The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is launching a new series of weekly classes around the globe, including in the Bay Area.

“To Be a Jew in the Free World” starts next week and will run for six weeks. The series will be held locally at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, Contra Costa Jewish Day School in Lafayette and at least five other locations.

Topics to be covered include conflicts between Judaism and modernity, how Jewish identity gets passed to the next generation and what your Jewishness means to you.

Founded in 1998, JLI is the adult education branch of Chabad Lubavitch. Generally led by Chabad rabbis, JLI courses are open to the public and are designed for all levels of Jewish knowledge.

For information about locations and costs, contact your local Chabad center or visit http://www.myjli.com. Some of the locations offer a free first lesson, with no obligation.