Accessing a New Kind of Jewish Community Through Introduction to Judaism Online

Reflections from Students on Shavuot
May 11, 2021Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser
Student taking a Judaism class online and looking at image of Torah on computer

Three years before the COVID-19 pandemic response sheltered millions of people at home and drove us to do all things virtual, the Union for Reform Judaism was crafting online communities of learners as they journeyed together through our 21 sessions of Introduction to Judaism Online.

While we trusted that folks in our courses would connect with their excellent faculty, we also hoped they would form connections to one another, since most of our students are on the path to choosing Judaism as their new spiritual home. To date, we have opened over 50 cohorts, with over 1300 learners, leading us to welcome hundreds of people to our congregations.

On Shavuot we read of the story of Ruth, who chose to forever link herself to the Jewish people. In honor of this holiday and our students, we celebrate these individuals, couples, and class communities during this sacred time. Here are some of sentiments they’ve shared with us:

It has been an amazing heartfelt journey of connecting with ourselves and one another through Judaism. The journey and history of Judaism being shared was so rich and evoked so many questions, emotions, and memories.
- Craig and Paul P.

Being from a place with a small Jewish community, I was able to explore Judaism with other students all over the US. It takes a village to become a Jew, and this course helps to provide one.
- Hunter T.

This class gave me a better understanding of all the reasons why we observe Judaism as we do and made me feel like I finally found a community where I belong.
- Margalit E.

I learned so much and have been inspired to continue learning. Judaism is beautiful and has added so much to my life. I was strongly considering conversion before ... now, my decision has been made.
- Paul N.

This course, on top of teaching me a lot, gave me the confidence to walk into Jewish spaces and feel like a participant, rather than just an observer. After the first or second class, I started attending my local synagogue regularly.
- Anonymous

There is much to reflect upon this Shavuot as we commemorate our ancestors and the many who accompanied them when they received the wisdom and challenges of the Torah. Indeed, Jewish community is evolving to be more inclusive and expansive, just as it was in ancient days.

About the Author

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser
Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser (she/her) was ordained in 1993 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She has worked in congregations, at Jewish summer camps, and at Emory University’s Center for Israel Education. She is currently the part-time rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Fayetteville, GA, while working full time as the manager of the URJ’s 21-week Introduction to Judaism program. She also serves as the president of Interfaith Atlanta. She is an executive member of the Atlanta Jewish Community Relations Council. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys hiking, travelling, and trying out new recipes on unsuspecting Sabbath dinner guests.

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