This spring, Chabad of Nashville will launch a new Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) course, beginning, Wednesday, May 7, at 7:00 PM. Led by Rabbi Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, Colorful Profiles brings stories to life of intriguing and lesser-known Jewish figures who showed remarkable courage throughout history. Participants will learn how these individuals navigated issues that continue to resonate today.
“Our past imparts critical life lessons, but history may sometimes come across as dry and boring,” says Rabbi Tiechtel. “This course is anything but that. The stories contained in this course bring the past to life in gripping sagas, many of which seem too impossible to believe—yet they are real.”
The four-session course is divided into four lessons and will delve into 12 fascinating personalities that include high-profile hostages, savvy businesswomen, unlikely converts, and more. Through a Torah-centered approach, participants will gain a richer understanding of some of the historical challenges that people faced in living a Jewish life and how their stories resulted in enduring, impactful legacies.
Lesson One will highlight the story of three Courageous Converts
What attracted a Roman Caesar’s nephew to convert to Judaism, and what message does his revolutionary Hebrew-to-Aramaic Torah translation provide us? Why did a twelfth-century Italian priest surrender his career to live as a wandering Jew, and what cultural gifts did he bring with him? How did a young Polish eighteenth-century nobleman become a legend of devotion and sacrifice for Judaism?
This lesson explores the fascinating life stories of three converts to Judaism: Onkelos, Ovadiah of Normandy, and Avraham ben Avraham. Through their remarkable lives we will discover what it means to become a Jew, and we will learn about the invaluable contributions converts have made to Jewish life.
Lesson Two will highlight Influential Jews in Jewish history
How did a leading Torah sage of eleventh-century Spain command a Muslim army? How did a child born in the terrifying shadow of the Portuguese Inquisition open the doors of England for his oppressed brethren? How did the relationship between a leading Italian rabbi and his young non-Jewish German pupil save the Talmud from destruction and establish it as a source of wisdom for all humanity?
This lesson explores the respective dramas and triumphs of three rabbis: Shmuel Hanagid, Menasheh ben Yisrael, and Ovadiah Seforno. They provide us with insight into the historic Jewish mission of serving as “a light unto the nations,” and they teach us how to become part of this mission ourselves.
Lesson Three will highlight several Unsung Heroines
How did a clandestinely Jewish businesswoman smuggle thousands of her brethren from the clutches of the Inquisition and launch an ambitious settlement project in the Holy Land? How did a Polish rabbi’s wife change Jewish ritual practice? What profound life-lessons did a seventeenth century German Jewish entrepreneur impart via her remarkable autobiography?
This lesson delves into the experiences of three extraordinary women: Doña Gracia, Rebbetzin Bayla Katz, and Glikl of Hameln. They collectively gift us with fresh insight into the unique role of Jewish women as nurturers of their families, communities, and faith.
Lesson Four will highlight Heroes and Hostages of our people
How did a band of pirates’ capture of a ship ferrying four rabbis change the course of Jewish history? Why did the top German Talmudic sage of the thirteenth century refuse to be released from prison? How did a seventeenth-century hostage crisis in Ukraine unite the Jewish world for an unprecedented rescue mission?
This lesson explores the sagas of the “Four Captives”: Maharam of Rothenburg, and Rabbi Yaakov Koppel Margolis and his fellow captives from the 1648 Khmelnytskyi Massacres. Their moving stories of tragedy and bravery leave us with new insight into the foundations of Jewish unity and the extent of our responsibilities toward Jewish hostages.
“After learning about these Jewish heroes, attendees will come away with a greater sense of appreciation for their history and heritage,” says Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, lead teacher of the Jewish Learning Institute in Nashville. “These stories are not defined by tragedy and suffering, but what it means to be a proud, resilient Jew.” He adds that participants will develop a deeper connection to those figures who bravely stood up for their beliefs.
Like all JLI courses, Colorful Profiles is open to adults of all ages and is geared toward every level of knowledge, including those who have no background in Hebrew or Judaism. Participants need not be affiliated with a synagogue to attend.
This course was developed by The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, which is the adult education arm of Chabad International, and its JLI classes are offered at over 1600 locations in more than 900 communities worldwide.
Chabad of Nashville is the local affiliate of the Jewish Learning Institute, and is dedicated to serving the Jewish community of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. It offers a wide range of educational, social, and spiritual programs for Jews of all backgrounds.
To register for this new course “Colorful Profiles”, go to myjli.com, and select the city of Nashville as the location you are seeking to take this groundbreaking course. For more information please call 615-646-5740 or go to chabadnashville.com
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