Jewish Studies 11 -4

Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein

Welcome to Second Semester.  In this course of Jewish Ethics, we will be exploring how we as Jews interface the texts and the foundational beliefs and ethics of who we are when we address the ethical dilemmas in our world.  Right now, we are learning words and terms and basic texts so that we can build up a working and shared vocabulary to have these discussions so that they are meaningful and directed, and not a free-for-all. 

We are beginning our Ethical Dilemmas portion with two presentations -- one a movie called Eshet Kohen, about a Kohen's wife who is raped and the ethical dilemmas involved in her returning to her husband and a presentation next week from Shevurot HaShtika, which is a group of Israeli soldiers who talk and teach about the moral and ethical dilemmas they faced in working to defend the State of Israel.  Students will be writing reaction papers for each of these experiences.  They will also learn techniques of dialogue and questioning that allow for interaction regarding difficult topics.  We will also be talking with Mrs. Jane Schofer about the interfacing of values/ethics with and without a religious overlay.

Tracking quizzes are also an ongoing part of our work, insuring the students are taking notes and being involved in our work.  The first one was today; tracking terms that we are using as part of our ongoing vocabulary in looking at ethical dilemmas this semester.   These are open book/open notes.  I am enjoying working with this wonderful group; today is February 6, 2008.

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March 17, 2008: We are now working through the first unit of study on Conjoined Twins.  After this, we will move on to the main Case Study of this course, that of Homosexuality and Judaism.  Students are working on their Ethical Templates, which are due on March 20, 2008.

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