Course will discuss Israel and the Jewish people

Just weeks after the release of a recent study that found only half of American Jews under the age of 35 are comfortable with the idea of a Jewish state, the Conejo Jewish Academy, the adult education arm of Chabad of the Conejo, announced a new six-week course that focuses on the millenniaold spiritual bond between the Jewish people and Israel.

The course, "Israel: The Lnad and the Spirit," will launch at 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 31 at the Conejo Jewish Academy, 30345 Canwood Street in Agoura Hills and will simultaneously be offered in 750 locations throughout the world.

"Chabad is deeply concerned by the study's findings, as is everyone in the Jewish communal world," said Rabbi Moshe Bryski of Chabad of the Conejo. "We need to do everything we can, as quickly as we can, to begin to reverse this growing indifference to Israel. . . .The Land and the Spirit course is a strong step in that direction."

Each of the six weekly classes will focus also on Israeli cities that have served as national spiritual centers at different points in Jewish history.

The class fee is $65, which includes the textbook, online forums and message boards to facilitate communication between students and faculty.

For registration, call (818) 991-0991 or visit the website www.JewishAcademy.com