AUBURN – Temple Shalom Synagogue is offering courses this summer in basic Judaism from both Jewish and Christian perspectives.

“Judaism 101(J): A (Re)Introduction to Judaism” is for Jews who want to re-start their Jewish education, or for non-Jews who might be thinking of conversion.

Other non-Jews who are curious about Judaism are welcome, but they may prefer to take a different course specifically designed for them. The class will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on four Tuesday evenings, June 6 through June 27.

“Judaism 101(C): Introduction to Judaism From a Christian Perspective” is for Christians who are curious about Judaism and the Jewish origins of their own faith. Topics will include the Judaism of Jesus; a comparison of Jewish and Christian meanings of terms such as messiah, resurrection and sin; and how relations between the two faith communities are evolving. The class will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on four Tuesday evenings, July 11 through Aug. 1.

“Judaism 110: What Judaism Says About …” is open to everyone. Topics are to be determined. Possibilities include Jewish views on abortion, stem-cell research, homosexuality, God, what happens after death, war and peace, the environment. Judaism 110 will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on four Tuesday evenings, Aug. 8 through Aug. 29.

There is a $25 fee for nonmembers of Temple Shalom. All students of the classes will need the book “To Life!” by Harold Kushner, which is available from the Temple Shalom office.

Classes will be at Temple Shalom, 74 Bradman St., taught by Rabbi Hillel Katzir. To register or for more information, phone Temple Shalom at 786-4201.

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