The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) will present “To Be a Jew in the Free World: Jewish Identity Through the Lens of Modern History,” the institute’s new winter course that will begin the week of Feb. 2.

Rabbi Levi Azimov of Chabad of South Brunswick, 1 Riva Ave., North Brunswick, will conduct the six course sessions on Tuesday evenings from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. or Wednesday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Participants will confront questions of allegiance and issues in which Judaism and contemporary society appear to be in conflict. Looking into the past, the course explores a series of case studies, such as arguments made in the 1650's to convince Oliver Cromwell to readmit Jews to England, and how Ulysses S. Grant’s 1862 expulsion of the Jews became a defining issue in his presidential election.

The program 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.

Interested students may call 732-398- 9492 or visit www.myJLI.com for registration and course-related information.