All our educational activities are made possible by the extremely generous support of the NLPS Trust.
YLJC celebrates Jewish learning in all its forms. To make the past and our historic texts relevant to today’s world, we gather to consider and rethink as needed. Recognising the central role of worship in our tradition, we provide resources for all to deepen their understanding and (re)connect with Jewish ritual. Looking to live a more meaningful Jewish life, , join conversion classes, or rethink prayer? We can help you with these.
While listening to a description of the new curriculum for Cheder, someone asked the rabbi why there are not experiential learning classes for adults – now there are! We value your time and want you to have fun as well as stretch your mind and spirit.
New for Spring 2026 – online classes
Please follow this link for further information Spring Online classes2026
Introduction to Judaism
Designed as a in-depth, 18 month survey course, participants may be interested in formal conversion to Judaism.. It is open to members and non-members, those seeking to learn about Judaism with little background, and those wishing to reignite their interest or top up their knowledge. Experiential modules (keeping Shabbat, sacred eating, text study) are interspersed to provide practical understanding. To participate, please make an appointment with Rabbi Elisheva.
Exploring Exodus
Most of us know the story of the Jews leaving Egypt, so these sessions offer the chance to embellish it together. Each week, meetings will explore the following chapter and have a different artistic focus: painting, sewing, poetry, cooking, music, etc. Each class is independent, so come to those that interest you the most.
Chevre Kaddish Training
As the sole Jewish community in York, YLJC has a cemetery in Fulford and provides full service Jewish burials. If you would like to join the Holy Society (Chevre Kaddisha) and learn how to help with preparation for burial, come to this workshop. See calendar for times.
Conversational Hebrew
This weekly short class will, with a commitment to 5 minutes of practice every day, develop both your reading skills(great for prayers or Torah reading) and your linguistic abilities. ONLINE only.
Contemporary Jewish Fiction
Read short, engaging stories by Jewish authors from around the world and discuss what they show us about Jewish life.
David’s Lyre
These sessions look at our prayers and contemplate rewriting them, setting them to new music, approaching them as poetry, and making them relevant to ourselves. Work done together will eventually be featured in services. No skills are needed to participate other than an ability to read English.
For dates, please see our calender. Classes are free to members, £5/session for non-members. To sign up, YOU MUST SEND AN EMAIL to rabbi@jewsinyork.org,uk with the name of the class in the subject line and the names of people attending and their favourite marine creature in the body of the mail.