Mahshavah II (Jewish Thought)

Taught by: Rabbi James Jacobson-Maisels
Thursday, 3:00 - 5:00pm; Friday, 8:45-10:15am

Foundational Models in Jewish Thought and Practice

In this course we will explore three foundational models in medieval Jewish thought: Aristotelian Philosophy (as represented by Maimonides), Theosophic Kabbalah (as represented by Provencal and Geronese Kabbalah and the Zohar), and Pantheistic Kabbalah (as represented by the later Zohar strata, the Cordoverian tradition, and Hasidism).  Together we will investigate the connections between thought and practice, theology and way of life in each of these models in an attempt to understand the inner dynamic of these approaches to Judaism which continue to be foundational to contemporary thought and practice. We will then use these models as a foundation and jumping off point to discuss the role and purpose of theology in Judaism and in our own lives.