During this past Iyar, thousands of students from diverse backgrounds and all age groups participated across 500 Chabad centers, delving into the pages of Jewish history and stepping into the lives of some of its most remarkable figures. Each lesson spotlighted a different theme, weaving together colorful tales from across continents and centuries.
From an Italian priest who left the pulpit to become a wandering Jew, to a Sephardic businesswoman who smuggled her people to safety under the Inquisition’s nose, Colorful Profiles offered students insight into timeless Jewish values and the heroes who stood up for them.
“I had my doubts if a history course would be captivating,” admitted Rabbi Nechemia Schusterman of Peabody, Massachusetts. “But it captivated us. I learned as much Jewish History as I did world history and geography. My students and I are much richer for this course.”
The course’s unique style, which focuses on stories and characters through historical artifacts and sources that aren’t typically included in standard classes, drew participants from a wide range of backgrounds. As Rabbi Elie Filer, of Prescott, Arizona, highlighted: “I read through the course and realized it is perfect for semi-traditional and conservative Jews who love things like the Cairo Genizah; it brought many in.”
One of the most discussed moments came in Lesson Four, which examined stories of Jewish captives and moral courage during hostage crises of the past.
“We ended with Achainu, but nobody moved,” said Rabbi Yanki Denburg of Coral Springs, Florida. “People wanted to process and reflect. It got emotional.”
The impact of the course was best summarised with a comment from a woman from Birmingham, Alabama. She told Rabbi Yossi Friedman, “This is the most enjoyable being Jewish has ever been for me.”
