Yarchei Kallah Classes
Complete Class Descriptions Below Graphic
The program will feature dynamic, in-person speakers, as well as guest speakers joining us online from around the world.
Participant Information:
- All classes, Monday – Friday, will take place at the Young Israel, 1762 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 2H7 (near the JCC) in air conditioned rooms.
- Have the opportunity to interact with presenters during break times as well as enjoy the camaraderie of other participants.
- Classes given by out of town presenters will be featured on a large screen with interactive capability.
- Refreshments and lunch will be available.
- Classes will be recorded for participants.
Morning Classes
9:15 AM
Rabbi Zischa Shaps
Spies vs. Spies
Monday – Friday
Spies vs. Spies
Rabbi Zischa Shaps
An in-depth textual analysis of the story of the spies and the differences between the way it is recorded in Parshat Shelach and retold by Moshe in Parshat Devarim. Whose idea was it to send spies? What did they actually do wrong and why was it so terrible?
10:45 AM
Rabbi Michael Skobac
Soul, Society, and Spirit: Unpacking the Deeper Dimensions of Judaism
Monday – Friday
MONDAY
The Soul: Understanding What Makes us Human
Investigate what we know about the soul using scientific research into Near Death Experiences as well as ancient Rabbinic writings about what happens when someone dies. How does the body relate to the soul and what is the ultimate purpose of our existence?
TUESDAY
A Jewish Perspective on Dreams
How do dreams work and what do they mean? Examine the spiritual significance of dreams in Jewish thought and reveal what they might reveal about the human soul and divine communication.
WEDNESDAY
Is Religion Killing Judaism?
Examine some of the common misconceptions held about Judaism that lead many Jewish people away from it. Explore some of the negative stereotypes that people have about religion and how Judaism suffers by association.
THURSDAY
The Kabbalah of Money: Is it the Root of All Evil?
Money is a central part of the fabric of our societies and lives. Delve into traditional Jewish literature on what we can understand about people from money. How can money have such lofty potential while also being the source for such misery in the world?
FRIDAY
The Noachide Laws: The Torah’s Path for Non-Jews
Judaism teaches that G-d revealed essential laws of universal morality to Adam and Noah. This lecture discusses the history of the Noachide movement, how it has grown in recent decades, and some of the major challenges they face.
Lunch and Learns
12:00 – 1:15 PM
Lunch and Learns
Monday – Friday
MONDAY
Rabbi Michael Skobac:
The Ten Lost Tribes – Are They Returning?
Elisha Guberman:
What’s the Deal with the Blue Fringes. (Including a dyeing demonstration)
WEDNESDAY
Rabbi Idan Scher:
Why Do We Eat Kosher?
THURSDAY
Rabbi Aaron Kutnowski:
The Angels of the Purim Story that You’ve Never Heard of
FRIDAY
Friday – Ander Moss:
Monarchy vs Democracy (In Honour of July 4th)
Evening Classes
5:30 PM
Tuesday
Canada Day – BBQ
6:00 PM
Wednesday
Women’s Sushi and Schmooze
7:00 PM
Consciousness Series
Monday – Thursdsay
Consciousness Series:
Monday – Yiska Guberman:
Backstage with the Sages: How the Rabbis (Chazal) imagined the thoughts and motivations of Biblical characters
Tuesday – Mrs. Chashi Skobac:
Intro to Jewish Meditation
Wednesday – Danielle Altonaga:
Tuning into Your Soul: Staying Clear, Calm, and Connected
Thursday – Marina Zilbergerts:
The Sounds of Creation: How the Words of Genesis Resonate with our Consciousness
7:00 PM
Rabbi Michael Altonaga
Big Questions: Exploring Life’s Profound Mysteries
Monday – Wednesday
Rabbi Michael Altonaga:
This three -part series tackles timeless philosophical and theological inquiries, bringing classical sources and discussion to illuminate humanity’s deepest existential questions.
Monday – Why Bad Things Happen to Good People: Suffering and Divine Purpose
Tuesday – Free Will: Agency, Determinism, and Moral Responsibility
Wednesday – What Will the Age of Mashiach Look Like? Visions of a Transcendent Future
8:00 PM
Monday -Thursday
Mincha
8:15 PM
Rabbi Michael Skobac
The Truth Behind The Lies
Monday – Thursday
Rabbi Michael Skobac:
Following Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack on October 7, 2023 and Israel’s subsequent invasion of Gaza, the Jewish state has faced an international onslaught aimed at painting it as the real villain in this conflict. An unprecedented wave of anti-Semitism has been unleashed with enemies of Israel and Zionism using their current platform to denigrate and delegitimatize the Jewish state.
Jewish people in the diaspora often don’t know how to respond to the slander and invective they encounter.
This seminar has been designed to provide attendees with the essential knowledge to be able to separate fact from fiction, dismantle these lies and proudly stand up for Israel.
Monday – Exposing the Slander: The History of False Accusations Against Israel
Tuesday – Who Owns the Holy Land? Israel’s Irrefutable Claims
Wednesday – Only One Can Be True: Conflicting Narratives in the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Thursday – Countering Anti-Israel Lies: From Apartheid to Genocide
9:20 PM
Monday -Thursday
Mariv
