IS THE HOLY LAND HOLY? CAN THERE BE LAND FOR PEACE IN THE JEWISH TRADITION?
Instructor: Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan
We will compare and contrast the teachings of Maimonides, Nachmanides, Rav Kook, David Hartman, and the American Evangelical Christian Zionists. Is the land necessary for redemption or is it instrumental? Is the land of Israel bound to the inner life and being of Judaism? What are the motivations of groups like Christians United For Israel and do they help or harm Jewish life here and in Israel?
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Oct 28, Nov 3, 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16
KING DAVID'S WIVES AND WOMEN
Instructor: Emily Shapiro Katz
Women often play only minor roles in the great Biblical narratives, but the David stories are full of remarkable women. How is David's character shaped by his encounters with women? In this class, we will look at David's wives, lovers, and daughters, including Abigail, Michal, Batsheva, and Tamar. We will use Robert Alter's translation and commentary, "The David Story" as our primary text.
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Oct 28, Nov 3, 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16
ONE PEOPLE, TWO WORLDS: AN EXPLORATION OF REFORM JUDAISM AND CHABAD
Instructors: Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Gedalia Potash
Co-facilitated by Emanu-El Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Chabad of Noe Valley Rabbi Gedalia Potash, the class will discuss major topics of connection and difference between these denominations, such as: God, Mitzvoth, Israel, Messianism, etc. Students will look at original texts and each denominations' responsa to each issue. Through this study, we hope to foster a greater sense of klal yisrael - the shared destiny of all Jews - and to create a deeper understanding of each traditions' views of what a Jew should believe and do.
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Oct 28, Nov 3, 11, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, 16
About the Temple 