There is a common misconception among scholars and laymen that the Talmud is primarily a book of law, and that the rabbis were legalists who did not bother with theology. The ramifications have included a perception of Judaism as a religion of behavior, not belief, when in reality that is not the case, if you know how to read it!
We will read the Talmud like theologians, and study powerful sugyot on:
- How God judges the world
- Why innocent people suffer
- Whether or not we have freewill
- The question of reward and punishment
- Whether Jewish law is human or divine
- Other topics can be chosen by the group
We will learn:
- The sugyot using an interdisciplinary approach of traditional limud be’iyyun
- The use of commentaries, comparative readings and the historical source-critical method known as revadim
- How these sugyot affected Jewish belief and practice over the centuries and today
Instructor: Rabbi Jeffrey Amshalem
Financial aid available.
Schedule: Bi-weekly through February 24, 2019 (some weeks are skipped due to holidays; visit hebrewcollege.edu/meah for exact dates)
About Me’ah Select:
Jump into a 10-week, in-depth exploration of a specific theme, text, personality or slice of Jewish history led by our outstanding Me’ah faculty! Targeted to adult learners of all backgrounds, whether you are seeking to take a first step or the next step in your education journey.
Our talented faculty is known for their scholarship and dynamic approach to adult learning, and bring their Me’ah Select classes to life through the study of literature, history, art and original texts and source material.
Taught at the college level, but without papers and assignments, you will dig deeply and gain new perspectives into fascinating topics.
+ More... - Less...52 Mt Auburn St
Cambridge, MA 02138
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