Miller Introduction to Judaism Program

Los Angeles, United States

5

20 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 310-440-1273
Website:
intro.aju.edu
Address:
American Jewish University 15600 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA, 90077
Bel Air
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.9 miMetro
2 miMetro 150/240
2.1 miMetro 158 236/237
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Today

Today –
Local time (Los Angeles) 20:43 Sunday, 29 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

The Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at American Jewish University is the nation’s pre-​eminent center for welcoming and empowering those seeking conversion to Judaism and all others who wish to learn more and find a home in the Jewish community.

Our interactive, exciting courses explore Jewish history, practice, texts, and culture and are designed for anyone who seeks to live a richer Jewish life, including those contemplating conversion to Judaism. Classes are joined with beautiful Shabbat retreats, supportive discussion groups, individualized Hebrew reading instruction, and a vibrant «INTRO 2.0» alumni community that provides countless opportunities to explore Judaism beyond the classroom.

We believe that Judaism has the power to transform lives, offer meaning, create community, and maybe even help save the world. Join us for an in-​depth introduction to Judaism that will open your mind, heart, and soul.

Your journey begins here.

History

Established in 1986.

Since 1986, the Louis and Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at American Jewish University has taught more than ten thousand students in Southern California and helped nearly 4,000 people convert to Judaism (that’s 400 minyans-​worth!).

Meet the Manager

Rabbi Adam G.

Manager

Rabbi Adam Greenwald is the Director of the Louis & Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at American Jewish University, the largest preparatory program for those considering conversion to Judaism in North America. He also serves as a Lecturer in the AJU’s Graduate School of Education. In 2014, Rabbi Greenwald was named one of «America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis» by the Jewish Daily Forward.

Rabbi Greenwald previously served as Revson Rabbinic Fellow at IKAR, a Los Angeles congregation often recognized as one of today’s most innovative spiritual communities. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post and the Jewish Journal, and as well as many online publications.

Rabbi Greenwald is a graduate of UCLA with a B.A. in History and received his Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Ordination at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2011.

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20 reviews of Miller Introduction to Judaism Program

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
The Intro To Judaism Program Course is an excellent program for anyone from just exploring Judaism, on the path to conversion, or just getting back to their roots! The class, led by Rabbi Adam, was engaging and informative targeting many and important topics. I really looked forward to attending class every Sunday and was disappointed when it was over.
I could not imagine the class taught by anyone else but Rabbi Adam, and I say this because when there was the rare occasion of a sub, the energy in the room was gone. Remember back in school when you were so excited for a substitute or class was cancelled? Well it was the opposite feeling when having to take the class when Rabbi Adam was not available, we were bummed he wasn’t teaching that day.
If you are thinking about converting, wanting a refresher course, or just exploring, I highly recommend enrolling now!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I went from dreading the idea of attending Hebrew School again to absolutely falling in love with the course. It was my wife’s idea to go. She was looking into converting and signed us up for the course. I went with her to support. And boy was I surprised. I went from not wanting to go, to looking forward to class each week. Rabbi Adam is so passionate and an amazing teacher. He presented the material in a way that I could finally understand and appreciate. We also attended some Shabbaton events which were amazing and fun experiences. If you are looking to convert or simply looking to further understand Judaism in a way that just makes sense to anyone, then I highly recommend taking this course!
Place rating: 5
Canoga Park, CA
My girlfriend (born Jewish) and I (converting) recently finished the final class of our eighteen week Introduction to Judaism Program and there’s now an inordinate void on Sunday mornings!
I wanted to learn more about Judaism before committing to my consideration of conversion. After speaking with the Director of Education from Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel; Rabbi Liat Yardeni-​Funk recommended this course at AJU.
