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, July 8 2026

Settling for More

How the Right Perspective Transforms Decisions

The tribes of Gad and Reuven made a life-changing decision to settle outside of Israel. But was their choice driven by fear or a vision of greater possibilities? Explore how shifting our mindset can make the difference between a retreat and a new opportunity.

Wednesday, July 15 2026

Building from the Rubble

The First Step to Rebuilding What’s Broken

Sometimes, things fall apart to make room for something better. This class dives into how life’s most painful moments can be reframed as the start of something new. Harness the energy of breakdowns to fuel breakthroughs, and discover how to find purpose in every twist of life’s journey.

Wednesday, July 22 2026

Memory Is Life

Forgetting Torah Is Like Losing a Part of Yourself

Torah study isn’t just a learning experience—it’s the key to life itself. But what happens when we forget the teachings we’ve absorbed? Explore why Torah isn’t just information, it’s the breath of life—and how forgetting even one word can have profound spiritual consequences.

Wednesday, July 29 2026

The Night of Opportunity

The Magic of Evening Torah Study

While most people use their evenings to relax or unwind, Jewish tradition teaches us to connect with G‑d through Torah study at night. Discover how the quiet of the night can deepen your Torah study and transform your life.

Wednesday, August 5 2026

The Real Meaning of Tzedakah

Why Giving Shouldn’t Feel Like Earning

Giving tzedakah during the High Holidays reminds us that we’re all recipients of G‑d’s generosity. In this lesson, we’ll examine how tzedakah reflects a deeper truth: our actions only carry weight because G‑d has chosen to give them meaning. And for that, we are eternally grateful.

Wednesday, August 12 2026

When Everyone’s Wrong

How to See the Good When Everyone Else Sees the Bad

What happens when everyone agrees on something—especially when it’s a conviction? Shouldn’t that mean it’s right? Explore the Torah’s fascinating perspective on unanimous judgments and how they often point to a deeper truth. Sometimes, when everyone says “bad,” it’s the perfect time to look for the good.

Wednesday, August 19 2026

One Person. Seriously?

Annoying News for Anyone Hoping to Stay Spiritually Off the Grid

Wish you could sit this one out and let the more “serious” people handle fixing the world? Not so fast. This class explores a Torah view where every individual action counts, and where even one mitzvah can tip the cosmic scales. Low pressure this is not. Empowering? Very

Wednesday, August 26 2026

Gratitude in Two Acts

The Immediate Thank You and the Thoughtful Follow-Up

Gratitude isn’t just a quick “thank you.” Explore how the mitzvah to thank G‑d for the first fruits teaches us two layers of gratitude: the spontaneous initial thanks, and the deeper reflection that follows. Both layers are essential to fully appreciating the gifts we receive.

Wednesday, September 2 2026

The Power of Standing Still

Why the Paradox of Jewish Law Actually Sets Us Free

Is it possible to hold steadfast to ancient truths while evolving within them? This lesson unpacks the paradox of Jewish law: how we are rooted in the unchanging, yet constantly urged to innovate. Learn how both principles come together to form the dynamic essence of Judaism.

Wednesday, September 9 2026

A Year That Doesn’t Exist

Why Desperation Makes Prayer More Powerful

Rosh Hashanah calls us to pray not just for a good year, but for the very creation of that year. Explore how prayer can reach beyond the realm of possibility, changing G‑d’s will and our fate, even in the most dire circumstances. If we pray like our lives depend on it, they just might.

Wednesday, September 16 2026

A Parent’s Love

Why G‑d’s Forgiveness Doesn’t Mean We Can Stay the Same

G‑d’s forgiveness on Yom Kippur is not about erasing mistakes—it’s about a relationship. In this lesson, we dive deep into why G‑d treats us like His beloved children, even when we fail. The love He shows on Yom Kippur isn’t just to absolve us; it’s meant to challenge us to rise higher, avoiding the trap of taking His grace for granted.

Wednesday, September 23 2026

The Unsung Hero of Sukkot

The Willow Is More than Just a Branch

The willow may seem like the least impressive of the four species, but its role in the Sukkot ritual speaks volumes. Examine why the willow is chosen for a special mitzvah, and how it teaches us the importance of simple, unwavering faith as the foundation for all other forms of observance.

 

Chabad of Maine

11 Pomeroy Street, Portland, ME 04102
www.chabadofmaine.com/7411625

 
 

YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF JEWISH INSPIRATION

 

Torah Studies is a program of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute