The Jewish Tradition WT

An introductory course on central themes and problems in Judaism and the life of "the People of the Book," with the goal of understanding contemporary ideas, institutions, and problems of Jewish life and thought in historical perspective. Topics will include: the formative ideas in Jewish thought monotheism, commandment, Torah; liturgy, ritual, and rhythm of Jewish life; theory and practice of the commandments; the tension between textual tradition and innovation; the origins and contemporary denominations of Judaism (Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox); Zionism and the meaning of Israel. 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.