Rohr Jewish Learning Institute Unveils The Land and The Spirit Courses 
Written by Westchester.com 
Thursday, 11 October 2007 

Dobbs Ferry, NY - Many have explored the politics and geography of Israel, but few have explored the soul of the land. This November, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is set to unveil an intriguing new course at over 250 affiliates across the globe.

Unlike other courses that are concerned primarily with the modern State of Israel or its ancient history, The Land and The Spirit focuses on the mystery of the deep bond so many people feel for the land of Israel.

“Many people love their homes and their countries, but once they relocate, that love begins to fade,” explains Rabbi Benjy Silverman. “Yet no matter where they have lived, Jews have continued to dream about the land of Israel,” continues Rabbi Silverman. “The Land and The Spirit looks to answer why that dream has persisted across borders and generations.”

The Land and The Spirit provides students with an explanation for the central role the Holy Land plays in the Jews’ mission throughout history. The course explains what it means for a land to be holy, and the implications this has for the people living within that land. The Land and The Spirit also explores the relationship that Jews in the Diaspora maintain with Israel despite their place of residence.

“Whatever their political bent, people all across the globe have an opinion about Israel, whether positive or negative,” says Silverman. “Whether people feel hope or despair, pride or concern, people care about Israel. By probing the spiritual connection Jews have with the Holy Land, we hope our students will come away with appreciation for why Israel matters so much to them.”

This exciting new course will be offered at 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, for six Tuesdays, starting October 30th.  The course costs $79, which includes a beautiful student textbook. “We are so sure that people will enjoy it” says Rabbi Silverman, “that we invite anyone interested to attend the first lesson free, with no obligation.”

What can students gain by attending The Land and The Spirit? A chance to explore the spirit of a land that has pulsed with energy and mystery since the dawn of time. A chance to understand a land that has captured our imagination throughout history, a land that breathes with the glory of our past and the dreams of our future. And a chance to examine what Israel was meant to be and what Israel means to us today.