Welcome To The Mountain.
Meet HAR — the Hebrew Academy of Richmond. A bold new adult Jewish learning initiative from Chabad.
HAR means mountain in Hebrew — the climb toward wisdom and connection.
Dynamic classes. Real conversation. Real connection.
January 2026
Sunday, January 11 - 7:00pm
Sephardic Origins: An overview of the history of the Sephardic Jewry.
By Rabbi Shlomo Pereira
Three Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27 - 7:00pm
When Faith is not Enough:
Shaar HaBitachon explores what it really means to live with trust — not as blind faith, but as inner clarity and strength.
Shaar HaBitachon explores what it really means to live with trust — not as blind faith, but as inner clarity and strength.
By Rabbi Yossel Kranz
Purchase book here: https://a.co/d/1nwb6OJ
Three Thursdays, January 15, 22, 29 - 7:00pm
Modern Antisemitism
An exploration of Jewish unity, identity, and the State of Israel, based on The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity.
By Rabbi Elisha Paul
Purchase book here: https://a.co/d/hXc5blK
Cost:
Chabad Community Synagogue Members:
Per Series or Lecture: $18pp
Monthly Pass: $36pp
Per Series or Lecture: $18pp
Monthly Pass: $36pp
Non-Members:
Per Series: $30pp
Monthly Pass: $60pp
Per Series: $30pp
Monthly Pass: $60pp
February 2026
Wednesday, February 4 - 7:00pm
Christopher Columbus and 1492: Discovery of a New World and Expulsion of the Jews.
By Rabbi Shlomo Pereira
Three Thursdays, February 12, 19, 26 - 7:00pm
The Unbreakable Soul: Life can overwhelm — but the Jewish soul cannot be extinguished. A deep, inspiring journey into resilience, identity, and the quiet strength that lives within every Jew.
By Rabbi Yossel Kranz
Three Tuesdays, February 10, 17, 24 - 7:00pm
Prayer and Meditation: Prayer is one of Judaism’s boldest ideas: that daily words shape how we live. This series explores prayer not as routine, but as practice — text-based, direct, and deeply relevant.
By Rabbi Elisha Paul
Prayer and Meditation: Prayer is one of Judaism’s boldest ideas: that daily words shape how we live. This series explores prayer not as routine, but as practice — text-based, direct, and deeply relevant.
By Rabbi Elisha Paul
Cost:
Chabad Community Synagogue Members:
Per Series or Lecture: $18
Monthly Pass: $36
Per Series or Lecture: $18
Monthly Pass: $36
Non-Members:
Per Series: $30
Monthly Pass: $60
Per Series: $30
Monthly Pass: $60
March 2026
Wednesday, March 4 - 7:00pm
A tale of two Passovers: Celebrating freedom under captivity in Portugal, c. 1500.
Passover, the Festival of Freedom, in 1497 and 1506, was marked in Portugal by serious tragedies for the Jewish people. In 1497, Jews suffered spiritual slaughter through kidnapping and forced conversion of children. In 1506, Jews suffered physical slaughter during the Lisbon Pogrom. Where do Jews find the reserve of strength to withstand these challenges to the point of celebrating freedom even under captivity?
By Rabbi Shlomo Pereira
Three Tuesdays: March 10, 17, 24 - 7:00pm
The Haggadah: Freedom, Then and Now
An in-depth study of the Haggadah — its structure, language, and central ideas — explored through a Chassidic lens. The Haggadah isn’t just history; it’s a lived experience. This class uncovers the deeper meaning of the Exodus and why every generation is called to see itself as leaving Egypt — then and now. A deeper understanding that makes the Seder come alive.
By Rabbi Yossel Kranz
Cost:
Chabad Community Synagogue Members:
Per Series or Lecture: $18
Monthly Pass: $36
Per Series or Lecture: $18
Monthly Pass: $36
Non-Members:
Per Series: $30
Monthly Pass: $60
Per Series: $30
Monthly Pass: $60
Instructor: Rabbi Yossel Kranz
Rabbi Yossel Kranz is the Executive Director at Chabad of Virginia and has served the Richmond community for over 30 years.
Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Pereira
Rabbi Shlomo Pereira received his rabbinical ordination in Jerusalem in 2004. He currently serves as Assistant Rabbi and Education Director at Chabad of Virginia. He has taught extensively on topics ranging from Jewish history and law to Jewish philosophy and mysticism.
Instructor: Rabbi Elisha Paul
Rabbi Elisha Paul is a lifelong Jewish educator, serving as Head of School at Rudlin Torah Academy since 2019. He holds advanced degrees in education and Jewish communal leadership and has received numerous educational awards.
