Course Introduction and General Outline

Introduction to Jewish Thought Course Description: This course is geared towards preparing students to understand topics and issues in basic Jewish thought. The course will introduce students to the existence of various schools of thought, and the differences between them. It will also introduce students to the various domains of thought, including mental perception and logic, and teach them correct ways of thinking Teaching tools used: Methods of thought, supplementary Jewish texts, historical and scientific texts, the exploration of philosophical texts, and classic and new Israeli literature. Notes Lecture Topic Class Introduction Between logical recognition and sincere belief 1 Knowing G-d Belief and Rational thought 2 Discussion Evolution versus Creation 3 The philosophy of Hasidut The Uniqueness of Jewish Faith – Belief in a constant G-d 4 Religious Conflict The authenticity Sinai 5 Maimonides The end of sorcery and the prophecy of Moses 6 The chosen people – Racism? Jewish Identity and Characteristics 7 Analysis of Jewish history The Divine Soul 8 Maimonides Oral Torah from Heaven 9 Structure – Chasidic thought The four spiritual worlds, and the fifth that comes after 10 Philosophical discussion Practical Law versus intuition and emotion 11 Maimonides and Rabad The paradox between self-determination and divine inspiration ] 12 Hasidism Two approaches to solving the paradox 13 Chanukah The Hasmonians - Hassidut vs. Metnagdut 14