For half a century, Aish’s (formerly known as Aish HaTorah) Essentials program has been at the forefront of Jewish outreach and education, touching the lives of countless individuals seeking to deepen their connection to Judaism. The program is held at the institution’s main campus in the Old City of Jerusalem just opposite the Western Wall. Under the stewardship of Rabbi Stuart Schwartz since 1998, it has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of modern Jewish seekers while staying true to its core mission of making Jewish wisdom accessible and relevant to all.
Origins and Evolution
Essentials traces its roots back to the early days of Aish, founded in 1974 by Rabbi Noah Weinberg. Schwartz explains the program’s genesis: “Rabbi Weinberg was working out a curriculum that would introduce Judaism to beginners. He was building it for adults who are sophisticated in every other field except for Judaism, and this was in the 1960s.”
This innovative approach led to the development of classes such as “The 48 Ways to Wisdom” and “Evidence of the Almighty’s Existence,” designed to engage intellectually curious adults with limited Jewish education. The program’s name evolved from “Beginners” to “Essentials” in the late 1980s reflecting a desire to move away from the potentially off-putting term “beginner.”
Schwartz recalls, “We didn’t think that ‘Beginners’ was a good name for it, and one of the people who was in charge of the program back then, Rabbi Gershon Unger, changed the name to Essentials.”
Multi-Faceted Approach
Over the years, Essentials has served multiple purposes, each contributing to its enduring impact. According to Schwartz, the program has maintained three primary goals throughout its history. The first of these goals is to teach the basics of Judaism to those who are seeking knowledge. The Essentials program offers a comprehensive introduction to Jewish thought and practice for students above the age of 18, and the classes are tailored for those with limited background knowledge.
The second goal is to train future educators. Schwartz explained, “One of the goals of Essentials is to give students and budding educators the opportunity to have experience teaching in a formal setting so that they can hone their own skills. In addition to our top-level educators in the program, we often have younger enthusiastic student-teachers giving over some of the introductory courses. This allows them to develop their own style as educators and gain experience in answering some tough questions from those who come to take the class.”
The third main goal of the program is to instill a sense of responsibility in the teachers and participants alike. “This is perhaps the most important goal of the project,” he said. “Essentials aims to inspire action and commitment to the Jewish people. Judaism demands that you’re involved with the Jewish people and instilling that concept and fighting apathy for the plight of one’s fellow man, is a big part of the education. Another aspect of taking responsibility is to help make the world a better place for everyone, which is the Jewish concept of tikkun olam. That is the call to action of the project.”
In the five decades that Essentials has been functioning, this multi-faceted approach has inspired many participants to engage in various forms of community service, charitable work and Jewish outreach. “There’s a lot of people that heard the message and started numerous projects and organizations of all different kinds, aimed at helping the world,” Schwartz says.
Adapting to Changing Times
The program’s format has changed significantly over time, reflecting shifts in demographics and societal trends. Once a three-month immersive experience with multiple daily classes, Essentials now operates five days a week, Sunday through Thursday, with one-hour-long classes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a drop-in basis.
Schwartz explained the reason behind the evolution: “Back then, it was a different generation. When people came to Israel, many were searching for a spiritual connection and they stayed for some time as travel was slow. The curriculum then was more drawn out and the students went through all the 48 Ways and one parshah per day, for three months.”
Today’s streamlined schedule caters to a diverse audience, including tourists, parents visiting children who are studying in Israel, students in other study programs, and individuals exploring Judaism without committing to a full-time yeshivah program. “Now, we don’t have any dorms,” he says. “We cater to people who are in Israel for a much shorter time and are looking to find some connection to spirituality but on a tighter schedule. That’s the way it’s been for the last four or five years.”
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent conflicts in Israel have presented additional challenges, forcing the program to adapt once again. “We were closed for about two years during COVID. It was due to that reason that the Essentials program was no longer seen as an entrance-level program for the larger yeshivah. The Foundations program took on that role,” Schwartz says, referring to a separate program that now serves as the gateway to more intensive yeshiva study.
Approach and Philosophy
Despite these changes, Essentials maintains its commitment to presenting Judaism in a relevant, meaningful way. Schwartz emphasizes the program’s distinctive approach: “We still have a very unique approach that focuses on being non-judgmental, dealing with the big, important issues facing Judaism, and an attitude that Judaism is also supposed to be the example for the outside world while being involved in current events.”
This philosophy is reflected in the choice of instructors and the topics covered. “The teachers we use are interesting, well-rounded people, each of whom embarked on their own spiritual journey and path to discover a stronger relationship with God,” Schwartz explains.
“The program aims to demonstrate how Judaism can be a beacon for the wider world,” he continues. “We address current events and universal human concerns. The educators stress the importance of joy, love and personal growth in Jewish life, making ancient wisdom relevant to modern challenges.”
Impact and Legacy
While exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, the impact of Essentials over its 50-year history is undeniable. Thousands of participants have passed through its doors, many going on to become more involved in Jewish life and community leadership.
Schwartz, who himself began studying at Aish via the Essentials program in 1984, reflected on the program’s enduring appeal: “Many of our students have become leaders in their own right, creating or participating in many other educational initiatives,” he says, referring to, among others, Honest Reporting, Hasbara Fellowships and JewishUnpacked.com.
The program’s influence also extends beyond individual participants. By training future educators and inspiring community involvement, it has created a ripple effect, touching countless lives indirectly through its alumni.
Looking to the Future
As Aish Essentials marks its golden anniversary, its director remains focused on expanding its reach and impact. When asked about his vision for the program’s future, Schwartz shares, “It is my hope that we continue to inspire, empower and engage all Jews to further their Jewish journey and embrace their Jewish and personal growth while being a part of the larger destiny of the Jewish people.”
CEO of Aish Rabbi Steven Burg adds, “There are many young Jews who are on campuses all over North America who are simply lost and don’t know the value of Judaism and what it means to be Jewish. The Essentials program is uniquely capable of helping us educate this generation of young Jews who are searching for a spiritual connection with their heritage and with God. Someone needs to show them the way, and that is what Essentials is designed to do.
“By continually adapting to meet the needs of each new generation while remaining true to its core principles,” he continues, “Aish Essentials continues to play a vital role in strengthening Jewish identity and commitment in an ever-changing world one student at a time.”
