Virtual Classes at AJU
The Miller Intro to Judaism Program is the go-to course for anyone ready to explore Judaism—including those considering conversion.
Over 18 weeks, you’ll study core topics like Torah, holidays, rituals, and values with a rabbi who connects tradition to modern questions. Learn alongside a diverse online community and discover how Jewish faith fits in your everyday life.
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Intro to Judaism
The Miller Introduction to Judaism program at American Jewish University is an 18-week course exploring Jewish history, beliefs, rituals, and values in an open, welcoming environment. Designed for anyone Jewish, Jew-ish, or Jew-curious, it offers a meaningful pathway for learning, …
Intro to Judaism (Español)
El programa Miller Introduction to Judaism de American Jewish University es un curso de 18 semanas que explora la historia, las creencias, los rituales y los valores del judaísmo en un entorno abierto y acogedor. Diseñado para cualquier persona judía, …
Curriculum
- Torah: Our People’s Story
- Ancient Israel: Kings, Priests, and Prophets
- Two Jews… Three Opinions
- Sacred Days: The Festivals of the Year
- Shabbat: A Cathedral in Time
- Prayer: Keva and Kavanna
- Passover: Exodus and Us
- God Wrestling
- The Rabbinic Revolution
- Days of Awe
- Jews + Food
- Under Crescent and Cross
- The Greatest Blessing
- From Generation to Generation
- Life’s Hard Times
- Hatred and Heroism
- Israel: A Great Dream
- The Jewish Mission to Heal the World
How to earn your certificate
1. Find and register for a course
You can:
- Register for an online cohort (offered regularly throughout the year)
- Join a local affiliate cohort taught by a community leader/rabbi
- Ask your congregation if they offer the Miller Intro to Judaism course
2. Attend and complete all sessions
To be eligible for a certificate you must:
- Attend all 18 classes
- Or make up missed sessions either via class recordings or by attending another cohort’s classes
This full participation is required before you can request the certificate.
3. Request the certificate
Once you complete the course requirements:
- Contact the Maas Center for Jewish Journeys at maascenter@aju.edu
- Ask for your Certificate of Completion
American Jewish University will issue it after verifying that you’ve met the attendance/completion criteria.
If your goal is conversion
While the Miller Intro to Judaism course provides excellent foundational knowledge, conversion to Judaism is a separate religious process that involves:
- Regular study
- Meetings with a sponsoring rabbi
- Participation in Jewish communal life
- Ritual requirements (e.g., mikvah immersion for some streams)
The certificate supports but does not itself complete conversion. In most Jewish denominations, you will also work directly with your rabbi or local bet din on their requirements.
If you are pursuing conversion, speak with your rabbi early on — they’ll tell you how your Miller Intro to Judaism studies fits into their conversion pathway.