Chabad of Jewish Centers in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach will launch a six-week series in February exploring the Jewish approach to crime, punishment and justice.

A Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) course, “Crime and Consequence” will address topics such as “What’s the Purpose of Prison: Punishment, Deterrence or Rehabilitation?,” “What’s Judaism’s Position on the Death Penalty?” and “Can Criminals Ever Make Amends, and if so, How?”

The course draws deeply on ancient Jewish sources, while using contemporary materials to give a modern context to the discussion. The course is also accredited for Continuing Legal Education in Florida and most other states.

“Crime and Consequence” is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. The first lesson is offered free of charge to give people a chance to try it out and see if it’s for them. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple or other house of worship.

Crime and Consequence Course Schedule

Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad Center

521 A1A N, Ponte Vedra Beach

7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Feb. 4

St. Augustine Beach City Hall

2200 A1A South

7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Feb. 4

Madeira Community Amenity Center

Maralinda Drive, St. Augustine

7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 5

For information, call 521-8664 in St. Augustine and 543-9301 in Ponte Vedra Beach. To register, go to myJLI.com.

www.staugustine.com/entertainmentlife/20190111/chabad-to-offer-course-on-crime-punishment-and-justice