Map to soul helps people change lives

Rabbi Mordechai Groner isn't promising any instant, easy fixes for those attending the Soul Maps course.

"We're not trying to be the equivalent of another self-help book," says Groner, the instructor for the Calgary chapter of the Jewish Learning Institute.

"We want to offer some practical suggestions to help people change their lifestyles for the better by drawing on some timeless wisdom," he adds.

The six-week course, which begins Nov. 11 (Tuesday evenings) and Nov. 12 (Wednesday mornings), is open to all Calgarians and no background in Jewish education or philosophy is required.

Soul Maps is based on the Tanya, an 18th-century book from the Hasidic Jewish tradition that Groner says makes the esoteric teachings of the Kabbalah, the mystical aspect of Judaism, practical and accessible.

"It offers tools to understand the complexity of the human condition," says Groner. "We want to help people decide where they want to direct their energy to resolve guilt and conflict and to find more peace in their lives."

Like all Jewish Learning Institute courses, potential learners can attend the first class free of charge before committing to the full program. More information and registration is available online at www.chabadalberta.org.