PAST OFFERINGS
JUDAISM DECODED
SUMMER 2021
Judaism Decoded is a unique exploration of the inner workings of Judaism, shedding light on the mysteries surrounding the origins and evolution of Jewish tradition. Discover the sheer elegance of the "source code" on which Torah law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; and get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.
JOURNEY OF THE SOUL
WINTER 2021
Who hasn’t wondered what happens when we die? We know what happens to the body. But what happens to the soul at birth and again at death? Is there really a “better” place after this one? Do our loved ones continue to connect with us? Can I relate to an afterlife if I’m not spiritual? At once practical and powerful, reflective and relatable, Journey of the Soul teaches a Jewish perspective on life that begins before birth and lasts well after a person’s passing.
THE JEWISH COURSE OF WHY
SPRING 2020
Ever wondered why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What is the cause of antisemitism? What does Judaism say about Christianity? About the role of women in Jewish life? This course tackles 50 of the most quizzical, queer, and seemingly-unanswerable questions about Jewish belief and practice.
WORRIER TO WARRIOR
FALL 2019
We yearn to feel happy, self-assured, and enthusiastic, yet we’re consumed by feelings of doubt, regret, insecurity, and suffering. Do our delicate positive emotions have a fighting chance at being in control? This course explores negative emotions in a completely new light, offering spiritual mechanisms that allow us to remain upbeat no matter what life brings.
WITH ALL MY HEART
SPRING 2019
Whether you’re seeking relief from stress; you’re hoping for focus, clarity, and connection to a raw and vulnerable place deep within you; or you just want to start each day from a positive, humble, and grateful frame of mind, this course is for you. Discover the art of Jewish prayer and spirituality in With all my Heart.
WHAT IS?
SPRING 2018
Rethink everything you know about our universe. Explore the nature of our world and the meaning of the human condition as you contemplate existential questions about consciousness, the physical, and the metaphysical, to unveil the hidden unity and pervading truth of our existence.
GREAT DEBATES IN JEWISH HISTORY
FALL 2017
Six of the biggest debates that rocked the Jewish world, including: sectarians and their opposition to rabbinic Judaism; whether Judaism can survive without a land; how to balance faith and reason; the Chassidic movement and its opponents; and whether Judaism is better served as a private enterprise, or through proud, public display.
THIS CAN
HAPPEN
SPRING 2021
For thousands of years, the prophecies of a “messianic age” stretched the imaginations of even the most fervent believers. But not anymore. Instant media, mass social movements and a global pandemic have shown us how suddenly and radically the world can be rewired by the actions of a few. Why not for the good? Join us to demystify the Jewish idea of a perfect world and discover a practical path for reaching it in our lifetime.
SECRETS OF THE BIBLE
FALL 2020
Revisit six seemingly absurd biblical stories you likely remember from Hebrew school. Uncover their hidden themes and eye-opening insights into the mysteries of life. What is the deeper meaning behind these stories? How did they shape the Jewish worldview? What wisdom do they hold for you today?
JUDAISM'S GIFTS TO THE WORLD
WINTER 2020
Unpack six of the world’s most cherished values and how they were delivered to humankind by the Torah. By tracing their fascinating journey to the mainstream, we’ll discover a timeless core of purpose, integrity, and clarity in each value—a powerful gift of guidance as we navigate our own daily choices.
PARADIGM
SHIFT
SUMMER 2019
Paradigm Shift offers a revolutionary and empowering outlook on life, culled from the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. Synchronize yourself with the mission for which you were placed on earth, and learn to recognize the inherent goodness and perfection in yourself, in others, and in every circumstance of your life.
CRIME AND CONSEQUENCE
WINTER 2019
In Crime and Consequence, we explore 3000 years of Jewish law and wisdom concerning criminal convictions, sentencing, crime prevention, and rehabilitation. We challenge our thinking, pondering the application of Talmudic principles to real and complex, modern-day cases.
HEAVEN
ON EARTH
SUMMER 2018
A three-week virtual tour of the Holy Temple, the home we shared with G-d. Throng with the crowds through the city gates; gaze up in awe as you cross the towering threshold. Discover the marvels of architecture and design that were integral to this sacred site. Because envisioning the Temple and longing for it are the first steps toward rebuilding it.
COMMUNICATION: ITS ART AND SOUL
WINTER 2018
In the era of social media, the value of healthy communication among family, members, and associates is widely appreciated, even as its form now undergoes a drastic shift. How do we find suitable paths for effective communication? This course explores Jewish insights into forging positive, effective, and fruitful interactions.