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Jewish Thought
At the Center for Jewish Life and Learning, classes in Jewish Thought lead students through difficult texts and complicated ideas.
Through courses in History, Philosophy, and Theology, South Bay Scholars create opportunities for students to question and investigate topics in Jewish Thought ranging from Modern Israel and the current political situation to who wrote the bible and what do the 10 commandments really mean.
Introduction to Judaism courses, focusing on major differences in Jewish denominations, give students in the beginning of their journeys the opportunity to learn and question in non-threatening, intellectually stimulating environments.
Courses in Jewish Thought are regularly added to our course listing. Co-sponsoring agencies include SJSU and the Jewish Study Network.
Course Highlights for 2009-2010
Introduction to Judaism, A Crash Course
A course for anyone interested in exploring Judaism. Through classical and modern Jewish text we will explore what the Jewish tradition in five classes on the following topics : Jewish history, Ethics, holidays and the calendar, life cycle events, and the Jewish canon and textual tradition. All materials are provided. No experience necessary. All are welcome
Instructor: Rabbi Joshua Fenton
Code: 56tcrshjud
Tuesdays 9/1-9/29 10:30-12:00 am
M $55 NM $65
Code: 56tcrshjud2
Tuesdays 11/10-12/15 7:30-9:00 pm
M $55 NM $65
The Bible Reflected in Art I
We will study some major biblical narratives through text and the visual arts, tracing possible origins in ancient Near-Eastern mythologies and customs, and exploring how artists from different traditions, backgrounds and ages depicted these stories in different ways.
Instructor: Yael Carmi Location: Shir Hadash
Code: 56bibleart
Wednesdays 10/7-11/11 7:00-8:30pm
M $75.00 NM $100.00
No class-10/28
The Bible Reflected in Art II
In this class we will study more biblical narratives through both text and the visual arts; we will trace their possible origins in ancient Near-Eastern mythologies and customs, and will explore how artists from different traditions and backgrounds depicted these stories in different ways throughout the ages.
Instructor: Yael Carmi Location: Shir Hadash
Code: 56bibleart2
Wednesdays 11/18-12/16 7:00-8:30pm
M $75.00 NM $100.00
No class: 11/25
Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Diversity
The explosion of diversity in contemporary Judaism is reflected in this fascinating study of Jewish Denominations. The course offers extensive insights into the historical and ideological development of the major movements, as well as the impact of such issues as gender, assimilation, Israel, and post-denominationalism on the movements and the Jewish people.
Instructor: Rabbi Joshua Fenton
Code: 96denomin
Mondays 3/15-6/14 10:00-11:30am
M $150.00 NM $175.00
No class: 3/29, 4/5, 5/17, 5/31
Shemot I
CANCELLED
Shemot I brings us the Egyptian narrative of our people from “Pharoah’s Paranoia” and “Moshe’s CV” to the dramatic story of our rescue, and survival in the wilderness during “Into the Sea” and “Manna from Heaven.” Leadership, bravery, faith, and doubt define some of the critical moments in these texts and offer us a rich backdrop for challenging our own assumptions.
Instructor: Rabbi Elizabeth Goldstein
Code: 96shemot
Tuesdays 10/27-1/26 7:30-9:00pm
M $150.00 NM $175.00
No class: 11/24, 12/22, 12/29, 1/19
Shemot II
Follows the development of the emerging Jewish nation from their awe-inspiring encounter at Mount Sinai through the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The text addresses some of the specific laws and regulations that were to become part of Jewish living as well as the meaning, purpose, and relevance to our lives today.
Instructor: Rabbi Joey Felsen
Code: 96bshemot
Mondays 9/14-11/30 10:00-11:30am
M $150.00 NM $175.00
No class: 9/28, 11/23
Stories They Never Told You in Sunday School:
The Tragic Lives of Samson and Saul
This 10 week course will examine two larger-than-life figures from the Hebrew Bible and trace their beginnings, some of their exploits, their personalities and what led to the demise of each. We will begin by reading the entire narrative of Samson, chapters 13-16 of Judges. Supplementary readings will include poetry, excerpts from David Grossman’s study of Samson and clips from two Hollywood films depicting the life of this biblical hero. We will focus on the life of the first king of Israel, Saul, and his lifelong relationship with his mentor, Samuel. We will end by learning why these flawed men were chosen to lead the nation of Israel and how neither Samson nor Saul, no matter how powerful, was ultimately the author of his own destiny.
Instructor: Nechama Tamler
Code: 96shimshaul
Mondays 12/7-3/8 10:00-11:30am
M $150.00 NM $175.00
No class: 12/21, 12/28, 1/18, 2/15
Ongoing
The Rabbis Mussar Shmooze
Jewish Ethical Literature (Mussar), has been a guiding light to the Jewish people for centuries. Join us on Wednesdays as we explore right living, the ways in which study leads to practice, and the process of refining character.
Wednesdays (ongoing)
11:00am – 12:15 pm
FREE Members and Non-Members
Thursday Torah Study
Instructor: Rabbi Joshua Fenton
In this class we study the weekly Torah portion understood by both classical and modern commentators. Commentary provided. Participants must bring a Bible.
Thursdays (ongoing)
12:30-1:45 pm
Free Members
Free non-Members
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