Theodicy: A Vindication of God’s Goodness and Justice in the Face of the Existence of Evil
With all the pain and suffering that surrounds us and that we experience, it is hard not to be troubled by the conundrum of theodicy: why do bad things happen to good people? This question has challenged Jewish philosophers throughout the ages. According to the Rabbis of the Talmud, even Moses was perplexed by this problem. A wide range of other Jewish thinkers, including Maimonides, the Ari, R. Soloveitchik, and the Piaseczner Rebbe, have attempted to find solutions to this vexing problem; some attempts have been more successful than others. We will study and analyze a wide range of classical responses found in biblical, rabbinic, philosophical, and mystical sources. We will begin with the Book of Job and then explore various relevant texts from the Talmudic, medieval and modern periods.
Ysoscher Katz
Monday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
9-session course: October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14.
Tuition: $350

We are “The People of the Book,” but Which Book?  What do ArtScroll, Etz Chaim, Hertz, and Plaut tell us about our religious movements?
What accounts for the proliferation in recent years of new Chumashim and siddurim? We will examine the translations and commentaries of the new Chumashim and siddurim as keys to understanding the changing ideologies of the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements, as well as the fissures between and within the movements. We will survey a number of classic and contemporary translations of the Chumash, Bible, and siddur from each of the movements. 
Jerome Chanes
Tuesday, December 15, 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40 (includes lunch)
Paid pre-registration for lunch required by Monday, December 14 at noon.

Where is Our Moral Courage: Talmudic and Philosophical Readings in Jewish Social Justice 
In this course we will develop a coherent philosophy of Jewish Social Justice while discussing pressing contemporary concerns including poverty and health care reform. 
Ari Weiss and Shmuly Yanklowitz
Tuesday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
4-session course: November 24, December 1, 8, 15.
Tuition: $200

Anti-Zionism and the "New Anti-Semitism"
Menachem Kellner
Tuesday, October 13, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40

Maimonidean Reflections on Kabbalah
Menachem Kellner
Tuesday, October 20, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40

Esh Kodesh: Insights from the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto
Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piaseczner Rebbe, wrote chassidic commentary on weekly Torah portions during his time in the Warsaw Ghetto. In his book, Esh Kodesh, he contends with complex questions of faith in the face of the mounting suffering of the Jews of Europe. We will examine his work and his contribution to modern Jewish thought.
Erin Leib Smokler
Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
9-session course: October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9, 16.
Tuition: $350

Am I My Neighbor's Keeper? Torah and Environmental Responsibility in a Fragile World
Being a "keeper" implies that we bear some responsibility beyond our own and our family's lives.  To what extent does the Torah call upon us to be the "keeper" of our neighbors, our land, other species, and the world as a whole?  We will also review current environmental challenges and suggestions of how  we can protect the environment.
Ora Sheinson
Thursday, December 3, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40

Consumerism and the Jewish Ethic of Restraint
In our consumer-oriented society, people are sometimes viewed as "consumers" rather than individuals. The Jewish tradition has a completely different approach to humanity and to living a meaningful life, which may provide the antidote to our consumer passions and help us live happier and more sustainable lives. Learn what Jewish tradition has to say about our wants, our needs, our purchases, and what it truly means to be human.
Evonne Marzouk
Thursday, December 10, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40