Jewish Ethics 11-3
Welcome!
The Jewish Ethics course examines the foundation and practice of ethics. We begin the 3rd quarter examining the foundations of ethics in Judaism, reviewing various sources from the Torah and Rabbinic literature. We will read and discuss articles on how the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements view the role of ethics and halakha. Our second unit will focus on Jewish Ethics and Homosexuality. Our third unit will focus on an examination of bio-ethics and the sanctity of life. Throughout our studies, we will explore how Judaism shapes our own ethical and moral values.
Course requirements and expectations
Third Quarter Assignments:
Read, sign and return the course requirements and expectations sheets, due:
Complete worksheet: The Foundation of Ethics and Defining Terms, due:
Complete worksheet on 7 Noahide Laws, due:
Read and review the passage from Shabbat and Shemot, due:
Read and be prepared to explain the story from Bereshit Rabbah, due:
Find a news article about an ethical dilemma, read it, write a summary. Then write a short (one page) position paper on the dilemma, taking one side and explaining why you took that side. Due:
Read the article "Imitatio Dei" and write a 1-2 paragraph summary, due:
Read the passage from Shabbat, bottom of page 1 and answer the questions on the top of page 2, due:
Read Gen 6, Gen 19 and Deut. 11 (pages 3 & 4 in sourcebook) and complete the worksheet for these readings, due:
Read and summarize the readings on page 5, due:
Complete Sections I & II on worksheet, due:
Complete section III on worksheet and read the remainder of the packet, due:
Read and be prepared to discuss Bereshit 22:1-19 and Bereshit 18:20-32 (pages 8-9 in Sourcebook), due:
Complete worksheet on Pittsburgh Platform of 1885, due:
Complete worksheet on Pittsburgh Platform of 1999 , due:
A one page typed reaction paper to "The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century", due:
Read Geiger's letter to Zunz and explain what Geiger means in the last paragraph of the letter (in class)
Read and complete worksheet for "Surrendering Our Minds to God" from Reflections of the Rav by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Sourcebook pages 17-20, due:
Read Ethics and the Halakhah by Rabbi Seymour Siegel, sourebook pages 20-23, and complete worksheet for this reading.due:
Take home test "Hok v'mishpat", due:
Complete the section Ramban Vayikra 19 on worksheet, due:
Read and summarize in 2-3 sentences the handout "The Traits of Chassidus", due:
Reading and discussing primary sources related to homosexuality
Trembling Before God, complete worksheet , due:
Rabbi Steve Greenberg will hold a discussion with the entire grade in the library
Read and summarize pages 44-54 in Sourcebook, due:
Fourth Quarter Assignments:
Reaction essay to "Hineni" due:
Please use the class time to begin research on your papers. Ms. Gabay has put aside a selection of books on biomedical ethics and she can also direct you to acceptable web sites for research
Read pages 34-40 and complete worksheet on page 41, due:
Read and outline/highlight "A Reform Perspective" and "A Reconstrutionist Perspective", pages 65-67 in sourcebook, due:
Read and summarize pages 44-54 in Sourcebook, due:
1. Worksheet on Movement's perspectives on homosexuality &
2. read scientific information on pages 70-71 in sourcebook and answer the questions at the end of this section, due:
Scenario: A homosexual couple, one Jewish the other not Jewish, wish to have you perform a wedding/committment ceremony. How will you answer this couple if you are an Orthodox rabbi? A Conservative rabbi? A Reform rabbi? A Reconstructionist rabbi? Your answers should reflect thoughtful consideration andrespect for this couple. Due:
Complete survey on page 79 and 2.
Meet in library to research primary sources for paper
B. Sources and photocopies due:
Read Kedushat hahayyim, pages 90-92 and complete assignment on page 92, due:
Worksheets for pages 93, 94, 95 in class
Complete the first section of the worksheets entitled “Your blood is redder than his-deciding whose life is more valuable”, page 93, in class
Complete the second and third pages of the worksheet under "Rodef", questions 5-9
Complete all sections of the worksheets, due:
5 minute presentation on paper topic
Complete Why Change the Rules For Twins Like Them worksheet, pages 96-7 in Sourcebook, due:
Abortion, American Reform Responsa worksheet, pages 98-9 in Sourcebook
A. Topic due:
B. Sources and photocopies due:
C. Detailed outline and introductory paragraph of paper due:
D. Rough draft due:
E. Paper due:
Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation on your paper topic for the class; include a handout for each class member. Presentations will begin on
Review Day
Final
On-line resources:
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
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