Rabbi Adam Greenwald has put together an amazing, well rounded curriculum which he orchestrates masterfully with his balanced and nuanced perspective. We had a large class that encompassed many wonderful people from all walks of life that gained something great from our collective experience. I’m grateful to be a part of this newly discovered community and look forward to future endeavors together.
I particularly enjoyed learning to read Hebrew with the book ‘Aleph Isn’t Tough’ by Rabbi Linda Motzkin. We plan to continue our experience by registering for ‘Hebrew Siddur Reading — Beginners 1′ at AJU.
Thank you all for this lifelong memory!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
The class was more than I could ever have expected. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. First, the teacher can make or break a class — and Rabbi Adam was amazing, or better than amazing (yes, it is possible) — he really connected with the class, was open to discussion anytime. I looked forward to going every Sunday to learn and discuss with him. In addition, the class dynamic creates a fun yet intimate experience. I’ve learned about the history, tradition, culture, and the people of Judaism while making friendships with other’s that have the same interests as I. It has also been a bonding experience for my boyfriend and I. He, being raised in a modern orthodox/​conservative Jewish home, loved going to the class as well and enjoyed the creative discussion looking deeper, in an adult perspective, into Judaism and the history behind religion.
I absolutely recommend this experience, it was really amazing!!!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Intro to Judaism taught by Rabbi Adam Greenwald will change you for the better. Whether you were born jewish or dabbling with the idea of converting, this class will have a profound and positive ripple effect on your life. I finished my last class today and am already going through withdrawals.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
A more thoughtful and heartfelt introduction to Judaism is not possible. Rabbi Adam Greenwald will restore your faith in humanity.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
This intro class to Judaism is as good as it gets. Rabbi Greenwald is the kind of teacher you don’t forget– his passion, intellect and thoughtfulness is deeply rooted in his teachings and evident in his classes. The curriculum is both well thought out and contemporary, never aiming to just «instruct» but instead providing a starting point for discussion and participation. As someone who is going through the conversion process, Rabbi Greenwald has really thought of everything including a very meaningful support group session and a whole class dedicated to leading a Jewish life with your partner and family which was very helpful to me as I go through the conversion process. In addition, having such an incredibly diverse and supportive group of classmates made this experience that much more special. And yes, there will be good food and wine. Lots of it.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I highly recommend Rabbi Adam Greenwald’s Intro to Judaism program whether converting to Judaism or looking to learn more about the religion. Rabbi Adam is an insightful teacher dedicated to his students. He brings a wide perspective and personal stories to each class. The program touches on high level ideas, but the class itself allows for deep discussions on the various topics. Mostly made up of couples and individuals in their 20s to 30s, it’s a great way to meet other people and get involved in a community.
Place rating: 5
Glendale, CA
Rabbi Adam Greenwald was a great teacher. He made class interesting and fun and is very motivating. I’m definitely taking more classes with him.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
It doesn’t really matter how you arrived at this page. Maybe your significant other is saying you need to take this class or take a hike. Maybe you want to rekindle the flame between you and your religion, which of course you already know everything about, but just want to take this class to make sure that the Rabbi knows everything too. Maybe one parent celebrates Christmas, the other celebrates Hanukkah, and you paid attention long enough in math class to realize that 8 — 1 = 7 more days of gifts. Maybe you recently moved to LA and are searching for a way to make home feel less than 3000 miles away. Or maybe you were just looking for a nearby store that has good prices on ‘Miller Lite’, but Unilocal auto-​corrected you to ‘Miller Introduction to Judaism Program’.
Whatever the reason, what’s important is that you now know of this program and its existence. You’re 95% on your way to an absolutely amazing journey and experience that will have a hugely positive impact on your life. Forevs.
Make smart decisions, folks.
Don’t do drugs.
Don’t start wildfires.

