5785 COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
BOOK OF JUDGES with Dr. Malka Edinger
This course explores the book of Judges, a book about Israel’ s formative years as a nation learning to self-govern. The course offers an in-depth analysis of the stories, themes, and historical background of the texts, as it explores the characteristics and roles of leaders and ideological approaches to the notion of leadership in the book. Together we will examine the book of Judges in its historical, canonical, and theological contexts.
DIGITAL INNOVATION IN JEWISH
LIFE with Rabbi David Paskin
This course explores the transformative impact of technology on Jewish community, education, ritual life and spiritual practices. Students delve into the ways digital tools and platforms are reshaping Jewish life, from online learning environments and virtual communities to digital spirituality and ethics. Participants will gain hands-on experience with various technologies, learn strategies for effective integration, and critically assess the implications of a tech-enhanced Jewish experience.
ISRAELI MUSIC with Rabbi Hazzan Luis Cattan
WIDENING THE TEXT- MIDRASH
with Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
Israeli popular music can be seen as interpretive prayer, poetry that arises directly and / or creatively as a unique and extraordinary form of liturgy. In this course, we will explore, study, and get inspired by contemporary and timely expressions of prayer that can inspire us personally and be useful in various praying and teaching settings. We will cover the Israeli state ' s founding poets, musical legends, and newcomers alike, who help us connect not only to the individual artists but also to liturgy in a more expansive way, and to Israel’ s history, her resilience, her beauty, and her personal and collective stories.
Although many biblical women have only a few scenes, the unfolding of rabbinic midrash fills out these characters in wonderful ways. In this class, we will explore women in the Torah through close readings of biblical text and a variety of midrashic interpretations. We ' ll consider the role of modern creative interpretation in widening these stories even further, and try our hand at expanding the midrashic tradition ourselves.
PLURALISM
with Rabbi Dr. Len Levin and Rabbi-Cantor Michael McCloskey
What is pluralism? What are its core value commitments, and how does it differ from relativism? In this class we will endeavor to clarify our core convictions regarding truth and pluralism; to determine to what extent pluralism is an authentic Jewish value; to extend and deepen our knowledge base concerning pluralism in general and the discussion over pluralism within classical and modern Judaism; to cultivate the virtues of pluralism in dealing with each other, with Jews of persuasions different from our own, and with fellow human beings of different faith communities or no faith community. 16