WCLS is proud to offer the following educational activities:

After-service Events
 
WCLS is pleased to offer a variety of different after-service events on topics of Jewish interest. Some of our past subjects have included Sephardi music with Karen Fodor, Jewish Humour with Rabbi Janet, Rashi and His World by Dr. Leo Hepner. Please watch for these in our newsletter, which you can receive six times a year by joining us either as a full member or as an associate. !

The Access to Judaism Course
 
This course is designed for those who are exploring Judaism as a personal spiritual path. It is a rolling course that consists of 25 individual sessions, grouped thematically around the Jewish festival cycle. Students are free to join the class at different points in the year, but all are expected to commit to a full year's cycle. Over that time, we will explore many of the different elements that make up a meaningful Jewish life, blending traditional teaching with an experiential approach. The contents of the course will be tailored, as much as possible, to meet the needs of those who enrol.

We meet at the Montagu Centre on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 7:30-9:00pm. Additional sessions are occasionally scheduled throughout the year, as are class trips to places like the Jewish Museum. This course will be free of charge to all full, associate and student members of the West Central, and to anyone who has formally registered for conversion to Judaism through our community.

NB Students who are seeking conversion will be expected to do a considerable amount of outside study and undertake Hebrew tuition. Please talk to Rabbi Janet for further information.

A personal perspective on the Access to Judaism Course from David M.:

Access to Judaism

Just over a year ago, I went to my first Access to Judaism class. I'd met Rabbi Burden once beforehand, but I was still a little unsure what to expect from the class, and a little nervous as well.

I needn't have been. The other students were friendly and welcoming, and Janet's presentations were interesting and thought-provoking. Sometimes I found myself challenged by what she (or other students) said, but questions - and questioning - are part of learning.

There were some fantastic moments - the visit to the Jewish Museum in Camden, Phyllis's piping hot latkes when we were discussing Chanukah, the presentation by Tony Jacobs on being a sofer (scribe) all spring to mind. I learnt a lot, and made a whole set of new friends. I'd recommend the classes to anyone who wants to understand more about Judaism.

As for the future, I'm hoping that Janet will organise an "Advanced Access to Judaism" course, because I'll be one of the first people in line for it!