JUDAISM 3350
Rabbi Stephen A. Leon
Home phone: 833-5819
Off. Phone: 833—2222
This course will examine the basic principles and teachings of Judaism from its inception to modern life.
We will explore perspectives of dilemmas of Jewish living, including assimilation, Zionism, anti—
Semitism, the Holocaust, ethical monotheism, relationship to other religions, Jewish identity, observance,
and the hereafter. We will also discuss Jewish perspectives on issues such as capital punishment,
homosexuality and medical ethics.
TEXTS:
Kertzer, Morris and Hoffman, Lawrence
Publisher McMillan
“WHAT IS A JEW?”
Prager, Dennis
Publisher Simon and Schuster
“WHY THE JEW?”
Telushkin, Joseph
Publisher William Morrow & Co.
“JEWISH LITERACY”
EVALUATION:
1)
Daily preparation and participation
2)
Attendance — Don’t miss more than four lessons.
3)
Essay 8-10 pages due October 18th
4)
Final Exam
SCHEDULE:
August 25th
August 30th
September 1
Introduction to the course, Discussion what is a Jew — Biblical Definition,
Legal Definition, Israel Definition. (Read “What is a Jew” — Pgs. 7—32.)
What a Jew isn’t?
Types of Jews — Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstrutionist,
Humanist.
(Read “What is a Jew” pgs. 101—125 “Jewish Literacy” Page 407: 510—11;
511—14.
Bible, “Genesis” Chapter 12
Role of God in the Definition of a Jew.
Can one doubt Gods existence and be a good Jew?
(Read Bible Hosea Chapter 2:21
Genesis Chapter 12:1—3
Chapter 17:1—12
September 6
No Class. I would like you to attend services. Will be explained in class.
September 8
Begin discussion on Jewish festivals — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur,
Shabbat, Sukkot.
I will give out handouts on this.
(Read Part VII in “What is a Jew?” pgs. 203—230
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September 13
Continue discussion on holidays -Simbat Torah, Shemini Atzeret, HoShannah
Rabbah, Chanukah.
September 15
No Class - Yom Kippur - Please attend one Yom Kippur service. (Read
Telushkin, “Jewish
Literacy”, chapter 13 — pgs. 561—577)
September 20
No Class - Sukkot. Please come to our Sukkah. (Read handout and Telushkin
“Jewish Literacy”
Chapter 13, pgs. 578—604)
September 22
Discuss Jewish holidays — Tu Bishvat, Purim and Passover.
September 27
No Class — Shemini Atzeret — We will reschedule at a Shabbat service.
September 29
Jewish holidays - Shavuot, Tisha B’av, Minor fasts, Shabbat. (Read “What is a
Jew”, part VIII, pgs. 237—249 and “Jewish Literacy” Pgs. 609—620.)
October 4
Life Cycle - Circumcision, Naming, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Marriage. (Read “Jewish
Literacy”,
pgs. 620—627 & “What is a Jew”, pgs. 249—265.)
October 6
Life Cycle — Divorce, Burial, Mourning, (Read “What is a Jew?” pgs. 179—
194 and “Jewish Literacy”, Pgs. 259—341.)
Zionism and Israel — What is a Zionist?
Why
is Israel special to the Jewish people.
History
of Zionism.
October 11
October 13
October 18
Today’s lesson -
References to Zionism in Liturgy, Bible. In relation to covenant and choseness.
(Read “Why the Jew?” by Prager and Telushkin, pgs. 15—80)
Date paper is due. Topics for paper.
a)
Discuss what is a Jew and the different types
of Jews in the world. What are the basic
tenets of Judaism.
b)
What are the major holidays on the Jewish
calendar and how are they observed.
c)
What is the role of Zionism in Judaism’s
concept of homeland.
d)
Describe the life cycle of the Jew from
“Womb to Tomb.”
An introduction to anti—Semitism - Where did it start and why? (Read “Why
the Jews”, Part II
pgs. 81—127.)
Page 3 — JUDAISM 3350
October 20
Historical Roots of Anti—Semitism — Ancient, Christian, Islamic; (Read “Why
the Jews?” — pgs. 127—175.)
October 25
Other types of anti—Semitism — Enlightenment, Leftist, Nazi, Anti—Zionist;
What can we do about it?
October 27 Guest Lecture on Holocaust — a survivor
November 1
Visit to Holocaust Museum
November 3
No Class - Guest Speaker
(Read — “What is a Jew”, part IV; pages 101—125
November 8
Basic Jewish beliefs - Sin, Satan, Fate, Prophecy, Salvation. (Read — “What is a
Jew” part V, pages 129—159.)
November 10
Jewish Moral Dilemmas — Birth control, Abortion, Capital Punishment,
Euthanasia, War
November 15
More Jewish Dilemmas — Sexuality, Homosexuality, Feminism. (Read—
Telushkin — pages 641—653.)
November 17
Synagogue and Prayers. Customs in worship. (Read Telushkin; pages 653—668.)
November 22
What is the Torah, How is it read, what are the main symbols regarding the Torah
and Prayer.
November 24
No classes
November 29
Visit synagogue and go on tour
December 1
The structure of the Jewish community today and what the future of Judaism will
be. For next lesson prepare questions on any topic you wish.
December 6
Ask the Rabbi — A review of the course through the student’s questions.
LAST DAY OF CLASS