Local Jews find education and friendship at Chabad

Alex Birman was looking for a little more knowledge. He found a community.

The Annapolis resident goes to classes and religious services offered by Chabad of Anne Arundel County, an outreach and educational center for Jews run by Rabbi Nochum Light and his wife, Hindy.

"I feel there's something communal about it," Mr. Birman said. "It's important we have these types of opportunities to get together and do things."

He's been attending classes at Chabad for about two years and has studied everything from portions of the Bible to Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). The atmosphere at Chabad, he said,...