Columbus, Ohio Synagogues Reach Out to Educate Jews

July 16, 1999

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

On July 16, 1999, The Columbus Dispatch published an article on the efforts of Columbus synagogues to educate Jews about Jewish faith and practice. Congregation Tifereth Israel runs an adult education program called Midreshet Israel, which has four components: a Jewish Life Workshop series, academic classes taught by Ohio State University professors, small study circles held in peoples' homes, and Havurot, which are get-togethers where people share Jewish experiences. The Congregation also runs Minyan Chadash, which has been successful in attracting non-affiliated Jews for a monthly prayer service of discussion and singing. Temple Israel offers a 30-hour Introduction to Judaism course twice a year that is open to all. The National Jewish Outreach Program now offers a Virtual Shabbat CD-ROM, which allows users to experience the rituals and customs of a traditional Shabbat.