God, Freedom, Desire: Rediscovering the Ten Commandments
Date: Oct 28, 2019 - Dec 02, 2019
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sponsor: On Campus Courses
Location: JTS
Category: Community Courses
God, Freedom, Desire: Rediscovering the Ten Commandments
Six Mondays
October 28; November 4, 11, 18, 25; December 2
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Dr. Eliezer Diamond, Rabbi Judah Nadich Associate Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, JTS
While the Ten Commandments are often regarded as the bedrock of Judaism and Christianity, this foundational text has been understood in different ways by Jews and Christians and subject to much debate within Judaism itself. We will begin with a broad overview of the Ten Commandments, touching on their role in biblical and rabbinic literature, and the question of why the Ten Commandments play such a negligible role in Jewish liturgy. In the remaining sessions, we will delve into specific commandments and explore how they speak to fundamental theological and interpersonal issues that are very much alive today. Our discussions will lead us to reflect on the nature of God, of freedom, of desire, and our responsibilities to parents, spouses, and neighbors. In-class lecture and discussion of sources will be complemented by at-home reading of accessible academic works.
Cost: $180
Advance registration is required.