An Orthodox synagogue is offering $150 to young Jewish adults to take classes about Judaism.
The money was promised to nine students who signed up for Lake Park Synagogue’s “Learn, Earn and Lead” program if they attend five Friday night sessions.
The program includes the regular Shabbat, or Sabbath, service in the sanctuary, a dinner and a guest speaker on topics like spirituality in the Sabbath observance, meaningful Jewish prayer, atheism and what happens after death.
Offering money to attend religious education or services is part of a trend, in which Orthodox Jewish religious leaders and educators liken the payments to scholarships. They are striving to deepen knowledge, answer questions, explore issues and counter the loss of religious and cultural identity that causes young Jewish adults to assimilate into the general culture.
Applicants are interviewed to screen out those who are interested only in getting paid.
