MILLER SPOTLIGHT: A JOURNEY INTO JUDAISM |
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When Vanessa Bloom enrolled in American Jewish University’s Miller Intro to Judaism course in fall 2024, she wasn’t searching for something new so much as giving structure to something she had been carrying her whole life.
Bloom, 27, grew up in Orange County, California, in a largely secular household. Her mother is Jewish; her father comes from a German Catholic background. Born in southern China and adopted at seven months old, Bloom was raised with Jewish holidays and rituals—but without formal Jewish education.
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As an adult, that gap began to matter. Bloom, now a synagogue member at Congregation B’nai Israel in Tustin and a full-time history teacher at Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School in Irvine, wanted a deeper understanding of Jewish history, practice, and theology. On the recommendation of Rabbi Adam Greenwald, an Intro to Judaism instructor and spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Israel, she enrolled in AJU’s Miller Intro to Judaism course, taught online at the time by Rabbi John Carrier.
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PASSOVER AROUND THE WORLD |
Sunday, March 29 | 5:00 - 6:30pm PT | $18 | Online |
Explore the tastes and traditions of Jews around the world and discover new ways to make your seder different from all other nights.
Passover is one shared story, told in many voices and traditions. Join Dr. Sarah Bunin Benor for a warm and engaging exploration of how Jewish communities around the world bring the seder to life. Through stories, music, food, and language, we’ll see how the Exodus has been experienced and passed down across cultures and generations.
From Sephardic and Mizrahi traditions rooted in North Africa and the Middle East to Ashkenazi songs, foods, and storytelling from Eastern Europe, we’ll explore how history and culture shape the Passover table. Along the way, you’ll gather ideas and inspiration to make your own seder feel more meaningful and personal this year, whether you’re hosting, joining someone else’s table, or experiencing Passover for the first time.
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MILLER INTRO TO JUDAISM CLASSES
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Our nationally recognized 18-week Miller Intro to Judaism program invites you to embark on a meaningful journey through Jewish life. Explore the meaning behind Jewish holidays, rituals, ideas, and traditions—and discover how they can add depth, purpose, and connection to your own life.
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REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON: INTRO WITH RABBI BRODIE |
Wednesdays 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) |
Began March 4 - Only a few spots left! 🎉
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Instructor: Rabbi Herschel “Brodie” Aberson graduated from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, where he developed a passion for text, teaching, and human relationships. He has been teaching at the Miller Intro to Judaism Program since 2022.
Fun fact: Rabbi Brodie has two surprise guests who may appear… and disappear… during class. Join us and find out. 👀
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Upcoming Classes — Registration is Open |
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Sundays 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) |
Begins April 12
Online | $530 – $730 USD |
Early Bird Rate ($475 – $650 USD) – Ends Apr. 2 🎉
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Thursdays 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) |
Begins May 7
Online | $530 – $730 USD |
Early Bird Rate ($475 – $650 USD) – Ends Apr. 27 🎉
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Domingos 10:00 AM Hora del Pacífico (1:00 PM ET) |
Comenzó el 21 de junio
En Línea | $530 – $730 USD |
Entrada anticipada ($475 – $650 USD) – termina el 11 de junio 🎉
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