The latest e-learning offering at the Wilmette Institute, an educational agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, explores the sacred scriptures of the Jewish dispensation starting June 15. The three-month course runs through Sept. 15.

The Tanakh/Christian Old Testament includes descriptions of the lives and teachings of two Manifestations (Abraham and Moses), historical accounts, prophetic utterances, sacred stories, poetry, hymns, and a variety of other material. The course will study the Tanakh’s major books, their authors, and their contents.

The Tanakh has brought hope to millions and nurtured spiritual journeys for millennia. It provides remarkable comparisons to (and contrasts with) Bahá'í scripture, and contains promises, the meanings of which have been unlocked by the Bahá'í revelation.

Participants typically devote about five hours a week to the Wilmette Institute’s e-learning courses. The work consists of reading materials available through the website or easily obtainable locally (such as Baha'i authoritative texts), discussing the readings and study questions on web-based forums, and other activities, such as automated quizzes. Participants may do all work at home. All learners are assigned a mentor to advise, encourage, and assist.

Tuition is $150; $120 for seniors and university students. Registration closes two weeks after the course begins to ensure everyone moves through the material at the same time.