Some questions are universal to the human experience. Is there life after death? What happens to the soul after we die? What is it like for those who have traveled over to the Great Beyond? These are but a few of the questions addressed in the newest course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI).

Beginning Oct. 28 in Ponte Vedra, JLI will present “The Journey of the Soul,” the institute’s new six-session fall 2015 course.

Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky of Chabad at the Beaches will conduct the six-session course at 7 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays at the Aaron and Blanche Scharf Chabad Center, 521 A1A N. in Ponte Vedra.

“There’s a significant amount of confusion in the Jewish community about what happens to us when we die,” explains Rabbi Naftali Silberberg, the lead editor for the course from JLI’s headquarters in New York. “Many ideas that originate in other religions and belief systems have been popularized in the media and are taken for granted by unassuming Jews. In Journey of the Soul, we clear up these misconceptions and introduce an authentically Jewish approach which is both surprising and refreshing.”

Journey of the Soul provides spiritual insight into the soul’s journey through life, death, and beyond, as well as ancient Jewish wisdom that sheds light on the philosophical, emotional, and practical aspects of coping with death and mourning.

“Science knows very little about the soul and what happens to it post mortem,” said Kurinsky, JLI instructor. “It’s about what is truly valuable and meaningful in life, which is relevant to everyone. Many in area have expressed their curiosity to learn about the topic, so we’re expecting a good turnout.”

Professor Sheldon Solomon of Skidmore College, who co-authored the book “The Worm at the Core: On the Role of Death in Life,” commented about the JLI course: “This course strikes me as a very fine juxtaposition of ancient theological wisdom with contemporary empirical science. My sense is that this will be an interesting and rewarding educational and personal experience.”

Like all previous JLI programs, Journey of the Soul 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 (904) 543-9301 or visit www.myJLI.com for registration and other course-related information. JLI courses are presented in Ponte Vedra in conjunction with Chabad at the Beaches.

JLI, the adult education branch of Chabad Lubavitch, offers programs in more than 350 U.S. cities and in numerous foreign locations, including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. More than 260,000 students have attended JLI classes since the organization was founded in 1998.

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