SCHEDULE
QOHELET
Meaningful Lives in a Transitory World
January 16th to March 6th
Instructor: Rav Carl Kinbar
This course is a guided study in the Hebrew text of Qohelet (Ecclesiastes).
Qohelet is uncompromisingly honest about the way he sees life, even though at times his conclusions differ from those of most biblical authors'. For Qohelet, everything is transitory, but not meaningless, empty, or futile. For within this transitory life we can enjoy the good things, and find beauty and meaning, just as we enjoy the beauty and fragrance of a rose, even though we know it will fade.
SCHEDULE: Eight ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: The Hebrew text of Qohelet, Holladay's Lexicon, and a translation to be assigned prior to the first study session.
Qohelet is uncompromisingly honest about the way he sees life, even though at times his conclusions differ from those of most biblical authors'. For Qohelet, everything is transitory, but not meaningless, empty, or futile. For within this transitory life we can enjoy the good things, and find beauty and meaning, just as we enjoy the beauty and fragrance of a rose, even though we know it will fade.
SCHEDULE: Eight ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: The Hebrew text of Qohelet, Holladay's Lexicon, and a translation to be assigned prior to the first study session.
GALATIANS
Torah and Freedom in Messiah
February 21 to March 28
Instructor: Rabbi Tony Eaton
This course involves teaching and discussion of Galatians in English translation.
Of all the letters of Paul the Apostle, perhaps the most misunderstood is his letter the believers of the Galatian congregation. In this study, we will look at the issues and difficulties raised by Paul’s reply to this community’s response to the message of those Paul refers to as “some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Gal. 1:7, NASB). The issues of the relationship of Jews and gentiles, and their relationship to the Torah will be examined in detail.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: To be determined.
Of all the letters of Paul the Apostle, perhaps the most misunderstood is his letter the believers of the Galatian congregation. In this study, we will look at the issues and difficulties raised by Paul’s reply to this community’s response to the message of those Paul refers to as “some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Gal. 1:7, NASB). The issues of the relationship of Jews and gentiles, and their relationship to the Torah will be examined in detail.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: To be determined.
DIVINE ELECTION, TORAH, AND YESHUA
A Study of Michael Wyschogrod's
Abraham’s Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations
Dates to be determined
Instructor: Rachel Wolf
This course involves teaching and discussion of this classic book.
Michael Wyschogrod was a towering figure of Jewish thought in the second half of the 20th century and until his death in 2015. He is considered by many to be the Jewish theologian who most deeply engaged with Christian theology. In Abraham's Promise, he offers profound insights into Judaism, Christian thought in light of Judaism, and developing meaningful dialogue between the two religions. Our goal is to develop an integrated understanding of Israel's divine election, Torah, and Yeshua, through reading and discussing selected essays in Abraham's Promise in Messianic Jewish perspective.
SYLLABUS
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Wyschogrod, Abrahams Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations (English)
Michael Wyschogrod was a towering figure of Jewish thought in the second half of the 20th century and until his death in 2015. He is considered by many to be the Jewish theologian who most deeply engaged with Christian theology. In Abraham's Promise, he offers profound insights into Judaism, Christian thought in light of Judaism, and developing meaningful dialogue between the two religions. Our goal is to develop an integrated understanding of Israel's divine election, Torah, and Yeshua, through reading and discussing selected essays in Abraham's Promise in Messianic Jewish perspective.
SYLLABUS
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Wyschogrod, Abrahams Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations (English)
MUSSAR
Jewish Ethical Formation
Week of June 10 to Week of July 15, 2019
Instructor: Rabbi Ben Raker Ehrenfeld
This course is a guided study through selected bilingual (Hebrew/English) portions of the classic mussar text, Mesillat Yesharim by Rabbi Moses Chaim Luzzatto (1707-46). Students will select a translation of their choice, and the varieties of translations will be part of the dynamics of the group study together. The instructor will refer to the Hebrew text, and students are encouraged to refer themselves to the Hebrew original as well in their preparation.
The learning of Mesillat Yesharim is meant to have a tangible impact on our lives. The purpose of this study is not to learn “about” mussar, but rather to give students an opportunity to encounter the practice of mussar study as one facet of Torah centered ethical development. Accordingly, each text prepared will also include mussar exercises which students will engage in, and will reflect upon throughout class sessions, and ultimately in a final reflection paper due at the end of the course.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Any edition of Mesillat Yesharim. Additional materials are free of charge.
The learning of Mesillat Yesharim is meant to have a tangible impact on our lives. The purpose of this study is not to learn “about” mussar, but rather to give students an opportunity to encounter the practice of mussar study as one facet of Torah centered ethical development. Accordingly, each text prepared will also include mussar exercises which students will engage in, and will reflect upon throughout class sessions, and ultimately in a final reflection paper due at the end of the course.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Any edition of Mesillat Yesharim. Additional materials are free of charge.
© 2018 Mechon Mashiach (DBA The New School for Jewish Studies)
