Does Judaism believe in guardian angels? What kind of tree was the tree of knowledge? What is the evil eye, and how does it work?

Fascinating Facts is a fun six-part course in Jewish cultural literacy, full of surprising facts, myths, and mysteries surrounding Jewish tradition and practice.

Join us to explore the surprising side of Judaism, from ancient mysteries to modern practices. It’s masterful. It’s insightful. It’s entertaining. It’s inspiring. You don’t want to miss it!

This course conveniently includes both daytime and evening class options. Daytime sessions feature a catered lunch for all participants. Evening sessions include the option of a catered dinner for those who wish. Food will be available from 7:15 pm and can be enjoyed during the class. Just choose the Course Registration + Dinner option when signing up and join us for a delicious dinner along with great learning.

Two Course Options:

Six Wednesday Afternoons
July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13
12:00 - 1:15 pm

Six Wednesday Evenings
July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13
7:30 - 9:00 pm

Classes take place at:

The Torah Center
5065 High Point Road
Atlanta, GA 30342

Online learning option available via Zoom

Course fee $120 (includes materials)
Dinner option $200 (includes course registration and dinner for all 6 sessions)
Sponsorship opportunities available

Course Overview

Lesson 1
Know Something About the Bible?
Is “an eye for an eye” meant to be taken literally? Was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge an apple? Did the Jews actually cross the Red Sea? We leap beyond a Hebrew School comprehension of the Bible, as we explore the deeper significance of its stories and their profound lessons for life.

Lesson 2
From Womb to Tomb
Why celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah? What’s with breaking glass under the wedding canopy? Peppered with astounding insights along the way, we’ll journey from birth through burial, infusing meaning and relevance into the customs and traditions of the Jewish life cycle.

Lesson 3
Angels, Blessings, and Evil Eyes
What is the evil eye? How does it work? Are we accompanied by guardian angels? Do they have wings? Join us as we enter the hidden world of the occult and investigate the fascinating interaction between matter and spirit.

Lesson 4
Foods and Feasts
Ever wondered what it is about Jews and food? What makes food kosher? Why is pork considered the quintessential non-kosher chow? With tasty surprises along the way, we’ll learn a thing or two about Jewish diet in this mouth-watering, eye-opening session.

Lesson 5
It’s All Hebrew to Me
From abracadabra to kippa and Yom Kippur, this lesson dives beyond semantics into the depths of Hebrew etymology. We’ll uncover insights into seemingly arbitrary Hebrew names, and discover words that offer perspective into the heart of key Jewish concepts.

Lesson 6
Myths, Misconceptions, and Urban Legends
Sometimes the truth can be stranger than fiction. Do Jews believe in Satan? Can a Jew convert out of the faith? Peering into a world of untold mystery, we’ll explore common Jewish myths rooted in non-Jewish beliefs, everything from the bizarre to the downright outrageous.