I signed up for the Miller Introduction to Judaism class with the intention of converting. The class was led by Rabbi Morris with occasional guest appearances by Rabbi Greenwald. Both Rabbis were very informative and kept you interested in the material. Rabbi Morris is perhaps the nicest man I've ever met. He was more than a teacher as I often found myself confiding in him about the struggles I was facing with my conversion and the Jewish Community. I am forever indebted to him for these free therapy sessions. He was able to navigate me through some of the issues my boyfriend and I were facing in relation to my conversion within the Persian Jewish community: Rabbi Greenwald is HILARIOUS! He made class very enjoyable. If you are looking to convert or further educate yourself on Judaism, AJU is the place to start. The sense of warmth and welcoming you will undeniably feel with the Rabbis and your fellow classmates is unlike anything you will ever experience. read more

Loved this online class. I learned a lot and was able to choose the class that worked with my schedule. I love the additional materials given so you may quiz yourself. read more

The courses were detailed and easy to follow. Rabbi Silver is a great teacher. She is knowledgeable and she makes the class fun. All the staff at AJU is responsive and very helpful. I highly recommend their programs. read more

The class is taught in a gentle manner with a diverse community and varried interest from acrossed the world.

This class is well structured and highly intellectual. Rabbi Brody is thoughtful and makes the material easily accessible to any level of understanding of Judaism. read more

AJU's Miller Intro to Judaism Program is by far one of the most organized and interesting classes I've ever taken. I didn't really know what to expect and much of the material was brand new to me as I had not had much exposure to Judaism before. However, Rabbi Adam Greenwald is a riveting and hilarious teacher-- he could honestly lead a master class in how to teach. Rabbi Greenwald was able to foster a collaborative community both in-person pre-COVID and virtually during the pandemic. The class had an open and welcoming vibe, and Rabbi Greenwald skillfully facilitated meaningful discussions around very big topics. Beyond learning Hebrew, ancient and modern history, culture, holidays, and practices, this class also provides a framework for regular reflection and opportunities for self-growth. I genuinely miss my Sunday morning classes and classmates. We ended the class with close friendships and promises of Shabbat dinners in the coming months (once we are safely able to do that again). I can't believe how much I learned in these 18 weeks and how rich and fulfilling this experience was. Whether you're just looking to get your feet wet in learning about Judaism, looking to convert, or are already well-versed and want to deepen your understanding of Judaism, you can't go wrong with this course! I highly recommend it without hesitation! read more

This course was amazing in helping me fill in the gaps in my knowledge as I was learning on my own with a synagogue. I am in my conversion journey, and just marked one year of learning! After this class, I understand services better, know more history and feel better prepared as I convert. read more

This course is an excellent way to begin your learning journey on Judaism. Rabbi John Carrier is a great teacher. He is warm, friendly, and accessible and presented the material clearly. He is happy to answer all questions and share his personal journey. His sense of humor and jokes were funny and made the class even more enjoyable. I highly recommend the Miller Program for those planning to convert or just learn about Judaism. read more

I recently concluded the Miller Introduction to Judaism class over Zoom. Rabbi Carrier was friendly, knowledgable, and approachable. One thing that I especially appreciated is that he shared that he is a convert to Judaism as well. The Zoom format is perfect if you don't have an in-person option near your home. The textbook for the course is not very in-depth, and I strongly recommend purchasing the extra books from the suggested reading list and doing the suggested reading each week. It's not too much, and each week's suggested reading coincides with the class topic for that week. read more

I highly recommend the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program. It is available online. I took it in person. I believe the in person format works best for me. I appreciate all of the enthusiasm and friendships and interaction among participants and between students and Rabbis. I am looking forward to the Shabbat Kiddush with meal to be shared, as well. Glad they even provided a vegan option on the menu! I enjoyed seeing the Hafrashat Chalah of how a portion is removed to feed the needy! Bravo. Well explained. read more

Wonderful course that went into all the important details of Judaism. Was a great way to gain breath of Jewish culture, history and tradition. Rabbi Adam Greenwald is a wonderful teacher and Rabbi. His teaching style is very engaging and he is able to keep my attention even though certain classes might be three hours. The class is also given on many different days and times which I very much appreciate as my schedule can be very hectic. read more

