Chabad of Charlotte Launches Third Jewish Learning Institute Course of the Year: “Colorful Profiles”

Charlotte Jewish News, May 2025

By Rabbi Shlomo Cohen

Chabad of Charlotte is thrilled to announce the launch of its third JLI course of the year— Colorful Profiles, beginning May 6. This dynamic four-week course delves into the remarkable lives of converts, scholars, heroines, and leaders who have shaped Jewish history. With a combination of multimedia, historical texts, and interactive discussions, Colorful Profiles brings these inspiring figures to life, providing a meaningful connection to Jewish heritage.

“Colorful Profiles” Course Overview

Week 1 – Courageous Converts: Explore the lives of three converts who shaped Jewish history — a Roman emperor’s nephew, a 12th-century Italian priest, and a Polish nobleman.

Week 2 – Influential Jews: Learn about Jewish scholars and leaders, including a Talmudic scholar who became a general and a Jewish leader who opened England’s gates to Jews.

Week 3 – Unsung Heroines:

Discover the impact of Jewish women throughout history, including a businesswoman who saved thousands from the Inquisition.

Week 4 – Heroes & Hostages: Explore the resilience of Jewish leaders during times of captivity, including four rabbis captured by pirates and a Talmudic sage who refused to be freed from prison.

Tuesdays, May 6 to 27 | 7:30–9 p.m. (In-person and online with Rabbi Yossi Groner)

Wednesdays, May 7 to 28 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (In-person only with Rabbi Shlomo Cohen)

$99 | Save $9 with two or more signups

Why JLI?

Founded in 1998, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) is recognized globally for its well-researched, thought-provoking curriculum. With courses available in more than 600 locations worldwide, JLI blends classic Jewish texts, Kabbalah, and modern insights from science, psychology, and moral philosophy. This unique approach makes Jewish wisdom accessible to all, providing profound insights into both ancient teachings and contemporary ethical dilemmas.

At Chabad of Charlotte, we adopted JLI early on because of its ability to engage students from all walks of life. JLI’s curriculum is not only academically rigorous but also highly relevant to contemporary issues, making it perfect for our mission to be a hub of Jewish learning for all. Over the years, we’ve seen growing interest and strong attendance from both newcomers and returning students, confirming the value of these classes in deepening personal connections to Jewish tradition.

Growth and Evolution

Since JLI was introduced at Chabad of Charlotte in 2002, the program has grown tremendously. Over the past 23 years, each course has drawn between 50 and 100 participants, averaging more than 75 attendees per session.

While classes were originally held exclusively in person, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted us to pivot to virtual participation. What began as a necessity turned out to be a valuable addition, making it easier for more students to engage from home. Today, our main evening class is offered both virtually and in-person, ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can benefit from the course content.

A Year of Meaningful Learning

This year alone, Chabad of Charlotte has already hosted two engaging JLI courses:

- Nurturing Relationships: A course combining Kabbalistic wisdom with modern insights into building stronger, more meaningful relationships.

- Decoding the Talmud: A detailed exploration of the foundational Jewish text that underpins much of Torah observance. Join Us for an Inspiring Learning Experience

At Chabad of Charlotte, we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for Jewish learning, where individuals of all backgrounds can explore topics that speak to their lives. Whether you’re interested in Jewish history, spirituality, or ethics, Colorful Profiles offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding and connection to Jewish tradition.

For more information or to inquire about a free trial class, please email Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@chabadnc.org or call us at (704) 366-3984.