Or Chadash

Or Chadash (meaning "new light"), are weekly classes that aim to give students a strong foundation of Jewish knowledge. These classes are open to all members of the synagogue community who wish to deepen their understanding of Judaism, as well as being a requirement for those who wish to explore conversion to Judaism or confirmation of Jewish status. 

• Core Class: Term times on Wednesdays, 6:45–8:00pm, Our Jewish Studies class is a one year course which covers the Jewish lifecycle, the festival cycle, Jewish history, and of course, a familiarising and appreciation of our prayer book and Torah. It is a vibrant and inclusive group and is warm and welcoming to new members with sessions taught by Rabbi Kamila, our Director of Community and Adult Education, Yael Roberts,  as well as interim Rabbi Zahavit Shalev.  We have a great lineup of guest teachers as well. 

Many students at Or Chadash are also wishing to improve their Hebrew knowledge - with one term being required for those who wish to explore conversion to Judaism or confirmation of Jewish status. We are proud to offer two options for students to join:

Weekly Hebrew in person: Wednesdays, 6:00–6:45pm – in person only and taught by Daniela Rotbande, Head of Youth Education
Weekly Hebrew online: Tuesdays, 8:00 - 8:45pm - online only and taught by Daniela

To find out if we are the right fit for you, we invite you to try a class for yourself. To try out a class, please register here. We will follow up with a request for payment after you attend three sessions. Please find more information about the fees below. As a note, as per our security policies, we ask all first-time visitors to complete our short Visitor Information Form in as much detail as possible. You will need ID to complete the form, and when coming to the building.

Anyone attending for more than three sessions, alongside signing up to the course, must complete friendship and join the community. If you are attending with a Jewish partner, we ask them to join as members of the community as well.

Contact Info

Daniela Rotbande, Head of Youth Education - for questions about the Or Chadash course or Hebrew learning in general
Julieta Kunik, Lifecycle and Services Coordinator - for questions about the Conversion process

Programme Fee: £390
Candidates may attend up to 3 sessions free before deciding. 
From the fourth class, Friendship/Membership and programme fees apply. 

To try out a class, please register here. We will follow up with a request for payment after you attend three sessions