Chabad Offering Lunchtime Education to Jews

Roseville, CA — Roseville’s Jewish population might not rival those of New York or Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean local Jews shouldn’t have access to enriching educational opportunities, one Roseville rabbi says.

The Placer County Jewish Learning Academy is the latest offering from Chabad of Roseville, and Rabbi Yossi Korik hopes it goes a long way toward explaining key tenants of the faith to those of all levels of familiarity with Judaism.

“The most important thing is education; that’s what keeps people with the traditions,” he said. “It’s very important in any religion to be educated and Chabad wants to provide to the community education at all levels.”

To that end, the Academy is gearing up to provide discussion-style classes where it’s most convenient – at work during lunchtime.

The first class will take place 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at Zimmerman Wealth Strategies & Insurance Serv-ices, located at 2380 Professional Drive.

“It’s always going to be an exciting topic,” Korik said. “We all know Judaism is an old religion, but what does that mean to us today? How can I include Judaism in today’s modern world?”

Friday’s topic, then, is aptly titled “How to be Jewish in Today’s Modern American World.”

Future topics will touch on prayer and keeping Kosher, Korik said.

“In the future, our goal is to have these throughout the area, from Auburn to Roseville,” he said.

It’s an amenity whose time has come, Korik said. While there might be anywhere from 4,000-5,000 Jews in the county, he estimates, more are arriving all the time.

“Just like everything in Placer that’s booming, there’s got to be more and more Jews moving in,” he said.