BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:icalendar-ruby CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260928T102605Z UID:76-574@seekthepath.org DTSTART:20261111T000000Z DTEND:20261111T010000Z CLASS:PUBLIC CREATED:20260921T085527 DESCRIPTION:This is a virtual offering.\nWhat do Jews believe? How is Judai sm practiced today? And what are some of the most common misconceptions ab out Jewish life and tradition?\nThis three-session introductory course led by Andrea Gorton offers a welcoming exploration of Judaism through the le ns of understanding rather than stereotypes. Participants will gain a basi c familiarity with Jewish beliefs\, practices\, values\, and community lif e. No prior knowledge is required.\nJoin us virtually November 2\, 10\, an d 16 at 6 pm.\nSession 1 (November 2): Dispelling Myths about Judaism\nExp lore common misunderstandings and stereotypes about Jews and Judaism. Lear n about Jewish identity\, core beliefs\, and sacred texts.\n\n\n\nSession 2 (November 10): Sabbath &\; Holidays\nDiscover the rhythms of Jewish t ime through the weekly Sabbath and major holidays. Learn how rituals\, cel ebrations\, and traditions help shape Jewish spiritual and family life thr oughout the year.\n\n\n\nSession 3 (November 16): Community &\; Life Ev ents\nExamine the role of community in Judaism and explore life-cycle even ts from birth through adulthood\, marriage\, and mourning. Learn how Jewis h traditions mark important milestones and foster a sense of belonging acr oss generations.\n\n\n\nAbout the Facilitator:\n\n\n\n\nAndrea Gorton was born and raised in St. Paul\, MN in an ELCA family\, where she was active in her local you th group. During her study of anthropology at the University of Puget Soun d (Tacoma\, WA)\, she discovered her love of international travel. Upon gr aduation\, she worked in Public Health Awareness in a rural community of G uyana\, South America as a Peace Corps volunteer.  \n \nShe joined the US State Department in 2016. Andrea and her spouse\, Jacob\, have served a s American Diplomats in New Delhi\, India\; Accra\, Ghana\; Guangzhou\, Ch ina\; Tel Aviv\, Israel\; and are currently living and working in Shanghai \, China. They are joined by their three daughters\, Evelia (9)\, Malala ( 6)\, and Millie (4).\n \n\nThroughout their tours in Delhi\, Accra\, and Guangzhou\, Andrea and her family regularly attended Christian services. H owever\, when studying Hebrew they felt compelled to explore Judaism. Sinc e that time\, they have completed a reform Jewish conversion\, and are nea rly finished with a two year orthodox conversion.\n\n LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T085527 LOCATION: SUMMARY:Beyond Stereotypes URL;VALUE=URI:https://seekthepath.org/events/beyond-stereotypes/2026-11-10 ATTACH;FILENAME=challah-four-strand-braid-straight-candles.jpg;FMTTYPE=imag e/jpeg:https://dq5pwpg1q8ru0.cloudfront.net/2026/06/09/20/56/31/4cdfe049-0 c03-403f-ac55-247f9affede9/challah-four-strand-braid-straight-candles.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR