12 Jewish Questions

As adults, we all have questions about being Jewish, and many of us are still searching for answers.

Do I need to believe in God to be Jewish? What happens after we die? Where is God in times of tragedy? How do I rest when I have no time?

Despite years of religious school as children, many of us are unsure how to find meaning in our faith and culture as adults. Issues that may not have been relevant to us decades ago are suddenly filled with new meaning when viewed from an adult perspective.

12 Jewish Questions is a learning community for adults – Jewish and non-Jewish – who have questions about Jewish identity, beliefs, culture, and customs. It’s an environment to discover (and rediscover) the relevance of Judaism in our lives.

Schedule: Mondays at Temple, 7:00 pm, starting October 21, 2024

Cost (includes dinner): $300 for WHC members, $360 for non-members

REGISTER HERE

12JQ is subsidized thanks to the generous support of Andrew R. Ammerman.

What You'll Learn

  • Why are Jews called "People of the Book"?
  • Can a person really change?
  • Do you need to believe in God to be Jewish?
  • What's Jewish about sex?
  • Why is antisemitism on the rise?
  • What happens after I die?
  • Where is God in times of tragedy?
  • How do I rest when there's no time?
  • How do I pray?
  • How is Judaism linked to the state of Israel
  • How can I heal the world?
  • What does the Jewish future look like?

Take 12 Jewish Questions for Free!

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Andrew R. Ammerman, WHC is pleased to offer 12JQ free of charge to:

WHC’s Sustaining Members (Pillar and above & Young Sustainers)
New Members of WHC who have joined since November 2022
Parents with children enrolled in one of WHC’s preschools
Parents of recent b’nei mitzvah

Not sure if you fall into one of these categories? Please reach out to Jennifer Millstone.

“It was great to meet and speak thoughtfully about Judaism every week! It helped me feel more informed and connected to my religion. I also really liked the additional resources, which felt relevant and were super interesting. Also – thank you for holding such an affordable, accessible class!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! This class is taught to match your experience and maturity as an adult. It’s kind of like how the books you read now are not the same books you read in middle school – you’re more mature now, and you have different interests. Similarly, this class will discuss Judaism in the context of your adult life, addressing issues that weren’t relevant as a child but are now. We asked adults how we can shape this class, to make it relevant, so the course tackles some of life’s most fascinating questions through a Jewish lens.


No. Washington Hebrew is proud to offer this learning opportunity to anyone in the D.C. area who is interested in deepening their understanding of Judaism.

If you take the class as a non-member and decide to join Washington Hebrew during the semester or within a month after the class ends, we will welcome you to the Congregation at no cost through the end of our fiscal year (June 30, 2024). Additionally, your 12JQ tuition (up to $360 per household) will be applied to your dues.

Please contact Jennifer Millstone to learn more about joining our vibrant community.


Absolutely not! This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism as an adult.


This course is designed to provide an excellent and accessible overview of the basics for those new to Jewish learning (or for those who are still recovering from religious school!).


No. Judaism is not an evangelical tradition, and proselytizing is simply not a part of our spiritual DNA. While there will be students in 12JQ who are considering conversion to Judaism, we cherish the beauty of all religious faiths and practices and welcome those of any spiritual tradition to join the class.


Contact

We’re here to answer your questions.

Marsha Humphries
202-895-6303
mhumphries@whctemple.org