BluePrint:
Building a Jewish Life
Whether you are exploring Judaism, considering conversion, or want to reconnect with your roots – come learn with us!
A choose-your-own-adventure learning program for those who want to explore Judaism in an approachable and accessible way, open to all adult learners with a special track for those considering conversion. BluePrint is led by Rabbi Steven Philp with guest appearances by Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann, and other movers and shakers in the Chicago Jewish scene.
The purpose of this course is to equip students with a foundational knowledge of Judaism to unlock further exploration – whether you’re studying to convert, are reconnecting with your roots, or looking to bring Judaism into your multi-faith home. We’ll dive into foundational Jewish texts, explore beliefs and practices, experience the rhythms of the Jewish calendar, and reflect on what it means to live Jewishly in the 21st century.
Our next course will meet in-person beginning in late October and will meet on alternating Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm CT. Beginning in the Winter, modules will also be open to non-conversion students.
Interested in joining our next cohort? Contact Rabbi Steven to learn more.
Topics Covered In BluePrint
- Jewish History
- From Biblical to Rabbinic Judaism
- Middle Ages: Halakhah and Kabbalah
- Emancipation and the Emergence of Modern Judaism
- Contemporary Judaism, Diversity, and Change
- Spirituality and Prayer
- The Jewish Week and Shabbat
- The Jewish Calendar (and the Shalosh Regalim)
- God, Theology, and the High Holidays
- Prayer and the Rabbinic Holidays
- Lifecycles
- B’Tzelem Elohim: Created in the Divine Image
- Birth to B-Mitzvah
- Love, Marriage, and Divorce
- Dying, Death, and Mourning
- Ethics and Contemporary Jewish Issues
- Kashrut, Eating, and Ethical Consumption
- Social Justice and Tikkun Olam
- Antisemitism, Privilege, and Power
- Zionism(s): Israel and Palestine
Considering Conversion?
- Meet 1:1 with our rabbis to talk about the conversion process
- Engage in extracurriculars outside of the classroom to help you explore your Jewish identity and practice
- Be paired with a mentor, someone who has already gone through the conversion process, to support you on your journey
- Participate in additional learning opportunities, like our annual Passover Learner’s Seder
- Complete the ritual requirements of conversion
Continued Jewish Learning
Being: What’s Next After Choosing Judaism
Your Jewish journey does not end with conversion. This workshop – for converts, by converts – focuses on issues of Jewish identity: imposter syndrome, passing (or not passing), being outed, and other obstacles that Jews-by-Choice face as we navigate the Jewish community post-conversion. Whether you just converted or it’s been years, this is a safe space where we can connect around these unique, shared experiences.
Renew: Finding Your Judaism
What does your Judaism look like? This workshop is a deep dive into what it means to be Jewish – to you! Discover how your identity informs your values, which can serve as a foundation for building your practice. We’ll ask the question, as a Jew: who am I, what do I believe, and how do I move through the world? Together, we will harness the spiritual technology of our tradition to reinvigorate our Judaism.