In this Section:
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“About” …the founder and the purpose of this website
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“Express Pathways Introduction” ideas on how to get the most out of your learning experience
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“Express Pathways & Resources” recommendations to quicken your learning
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“Parting Thoughts on Hashem and you” A few ideas to ponder about Hashem and what it means to “connect” with Him.
About
The Gateway to Jewish Education, Est. 2026
Express Pathways Introduction
Section: CONSIDERATIONS: YOU!
- Have you considered your best learning style? Do you prefer to acquire information from a logical, intellectual, methodological approach, or are you motivated to connect with information that is more of a feelings/spiritual nature? If you know this prior to your learning journey, it will speed up your learning and at the same time make it more enjoyable for you. We haven’t classified our education by these definitions, but just want you to be aware that if you’re learning from an approach that isn’t working for you, to keep looking until you find the best approach for your pleasure.
- Second – choosing your mentor. Our sages and current educators will most likely advise you to take your learning journey with a friend or learning partner. It is preferred that you acquire an active learning partner and/or mentor that will help answer your questions, get to know you and foster your growth. Keep in mind that partners’ and mentors’ approach may be different than yours which you may find advantageous or, conversely, unproductive.
- Third – Inspiration/Motivation. What inspires you? The fact that you’ve already made it to this website likely indicates that something is already motivating you and your search. As a gift from Hashem, we provide you with hand picked resources in the GTJE Library in Aisles 1 and 2. Enjoy, and come back often.
- Fourth– Media. What is your media of choice? Reading from hard copy? Reading on-line? Audio? Video? Fortunately, in today’s world, we have choices though some methods can be converted easily to a method that more suits your fancy.
Jewish Education Express - Pathways
I. (THOUGHTS ON “THE WHY”)
>.. A Letter in the Scroll (Rabbi J. Sacks) A blended approach of history, meaning and purpose. 272 pages.
>.. If You Were G’d (R. A. Kaplan) A short Book projecting the reason of creation and the Jews (82 pages)
II. Essential Education (THE WHAT)
A.. JEWISH HISTORY
>.. Jewish History: A one page Summary PDF of Key Events in Jewish History (K. Spiro)
>.. One hour crash course video (Rabbi M. Skobac)
>.. Crash Course in Jewish History (K. Spiro): An in-depth exploration for those who want to view the Jewish Story and Hashem’s role in it. 509 pages
B.. JEWISH FUNDAMENTALS (choose one)
>.. Understanding Judaism (Rabbi M. Katz) 389 pages. This is an excellent, no-nonsense, easy to follow view of the Religion. I highly recommend it.
>.. Welcome to Judaism (Rabbi B. Golan) 279 pages. A pretty thorough “in’s and out’s” of Judaism and it’s daily and year-round practices. Lots of pictures.
>.. Judaism Unraveled (Rabbi G. Mandel) 268 pages. This book offers much less on the practices of Judaism and much more on the deeper understanding of “what makes Judaism so special?”
C. EXTENDED CURRICULUM.
When you’re ready to go beyond the basic overview and into a more comprehensive understanding, we recommend the Olami Morasha Syllabus. The OLAMI MORASHA SYLLABUS is a comprehensive course covering a wide range of important Jewish fundamentals. While it isn’t as brief as the other sources noted above, it is a solid educational resource that we highly recommend – especially with a teacher, friend and/or mentor.
CONNECTING…
Thoughts about personally connecting with Hashem
Our SOUL is the invisible connecting link we all have with Hashem, our Creator. Of course, each of us will need to define what that connection looks like and feels like. We provide a few sources to help you ponder that most important aspect of our life.
>.. Toward a Meaningful Life (S. Jacobson) Based on the teaching of “The Rebbe” (Schneersohn), this is a beautiful book that shows how to put into practice Judaism while connecting with Hashem on a daily basis.
Enjoyable videos:
>.. Rabbi Sacks has a short (2:39) inspiring video on Connecting with Hashem here
>.. From Rabbi Skobac (Jews for Judaism): 5 Ways to Have a Personal Relationship with God (47:08)
>.. GPS for the Soul, a short discussion with Rivka Malka Perlman (6:23)

