JLI - Adult Jewish Education

The Fox Chapel Chabad - Center for Jewish Life is one of the top affiliates 
of the largest adult Jewish education network today, the

JLI - Jewish Learning Institute.

The JLI is accepting, interactive, accessible, and academically challenging. Our courses uncover timeless wisdom, equipped with the modern tools of today (comprehensive textbooks & materials, streamlined curriculum and a professional multi-media presentation), prepared by experts in the field of adult Jewish education.

JLI. Real Learning for Real Life.

Upcoming Coarse: 

6 Wednesday's Starting June 30th 

Course Overview

Lesson One: 
Meet the Pilot 

To talk about death, we first have to talk about life, and the soul that is the source of life. In this lesson, we examine the classic sources to develop the idea of the soul and its properties, and examine the purpose of the soul in this world.

Lesson Two: 
Before You Were Born

We establish the soul as the "real self," eternal in its existence. We look at the origin of the soul and the manner in which it prepares for its descent into the world, as well as Jewish customs of pregnancy and birth designed to aid the soul in its transition.

Lesson Three: 
Death and Beyond

In this lesson, we examine death from the perspective of the soul. We look at the Jewish customs of death that aid the soul in its transition out of the physical world. We talk about Gan Eden, the pleasure the soul receives as a result of its positive actions in this world, as well as the process of Gehinom that is meant to cleanse the soul so that it can reunite with its source. The lesson also addresses the ultimate state of the soul when it returns to this world during the era of the Resurrection of the Dead. 

Lesson Four: 
Reincarnation

The soul usually requires many lifetimes to complete its mission. Each lifetime adds to the experience of the soul so that currently we are able to draw upon the lessons of previous lifetimes. This knowledge allows us navigate our life and mission with greater hope and confidence. We will also consider the lives of famous Jewish personalities, and see how the mystics have explained the events of their lives through the lens of their past lives. 

Lesson Five: 
Eternal Bond

Once a soul has left this world, despite its exalted spiritual place, it can no longer perform mitzvot, and we become the hands and feet of the departed. Our actions here cause great delight for the souls above. This lesson discusses the customs of Kaddish, Yahrtzeit, Yizkor, and visiting the grave. It also discusses the ways that departed souls may communicate with us, and pray or intercede on our behalf. 

Lesson Six: 
Toward a More Meaningful Life

By understanding the different stages of the soul's journey, we can live our own lives more fully. Each day is, in fact, a microcosm of the soul's journey, and the current moment is pivotal in launching us towards a fuller future. If you had one day left to live, how would you spend it? And why aren't you living as if today were your last day? We end our course with a morning meditation to inspire you to make the most of each day.

Jewish Learning Institute - JLI * Fox Chapel Chabad Center

1343 Old Freeport Rd. * Fox Chapel, PA   15238

412-781-1800