The confrontation with the harsh reality of mortality, whether through aging, a health crisis, or an encounter with death, makes us wonder whether our life has any meaning.
It is during these existential crises that our tradition reaches out to us with solace and comfort, asserting emphatically that while our bodies may die, our soul is eternal, and this world is but one step in its journey.
For death is not an end. Nor is it a mere passageway to the next stage of existence. Our knowledge of death can become a means of inspiring life, and ensuring that our moments here are lived to the fullest.
This course is not a philosophical one, but an experiential one. It does not attempt to prove the existence of a soul, nor of the afterlife, nor of heaven and hell and reincarnation. Instead, it shares the intuitive truths that have inspired generations of Jews to live more fully and to face death fearlessly. It explains how those who left this world are not lost to us, nor us to them. It allows us the opportunity to resolve what death has left unresolved, and thereby to find peace and closure.
We invite you to discover the odyssey of your soul. Find out where it came from, where it is going, and what it is doing right now. Explore the limits of mortality, and how we can better appreciate the true life of those who are living. as well as those who have passed on.
Know yourself, discover your purpose, and acquire the tools to navigate life's challenges.
Do you enjoy puzzles and problem-solving? Do you love the give-and-take of thoughtful discussion? Can you use logic and creativity to work your way out of challenging situations? Then this course is for you.
The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute’s groundbreaking course, You Be The Judge, presented real cases brought before the beit din, the court system of Jewish Law. We provided the primary texts from the Talmud and asked our students to grapple with the facts in order to arrive at satisfying solutions.
This February, JLI is proud to present You Be The Judge II, a collection of six totally new cases. You need no prior knowledge of the Talmud and no formal legal training. There are no prerequisites other than an open mind.
If you missed You Be The Judge I, we invite you to experience for yourself the exhilarating mental exploration that characterizes traditional Talmud study. And if you took our previous course, be sure not to miss this exciting sequel.
