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The Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus School
Judaism’s Response to Modernity: Modern Jewish Thought From a preamble by Maimonides, and in the seventeenth century, Spinoza, we will trace intellectual, religious, political, social, and philosophical currents in modern Judaism, as being rooted in the historical context of the times. Amongst the scholars covered in the course are Mendelssohn, Hermann Cohen, Salanter, Buber, Ahad Ha’am, Geiger and other Wissenschaft thinkers, Rosenzweig, Zacahrias Frankel, J.B. Soloveitchik, Heschel, Mordechai Kaplan, S.R. Hirsch, Esriel Hildesheimer, and Abraham Isaac Kook. The course will include study of texts with additional readings to help develop a historical and philosophical context for each period. Jerome Chanes Tuesday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m. 4-session course: April 21, May 5, 12, 19. Tuition: $200  Tales of the Talmud: Role-Models and Responsibilities Although the Talmud is primarily a legal work, the sages who composed it utilized the narrative form to complement the laws and express more clearly the morals and values they wished to convey. In this course we will explore different models of leadership and responsibility by examining a number of stories concerning such figures as Honi the Circle-drawer, the prophet Elijah and Jesus. Ayelet Libson Tuesday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m. 4-session course: April 21, May 5, 12, 19. Tuition: $200 The Works of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: A Philosophical Analysis The legacy of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik is often the subject of debate in Modern Orthodox circles. We will endeavor to show that Rav Soloveitchik’s writings merit serious study, through detailed analysis of selections from his philosophical writings, including some of his less read philosophical works, such as The Halakhic Mind. Daniel Rynhold Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 5-session course: April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20. Tuition: $250 Tragedy or Blessing: Moshe Struggle with His Own Death Moshe worked his entire life to bring the Jewish People into Israel, yet God decreed that he was not to enter the Promised Land. How should one respond to a life-challenge such as this? How did Moshe respond? We will analyze Moshe’s words in the Torah and God’s response. Most importantly we will explore one of the psalms composed by Moshe to understand how he confronted God’s decree. Yehuda Septimus Wednesday, April 22, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m. Tuition: $25 ($18 students) Religion and State: Rabbinic Sources and Modern Israel We will do an in-depth study of the relationship between Jewish and current Israeli sources regarding the interplay between religion and state. Elana Stein Hain Monday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 4-session course: April 27, May 4, 11, 18. Tuition: $200 *Please note change from the catalog (25% discount for LSS members) Is it For Real? Circumvention of Loopholes in Halakha (HaArama): Legal and Ethical Challenges The halakhic system provides us with an intricate set of mechanisms to circumvent the implementation of a variety of mitzvot, such as shemittah, hametz on Pesach and the prohibition of interest taking. How does this circumvention fit in with the spirit of the law? Through an extensive survey of heter mechira, pruzbul, heter iska and the sale of hametz, we will gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy underlying the "loopholes," their evolution, and their contemporary applications. Adina Luber Monday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m. 4-session course: April 27, May 4, 11, 18. Tuition: $200 *Please note change from the catalog Prayer as Embodied Poetry: Investigating the Poetic and Non-cognitive Elements of Tefillah We will examine the prayer service from a unique perspective: How does the performance of prayer impact the experience? What is the role of religious poetry (piyyut)? What is the relationship between the congregants and the prayer leader? How do voice and volume impact the ritual space of prayer? Elie Kaunfer Wednesday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m. 4-session course: April 29, May 6, 13, 20. Tuition: $200 Naomi: Finding Her Biblical Voice The Book of Ruth is a highlight of the liturgy of Shavuot. We will study the Ruth narrative from the perspective of Naomi, exploring her distinctive role in biblical history and literature. Rachel Friedman Tuesday, May 5, 12:45 – 2:00 p.m. Tuition: $40 (includes lunch) Paid pre-registration for lunch required by Friday, May 1 at noon. |
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