Chabad House course to focus on Israel, free to students under 30
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

As part of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, the Chabad House, 2450 N. Forest Road in Getzville, will offer a six-week course titled "The Land and The Spirt" to members of the community beginning Wednesday, Oct. 31.

This is not just another adult education course, however.

A recent study shows that American Jews under the age of 35 are not as connected to Israel as previous generations.

"The world opinion about Israel has been negative," said Rabbi Moshe Gurary of the Chabad House. He noted that the children of baby boomers have had their opinions of Israel shaped by modern events, which have included times of heavy violence and unrest, including the Lebanon wars and Intifadas.

"Members of the oldest generation of American Jews, born before World War II, may be highly attracted to Israel in part because they can remember the Holocaust and the subsequent founding of the State," stated the study, titled "Beyond Distancing: Young Adult American Jews and Their Alienation from Israel." "But the same cannot be said for younger Jews. Those born after 1974 draw upon memories and impressions less likely to cast Israel in a positive, let alone heroic, light."

The course, which is being held at over 250 locations worldwide, will provide students with an explanation for the central role that Israel plays in the lives of Jews. The course will explain what it means for a land to be holy and the implications that it has for people living there.

"Whatever their political bent, people all across the globe have an opinion about Israel, whether positive or negative," Gurary said. "Whether people feel hope or despair, pride or concern, people care about Israel. By probing the spiritual connection Jews have with the Holy Land, we hope our students will come away with appreciation for why Israel matters so much to them."

According to the course overview, "each lesson focuses on a particular city within Israel as well as a biblical narrative that pertains to the theme being developed in each lesson. The biblical narratives are sequenced through the course in chronological order. Collectively, the six lessons address six reasons why we care about Israel."

Cost for the course is $60 and includes a textbook.

All members of the community are invited to attend the first session of the six-week course for free to decide if they want to continue.

"In respect to the study, we're trying to get younger people involved," Gurary continued. "So anyone under 30 can take the course for free and just pay for the textbook."

The Jewish Learning Institute is the adult education arm of Chabad-Lubavitch and offers classes internationally. All courses, including "The Land and The Spirit," are synchronized so that lessons are offered concurrently and do not have to be missed due to travel schedules.

Students and instructors can also connect online through message boards and other Internet-based channels.

For registration or more information, visit www.myJLI.com or call Chabad House at 688-1642.