Classes Located at The CYP Loft and taught by Rabbi Henoch Rosenfeld

The Jewish Course of Why is your chance to explore the intriguing questions of Jewish life, practice, and history. Each week, we dive into a curated selection of thought-provoking topics, offering clarity on age-old mysteries and modern curiosities. Join us for engaging discussions, meaningful insights, and a deeper understanding of the "whys" of Judaism!

Weekly at 7:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Dinner will be served. 

Tuesday, March 4 | Lesson 1

Why, Though?:
Why ask “Why?”? Isn’t Judaism a belief system?  Why are there no miracles today of biblical proportions?  Why do we pray? Doesn’t G-d know what He is doing? Can we really affect His will?  Why is there so much fragmentation in Jewish practice?  Why have the Jews survived millennia while so many other civilizations have vanished?  Why don’t Jews accept the Christian messiah?  Why do we kindle yahrtzeit candles to commemorate the dead? 

Tuesday, March 11 | Lesson 2

For the Jewishly Curious:
Why is the Star of David a Jewish symbol?  Why does a mikveh “purify”? Why do people require “purification”? Why are there so many dos and don’ts in Judaism? Why do many Jews sway when they pray? Why do traditional synagogues have separate seating for men and women? Why is Israel important to the Jews?  Why does the Bible call for animal sacrifices

Tuesday, March 18 | Lesson 3

We have some explaining to do...:
Why are there so many Jews in Hollywood? Why do we believe that Jews cannot convert out of Judaism? Why did our ancestors continue to identify as Jews despite being victims of so much suffering through the ages? Why does a mourner recite Kaddish? Why do Jews place pebbles on headstones? Why is it not customary to leave flowers at the grave? Why does Jewish law exempt women from certain ritual obligations that are obligatory for men? Why are ten men required for a minyan? Why doesn’t G-d respond to my requests? Why does G-d give us negative, even harmful inclinations?  Why doesn’t Judaism seek converts? 

Tuesday, March 25 | Lesson 4

Can these even be answered in one hour?:
Why does the Torah say that the Jews are the “chosen people”? Isn’t that racist? Why do we believe that we have free choice if G-d always knew how we would choose?  Why does the Torah permit slavery? Why does Jewish law obsess over details?  Why does the Bible refer to sexual relations as “knowing”? Why aren’t vegan foods and restaurants Kosher by default? Why do we say lechayim as a drinking salutation?