JOOF — Judaism on One Foot

Save the dates!

JOOF is a series 18 classes offered that will be offered at Har Zion on selected Sundays, beginning in October, 2026, and continuing until May, 2027. Each class is on a different subject—given in the table below—offering a concise look at how that subject relates to Jews and Judaism. (The topics are set at this point, but the date for each topic is subject to change.)

Judaism on One Foot Schedule: Dates and Topics (JOOF) 2026–2027 (As of May 26) JOOF 10:15am–12pm in the Chapel
Date	Subject
October 18, 2026	Torah
October 25	World of Bible
November 1	Pluralism
November 8	Holidays
November 22	Shabbat
December 6	Prayer
December 13	Passover
January 10, 2027	God
January 24	Talmud
January 31	High Holidays
February 7	Kashrut
February 21	Medieval
February 28	Love
March 7	Israel
April 4	Death
April 11	Antisemitism
April 18	Kids
May 2	Tikkun Olam

Details, including the instructor for each class, are to come.

En Español

Las clases seran en ingless. Pero habra materiales disponibles en español para los participantes que prefieran estudiar en su idioma. Además, Temple Har Zion ofrece apoyo en español durante el curso y para aquellas personas interesadas en aprender más sobre el judaísmo o explorar el proceso de conversión.

Octavio Urbina, miembro de la congregación, oficial del templo y enlace para la comunidad hispanohablante, está disponible para brindar orientación y responder preguntas sobre el programa. Para más información, comuníquese con Octavio ha su correo electronico: ourbina78@outlook.com.

These classes will be held in English. Spanish-language materials are available for participants who prefer to study in Spanish. In addition, Temple Har Zion offers Spanish-language support throughout the course and for those interested in exploring Judaism or the conversion process.

Octavio Urbina, a Temple officer, Spanish-speaking community liaison, and member of the congregation, is available to assist Spanish-speaking participants and answer questions about the program. For more information, please contact Octavio at: ourbina78@outlook.com.

Are You Considering Conversion?

This course can be part of your conversion process under Rabbi Glick’s sponsorship; send him an email message at rabbiglick@wsthz.org an if you are considering conversion.

So, why is it “Judaism on One Foot”?

Sefaria, “Community-Powered Jewish Learning,” tells the tale:

A famous story is told about a Roman who decided he wanted to affiliate himself with the Judean sages of the Second Temple. However, he did not have the patience to spend an adequate amount of time immersed in their teachings and literature, so he said he would join them on condition that he be could be taught the entirety of the Torah while standing on one foot.

The first sage he approached, Shammai, thought that the gentile was not being genuine, and chased him away with a measuring stick.

The second sage, Hillel, accepted the challenge and stated the following:

“That which is hateful to you, do not do to another; that is the entire Torah. The rest is interpretation. Go study.”
Shabbat 31a:6

(This is the beginning of a D’var Torah on the weekly reading—Parashat—Balak: “Torah on One Foot: Haftorah for Balak; Micah 5:6-6:8.”)

Date

Oct 25 2026

Time

10:15 AM - 12:00 PM