JUDAISM 3350Rabbi Stephen A. Leon
Home phone: 833-5819
Off. Phone: 833—2222
This course will examine the basic principles and teachings of Judaism from its inception to modern life. We will explore perspectives of dilemmas of Jewish living, including assimilation, Zionism, anti—Semitism, the Holocaust, ethical monotheism, relationship to other religions, Jewish identity, observance, and the hereafter. We will also discuss Jewish perspectives on issues such as capital punishment, homosexuality and medical ethics.
TEXTS:
Kertzer, Morris and Hoffman, Lawrence“WHAT IS A JEW?”
Publisher McMillan
Prager, Dennis“WHY THE JEW?”
Publisher Simon and Schuster
Telushkin, Joseph“JEWISH LITERACY”
Publisher William Morrow & Co.
EVALUATION:
1)Daily preparation and participation
2)Attendance — Don’t miss more than four lessons.
3)Essay 8-10 pages due October 18th
4)Final Exam
SCHEDULE:
August 25thIntroduction to the course, Discussion what is a Jew — Biblical Definition, Legal Definition, Israel Definition. (Read “What is a Jew” — Pgs. 7—32.)
August 30thWhat a Jew isn’t?
Types of Jews — Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstrutionist, Humanist.
(Read “What is a Jew” pgs. 101—125 “Jewish Literacy” Page 407: 510—11; 511—14.
Bible, “Genesis” Chapter 12
September 1Role of God in the Definition of a Jew.
Can one doubt Gods existence and be a good Jew?
(ReadBible Hosea Chapter 2:21
Genesis Chapter 12:1—3
Chapter 17:1—12
September 6No Class. I would like you to attend services. Will be explained in class.
September 8Begin discussion on Jewish festivals — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Shabbat, Sukkot.
I will give out handouts on this.
(Read Part VII in “What is a Jew?” pgs. 203—230
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September 13Continue discussion on holidays -Simbat Torah, Shemini Atzeret, HoShannah Rabbah, Chanukah.
September 15No Class - Yom Kippur - Please attend one Yom Kippur service. (Read Telushkin, “Jewish
Literacy”, chapter 13 — pgs. 561—577)
September 20No Class - Sukkot. Please come to our Sukkah. (Read handout and Telushkin “Jewish Literacy”
Chapter 13, pgs. 578—604)
September 22Discuss Jewish holidays — Tu Bishvat, Purim and Passover.
September 27No Class — Shemini Atzeret — We will reschedule at a Shabbat service.
September 29Jewish holidays - Shavuot, Tisha B’av, Minor fasts, Shabbat. (Read “What is a Jew”, part VIII, pgs. 237—249 and “Jewish Literacy” Pgs. 609—620.)
October 4Life Cycle - Circumcision, Naming, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Marriage. (Read “Jewish Literacy”,
pgs. 620—627 & “What is a Jew”, pgs. 249—265.)
October 6Life Cycle — Divorce, Burial, Mourning, (Read “What is a Jew?” pgs. 179—194 and “Jewish Literacy”, Pgs. 259—341.)
October 11Zionism and Israel — What is a Zionist?Why
is Israel special to the Jewish people.History
of Zionism.
October 13References to Zionism in Liturgy, Bible. In relation to covenant and choseness. (Read “Why the Jew?” by Prager and Telushkin, pgs. 15—80)
October 18Date paper is due. Topics for paper.
a)Discuss what is a Jew and the different types
of Jews in the world. What are the basic
tenets of Judaism.
b)What are the major holidays on the Jewish
calendar and how are they observed.
c)What is the role of Zionism in Judaism’s
concept of homeland.
d)Describe the life cycle of the Jew from
“Womb to Tomb.”
Today’s lesson -An introduction to anti—Semitism - Where did it start and why? (Read “Why the Jews”, Part II
pgs. 81—127.)
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October 20Historical Roots of Anti—Semitism — Ancient, Christian, Islamic; (Read “Why the Jews?” — pgs. 127—175.)
October 25Other types of anti—Semitism — Enlightenment, Leftist, Nazi, Anti—Zionist; What can we do about it?
October 27 Guest Lecture on Holocaust — a survivor
November 1Visit to Holocaust Museum
November 3No Class - Guest Speaker
(Read — “What is a Jew”, part IV; pages 101—125
November 8Basic Jewish beliefs - Sin, Satan, Fate, Prophecy, Salvation. (Read — “What is a Jew” part V, pages 129—159.)
November 10Jewish Moral Dilemmas — Birth control, Abortion, Capital Punishment, Euthanasia, War
November 15More Jewish Dilemmas — Sexuality, Homosexuality, Feminism. (Read— Telushkin — pages 641—653.)
November 17Synagogue and Prayers. Customs in worship. (Read Telushkin; pages 653—668.)
November 22 What is the Torah, How is it read, what are the main symbols regarding the Torah and Prayer.
November 24No classes
November 29 Visit synagogue and go on tour
December 1The structure of the Jewish community today and what the future of Judaism will be. For next lesson prepare questions on any topic you wish.
December 6Ask the Rabbi — A review of the course through the student’s questions.
LAST DAY OF CLASS