 Dobbs Ferry, NY - This February, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is set to unveil Beyond Belief, an intriguing new course at over 250 affiliates across the globe.
Beyond Belief provides an innovative look at the process whereby our lives are enriched and deepened by thinking about faith. Fresh, provocative, and insightful, JLI's new course is designed to help students take a closer look at how their beliefs can bring meaning to their lives and guide their choices in the real world.
“Many people grapple with fundamental questions of belief and its place in their lives,” explains Rabbi Silverman. “Beyond Belief reclaims faith as a uniquely Jewish value, while recognizing that it is not a static formulation to be unthinkingly accepted,” continues Rabbi Silverman “Jewish faith is a dynamic, powerful force within us that must be continuously fed by thinking, feeling, and doing.”
Beyond Belief draws on thirteen key principles of faith identified by Maimonides, the pre-eminent Jewish thinker. Students will examine the logic and role each principle plays in shaping their world view. Students will also have the opportunity to grapple with ideas that sometimes seem remote, and to gain insight into the process by which these and other beliefs are shaped and expanded. Taken together, these principles are a set of building blocks that allows students to construct a deep and nuanced understanding of what it means to live as a Jew.
“How does G-d communicate with us? Are we rewarded and punished for our behavior? Is there an afterlife? I am constantly called upon to provide the Jewish perspectives on questions that are asked by those of every religious faith,” says Rabbi Silverman. “Beyond Belief will provide insight into many of these questions. More importantly, however,” continued Rabbi Silverman, “this course will address the inner struggle that many people feel when considering issues of faith.”
This exciting new course will be offered at Chabad of the Rivertowns for six Tuesdays starting February 5th. The course costs $99, 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.”
Beyond Belief provides multiple pathways into the exploration of faith-building. Both thoughtful and practical, Beyond Belief is an innovative look at faith that should not be missed. Like all JLI courses, Beyond Belief presents the fundamentals of Judaism in a way that is both challenging yet accessible. Students will have the opportunity to encounter classic primary texts and engage in thoughtful, open discussion.
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