Jewish Studies 10-3 (Mr. Elisha Stein)

This course will explore three core elements in the Jewish idea of Redemption: Tefilah (Prayer), Teshuvah, and Reward & Punishment. In our unit on prayer, we will attempt to understand the diverse and complex reasons for why people pray that are suggested by the Written and Oral Torahs, and we will look at a variety of halachot that offer insight into why the Rabbis ordained a fixed form of prayer. Our journey will then take us through the notions of freewill and repentance as they are expressed in the Torah, early Rabbinic sources and the writings of Rambam. Finally, we will examine how the Sages of the Mishnaic and Tannaitic periods grappled with the idea of a deity who rewards and punishes, especially insofar as this relates to the vexing Problem of Evil (why would a good, all-powerful G-d allow evil to flourish in the world?).

Homework & Assignments

Tests, Quizzes & Papers/Projects