Kindness, courage and joy are the focus of a three-part interfaith course led by Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan in October.

The course will be 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Oct. 9, 16 and 23, at 12202 N. 101st Ave. People of all backgrounds are invited to participate in the course.

Over the past two years, Kaplan has discussed the topic of character development and the role that it plays in spirituality, especially Jewish spirituality.

During the new course, Kaplan will discuss how understanding what kindness, courage and joy are can be the first step towards deepening a commitment to becoming fully human.

“Part of this process is changing how we look at the world and part is changing how we react to the world. Taken together, we can achieve greater joy not by buying more things or even traveling to more places but by being kinder, more courageous people,” he said.

The registration deadline is noon Oct. 6. Cost is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. Call the Temple Office at 623-977-3240, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, to register. Discount coupon books for courses are available. 

Email templebethshalomaz@gmail.com or visit tbsaz.org for more information.