This is a great overview course for anyone interested in Judaism, whether in the process of conversion or just interested in learning more. The courses and reading were easily to use and follow. It's a great door-opener for deeper learning. read more

Great program and we love Rabbi Adam Greenwald. My husband and I joined this program together and it helped us understand more about Judaism and ourself strengths. This program also offered a community and many fun activities. We highly recommend anyone who want to learn more about Judaism to enroll in this program. read more

Miller Introduction to Judaism Program - Religious Schools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I enjoyed the course from start to finish. So thankful for our classes of learning and sharing with one another and for our instructor's modeling of Judaic principles and values. Highly recommend this program to all desiring a clearer understanding of Jewish faith / Israeli history, culture and traditions. Thank you so much. read more

I took this class last year, and I am glad I did. Rabbi Greenwald is a great teacher. He is very open to questions and very knowledgeable, he recommends great books, and is available to help the students in any way he can possibly do. He definitely makes the class a great experience and time goes by too fast. I learned so many things about Judaism that I didnt know, and also made some great friendships. I definitely recommend by taking this class no matter if you're just trying to freshen up or learning for conversion, this is a great introduction. read more

At the request of our Rabbi at Temple Israel, my wife and I signed up for this course. She is in the conversion process, and I am finding my roots again. Miller was truly extraordinary. We had Rabbi Tova and Jonathan, and they led our sessions with care, and love. And most importantly, respect. Even though we were still on zoom, we managed to build a community. The teachings weekly, were pretty profound - whether you are like me (finding your jewish roots) or like my wife (starting her journey). read more

This is one of the best experiences for an intro to Judaism whether you are looking to convert, brush up on your Judaism, or simply to learn about the Jewish religion. Rabbi Adam is fantastic, real, and makes the entire curriculum easy to digest. The entire team at AJU are great. If you sign up, don't be lazy with hosting a meal for your group! read more

I've been hesitant to write this review for over a year now as it's hard to put words to the feelings, moments, conversations, friendship, and spirituality this program brought into my life. My whole life I've been interested in Judaism, I was raised by Unitarian parents and that allowed me to explore Judaism and celebrate some of the holidays growing up. When I met my husband, who's Jewish, I dove even deeper into learning about Judaism. After I finished my bachelors degree, which sadly took forever, I knew it was time. My husband and I attended the program at the West Hills location and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. If I could continue attending these classes forever I would. All of the rabbis involved with the course are amazing and supportive, and Rabbi Adam is profound. I converted in April of 2017, it was a magical day. I recently took my baby to his first Shabbat, at AJU, and it was just incredible. If you're wondering if you should take this course, you should, it's life-changing. Now I need to go study my Hebrew... read more

Such a great class! I am in an interfaith relationship and I learned so much! Rabbi Greenwald is AMAZING!! He is very accessible and will Make time for you whenever you need to discuss an issue or just want to talk. I highly recommend this class ! I will miss my Tuesday night Judaism introductory course! read more

The campus, the people, everything is truly amazing. My fiancé and I enrolled in the Intro to Judaism program to start his process to convert. At first we didn't know what to expect and didn't know how the classes would be, but its honestly been the best program. Even after working all day on Mondays, we still look forward and can't wait to go to class. We love our classmates and we became a little family and all look forward to seeing each other weekly. You become a part of everyones journey and it's so fascinating to hear everyones views in class and why they are taking the class. Our teacher is Rabbi Adam, and I can honestly say he is the best person that can teach this class. The way he teaches and his knowledge towards Judaism is what keeps us so excited for class. I am Jewish and I can tell you, I needed this program for myself. There is so much I thought I knew and I didn't. It's not only new to my fiancé, but so new to me. Going to these classes with him has also been amazing for our relationship. After class, we spend the drive home talking about everything. I would recommend this class to ANYONE that wants to learn more about Judaism, the history, learn Hebrew, holidays, and so much more.. You don't have to be Jewish to love this program. You will just LOVE IT.... I am sure the school offers tons of other amazing programs...If this one was great, I can't imagine what else they offer. I will for sure be in touch with this school.. Thanks AJU for all you have done!!! read more

This class is truly unique and special. The course format is conversational, authentic and empathetic. Rabbi Adam is an excellent teacher - he cultivates a class environment where everyone feels welcome no matter where they are in their relationship with Judaism and their spiritual journey. It was engaging from start to finish. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in a refresher or learning about Judaism. read more

