Rabbi Jack Shlachter.
Photo by Thomas Graves Photography

By MARLENE WILDEN
Los Alamos

In the tradition of great Jewish sages like Rabbi Hillel, who famously distilled the essence of Jewish teachings into a single, powerful sentence, Rabbi Jack Shlachter is inviting adults to explore the rich tapestry of Judaism in a new three-part class, Standing on One Foot: A Three-Part Refresher/Intro to Adult Judaism.

This engaging series promises to be an insightful and inclusive journey for those looking to reconnect with their Jewish heritage, whether they are novices or have drifted away from their roots.

I sat down with Rabbi Jack to learn more about this upcoming series, how it resonates with both new and returning Jews, and what participants can expect from these sessions.

Q: Rabbi Shlachter, can you start by telling us the story behind the title of the course, Standing on One Foot?

Rabbi Jack: Absolutely. The title comes from a famous Talmudic story about Rabbi Hillel, a great and kindly sage of Babylonian Judaism. A non-Jew approached him and asked, “Teach me the entire Torah while standing on one foot,” essentially wanting a simple, succinct answer to what Judaism is all about. Hillel responded with a profound yet simple statement: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is all; the rest is commentary.” He then encouraged the man to study the rest.

This story captures the essence of Judaism in its simplicity—treat others with kindness and respect—and the idea that the rest of the teachings build upon that core. In this series, we’ll aim to provide that foundational understanding of Judaism in a way that’s accessible, whether you’re just beginning or returning to Jewish practice.

Q: Who is this class for, and what are some of the common misconceptions people have about Judaism that you hope to address?

Rabbi Jack: This class is for adults who have some Jewish connection, perhaps through a child or grandchild who is now Jewish.  It’s also for those who had some Jewish education early in life, but maybe their knowledge is rusty—or perhaps they never learned much about Judaism in the first place. It’s also for those who may have distanced themselves from Judaism because of negative past experiences or misconceptions about Judaism.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hope to address is the idea that Judaism is a rigid, dogmatic religion. In fact, Judaism is often more about practice, discussion, and living ethical lives than about subscribing to fixed dogma. Many people think they need to “believe” in a certain way to be Jewish, but Judaism’s approach to belief is often more nuanced and personal. Through this class, we’ll explore these topics, including the role of God, ritual, and how we can live a Jewish life in modern times.

Q: The course is divided into three sessions—can you give us a brief overview of what each one will cover?

Rabbi Jack: Sure! The series is loosely structured around the “what,” “how,” and “why” of Judaism: 

• Session One: The “What” of Judaism – We’ll explore the very basics: What is Judaism? What are its core teachings? Is it even a religion? Is it more of a culture, a way of life? We’ll tackle some of these big questions and discuss the essence of being Jewish in today’s world.
• Session Two: The “How” of Judaism – This session will focus on the practical aspects of Jewish life: How do we observe holidays, keep kosher, and engage with Jewish rituals? We’ll dive into practices that connect us to Jewish tradition and discuss their relevance (or irrelevance) in the modern world.
• Session Three: The “Why” of Judaism – The final session will address the more philosophical question: Why be Jewish? What does it mean to live a Jewish life today, and why is Jewish tradition still relevant? This will be an opportunity for deep reflection and discussion about the spiritual and ethical dimensions of Judaism.

Throughout all three sessions, there will be ample opportunity for questions, discussion, and a real exchange of ideas. I want the class to feel like a safe, open space where participants can engage deeply without fear of judgment.

Q: It sounds like a great opportunity for people to rediscover their Jewish roots. What can participants expect in terms of atmosphere?

Rabbi Jack: One of the most important aspects of the series is the community we’re creating. Each evening will begin with a relaxed social hour, where we’ll enjoy refreshments and even learn a few amusing Yiddish phrases along the way. This is an opportunity to just connect, share stories, and meet others with similar interests.

After that, we’ll have a more formal discussion, but I really want it to feel conversational. I want people to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Judaism is a conversation that’s been going on for thousands of years, and I think it’s important for participants to see themselves as part of that ongoing dialogue.

Q: This class is offered free of charge. Why did you decide to make it accessible to everyone?

Rabbi Jack: I believe that knowledge should be accessible to everyone, especially when it comes to something as important as our cultural and spiritual heritage. Many people feel disconnected from Judaism for a variety of reasons—whether it’s theological doubts, historical trauma, generational differences (assimilation), or just not knowing where to start. By offering this class for free, I hope to remove some of those obstacles and create a welcoming space for people to come and learn without any financial pressure.

Q: What do you hope participants will take away from this series?

Rabbi Jack: Ultimately, I hope people leave the series with a greater sense of connection to their Jewish heritage. Whether they are looking to engage with Judaism more deeply or just understand it better, I want participants to feel empowered to explore Jewish ideas and practices in a way that makes sense for them. If they leave with a better understanding of the history of the Jewish people and the basics to our beliefs, and feel comfortable discussing these ideas with others, then I’ll consider it a success.

Q: Any final thoughts on why people should sign up for this series?

Rabbi Jack: Judaism has a rich, deep history, and it’s not always easy to access in the modern world. But this class provides an accessible entry point for people who are curious or seeking to reconnect. It’s a chance to ask questions, explore Jewish teachings in a friendly environment, and maybe even rediscover a part of themselves they thought was lost. Whether you’re an adult who never learned much about Judaism or someone looking to reconnect, this is a welcoming space for you.

The Standing on One Foot series will take place on consecutive Monday evenings—June 9, 16, and 23—at the Mesa Public Library in Los Alamos, with refreshments at 5:30 p.m. and discussions 6-7:30 p.m.

Registration link: lajc.org/event-list
For more details: contact Rabbi Jack Shlachter at physicsrabbi@gmail.com

So, if you’ve ever wondered about the “what, how, and why” of Judaism, here’s your chance to take that first step—without the need to balance on one foot!