New course explores the origins of Judaism

Beginning this May, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) will present Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition, a new six-week spring course which will uncover the unique formula that has sustained Jewish tradition for millennia.

“Just as science follows the scientific method, Judaism has its own system to ensure authenticity remains intact,” explains Rabbi Zalman Abraham of JLI’s New York headquarters. “We wanted to shed light on the mystery that surrounds biblical interpretations. This really is an eye-opening course.”

With the world changing at a rapid pace, Judaism Decoded tackles the intricate questions of whether rabbis can unilaterally change Torah, and how Jewish tradition reacts to new circumstances and modern-day dilemmas.

Judaism Decoded is “an extraordinarily sophisticated examination of Talmudic methodology, tackling the toughest questions about the nature and legitimacy of rabbinic law,” says Dr. Eugene Kontorovich, a law professor at Northwestern University and contributor to the influential Volokh Conspiracy law blog. The course, he says, combines “high academic rigor with fundamental rooting in Jewish tradition.”

“Judaism encourages us to question,” adds Rabbi Yanky Majesky the local JLI instructor in Lake Mary “Torah law is built on a complex source code, and we’re going to examine it in detail. But we’re going to reach back even further: How do we even know the Torah is true in the first place?

“This course is going to address these controversial questions head on. I don’t think anyone will want to miss this.”

Like all previous JLI programs, Judaism Decoded is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish 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.

Judaism Decoded will be offered in two locations in Metro Orlando:

Rabbi Yanky Majesky will instruct the class at Oakmonte Village, 1021 Royal Gardens Circle, Lake Mary, for six Thursdays, starting May 14 from 7 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.

Rabbi Yosef Konikov will instruct the class at the new Chabad Center for Jewish Life 7347 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando for six Tuesdays, starting May 5 from 7p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Interested students may call Chabad of North Orlando 407-878-3011, Chabad of South Orlando 407-354-3660 or visit http://www.myJLI.com for registration and other course-related information.