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Richmond synagogue inviting people to explore ‘Secrets of the Bible’

One of Richmond’s Jewish congregations is offering people a chance to find out more about bible, from iconic stories and mystical meanings to lessons for life. Beginning Wednesday, Nov.
Jewish community in Richmond celebrates "miracle" scroll_5
Chabad of Richmond’s Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman views the special Torah Scroll, that survived the 'Night of the Broken Glass' in Nazi Germany in 1938. The tragic events that took place were considered to be the beginning of the end for Jews in Germany. Photo by Alan Campbell/Richmond News

One of Richmond’s Jewish congregations is offering people a chance to find out more about bible, from iconic stories and mystical meanings to lessons for life.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7:30pm, Chabad Richmond will be offering a new six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), called Secrets of the Bible.

The course will be offered both in-person, to a limited audience, at 4775 Blundell Rd. (following COVID-19 restrictions), and online via Zoom.

All classes will be recorded on Zoom and accessible online for six days after each class.

“People tend to read biblical stories like they do mythology,” said Rabbi Baitelman of Chabad Richmond, the local JLI instructor.

“Our course invites participants to look deeper and discover the underlying themes and relevant life lessons these stories were designed to convey.”

The course presents a unique way of reading the stories of Adam and Eve and the Tree of Knowledge, Noah and the great flood, the lifelong feud between Jacob and Esau, Joseph’s multicolored coat, the golden calf, and Korah’s rebellion.

Each of these stories answers the questions: What is the deeper meaning behind the story? How does it shape the Jewish worldview? What wisdom does it hold for us today?

Throughout the six sessions, Secrets of the Bible explores major life themes, including human subjectivity and bias; the underpinnings of relationships; negotiating spiritual growth with practical impact; why inspiration is fleeting and how to make it last; understanding equality and privilege; and navigating parallel spiritual and material life paths. 

To register and for more information call 604-277-6427 or visit www.ChabadRichmond.com/JLI. Cost is $95/person or $160/couple and includes a textbook. Classes are 90 minutes long.