The Jewish Learning Institute will open a new branch in Ponte Vedra and the Beaches area.

JLI is the first international educational institution to present traditional Judaism in a professional, innovative, academically challenging but accessible format, according to a news release.

Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky of Chabad at the Beaches will serve as chairman of the local JLI committee and as an instructor.

"The Jewish Learning Institute allows you to explore basic Jewish ideas, to share critical analysis and intensive discussion with exciting instructors and classmates," Kurinsky said in a news release.

The program will begin with the "The Kabbalah of You" in November, will continue with "Living with Integrity" in February and will conclude with "Curious Tales of the Talmud" in April. The sequence is designed to provide deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish thought, heritage and tradition.

"At the heart of Jewish culture there has always been Jewish learning, an engaged and vibrant meeting of minds," Kurinsky said. "We’re excited to be able to bring this open and interactive learning environment to our community."

The fall course "The Kabbalah of You" will explore Kabbalistic insights about the soul and how to unleash human potential, according to the news release.

The course will be held each Wednesday for six weeks beginning in November at the Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad Center for Jewish Life at 521 A1A N. in Ponte Vedra Beach.

The course fee is $99 and includes textbooks and refreshments. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

For more information, contact Kurinsky at (904) 543-9301 or email [email protected].