Judaism on One Foot

“We need transformative discussions to help navigate these turbulent times.”

In 2000, a group of passionate Jewish community members, including Steve Lear, established a Speakers Bureau at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. This initiative aimed to foster understanding and dialogue about Jewish life, history, and beliefs.

The Speakers Bureau still thrives today. With over 6,000 presentations delivered in 25 years, it has become one of the most prolific Speakers Bureaus in the nation, reaching schools, churches, community organizations, and neighborhood groups.

One of its cornerstone presentations is “Judaism on One Foot.” This engaging and enlightening talk provides audiences with a foundational understanding of the Jewish people—who they are, what they believe, and how they are similar to and distinct from other cultural and religious groups. In addition to this signature presentation, Steve offers an opportunity to participate in interfaith panels alongside Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and other faith communities, promoting understanding and tolerance.

Steve’s extensive presentation experience includes lively discussions with groups of all ages, from engaged seniors to inquisitive middle school students—and if you’ve ever faced a room full of 8th graders, you know they ask tough, thought-provoking questions!

When you’re looking for a dynamic speaker who can educate, inspire, and foster meaningful conversations, Steve Lear delivers with clarity, humor, and expertise.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Understand the Basics of Judaism – Explore Jewish beliefs, traditions, and identity.
  • Appreciate Interfaith Dialogue – Learn how the Speakers Bureau fosters religious and cultural understanding.
  • Promote Thoughtful Discussion – Ask questions and compare religious perspectives in an interactive setting.

FORMAT: 60 minutes

NOTE: Sponsors can choose to explore additional topics.

FEE: Please review our fee policy, explained on the SLO Services page.

“You are the expert in the room on the things you have dedicated your life to understanding and discussing…Good presentations leave you with the idea that you’d like more. Yesterday was a good presentation! I believe you are a valued resource, and I consider it a blessing to have learned from you.”

– Karl Wolfe (The Wesely Group)

 

“Thanks so much for joining our group Friday! The information and interaction were great…I thought it was a good mix of questions, comments, and answers throughout the discussion. A return visit would certainly be welcomed by our group…”

-Tom Wesely (The Wesely Group)

 

“Thank you so much for your insightful and thought-provoking presentation yesterday. I am truly grateful for all that you taught us! I look forward to working with you in the future as we find more opportunities to have you come back and continue to teach us at Crown of Glory.”

– Pastor Laura Laughlin (Crown of Glory Lutheran Church)

 

“Steve recently returned with a presentation about the Middle East and did a wonderful job! He is an outstanding speaker, and his content is excellent…He relates well to his audience and can answer their questions…We enjoyed him so much that we have scheduled him to come back a third time to tell us about his trip to Israel.”

– Marilyn Weldin (The Glenn in Hopkins)

 

“Thank you SO much for joining us last Friday to teach our students the art of having Courageous Conversations! It was the first of many Nosh & Knowledge sessions this semester, and you definitely set a high bar for the rest of them. Thank you for giving your time, expertise, and enthusiasm to help Hillel enrich the lives of Jewish students.

– Polly Lehman (Hillel)

 

“Thank you for speaking to our confirmation class last night. I think the class was expecting a more formal lecture, which is why I loved how you sat down, told stories (and a few jokes), inquired into their thoughts about God, religion, and the Jewish faith, and spoke of different ways to explore what they believe. In particular, I think your story about the babysitter and the many paths to the top of the mountain was a good umbrella for the class’s current study of different world religions – and their personal faith journeys. You made it less academic and more personal. Again, thank you for your insight and for sharing your faith with us. Peace.

– Dean Ammerman (Minnehaha United Methodist Church)

 

The delightfully positive comments continued today when people were still talking about your presentation yesterday. It was a joy to be the convener yesterday and visit with you a bit more personally. You were the perfect fit .

– Vernita at Incarnation Lutheran Church