If I could give this program 100 's I would! Is THAT good! I had the pleasure of having Rabbi Morris as my teacher and let me tell you... HE IS HANDS DOWN THE MOST AMAZING RABBI/TEACHER I'VE EVER MET! Do not look any further... this program is definitely for you. Everyone at AJU from the teachers to classmates made my experience in learning about Judaism one of the best ones. I am so happy I took this course because I learned so much and made me even more excited about my future conversion into the Jewish community. read more

A phenomenal experience. The course is organized and presented in an excellent way. Despite being Jewish and receiving Jewish education I've learned a lot and received a modern outlook on all the basics of Judaism. I'm grateful and highly recommend it. read more

A safe space where I was able to explore and deepen my spiritual journey on my path towards conversion. A very informative class yet also a formative experience that enriched my walk in every area of life. A diverse group, inclusive group with an amazing Rabbi as instructor and program Director. read more

Stop looking for a class now. This one is it. Summary: Rabbi Morris is wonderful and any kind of person would love him, and his class. Details: I grew up "conservative" and my husband wanted to take a class to explore converting. He found this program through word-of-mouth after some pretty bad experiences meeting with other rabbis and temples. We are 37 and 41, and in no way religious. This was mostly to satisfy my parents. We're what I would begrudgingly call typical Los Angeles products-of-the-90s. This class taught me SO much (my Jewish education ended when I was 12), showing me the details and reasoning that might have been edited out to fit my elementary Jewish learning. It made me actually proud to be Jewish and of the ideology. My cynical husband loves the Rabbi and nothing about this class made him feel like he had to abandon who he is. He feels that the discussions and lessons we had just added to his life and views. I honestly could go on but I won't. Rabbi Morris makes everybody feel welcomed. He does not try to impose his views on the class, but gives representation to many interpretations and lets us decide on our own. He is fair, knowledgable, a little goofy, and very likeable. He makes this class great. I can't recommend it enough. read more

Whether you are thinking about Jewish conversion or simply want to learn more about the Jewish faith and people, this course is for you. The course can be completed at your own pace with new cohort start dates each month. You could potentially complete the program within a couple months or a couple years, depending on your schedule. Rabbi Adam Greenwald makes each weekly topic interesting and inviting to all who attend. After leaving class each week, I would want to research the topics further and purchase readings that supplemented that week's learning. Rabbi Adam runs the class much like a college seminar where everyone is free to discuss and question that week's topic. An overarching theme of the eighteen week course: Question everything and anything that is presented. A big part of Judaism is to question and struggle; Judaism is not about just accepting things as they are written in the Torah. Even in the Talmud, the principles of Judaism are in constant debate between the rabbis. Rabbi Adam does not try impose any values on anyone, rather he allows the intro attendee to make the decision to convert and to accept Jewish principles. Overall, I had a great time with the Intro program! read more

I absolutely loved my experience with the Miller Program. We learned so much and it was absolutely foundational for giving me the vocabulary to talk about my faith and beliefs. read more

The Miller Introduction to Judaism Program was the most recommended I found doing my research about courses to convert to Judaism. I'm glad I did because it was exactly as the reviews or articles I read. The program is excellent and one of the best out there. You will learn a lot, it's very exciting to read and listen about the first monotheistic religion and everything that came after until today. You will not be disappointed. read more

I have nothing but good things to say about this program! You WILL leave this class with a better understanding of Judaism. The people that run the class are always on top of things, always there to answer your questions. The Rabbis are there for you anytime, and they will make time for you outside of class. I recommend this class for anyone interested in converting to Judaism or learning more about it. read more

I took this class first in-person when I was fifteen (and absolutely loved it), and then took it once again on Zoom at nineteen (and absolutely loved it). I have nothing but good things to say about this program. Not only is Rabbi Adam a WONDERFUL instructor who makes the class engaging (in-person and online) both in his lectures and as he facilitates group discussions, but he truly cares about the students in the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program and consistently makes time to meet with them outside of class. Rabbi Adam also makes a point to create a community for those taking the class, setting up WhatsApp chats, Facebook groups, and more! The program itself is also extremely well developed and the Student Services Coordinator, Benjamin Wright, is always on top of sending out weekly information and materials to make sure that students are fully prepared for the upcoming class. The class is also offered at a variety of different dates and times. Students can also join classes in different series if they need to make up a class they missed, making this class ideal for those with hectic schedules. Without a doubt you will leave the class with a much better understanding of Jewish culture, tradition, and history! I will genuinely miss this class, and without any hesitation, I highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to learn more about Judaism! read more

