010051 VO Contemporary Judaism (2020W)

Aim: The course aims for the students to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of current Judaism in all its diversity; not as a historical or theological phenomenon but as a living religion with plural forms and vibrant communities.

Description: The course will deal with current Jewish life in various perspectives: sociological, ethnographical, theological, textual etc. Focus will be laid on the construction of the various Jewish identities through Jewish Law, institutions, liturgy, rituals etc.

Jewish self-identity will also be examined via the various ways Jewish groups deal with setting boundaries between Jews and non-Jews (by defining processes as conversion and apostasy) as well as between themselves (by defining processes such as affiliation, intensification and weaning of religiosity).

The ethnic aspects of Jewish identity will be examined in regards to various groups: Ashkenazi, Mizrachi, Sephardi etc. This aspect will also be dealt with as it relates to Jewish peoplehood in the Diaspora, especially the USA, and the modern state of Israel.

The theological/cultic aspects of Jewish identity will be dealt with in regards to the various current religious denominations: ultra-Orthodox, Chasidic and Litvak, modern and open Orthodoxy, Conservative and Reconstructionist, Reform and Humanistic. These denominations will be examined via their ethical and legal writings as well as their institutions.

Method: The course will use Frontal teaching as well Chevrutah learning methodology to learn modern Jewish texts from central figures (such as Kook, Soloveichik, Ovadia, Heshel, Echad Ha'am etc) as well as a walking tour to enhance the learning experience and stress its current relevance.