Take this class.
Couldn’t be more grateful to Rabbi Greenwald and this program. Love you guys.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
It’s not a fluke, people. There’s a reason this program has only 5-​star ratings: it’s that good. While it’s typical to find the class peppered with interfaith couples, one of whom is in the process of converting, I represent another demographic: the secular Jew who wanted to reconnect with his culture and identity.
Did I ever pick the right program! It provided me with explanations and meanings about rituals I had mindlessly performed as a child. But more than anything, it reinvigorated my enthusiasm for being a Jew and strengthened my already growing sense of Jewish identity.
And everything the other reviews are saying about Adam Greenwald is spot-​on: he is a born teacher. A great story-​teller, passionate about his subject, knowledgable, entertaining, and impactful.
I can’t imagine a better introduction to Judaism than this course, so if you’re someone new to it (converting, or just interested in expanding your education), this is as good as it gets. And if you are already Jewish but seeking to revitalize, then welcome home.
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
Being very interested in conversion, yet knowing nothing about Jewish life, each class at the Miller Introduction to Judaism course was eloquently tailored to cover an array of topics. Both born Jews and anticipated converts were engaged and active through-​out the lessons. Don’t fret, you’re not bound to a seat and a book, the course is very hands on, with outside the classroom requirements.
Recently relocated to the area from New York, the extracurricular activities have given me the opportunity to gain great new friends and feel at home in Los Angeles. As well as finding the perfect new congregation at Sinai Temple.
Sunday at 10am seems as though it would be hard to commit to, but when your instructor is as motivated and comical as Rabbi Greenwald, Brunch can wait until 2pm! My experience in the Miller Judaism Program was remarkable and highly suggested.
Place rating: 5
West Hills, CA
Jewish– If you are, if you want to be, if you know someone who is, or if you are just simply looking to learn something new, this program is AMAZING! I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Rabbi Adam Greenwald’s Intro to Judaism course is, in a word, incredible.
I can’t recommend this class enough. As a lifelong Jew I really enjoyed reconnecting to my heritage and diving deep into concepts I only briefly learned about back in Hebrew school.
There are a fair amount of couples in which one person is converting, and while the class is fantastic for that situation, it’s really perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about Judaism.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
This program was incredibly meaningful to my fiancée (who is converting) and myself (who comes from a Jewish background). Rabbi Adam Greenwald and the other AJU team involved successfully convey the incredible complexities of being Jewish (from history to God to food to sex to the Shoah) in a way which allowed my wife-​to-​be to understand my cultural background and provided meaningful food for thought as we begin building our home together.
As someone who imagines himself a ‘secular Jew’, I found the program incredibly even handed in describing differences in denominations and approaches to being Jewish in a way which allows participants to find their own path. To me, this made it more effective in kindling a desire to live a Jewish life and participate in the Jewish community.
In short, I would highly recommend the Miller program to anyone interested in becoming Jewish or simply learn about one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
When I finally decided to get serious about converting to Judaism, after eleven years of talk, I consulted with my partner’s life-​long Rabbi, who suggested I look into the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program. I groaned at the idea of taking a class, complained about having to schlep «over the hill» on a Sunday morning, and worried that I’d be wasting a lot of time and money on a class that wouldn’t teach me anything new. Boy, was I wrong!
Room 225 at the American Jewish University quickly became a place of warmth, openness and learning as we gathered every Sunday morning with Rabbi Adam Greenwald to delve into a variety of topics — keeping kosher/​kashrut, basic Hebrew reading, Israel, Torah and more. I went in thinking I knew it all, and left realizing how little I know, but with a thirst and yearning to learn more.
Rabbi Adam Greenwald was not only a wonderful teacher, but also an incredible supporter as my conversion journey continued. He always responded to emails and phone calls in a timely manner, and made time in his busy schedule to meet with me when I was doubting whether or not I was ready to take the plunge. He is truly committed to his students and to helping the program flourish. Whether you’re a born Jew who missed some key points during Hebrew school, or a soon-​to-​be Jew, you’ll come out on the other end of the 18-​week course with a new understanding and appreciation for what it means to be Jewish.
Place rating: 5
Westwood, Los Angeles, CA
My fiancé and I love this program so much! This has become our Sunday routine and we are just so happy to walk away from the class every Sunday with something inspiring. I’m planning to convert in the future and it is good to be exposed with a well structured program beforehand and a bunch of really great classmates who supports me along each step; my fiancé is Jewish (we consider him as very knowledgable!), but there is always something new out there for him to explore. All in all, highly recommended!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I took this because my girlfriend is thinking about converting and wanted didn’t want her to go alone. In fact was happened was that I completely rediscover my Jewish roots, and understood how much amazing history, philosophy and intellectual exploration is involved in the Jewish foundation.
While I’m not overly spiritual, I really felt like I’m finding my home there and loved every minute of it.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
If you are looking to explore your Jewish roots, take this class. If you are looking to convert, take this class. If you are just looking for validation that the world is indeed a beautiful place graced with exceptional people, take this class.
Participating in the Miller Introduction to Judaism program is a life-​altering experience. Under the tutelage of the indomitable (yet humble) Rabbi Adam Greenwald, this is a class guaranteed to enlighten and enrich, and leave one striving to be a better person.
Rabbi Adam is the perfect teacher. He approaches each lecture with dedication and passion, a deep-​seated love for all that he teaches. One cannot but get swept along by his enthusiasm. Be it a discussion of Kosher law, or an eye-​opening conversation about sex, this course expands ones understanding of Jewish tradition, gives insight into who we are as human beings, and imbues you with a sense of hope and trust in humanity.
Rabbi Adam’s ability to synthesize the complicated ins-​and-​outs of Jewish history, life, and worldview is second to none. In the span of each three-​hour class Rabbi Adam is adeptly able to explain complex issues with surprising clarity, making the material accessible to anyone and everyone. He is intuitive and takes a direct interest in each individual. His approach is intimate, to the point where you know he is talking directly to you even though there may be 20 other people in the room.
My wife and I took the class once we found out we were expecting our first child. Over the course of several months, Sunday mornings became sacrosanct. Our classes became a place for us to touch base with each other whilst focusing on the momentous change that was happening in our lives. The classes enabled us to discover a newfound identity as parents and give us a foundation for how we would approach raising our daughter.
We cannot thank Rabbi Adam enough for his guidance and support. He has played a very special role in our lives, for which we are eternally grateful.
Place rating: 5
Beverly Hills, CA
The Miller Introduction to Judaism program — specifically Rabbi Adam Greenwald — was recommended to my girlfriend when she decided to pursue her conversion to Judaism. I, a born-​and-​bred ex-​yeshiva boy, was curious as to what this class entailed, and joined her in attending. Was it going to be an intense learning experience, or some laid back «Jew-​ish» class?
I was absolutely blown away by Rabbi Greenwald and this program, to the point where I attended double classes (I loved the conversation and debates the topics inspired). Intro offers everything: in-​depth learning, Hebrew language skills, and modern and comprehensive perspectives on all things Jewish. Everything is covered: Torah, the Medieval period, modern day Israel, and so much more.
I offer both this program and Rabbi Greenwald my highest recommendation. If you or your friend/​significant other are interested in learning more about Judaism or intend to convert, please sign up for this program. You won’t regret it.