‘Character Over Conflict’ a free online course on personal character development
Over the past two decades, the world has become accustomed to turning to online video tutorials to help fix everything from creaky floorboards to malfunctioning computers. In Chabad.org’s latest online course, Character Over Conflict, viewers will learn how to fix something more personal: themselves.
The four-part video series will be presented by Rabbi Yosef Klyne, who teaches Chassidic philosophy and mentors students at the Chabad yeshivah in Baltimore.
A native of Manchester, England, Klyne studied in Chabad yeshivahs in Israel and the United States. He writes and teaches in various forums with a focus on applying the esoteric teachings of Chassidus in relevant terms while retaining the full import and flavor of the original teachings.
Homing in on conflict, both internal and external, this course will provide tools and perspective to deal with strife, personal weakness and the daily battles that rage within our own minds.
Drawing lessons from the biblical account of Cain’s jealousy and subsequent murder of his brother Abel, the first installment will provide practical solutions to transitioning from tension to tranquility.
In the second lesson, students will gain insight into the hidden dynamics of groups, on how to find one’s place within a cohort of peers and why it all matters.
The third lesson takes an inward turn, prompting viewers to grapple with an up-close analysis of one’s soul and emotional character as viewed through the lens of Chassidic tradition.
The final class will explore three practical, usable methods for resolving conflict.
“This teaches real, unvarnished Chassidism,” attests Rabbi Zalman Refson, who produced the course. “At the same time, Rabbi Klyne will be applying those timeless teachings to dilemmas and issues we all face today at the beginning of the third decade of the 21st century.”
The course will be presented on four consecutive Tuesdays, starting on Jan. 28, streaming on Chabad.org and then available for enrolled students to watch at their own pace. Each lecture will be accompanied by texts, discussions with fellow students on Facebook and quizzes, with student support at every step of the way. Although the course is offered free of charge, sign-up is required.
