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 Chabad of Hunterdon County.

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 27, Chabad's Jewish Learning Institute will present The Journey of the Soul, the institute's new six-session fall 2015 course.

Rabbi Eli Kornfeld will conduct the six-course sessions at 7:30 p.m., on Tuesdays at Chabad of Hunterdon County in Clinton.

"There's a significant amount of confusion in the Jewish community about what happens to us when we die," explains Rabbi Eli Kornfeld, "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.

Some of the critical questions that the course will address are: What is Reincarnation? Does Judaism believe in Ghosts and Spirits? Does Judaism believe in Heaven and Hell? Is death permanent? Does Judaism believe in Resurrection of the Dead? Is it possible to expire before your time is up? Can we communicate with the souls of our loved ones after death? Are our loved ones interested in us after they pass? What is our End Game?

"Science knows very little about the soul and what happens to it post mortem," said Adriane Berg from Tewksbury who is registered to attend the course "It's about what is truly valuable and meaningful in life which is relevant to everyone, and many in Hunterdon County have expressed their curiosity to learn about the topic, so we're excited about attending this groundbreaking course and expect 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 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."

Similar sentiments were expressed by other experts in the field, including Professor Jeff Greenberg of University of Arizona; Dr. Casey Skvorc from the National Institutes of Health; Pamela Blair, co-author of I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye; and Bianca Nogrady, author of The End: The Human Experience of Death and others.

The course is being offered in joint sponsorship with the Washington School of Psychiatry, enabling medical and mental health professionals to earn up to 7.5 AMA, APA, CBBS, and ASWB continuing education credits for participation.

Like all previous Jewish Learning Institute 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 Jewish Learning Institute 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 908-238-9002 or visit www.jewishhunterdon.comfor registration and other course-related information.

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