Come explore Judaism as a religion, as a communal identity, and as a cultural influence on contemporary society.  This course considers the variety of answers to the question “Who is a Jew?” and looks at the way Jewish values and culture inform the lives of both religious and non-religious Jews.  Learn about Jewish holidays, from the joy of Simchat Torah and Passover to the solemnity of Yom Kippur and Tisha B’ Av.  Find out the difference between different branches of Judaism and look at some texts Jews and Christians have in common.  Jewish contributions to literature, comedy, film, and science will be considered in the light of Jewish culture and history.  Every class will include a Jewish joke and some discussion of what makes Jewish humor Jewish.