JLI 5782
Fall 2021: Outsmarting Antisemitism
4 Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 P.M. Nov. 3 - Nov. 24
Instructor: Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm
This course is being offered for both online and in-person attendees.
Chabad of Milford-HCW, 15 Edgefield Ave., Milford OR Zoom
Email [email protected] 203.772.8818
We cannot let antisemitism define our Judaism, but we cannot ignore it either. As direct memory of the Holocaust fades, Jews around the world are wondering whether the patterns of past centuries are returning, in both the Old and New Worlds, where Jews experience more hate crimes than any other group. Are Jewish people doomed to be stuck in this cycle forever? Is there a way to escape this history of hate? Outsmarting Antisemitism takes this dark subject on squarely, with a sense of unabashed optimism, profound faith, and a distinctly Jewish approach. Through illuminating source texts and captivating case studies, this course considers the sources of this ancient scourge, along with the appropriate strategies for overcoming it. It’s time to find the confidence to fight hate with hope and to stand tall against antisemitism with positivity, purpose, and plenty of Jewish pride!
By taking another look at the statistics, studying our people’s remarkable perseverance, and exploring the concept of Providence, we can find eternal cause for confidence and optimism while we implement plans to secure ourselves and our communities.
We look at some of the explanations for antisemitism that have been offered throughout the ages to emerge with an important principle: the problem with hating Jews lies not with the Jews but with the haters. Internalizing this hate is not a healthy response.
Today, hatred of Jews commonly manifests itself as antagonism toward the Jewish State. This class distinguishes all-out antisemitism from some more nuanced sub-strains. It also examines the state of Israel education and the very nature of Jewish nationhood.
Psychology, neuroscience, and recent history show us that neither friend nor foe should ever be taken for granted. With a bit of subtlety and conviction, and always with trust in G‑d, we find that the dark days of the past are no cause for pessimism ahead.
Winter 2021: Journey of the Soul
6 Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 P.M. Feb. 3 - March 17
This course is being offered both in-person & on ZOOM
Chabad of Milford-HCW, 15 Edgefield Ave., Milford OR the comfort of your own home
Email [email protected] Fee: $79/person
Doctors and most mental health professionals can earn CME or continuing education credit by attending this course. Visit https://myjli.com/continuingeducation for more information and a complete accreditation statement.
Lesson One Demystifying Death Why are humans so anxious about death and dying? For many, the abrupt finality of death makes life itself seem futile. By exploring how our life force—our immortal soul—never ends but merely shifts roles, we begin to view life and death as two harmonious steps on the same journey.
Lesson Two Taking Leave Is death painful for souls? Is my presence felt when I visit a grave? Judaism’s pre-burial and burial rituals accompany the soul’s gradual transition from a limiting physical life to a completely spiritual one. We discuss those rituals and how, once freed, the soul’s connection to the living continues in new and powerful ways.
Lesson Three The Mourning After What is the Jewish grieving process and what is the significance of its various traditions? This lesson provides a meaningful Jewish perspective on grief itself, as well as practical shiva etiquette both for mourners and for those who wish to comfort them.
Lesson Four Where We Go For centuries, human beings have been motivated by the promise of heaven and frightened by the threat of hell. Discover what Jews believe about where every soul goes and how Kaddish aids a soul in reaching true peace.
Lesson Five Where We Go Again Reincarnation: more than a fascinating topic, Judaism provides a practical way to imagine this mystical process, and explains why it is important both to departed souls and to our lives today.
Lesson Six Life Is Short(ish) By now we’ve come to appreciate death as the next phase in our ongoing personal missions. In our final lesson, we use what we’ve learned to revisit our priorities in this current phase and find ways to fill every moment with everlasting significance.
Spring 2022: Beyond Right
6 Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 P.M. May 11 - Jun 15
LOCATION Chabad of Milford-HCW 15 Edgefield Ave. Milford, CT MORE INFO [email protected] 203.772.8818 Fee: $79 ACCREDITATION
MCLE BOARD-APPROVED IN MANY STATES FOR UP TO NINE (9) CLE CREDITS FOR ATTORNEYS
Visit www.myjli.com/accreditation for a complete accreditation statement
Beyond Right: The Values that Shape Judaism's Civil Code
Lesson 1 Beyond Good Neighbors Most laws are designed to protect the rights of people and their property. But Judaism's civil code is driven by a different goal. Explore how laws of damages and disputes support a uniquely Jewish view of the human mission.
Lesson 2 Beyond Restitution In seeking to restore the rights of plaintiffs, Jewish courts actively assist offenders in achieving full repentance too. Why? Discover the advantage of properly undoing damage over mere compensation.
Lesson 3 Beyond Taking Offense You may feel a moral urge to speak up against an offensive action. But might you have a legal responsibility to deter someone from certain behaviors? Judaism says: Yes. In this lesson, we discuss why and when.
Lesson 4 Beyond Personal Freedom With 613 commandments in the Torah and myriad rules expounded in the Talmud, can Judaism ever be called "liberating"? Let's delve into the Exodus, the covenant, and the ways in which laws can lead to the purest human freedom. Lesson 5 Beyond Lawful Ownership Is the claim of ownership anything more than a subjective social agreement? A foundation of Chassidic thought is that material possessions contain spiritual energy that is specific to their owners. Let's consider the owner's rights and responsibilities through this lens.
Lesson 6 Beyond Presumption of Innocence While a presumption of innocence can protect defendants from liability, it is not quite a declaration of uprightness. Jewish law goes so far as to presume every person's core goodness. See how this view can lead us to a truly upright world.