The Basics of Jewish Life and Culture I

Course Info

In this course Rabbi Marcello Kormis introduces students to a broad array of historically-established cultural and religious life-ways that guide and organize the lives of many Jews around the world. He delves into various traditions and customs, some key details of religious practices, but generally stays close to the surface to provide students a broadest possible overview in a compact manner. This course is perfect for Jews and non-Jews alike, and for anyone who wishes to gain better insights into Jewish life and culture. Rabbi Kormis assumes that his students are at different staring points, but have some level of familiarity with biblical texts so he often focuses on what he believes his listeners may not know. 

The first part of this course opens with broad questions and invites students to explore what is Judaism, how Jewish calendar works and then moves on to touchstones of traditional Jewish life, holidays and observances. Rabbi Kormis guides students through Synagogue architecture, most common Jewish symbols, sacred objects and as he broaches foundational ideas expressed in Jewish festival, fasts and celebrations. Many students who delve into fundamentals of Judaism often walk away with a deeper appreciation of their own faith and culture as they see parallels with what they learn in class and their own life values. Are you ready to gain a firmer grasp on core values expressed in Jewish life and culture? You journey can begin here. 

About Author

Rabbi Marcelo Kormis

Lecturer in Jewish Studies

Rabbi Marcelo Kormis, originally from Santiago, Chile, was ordained in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Jewish Philosophy from the University of Haifa, Israel, and a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. In Chile, Rabbi Kormis headed up the Judaic Studies at the Instituto Hebreo, the main Jewish day school, as well as served as a congregational Rabbi in Santiago. He also spent time living in the United States, serving in one of the synagogues in Connecticut and as a University Chaplain at Sacred Heart University. Rabbi Marcello is passionate about education, and besides his other teaching posts, he lectures online with the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, a sister institution of the Israel Bible Center.