buy generic levitraorder viagra onlineOpen Dor

Welcome to Open Dor

Open Dor is a non-profit 501(c)3 foundation that reaches out to unaffiliated and marginally active Jews, as well as to non-Jews who are part of the Jewish family through marriage to a Jew or through Jewish ancestry, aiming to increase their participation in Jewish learning and culture.

Wondering if Open Dor is right for you?

  • Do you want to explore your Jewish heritage?
  • Are you a young adult with a Jewish parent or grandparent?
  • Are you non-Jewish with a Jewish partner?
  • Are you interested in learning how Judaism can spiritually enhance your life?
  • Do you want personal guidance for your Jewish journey?

JewPedia

If you are:

  • a Hebrew school dropout or no-show
  • with Jewish ancestry wanting to explore your heritage
  • considering conversion
  • Non-Jewish with a Jewish partner (both welcome!)
  • just Jewishly curious, whether Jewish or not

then JewPedia is the course for you!

JewPedia is the perfect quick introduction (or reintroduction) to Jewish life and thought. Taught by Rabbi Miller, this conversation-based class is for anyone interested in broadening their understanding of Judaism in a no-strings-attached environment. Come as you are, and come with questions!

5 Monday evenings, October 24-November 21, 7:15-8:30 pm at Tifereth Israel Congregation, 7701-16th St., NW (202-882-1605)

Dying for God:
Maccabees, Masada, and Martyrdom

6 Tuesday mornings, October 24, 31, November 7, 14, 28, December 6, 11:10-noon  OR

6 Wednesday evenings, October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 29, December 7, 7:30-8:20 pm

Saul Bendit Adult Institute, Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County (301-652-2606)

In this course, we will study traditional texts, in translation, that deal with the ways Jews practice Kiddush HaShem, Sanctification of God's Name, by behaving ethically and especially by dying as martyrs. We will explore the history and development of Jewish beliefs, liturgy, law, and lore about Kiddush HaShem, including topics such as the Maccabees, Masada, the Crusades, the Shoah, and modern Israel.

  • How can Jews bring holiness into the world by our behavior?
  • Are there deeds which tarnish the reputation of all Jews and bring disgrace on our beliefs?
  • What do Jews believe about martyrdom, and how did these beliefs evolve?
  • What are the laws about whether a Jew should sacrifice life for a cause?
  • Do any of our prayers mention martyrdom?
  • Were some of the heroes of the Hanukkah story martyrs?
  • What really happened on Masada, and why don’t we read about it in rabbinic texts?
  • Were there Jewish martyrs during the Crusades and the Shoah?
  • What about martyrdom for the creation and maintenance of the State of Israel?