“The Jewish Course of Why” began with a bang this past Tuesday evening at Lubavitch on the Palisades. Led by Rabbi Mordechai Shain, participants explored, discussed and questioned different topics in Judaism, Torah and Jewish culture. “Why ask Why—Isn’t Judaism a belief system?” “Does our prayer change God’s will?” “Why is there so much fragmentation in Jewish culture?” were some of the topics explored at this first class.

Upcoming classes will cover questions such as:

Why is there separate seating in traditional Jewish synagogues? Does a mikvah purify? Why does Jewish law obsess over details? Why do Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent on Shabbat? Why do chassidim have a Rebbe—isn’t it true that we don’t require intermediaries to access God? Why is the Star of David a Jewish symbol? and so on.

JLI, the Jewish Learning Institute, provides thought-provoking courses that cater to Jews of all affiliations and levels of learning. For more info on upcoming classes and courses offered at Lubavitch on the Palisades, or to register for The Jewish Course of Why, visit chabadlubavitch.org/AdultEducation or call (201) 871-1152.

Classes on this topic are being held in Tenafly, Teaneck, Fair Lawn and West Orange, among others.