Aspen Jewish Congregation

Open Door Judaism — A cohort journey into Jewish life

Shalom and welcome!
Stay tuned for information about our 2027 cohort. Open Door Judaism is a learning journey for seekers, returning learners, partners, and anyone curious about building a vibrant Jewish life. The program is both an introduction to Judaism and a doorway into kehilah—sacred community. We learn, celebrate, wrestle with big ideas, and practice real-life Jewish rituals together.

What we do together

  • Explore the Jewish year—Shabbat and holidays—with hands-on practice (candles, kiddush, havdalah, challah, seder, etc.).
  • Build belonging: small “chevruta” (study partners), cohort gatherings, and shared Shabbat/holiday experiences.
  • Grow spiritual literacy: prayer basics, blessing structure, and finding your own Jewish voice.
  • Learn core stories and texts: Torah’s big arcs, prophetic ethics, rabbinic wisdom—and how Jews keep arguing for the sake of heaven.
  • Make Judaism doable at home: kashrut options, mezuzah, Jewish home libraries, life-cycle rituals (birth, b-mitzvah, wedding, mourning).
  • Engage with peoplehood & place: Jews around the world, Israel, antisemitism, allyship, and courageous conversation.
  • Practice ethical living: tzedakah, kindness, and compassion as daily habits, not just ideals.
  • Prepare those pursuing conversion for next steps (mentor support, beit din, mikveh) while holding space for those simply learning.
  • 2026 draft syllabus here

Structure & logistics (2026)

  • When: Thursdays, 2:00–3:30 pm MT, beginning Thursday, January 8 (see syllabus for exceptions).
  • Where: Hybrid. At least a dozen classes in Aspen, at least a dozen in Basalt/Carbondale; a few Zoom-only. 
  • Attendance: You must commit to being in-person for at least six classes; up to five absences total.
  • Time: Plan on ~3 hours/week including class, homework, and special holiday experiences.
  • Cost: Free for AJC members in good standing (financial constraints will never be a barrier to membership).
  • Zoom: Available for all sessions.

For more information, contact our office by email or at 970.925.8245

FAQ

  • Who is this for? Conversion-curious, interfaith/dual-heritage couples, Jewish adults seeking a refresh; no prior knowledge needed.
  • If I’m considering conversion, what are the steps and timeline? Sign up for the class, then drop Rabbi Shira an email; she’ll get back to you after Yom Kippur.
  • I’m not Jewish but my partner is. Should they attend with me? That’s up to you, but if you are building a Jewish or dual-faith home together, it’s often better to have both partners attend the class. 
  • Do I need to read Hebrew? Will there be an optional Hebrew lab or recordings to practice? This class will not teach you to read Hebrew. But if there is enough interest, we can start a parallel Hebrew class!
  • Are sessions recorded? How do I make up for a missed class? While sessions will be recorded, if you miss a session, that is still considered an absence. We are trying to build a community, and that can only happen if people show up for and with each other. If you have to miss more than five classes, we will ask you to step down from the program this time around.
  • What does “weekly homework” look like? There will be one assigned book from which we will read over the course of the year. There will also be podcasts and some simple practices. In addition, at the end of the year, participants will write a Spiritual Autobiography detailing their spiritual journey. (More information to come.)
  • Shabbat/holiday expectations: It is our expectation that participants will attend at least one or two “Jewish events” per month in addition to what is listed on the syllabus. These “events” include shabbat services or dinners, speakers, cultural gatherings, or almost anything you deem “Jewish!”.
  • What if it snows? Zoom!