Chabad of Topanga · Fall Course

Journey of the
Soul

A six-lesson exploration of life, death, and what lies beyond

6 Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m. on Zoom

Who hasn't wondered what happens when we die?

Is there really a "better" place after this one?

Do our loved ones continue to connect with us?

Can I relate to an afterlife if I'm not spiritual?

$180$25

Donor-subsidized · Textbook included

At once practical and powerful, reflective and relatable, Journey of the Soul teaches a Jewish perspective on life that begins before birth and lasts well after a person's passing. It's a journey we all take — and it's yours to explore this fall.

What Scholars Are Saying
About This Course

"This course strikes me as a very fine juxtaposition of ancient theological wisdom with contemporary empirical science. My sense is that this would be an interesting and rewarding educational and personal experience."

Sheldon Solomon, PhDProfessor of Social Psychology, Skidmore College; co-author, The Psychology of Terror

"It seems clear to me that this will be a valuable course that will help people come to grips with their mortality, a topic that's too often avoided."

Jeff Greenberg, PhDProfessor of Psychology, University of Arizona; co-author, The Psychology of Terror

"I would certainly encourage people in the communities offering this course to challenge themselves to consider these existential questions."

Richard D. Tedeschi, PhDDistinguished Chair, Boulder Crest Institute for Post-Traumatic Growth; co-author, Post-Traumatic Growth: Theory, Research and Applications

Breakdown of the 6 Lessons

Demystifying Death

Why are humans so anxious about death and dying? For many, the abrupt finality of death makes life itself seem futile. By exploring how our life force — our immortal soul — never ends but merely shifts roles, we begin to view life and death as two harmonious steps on the same journey.

Taking Leave

Is death painful for souls? Is my presence felt when I visit a grave? Judaism's pre-burial and burial rituals accompany the soul's gradual transition from a limiting physical life to a completely spiritual one. We discuss how, once freed, the soul's connection to the living continues in new and powerful ways.

The Mourning After

What is the Jewish grieving process and what is the significance of its various traditions? This lesson offers a meaningful Jewish perspective on grief itself, as well as practical shiva etiquette — both for mourners and for those who wish to comfort them.

Where We Go

For centuries, human beings have been motivated by the promise of heaven and frightened by the threat of hell. Discover what Jews believe about where every soul goes and how Kaddish aids a soul in reaching true peace.

Where We Go Again

Reincarnation: more than a fascinating topic, Judaism provides a practical way to imagine this mystical process and explains why it is important both to departed souls and to our lives today.

Life Is Short(ish)

By now we've come to appreciate death as the next phase in our ongoing personal missions. In our final lesson, we use what we've learned to revisit our priorities in this current phase and find ways to fill every moment with everlasting significance.

It's a journey we all take.

Join us this fall at Chabad of Topanga for six thought-provoking sessions.

$180$25

6 Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m. on Zoom

Thanks to generous donors, your $25 covers all six lessons and the textbook.

What the Topanga Community Is Saying

"I enjoyed the discussion on what happens after death… we will all experience death and most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. So, we're all wondering…"

— A.K.

"I shared the Rebbe's wisdom with a friend just diagnosed with cancer. She was especially interested in finding purpose in the face of her challenge. It is a blessing to connect and share."

— A.H.

"I take a lot of classes, continuing education units for my license, so I'm a pretty good judge. I was very impressed."

— G.N.

"Everyone seemed really engaged and hanging on what was coming next. I thought the whole course was terrific."

— J.F.

"I loved loved loved our lessons! I felt you were speaking in a much more authentic and intelligent voice."

— J.R.

"This class has given me so much to think about… I'm really enjoying it, can't wait to discuss it more!"

— E.W.

"I loved the videos, graphics, multi-media. You knew what you wanted to convey each session and didn't linger or go over the time."

— G.F.

"Connecting to G‑d is something achievable at any moment, and the course taught techniques and concepts to achieve this goal."

— J.W.

"He removed the mystery and set me on the path to an understanding of G‑d's language. This class has made me feel that my brain has been fed and watered."

— S.F.

"Mitzvahs are Hashem's love language has been echoing in my head and heart all week."

— D.G.

About Your Instructor

Rabbi Mendy Piekarski

I like to teach, but more than that, I like to learn. That's why my classes are highly interactive — I want to hear your thoughts, your questions, your perspective. Real wisdom emerges when different perspectives challenge and complete each other.

I also make space for the personal — your experiences and your story matter here.

What truly makes these classes special is the community who joins: intellectually curious, emotionally deep, and genuinely engaged. You're in for a great ride.

Rabbi Piekarski has over 10 years of Talmud, Kabbalah, and Jewish mysticism study. He received his Rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Yaruslavsky (top Chabad halachic authority in Israel), advanced halachah certification from Rabbi Faitel Levin (Australia's most sought-after halachic lecturer), and wedding officiant certification from Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau and Rabbi Ulman (Sydney's top halachic authority).

He studied Jewish mysticism under Rabbi Manis Friedman (YouTube's most popular Rabbi) and Rabbi Simon Jacobson (founder of The Meaningful Life Center, called a "Spiritual Starbucks" by the New York Times).

Rabbi Piekarski has taught at Yeshiva University (Manhattan) and on Chabad.org (50M+ annual views). He has been featured on MSNBC, BBC, NBC, and the Times of Israel, and is a certified JLI instructor teaching in Topanga.

It's a journey we all take.

Join us this fall at Chabad of Topanga for six thought-provoking sessions.

$180$25

6 Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m. on Zoom

Thanks to generous donors, your $25 covers all six lessons and the textbook.

Chabad of Topanga · [email protected] · 310-455-1597