Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., instructor Rabbi Eli will offer Decoding the Talmud, a new six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI). The course aims to demystify the intricate world of the Talmud, the monumental classic that has shaped Jewish learning for centuries.

Despite being one of the most essential texts in Judaism, many Jews struggle to explain what the Talmud really is. When asked about the Talmud, they find themselves at a loss for a clear answer. For a new learner, the Talmud can be intimidating and inaccessible, remaining a closed book for the masses. Decoding the Talmud aims to change that.

Students will meet its main characters, explore its dynamic history, and engage in authentic Talmudic study. They will learn the key terms, logical principles and historical context required to decipher the text of this 1,500-year-old work, and discover how it has survived and thrived continuing to fill Jewish study halls to this day.

“The Talmud is the beating heart of Jewish scholarship – maddening, fascinating, even addictive. It’s a world of self-contained logic where questions are more important than answers, and no premise goes unchallenged.” Rabbi Shmuel Phillips, author of Talmud Reclaimed, noted, “The chance to partake in an introductory course in Talmudic literacy is an opportunity that should be grasped with great enthusiasm!”

Like all JLI programs, this course is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple or other house of worship.

JLI, the adult education branch of Chabad-Lubavitch, offers programs in more than 800 locations in the U.S. and in numerous foreign countries. More than 400,000 students have attended JLI classes since the organization was founded in 1998.

Interested students may call the Chabad office at 949.499.0770, or visit www.chabadoflaguna.com for registration and other course-related information.

Chabad Laguna Beach is located at 30804 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

https://stunewslaguna.com/chabad-laguna-beach-offers-new-jli-course-012125/