Chabad of Greater St. Louis will offer a new course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) entitled “Wrestling With Faith” beginning Wednesday, Oct. 24. The class meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Lazaroff Chabad Center, 8124 Delmar Blvd., continuing for six weekly sessions.

“Many people, even the most devout, experience some degree of skepticism when it comes to matters of faith,” said Rabbi Yosef Landa, the course presenter. “This course is designed to help participants to think critically about these challenges, and to approach them with an array of insightful perspectives, so that we can articulate our beliefs to ourselves and to others with clarity and conviction.”

Course participants will examine issues that many have grappled with, including beliefs in Judaism that seem outdated, reconciling current scientific findings with Jewish teachings, examining social issues regarding gender roles, relationship choices and similar matters from Jewish religious perspectives. 

The course will explore questions such as: Why do I need G-d if I live a good life without Him? Does G-d really care about the minutiae of Jewish practice? Doesn’t the concept of chosenness seem racist? How can we relate to a loving and caring G-d amid the experience of tragedy and suffering around us? How do we reconcile evidence of biological evolution with a biblical narrative that tells a different story? 

Like all JLI courses offered by Chabad, “Wrestling With Faith” is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning.  The six-week course which costs $89, including textbook, is open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue or Jewish institution. Interested students may call Chabad at 314-725-0400 or visit www.ShowMeChabad.com/JLI for registration and other course-related information.