(Courtesy of Chabad of Fair Lawn) This fall, Rabbi Avrohom Bergstein of Anshei Lubavitch in Fair Lawn will offer a new four-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), titled “Outsmarting Antisemitism.”
Using history, Talmudic sources, Jewish mysticism and contemporary expert analysis, the course addresses some of the niggling questions we grapple with as individuals and as a community. Why does antisemitism persist? How can we make hate go away? How can we counter Israel-focused antisemitism and prevent our own youth from unwittingly lending their voices to antisemitic agendas?
“Many Jews are anxious about rising antisemitism today and worry about how to respond to it,” Rabbi Bergstein of Anshei Lubavitch, the local JLI instructor in Fair Lawn, told The Jewish Link. “By exploring the mechanics of antisemitism and probing historical strategies for reducing it, this course offers a framework for confronting it head-on with purpose, positivity and pride.”
Informative, interesting, and empowering, “Outsmarting Antisemitism” is well suited for community leaders and laypersons alike. “All those who care about religious freedom, both Jews and others, confront a disturbing increase in antisemitism worldwide,” said Cary Nelson, past president of the American Association of University Professors. “It is no longer enough just to be opposed to antisemitism. We all have to be knowledgeable about its history and current manifestations if we are to be equipped to combat its spread. That is why this course matters.”
The four-week course begins Sunday, October 31, at Anshei Lubavitch at 7:30 p.m. Like all JLI programs, it 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.
Interested students may call 201.362.2712 or visit www.myJLI.com for registration and for other course-related information.
