What is a Jew?
view options While most are aware of the current controversy over “Who is a Jew,” fewer know about the much longer controversy over “What is a Jew?” Since at least Mishnaic times the question of what separates “Jews” from Gentiles has been debated and argued. Is a Jew a qualitatively distinct being from other humans, or is a Jew someone born of a Jewish mother, or someone who has converted? With the Ramban (Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman) and the Kabbalists on one side and the Rambam (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon), the Ralbag (Rabbi Levi ben Gershom/Gerson), among others on the other, the debate continues even today.This course will begin by discussing the issue and its importance and then, moving chronologically, will examine texts from the Bible through the Middle Ages to the present that address this issue , one that has significant implications for conversion, Jewish self-understanding, and relationships with non-Jews.
Instructor: Dr. Edward Queen
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date
What is a Jew?
Wednesdays, 08.23.2023 - 10.25.2023 (10 sessions)
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time
10:00 am - 11:00 am |
location MJCCA Zaban Park |
fee
Member $170.00 Community $190.00 |
age 18 - 120 Years | code #52871 | Continue to Registration |
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