Adult Education

Chabad of Cheviot Hills is proud to present our Torah Studies catalog of classes for Season Two.

At Chabad, we value a deep, rich learning experience and we aim to provide this in an unequivocal way. This is why we have brought you a Torah Studies program of the highest caliber, developed by the world-renowned Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. The program brings you a series of stimulating text and discussion based classes that take place on a weekly basis. Our lessons will engage you in a multidimensional way by challenging you intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. They explore contemporary issues through a Torah perspective as well as tackling timeless questions in the Jewish tradition.

I invite you to browse through the topics in this catalog and to join us for some weekly inspirational study. These classes are open to all, whatever your level of learning may be, and I encourage you to bring your friends along.

Shalom, 
Rabbi Dovid Begun
Chabad of Cheviot Hills

	Women in Judaism: The Inside Story Is There a Jewish Glass Ceiling? The role of the Jewish mother is so hallowed and romanticized that it can seem to be the ultimate goal of Jewish womanhood. But is that really true? Is there any place for womanhood in Judaism outside of motherhood and family—culturally, religiously, and socially?
	The Theology of Theft An Honest Look at Honesty As good people, most of us don’t take other people’s stuff, obviously. So when the Torah cautions us, “Thou shalt not steal,” we must consider what deeper ethical message is implied, beyond outright theft. What can an honest person learn from the laws of honesty?
	Have a Jewish Field Day Why and How We Celebrate Lag Ba'Omer The thirty-third day of the omer is a day of celebration, bonfires, and a variety of interesting customs. What lies behind it all? In presenting the story of Lag Ba’Omer, this class reveals the specialness of the day and what message we can take from it.
	The Heart of the Deal Giving G‑d Possession of Our Faculties Shopping used to be the activity of buying the things you need. But today it seems we often buy for the sake of buying. Interestingly, the Torah views acquisition of property as more than just the transfer of ownership. Rather, a sale is a matter of profound theological and inspirational value.
	Making Sense of the Census Why G‑d Counts the Jewish People Numerous times G‑d counted the Jewish people. Was He obsessed with numbers or is there some message hidden in the numbers game? This class gets to the bottom of the numbers game and explains how counting us makes us count.
	The First Chasid Ba'al Shem Tov: The Man and His Movement The Chasidic movement was founded in the eighteenth century by Rabbi Israel Ba’al Shem. What is the story of this man and what was his mission? Enjoy a biography of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and a glimpse of his teachings and the revolution he sparked.
	DIY Judaism Achieving Spiritual Independence Visit the Western Wall? Check. Talk to a rabbi? Check. Go to synagogue frequently? Check. There are many external ways to nurture Jewish inspiration, and we should make use of them. But our ultimate goal should be to stand spiritually on our own two feet.
	Timeless Moments On Visiting the Resting Place of the Righteous The resting place of a saintly Jewish leader or scholar is also a place of prayer and introspection. But are we really allowed to pray to the dead? That sounds awfully pagan! Discover what happens when we pray at a tzaddik’s graveside, and how it enables us to experience a unique, timeless connection with G‑d.
	Journey of a Blessing Turning Spiritual Capital into Physical Goods If we are judged during the High Holidays for the coming year, why do we pray each day? What are we praying for if everything has already been decided? This lesson explores how spiritual blessing translates into material well-being—and the role of the kohanim in making that happen.
	Because I Said So Finding Meaning in the Laws of Ritual Purity It may seem superstitious: Enter the wrong house or touch the wrong thing and the Torah renders you impure. Dip in the holy water and—Voilà!—you’re good as new. What are we to make of this system? With this question as its backdrop, this lesson sheds light on the meaning of connection with G‑d and doing what He wants.
	Don?t Be a Fool Turning on the Light in the Theater of the Absurd Ever wonder why smart people do such stupid things? Before you spend all your money on self-help books about effective time management or finding the secrets of success, come to this class, and learn the Torah-prescribed habits of highly successful people.
	A Time to Renew Why We Celebrate Rosh Chodesh Each month, the Jewish people celebrate Rosh Chodesh, and the beginning of a new Jewish month. What exactly are we celebrating, and how do we celebrate it? This class explores Rosh Chodesh traditions and explains the connection between the Jewish people, the new moon, and the miracle of renewal.
Cheviot Hills Torah Studies is a program of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute