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Rohr Jewish Learning Centre offering six-session course starting Jan. 29.

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'Judaism’s Gifts to the World' coming to Richmond

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:18 PST, Wed January 8, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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The tension between social and individual responsibility, and the meaning of social equality, will be among the topics explored in Judaism’s Gifts to the World, a six-session coming to Richmond at the end of January.

Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman, director of Chabad Richmond, will oversee the course at the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, 4775 Blundell Rd. The classes, starting Jan. 29, will unearth the Jewish roots of some of the most cherished values of Western civilization.

Participants will also learn how personal responsibility, the inherent sanctity of human life, universal education, human equality, the dignity of a day of rest, devotion to family, and a sense of purpose have their origins in ancient Judaism. Judaism’s Gifts to the World is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. This course is open to the public.

“At a moment in which we are witnessing a rise in anti-Semitism, it is important to explore what has been the true impact of Jews and Judaism on civilization,” said Rabbi Baitelman. “Understanding Judaism’s historical contribution gives us a deeper appreciation for its continuing relevance, and a better understanding of how the moral and ethical institutions we take for granted came into being.”

Baitelman added that Judaism’s Gifts to the World also explores the implications of monotheism, and how Sabbath observance has laid the groundwork for the modern weekend, and the underpinnings of our morality.

Rabbi Mordechai Dinerman, director of curriculum at Jewish Learning Institute’s New York headquarters, said it is widely known that Judaism gifted monotheism to the world, but for many that’s where the Jewish contribution ends. “Even this contribution is often viewed rather narrowly, as a religious contribution…but as this course demonstrates, the universal change effected by the Torah is much broader.”

Dr. Darrin McMahon, professor of history at Dartmouth College, has praised Judaism’s Gifts to the World as timely and important.

“There can be no doubt that the Jewish contribution to the civilizations of the West and the world is immense,” he said. “At a time when noxious critics would doubt that contribution, or deny it altogether, the Jewish Learning Institute has offered a timely reminder of the many gifts the Jewish tradition has bestowed. Judaism’s Gifts to the World…provides a scintillating course in the history of ideas and culture by leading experts from around the globe.”

The course starts Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 4775 Blundell Rd. To register or for more information call 604-277-6427 or visit www.ChabadRichmond.com/jli. Cost is $95 per person or $160 per couple and includes a textbook. Each class is 90 minutes.