Class gives portraits of leadership

Starting the first week in February, the Goldstein Family Learning Academy Jewish Learning Institute will launch its winter course, "Portraits in Leadership: Timeless Tales for Inspired Living."

Portraits in Leadership is a study of the inspiring life story of six figures whose courage and determination helped Judaism weather its darkest hours. In the face of the first-century Roman assault on Jerusalem, the fundamental institutions of the Jewish people were utterly destroyed. But with wisdom and verve, these leaders took the radical steps that managed to preserve the essence of Judaism to this very day.

"This course is one part history, one part biography-all parts uplifting inspiration," said Rabbi Lazer Gurkow, course author." It is about decisions made two thousand years ago that continue to shape the contours of contemporary Jewish life."

"Students are constantly looking for tools to deal with day-to-day challenges," said local JLI instructor Rabbi Yisroel Mangel. "What better way to find guidance than from the wise example of others who encountered hardships and used them as the impetus for growth and change."

Lessons will examine a range of classic Jewish sources, drawing extensively from the stories of the Talmud and modern commentaries that point out their personal significance to our lives.

This new course will be offered at Chabad Jewish Center for either six Thursday mornings or Monday evenings. Morning classes begin from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, and evening classes begin from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8. The course costs $70, 10 percent discount for couples, and a 50 percent discount is being offered when you sign up with a new student, which includes a beautiful student textbook.

"We are so sure that you will enjoy it," said Rabbi Yisroel Mangel, "that we invite anyone interested to attend the first lesson free, with no obligation."

Portraits in Leadership, like all Goldstein Family Learning Academy educational programs, are designed for people at all levels of Jewish knowledge. Participants without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning can attend and will enjoy and benefit this course. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not to be a member of any particular synagogue or temple.

JLI's classes and programs are offered at various locations in more than 300 cities nationwide and internationally (including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, The Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Venezuela). More than 100,000 people have attended JLI classes since its founding in 1998. Every course offered by JLI is taught concurrently in all locations. This unique feature has helped create a truly global learning community.

For further information or reservations Chabad Jewish Center 793-5200 or at Chabadba.com or visit www.myJLI.com for up-to-date information about Portraits in Leadership.