Jewish Intellectual History: 16th to 20th Century
Sponsored by Gevarim
 

God. Torah. Israel. This Great Courses video lecture series  looks at how these three concepts—incorporated in personal belief, the meaning of Jewish ritual acts, and the purpose of continued Jewish existence—have been the focus of Jewish thought throughout history.

View course guidebook here.

Join via Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95708605197 (password required)
Meeting ID: 957 0860 5197
Password: 921393
Dial in: +13017158592 US

The course will present the varying ways in which a small group of thinkers has attempted to answer the following  difficult challenges, and reflected deeply on the relevance of Jewish texts and traditions to modern Jews:

• In a world having a history of untold suffering—especially, it seemed, for Jews—was the existence of an all-powerful and comforting God still tenable?
• What were the purpose and meaning of Jewish practices and customs, given the increasing number of Jews who placed greater value on their own autonomy?
• Could Jews still justify the notion of a "chosen people" in a society where Jewish integration and full participation with the rest of humanity had become the norm?

Professor David B. Ruderman of the University of Pennsylvania completes each video lecture with an evaluation of current Jewish thought and the argument that has been raised that it may no longer be relevant.

TI member Professor Allan Tulchin will lead post-lecture discussions.

Previous Classes
May 17, 2020           Lectures 1 & 2
Listen to the lectures here: Lecture 1 & Lecture 2

Learn more about this lecture series here.

Find previous courses sponsored by Gevarim here.