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SpanishContributed by: Benjy Brackman on 10/27/2008
After months of planning, NW Metro Denver is finally on the map of premier Jewish learning. Beginning this fall, the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) opens two new branches in Arvada and Westminster which brings the total number of JLI locations to over 300 worldwide.
The JLI is the first international educational institution to present traditional Judaism in a professional, innovative, academically challenging-yet-accessible format. The JLI was created to address the need of Jewish adults for in-depth Jewish knowledge. Authorities on each subject have organized the curriculum and teaching materials for each course.
JLI's mission is to remain the world's pre-eminent institute for adult
Jewish learning. "The Jewish Learning Institute allows you to explore basic Jewish ideas, to share critical analysis and intensive discussion with exciting instructors and classmates," said Mr. Steve Miller chairman of the local JLI committee.
"At the heart of Jewish culture there has always been Jewish learning - an engaged and vibrant meeting of minds," explains Rabbi Benjy Brackman the local JLI instructor. "We're excited to be able to bring this open and interactive learning environment to our community."
The program begins with Soul Maps in November, continues with You Be The Judge II in February 2009 and concludes with Biblical Reflections in May 2009.This sequence is designed to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish thought, heritage, and tradition, and enables students to achieve basic Jewish literacy as well as an understanding of cardinal Jewish beliefs and observances.
Our 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 Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, beginning Tuesday November 11 in Arvada at The Depot in the Five Parks Community and November 12 th in Westminster, at College Hill Library. The course fee is $65, and includes textbooks and refreshments.
Importantly, Soul Maps is designed for people at all levels of Jewish knowledge, and participants don't have to have any prior experience or background in Jewish learning to attend and enjoy this course. All JLI courses are open to the entire community, and people do not need to be a member of any particular synagogue or temple in order to attend. Local community members are welcome to register for the course and sample the first lesson free of charge, with no obligation to continue further.
Members of the media are invited to attend a local class and/or interview local course instructors in advance. Interviews with our national facilitators and course creators can also be arranged, upon request.
To arrange an interview, book a visit to an upcoming class, or to obtain further information, please contact Rabbi Benjy Brackman, 720-984-5805, [email protected]
JLI is offered as part of the Jewish outreach activities of Chabad of NW Metro Denver in Westminster. www.thechabadhouse.com