JLI Courses — Spring & Summer 2026
The world is asking the big questions.
Judaism has been answering them for 3,300 years.
Two timely courses exploring the ethical foundations of a good life, a just society, and a nation built to last.
Spring course begins April 26, 2026 • Summer course begins June 21, 2026
Sunday, Monday, or Wednesday • In person or Zoom • CLE-accredited
Register
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Single course For All Humankind or Sinai & Civics $159 + CLE credits: +$100 (up to 6 credits) |
Best value Both courses Spring + Summer combo $199 + CLE credits: +$125 (up to 12 credits) |
No prior Jewish learning necessary. Both courses are CLE-accredited for attorneys and legal professionals, including ethics credits. + $15 textbook fee.
Spring 2026 — 4 Sessions
For All Humankind
Your Judaism holds a message the world wants to hear. It’s time to unlock it.
The world has no shortage of opinions about Jews. But what does Judaism have to say to the world? In this four-part course, we will uncover Judaism’s deeper moral vision for human life, society, and the future, and why that vision feels especially urgent in a time of so much confusion, hostility, and moral noise.
Schedule4 Sundays 4 Mondays 4 Wednesdays |
Location & AttendanceIn person at Chabad of Wilmette Also available live on Zoom Instructor: Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein No previous Jewish learning necessary. |
What you’ll explore
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The Message of Abraham Our universal message isn’t “Be Jewish” — so what is it? See how Judaism’s universal concern began with Abraham and what ethical monotheism means in practice today. |
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Is Morality Obvious? Can logic alone create morality? Explore the value of innate human dignity, where it comes from, and the trouble with pinning new sources to a timeless moral principle. |
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Educating Children Is raising kids all about career prep? What should we teach at school and at home? See the critical purpose that makes family life so central to Judaism’s universal morality. |
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It Will Get Better History is a story of purpose and progress, not endless cycles of doom. See how this makes every moral choice a stepping stone toward a harmonious future. |
Summer 2026 — 4 Sessions — USA 250
Sinai and Civics
How Jewish values helped shape America’s founding ideals
In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this four-session course reflects on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired America’s founders — and that still shape our government and society today. Was it always self-evident that all people are “created equal”? What is the “pursuit of happiness”? What inspired America’s system of checks and balances? And looking ahead, what steps can we take to build a just and united future?
Schedule4 Sundays 4 Mondays 4 Wednesdays |
Location & AttendanceIn person at Chabad of Wilmette Also available live on Zoom Instructor: Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein No previous Jewish learning necessary. |
What you’ll explore
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The Foundations of the Covenant From the Pilgrims on, America’s founders drew inspiration from the Hebrew Bible. America was founded not by conquest, but by a shared promise — a covenant. |
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The Roots of Equality It wasn’t always self-evident that all people are created equal. So why did the founders think it was? Discover the story of this foundational American and Jewish value. |
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In G‑d We Trust What is “The American Dream”? Discover how a Biblical concept came to shape America’s ideal of equal opportunity and mass prosperity. |
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The Separation of Powers See how America’s system of government parallels the Torah’s ancient division of powers — and how each understands morality’s role in the public square. |
One theme. Two conversations.
These two JLI courses were chosen to speak to this moment. In a time of global unrest, political turmoil, and deep moral confusion, they invite us to think more deeply about Judaism’s vision for humanity, moral responsibility, and a just society.
You may be surprised by how meaningfully they connect timeless Jewish ideas to some of today’s most pressing public questions. Each course may be taken on its own. Together, they form a wider and richer conversation.
What past students say
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“ I’ve taken four JLI courses and each one changes how I see the world. The discussions alone are worth it, the people in the room make it extraordinary. michael H., Wilmette |
“ I came as a complete beginner and never felt lost for a moment. Rabbi Flinkenstein has a gift for making ancient ideas feel urgent and alive. alex f., north shore |
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“ As an attorney, earning CLE credits while studying the philosophical roots of justice and law was genuinely unexpected, and fascinating. Jordan l., winnetka |
“ My husband and I take every JLI course together. It’s become our favorite thing we do as a couple. The conversations continue long after the class ends. susan o., Wilmette |
Location, Contact & Accreditation
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Address Chabad of Wilmette |
Contact |
CLE Accreditation: Both courses satisfy continuing education requirements for lawyers and legal professionals, including ethics credits. For the complete accreditation statement, visit myjli.com/continuingeducation.