For All Humankind

When: Four Wednesday Evenings: May 6, 2026 / May 13, 2026 / May 20, 2026 / May 27, 2026 

8:00 pm – 9:15 pm

Where: At Chabad Romano Centre and Online (Zoom)

Course Overview

What values create a good life? What values lead to a just society? These
are foundational questions all people must grapple with. Does Judaism have
answers?
In today’s society, we are implicitly expected to develop our own moral
compass, often without reference to a traditional moral code. One result has
been that, as disparate individuals develop increasingly idiosyncratic moral
ideas, our society struggles to call upon a cohesive set of shared ethical
principles to guide our collective decision-making—sliding instead toward
fragmentation and even mutual distrust.
The question is therefore increasingly urgent: Is there a moral code that all
people can unite around?
At first glance, Judaism is an unlikely contender to supply the answer. Unlike
other major religions, Judaism views itself as a special covenant between
G‑d and a distinct people. The Jewish people are consciously different—in
the words of Balaam’s blessing, “a people that dwells apart, not reckoned with
the nations” (Numbers 23:9). Does this mean that Judaism doesn’t concern
itself with humanity at large?
For All Humankind, a four-week, CLE-accredited course from the Rohr
Jewish Learning Institute, answers with a decisive “No.”

Judaism has always offered a powerful set of ethical principles for all people to live by. Judaism believes that G‑d treasures and rewards all people who follow these principles to lead good, just, and moral lives—whether they do or do not wish to join the covenant of Abraham. This course explores Judaism’s universal message to the world and its relevance to each of our lives today.

Some of the values that comprise Judaism’s message to the world already form the bedrock of our society’s morality: respect for G‑d, human life, private property, and the family; the establishment of courts to uphold justice; and avoiding cruelty to animals. But precisely because these values are so foundational, they are often taken for granted. They are gestured at through vague appeals to “our values,” but they are rarely precisely defined and explored. If we do not take the time to deeply understand these values and their underlying philosophy, we will be unequipped to distinguish the real thing from watered down or even corrupted versions. This course is an important chance to discuss the core values that underpin a just society.
But this is not an abstract study of society at large. Rather than direct its full attention toward the world—at what “society should do”—this course gives students the opportunity to understand and internalize these values. Students will discover how these values can help them in their personal lives as they seek to lead more moral, good, and fulfilling lives.

For All Humankind is also an opportunity to explore an often-overlooked aspect of Judaism: Judaism’s deep concern for the well-being of humanity at large. For Jewish individuals actively engaged in the world, this course offers a refreshing perspective on the relevance of their heritage in today’s world.

Lesson 1
JUDAISM AND UNIVERSAL VALUES
While Judaism has often been perceived as a “closed” tradition, in truth it carries a universal message intended for all of humanity. This lesson shows that the Jewish people’s mission is not just to safeguard their own covenant but to act as a guiding force for the moral and spiritual betterment of the entire world. Judaism’s unique moral system derives from the belief in one G‑d, a principle introduced by Abraham. The belief in one Creator brings
coherence to the world, establishing the basis for moral order, human dignity, and justice.

Lesson 2
MAN-MADE OR G-D-GIVEN?
This lesson explores the foundational questions of morality and human value: Where do our moral values come from, and are they absolute or subjective? It challenges the assumptions of a human-based ethical system by examining its vulnerabilities, particularly the dangers of moral relativism. Students will see how the Torah provides an objective, absolute foundation for all societies’ morality that protects the sanctity of life and extends responsibility to all creation.

Lesson 3
EDUCATING FUTURE GENERATIONS
Judaism provides a model of education as being more than simply acquiring knowledge. Instead it is a pathway to cultivating character and moral intelligence. Students will understand how universal values like responsibility, integrity, and kindness can be transmitted through the family unit and societal structures, and how the Torah provides a blueprint for developing ethical leaders who can make a positive impact in the world.

Lesson 4
IT WILL GET BETTER
Ancient societies typically understood time as a repetitive cycle. In contrast, Judaism has given the world the understanding that history progresses toward a positive purpose. Through the Jewish lens of linear time, students will learn that life’s struggles are not meaningless: they are opportunities for growth and change. They will be inspired by the idea that every action has a purpose and contributes to the larger narrative of progress toward the messianic era. The lesson fosters a mindset of hope and active engagement, empowering students to see themselves as part of a world in transformation.

Register HERE