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Chabad South County Jewish Center
Serving Morgan Hill, Gilroy
and Southern Santa Clara County
DATES & TIME
4 Tuesdays
June 23 - July 14, 2026
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
LOCATION
Chabad Jewish Center of South County
16430 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill
INSTRUCTOR
Rabbi Mendel Liberow
408.766.2343
COURSE FEE
$95 (textbook included)
Early Bird (before June 9) $80
Try the first class free | Scholarships available
Sinai and Civics: The Jewish ethics that shaped America’s founding
A fascinating six-week course from the Jewish Learning Institute
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?
No previous Jewish learning necessary.
This course will satisfy the continuing education (CLE) requirements of lawyers and legal professionals.
COURSE 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.