This program truly exceeded my expectations. I was intimidated to start the classes, unsure how much knowledge I would be expected to have. The warmth and knowledge of our instructor, Rabbi Morris, created an incredible learning environment. The classes covered a large variety of topics and were incredibly interesting throughout. I would highly recommend anyone to take this class! read more

I was in the November 2021 Introduction class taught by Rabbi Fenton and Rabbi Lebovitz and cannot recommend the program enough. I am hoping to convert to Judaism and came into the program with limited knowledge or experience but everyone has been so patient and welcoming. They really take their time to answer any of your questions and go over the course material in a way that is very easy to understand. I felt I had learned a lot from the program and am more excited than ever now to convert. I highly recommend taking the course for anyone who is looking to learn more about Judaism whether you are thinking of converting or not. read more

Amazing program! My fiancee and I learned so much and it was a really inclusive and welcoming environment. We made great connections with other couples and learners, even though it was online. Rabbi Morris and Rabbi Adam were both excellent teachers. read more

An excellent, thought-provoking, and engaging way to learn more about Judaism regardless less of how much or how little you already know. Highly recommended to anyone curious, looking to learn more, or considering conversion. read more

Thank you very much to Intro to Judaism for the wonderful experience in learning Jewish culture, History and Traditions . Rabbi Adam Greenwald is special!He creates a friendly atmosphere, knows how to draw attention and explain the seemingly very difficult moments in an accessible form. He is always ready to answer any question, never imposes his own opinion, dilutes the atmosphere with humor, never takes the time to talk empty. Adam completely changed my view of Judaism and helped me to join and become part of Jewish culture. Highly recommend !!! read more

I loved the Miller Intro to Judaism. Rabbi Adam and his class may have saved my relationship! I took the class with the plan to convert to Judaism and started the journey along the Orthodox path but realized quickly that wouldn't fit with my beliefs. Through the class I met people who have shown me that there are many different ways to be Jewish and those varied perspectives have helped me shape mine. Rabbi Adam is very engaging, I plan on continuing the journey by taking more classes! read more

What do you say about a course that changed your life? Do I recommend it? Yes, absolutely. I was very hesitant to sign up for any course, but the more I looked into the Miller program at AJU, the more welcoming it was. It never disappointed. It's a course for those interested in converting and those just wanting to deepen their understanding of Judaism. Each class had such excellent discussion and study of texts. So long as you can make the time for the class, the study materials are very doable. If you are a busy professional, fear not, this course is for you. If you want a springboard for Judaism study, this course is for you. If you want an accurate, thoughtful and easy to follow introduction to Judaism, this course is for you. There was never any pressure to think a certain way or accept a certain position on any topic. All people are welcome. Having taken a few other Judaism courses, I can confidently say the level of instruction at AJU is top quality. It is one of the best courses of any kind I've ever taken. I'm very happy I took the course, and I'm very grateful it was offered. read more

Our teacher, Rabbi Morris, was incredibly thoughtful, open-minded, and welcoming. I would recommend this class to anyone -- no matter what your background is and no matter what religion you grew up with. The best part: after you complete the program, you have new friends, a new Jewish community, and a new Rabbi. read more

Like many other reviewers here, converting to Judaism was a decision that took many years and a lot of searching to find the right program and the right rabbi. My fiancé and I had even enrolled in a different program first, which was closer to home, but we gave up half way through because it just wasn't for us. That being said, when we found the Miller program it was well worth the hour+ drive on Sunday mornings. I cannot say enough positive things about Rabbi Greenwald and his team. We loved everything about the program and I am now a happy member of the tribe! Thanks Rabbi Adam! read more

Please do not hesitate joining this class! Rabbi Adam is wonderful; Open, kind, intelligent, passionate and hilarious! If you are looking for an engaging class, a diverse community, and an opportunity to grow in your Judaism exponentially. Amazing! read more