The Basics of Jewish Life and Culture II

Course Info

In this course Rabbi Marcello Kormis introduces students to a broad array of foundational 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 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. 

In the Second part of the course Rabbi Kormis builds on his previous sessions and discuses customs and spirituality of various facets of Jewish life: births, weddings, death, mourning, eating, charitable giving and ethics. He even delves into Hasidism, Kabbalah and explains different branches of Judaism, topics that often relate to modern life. 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. You journey can begin here or you can start with "The Basics of Jewish Life and Culture I"

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.