In the news: Jewish learning coming to Bonita

After months of planning, Bonita Springs is finally on the map of premier Jewish learning.

Beginning this fall, the Jewish Learning Institute opens a new branch in Bonita Springs, which brings the total number of JLI locations to more than 300 worldwide.

The JLI is the first international educational institution to present traditional Judaism in a professional, innovative, academically challenging-yet-accessible format.

"At the heart of Jewish culture there has always been Jewish learning - an engaged and vibrant meeting of minds," explains Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, the local JLI instructor.

The new fall course, "Soul Maps," provides an ancient yet innovative approach to human psychology. "Soul Maps" is structured as a six-step program, utilizing tools from the Kabbalah to help participants understand themselves and find inner contentment.

The course will be held on six consecutive Wednesday evenings, as well as Thursday mornings, beginning Nov. 5 and 6, at Chabad of Bonita Springs, 24850 Old 41, in the Bernwood Centre. The course fee is $75, or $127 for a couple, and includes textbooks and refreshments.

For more information, call Chabad of Bonita Springs at 949-6900.