WHEN 

4 Tuesdays
12:30 PM (Preceded by lunch at 12PM)
Beginning May 26, 2026

This course is being offered for both online and in-person attendees

LOCATION

Chabad of Venice
21560 Angela Lane Venice, FL

MORE INFO

Cost for This Course & Previous One Including Textbooks: Members: $100
Non Members: $120
Couples (one Textbook): $220
Couples Members: $180

 

ACCREDITATION

Doctors and most mental health professionals can earn CME or continuing education credit by attending this course. Visit https://myjli.com/continuingeducation for more information and a complete accreditation statement.

Course Overview

How Jewish values helped shape America's founding ideals

In time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this four-session course reflects on the Jewish ethics, ideas, and values that inspired and influenced 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?

Lesson Outline

 

Lesson One
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. See how these factors helped make America the most welcoming nation for Jews in our long Diaspora.

 

Lesson Two
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.

 

Lesson Three
IN G-D WE TRUST

 
What is "The American Dream"? Discover the surprising story of how a Biblical concept came to shape America's ideal of equal opportunity and mass prosperity.

 

Lesson Four
THE SEPARATION OF POWERS

 
Three branches of government. The separation of church and state. See how America's system parallels the Torah's ancient division of powers—and how they each understand the role morality plays in the public square.