Giving Meaning to Ordinary Time: Exploring the Jewish Sacred Calendar

Beginning with an overview of the history and evolution of Jewish culture and religion, we will examine the holy days and holidays of Judaism. We will study selected celebrations in terms of their development and practice, and their role in expressing a theology and system of values. We will explore themes such as the human condition and its challenges; forgiveness, repentance, and atonement; celebration; the tension between historical memory and spiritual reinterpretation; and the function of holidays in society. We will also examine contemporary issues of gender, emerging practices, and the portrayal of religious holidays in pop culture.