Wanaque. Passaic County enjoys a Zoom JLI course from the comfort of home

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m., Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Wanaque will be offering via Zoom a new six-session course from the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), titled Secrets of the Bible: Iconic Stories, Mystical Meanings, and Their Lessons for Life.

“Over the years, our JLI courses have grown in popularity,” said Rabbi Mendy Gurkov, the local JLI instructor in Wanaque. “This is not surprising, considering that we explore both ancient and modern Torah texts in a way that makes them highly relevant and useful to personal issues and to contemporary society.”

“Now that the pandemic is preventing so many individuals from attending regular in-person classes, we are offering all members of our community an opportunity to experience a JLI course from the comfort of their own living room.”

The newest course, Secrets of the Bible, presents an entirely fresh way of reading iconic biblical tales, discussing Adam and Eve with the Tree of Knowledge, Noah and the Great Flood, the feud between Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his multicolored coat, the Golden Calf, and Korah’s rebellion. With each of these stories, Secrets of the Bible seeks to answer the following questions: What is the deeper message behind the story? How does it shape the Jewish worldview? What practical wisdom does it offer us today?

Like all JLI programs, the course is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. The course is open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue or temple.

“During these difficult times, now more than ever, the teachings of the Torah is a lifeline for so many, helping them cope with the practical and emotional turmoil caused by the pandemic.” said Rabbi Mendy Gurkov. “We hope that people the world over take advantage of this opportunity to experience authentic, rigorous Torah study without the need to leave their homes.”

Essentials

Interested students may call 201-696-7609 or visit www.JewishHighlands.org for registration and for other course-related information.