Hi!

These days, it seems like nothing has a shelf life longer than a week. Every day brings another superhero franchise, fashion trend, or dieting fad. News cycles shift by the hour, social media feeds and timelines by the second. With everything flickering, flashing, and constantly updating, it’s little wonder life sometimes feel so impermanent.

For me, there’s no better way to slow things down than to pull back, if only for short while, and try to see things from a more timeless perspective. Our own Jewish traditions are filled with so many breathtaking insights, and they won’t fade away into irrelevance in a few days. Connecting to our own heritage, and ultimately to a divine wisdom, makes the all very human things we do feel richer, more meaningful, and part of something longer lasting.

The Torah Studies program at  Chabad of Maine tries to make this happen every single week. Each class take a topic or idea in Jewish thought to explore, tease out, and bring into play with our own lives. Each one is built around texts that we’ll learn together so that you can see these ideas for yourself, argue over them, and apply them to life your own way. Below, you can see an outline of a few of the upcoming sessions, and I’d love if you could join me for what promises to be a fun, engaging, and deeply rewarding learning experience. They are open to everyone, of all abilities, so bring along a friend too!

Shalom, and have a great week,

Rabbi Levi Wilansky

11 Pomeroy Street, Portland, ME 04102

Wednesday, April 15 2026

The Art of Loving Rebuke

How to Correct Others without Hurting Them

In a world full of flaws, it’s easy to point out others’ mistakes—but the Torah teaches us that rebuke must always come from a place of love. Discover how to correct others with compassion, ensuring your words heal rather than harm.

Wednesday, April 22 2026

Helping or Hustling?

The Fine Line between Advice and Agenda

Ever given advice that seemed like it was for someone else, but . . . maybe you kind of benefited too? This class dives into the fine line between genuine help and self-serving agendas, showing you how to ensure your actions are truly for others—not just for your own gain.

Wednesday, April 29 2026

Shabbos: More than Just a Day

How One Day of Rest Can Transform the Week

Shabbos isn’t just a day of rest: it influences every part of our lives, extending its impact far beyond the twenty-five hours. Discover how the mindset and practices of Shabbos shape our entire week.

Wednesday, May 6 2026

When Questions Bring Blessing

Turning Curiosity into Faith

We all ask “how” when faced with uncertainty. The Torah shows that some questions come from fear—and others from faith. This class explores how sincere curiosity and humble effort invite Divine blessing, even when we feel least worthy.

Wednesday, May 13 2026

Is It Worth Teaching Them So Young?

When Early Education Feels Pointless, but It Might Be Everything

Is it really worth investing in a child’s education when they’re too young to understand? This class dives into the debate over whether we should push early learning, the value of small efforts, and why we trust that our work, even when unseen, will shape the future.

Wednesday, May 20 2026

Chabad’s Loud Truth

From Sinai’s Thunder to Boldness in the Streets

Chabad’s loud, unapologetic approach to Jewish outreach might seem surprising—but it’s quite ancient: it mirrors the dramatic revelation at Mount Sinai. Thunder and lightning accompanied the Giving of the Torah, and Chabad’s visible presence in public spaces reaffirms that every corner of the world belongs to G‑d.

Wednesday, May 27 2026

Sameness Is a Shame

Why King David’s “Songs” Missed the Music

When life feels monotonous, it’s not the world that’s flat: it’s our angle. This class reveals how David’s “songs” teach us to find the living face hidden within life’s sameness.

Wednesday, June 3 2026

Restrain or Transform?

Finding Balance between Holding Back and Growing Forward

Should spiritual growth focus on restraining negativity, or actively cultivating goodness? Is there space for both, or must we choose? This discussion explores the balance between self-restraint and transformation in our spiritual journey.

Wednesday, June 10 2026

From Honest Scouts to Sinister Spies

The Slippery Slope of Moral Erosion

The spies didn’t wake up evil: they slipped there. What starts as a minor shift in intention can spiral into a full-blown moral disaster. This class exposes the subtle missteps that led them to betrayal and shows you how to catch the warning signs before it’s too late.

Wednesday, June 17 2026

The Leadership Dilemma

Power vs. Influence

What makes a great leader? Power or influence? In this class, we’ll explore the difference between Korach’s power grab and another episode that challenged Moses’s legacy of leadership. Discover why true leaders don’t just command; they inspire others to lead.

Wednesday, June 24 2026

The Strength to Overcome Impossible Tasks

When Faith Defies the Odds

Jews in the Soviet Union risked everything to free the Rebbe. Despite impossible odds, their self-sacrifice led to an unexpected victory. What allowed them to succeed where logic said they couldn’t?

Wednesday, July 1 2026

From Rebellion to Redemption

How Korach’s Sons Crawled out of the Abyss–—and How You Can Too

Korach’s sons fell into the abyss with the rebels but survived due to their repentance. Despite their initial involvement in the rebellion, their internal change and eventual redemption offer profound insights into the power of repentance, even when it remains hidden.

 

Chabad of Maine

11 Pomeroy Street, Portland, ME 04102
www.chabadofmaine.com/7090716

 
 

YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF JEWISH INSPIRATION

 

Torah Studies is a program of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute