Mizpah Congregation begins Introduction to Judaism classes on Tuesdays. Beginning Oct. 3, each of five, three-week blocks in October, November, January, February and March are held at Mizpah Congregation, 923 McCallie Ave., from 7:15-8:45 p.m.
There is a $50 fee for materials and handouts for the 15 classes. RSVP to the Mizpah office at mizpah@epbfi.com or 423-267-9771 to save a spot.
Explore Jewish traditions with Rabbi Craig Lewis. The course will cover basic Jewish history, the major holidays along with some of the minor holidays, important life cycle events, Jewish theology, the worship service, the Hebrew language, and our connection to the land and State of Israel. This course is for anyone wants to learn about Judaism or for those who wish to learn more. This course can fulfill a requirement for individuals wishing to convert to Judaism. It can also provide a refresher course for Jewish people who have not studied their tradition for several years. It is also ideal for interfaith couples who want to understand more about Jewish traditions.
Rabbi Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in French from the University of Kansas. He also earned a master’s in Management from L’Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Clermont-Ferrand, France. On his way to becoming a rabbi, he was awarded a Master of Hebrew Letters from the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati.
Mizpah Congregation is the only Reform Congregation in Chattanooga, formed in 1866 and known initially as the Hebrew Benevolent Association. Meeting in people’s homes, the Temple is now in its third building, the first two closer to downtown. Its present building opened in 1927 thanks to a financial gift from Adolph Ochs, who’s family owned the New York Times, and the Chattanooga Times. The congregation changed its name to Mizpah, which in Hebrew means “watch over,” or “look out for,” in honor of Lookout Mountain. Mizpah has migrated into being the progressive, inclusive representing all Temples in North America.