert curious custom here]? Ask us and we’ll cover it! 

Registration Required

About the Instructors:

Rabbi Jacob Fine (he/him/his) is the Interim Lead Rabbi at CBI. He served as the Director of Jewish Life and Abundance Farm since 2013.  Previously, he served as a rabbi and educator for a number of leading Jewish environmental organizations including the Teva Learning Alliance, Adamah, Hazon and the Jewish Farm School. A Wexner Graduate Fellow and former Rabbi and Assistant Director at Hillel at the University of Washington, Rabbi Jacob was ordained as a rabbi from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies where he also received an MA in Rabbinic Studies. He is also a graduate of Vassar College where he received a BA in environmental studies and religion.  

Rabbi Ariella Rosen (she/her) is Rabbi and Director of Education at CBI. She joined the CBI clergy team as the Director of Youth and Family Education and Engagement in 2022. Previously, she served as the director and Jewish educator at Hillel at the University of Toronto. She also worked as the assistant rabbi at Adath Israel in Merion, PA, and the rabbinical and cantorial admissions director at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York City. Rabbi Ariella was ordained as a rabbi from JTS where she also earned a MA. She earned BAs from JTS and Columbia University in midrash (biblical interpretation) and psychology. Rabbi Ariella strives to embody a mindset of welcoming and joy in both work and life.