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ADULT EDUCATION

We teach a number of different adult education classes every week. Please browse our calendar to book your place for the full course or scroll down to book a single class.

You can also find out more about our past courses.

Full Courses

Paths to God

Join us for an immersive exploration of Judaism, guided by the profound teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Based on his acclaimed curriculum, Ten Paths to God, this course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and tradition. Learn more below.
 

Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World

In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction. Learn more below.

Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition

Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent? Learn more below.

Great Debates in Jewish History

Debate is not only encouraged within Judaism but resides at the very heart of our history and theology. This course explores six fundamental conflicts that pitted the greatest Jewish minds against each other—six instances of divergent perspectives, including several that are still debated today. Learn more below.

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  • Paths to God - Full Course
    Paths to God - Full Course
    Wed, 30 Oct
    Chabad Islington
    30 Oct 2024, 19:30 – 18 Dec 2024, 21:00
    Chabad Islington, 1-3 Elliott's Pl, London N1 8HX, UK
    30 Oct 2024, 19:30 – 18 Dec 2024, 21:00
    Chabad Islington, 1-3 Elliott's Pl, London N1 8HX, UK
    Join us for an immersive exploration of Judaism, guided by the profound teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Based on his acclaimed curriculum, Ten Paths to God, this course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish thought and tradition.
  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Full Course
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Full Course
    Wed, 08 Jan
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    08 Jan 2025, 18:30 GMT – 12 Feb 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    08 Jan 2025, 18:30 GMT – 12 Feb 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Full Course
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Full Course
    Wed, 19 Feb
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    19 Feb 2025, 18:30 GMT – 26 Mar 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    19 Feb 2025, 18:30 GMT – 26 Mar 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?
  • Great Debates in Jewish History - Full Course
    Great Debates in Jewish History - Full Course
    Wed, 30 Apr
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    30 Apr 2025, 18:30 BST – 04 Jun 2025, 20:00 BST
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    30 Apr 2025, 18:30 BST – 04 Jun 2025, 20:00 BST
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Debate is not only encouraged within Judaism but resides at the very heart of our history and theology. This course explores six fundamental conflicts that pitted the greatest Jewish minds against each other—six instances of divergent perspectives, including several that are still debated today.
Paths to God

Paths to God

 

Weekly Wednesday evenings 

Time: 7:30pm - 09:00pm

Location: in person at private location

Embark on a transformative journey through Judaism. Guided by the insightful teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, this immersive course, inspired by his renowned curriculum, Ten Paths to God, invites you to explore the depth and beauty of Jewish thought and tradition.

Lesson 1 - Introduction & Identity - 30/10/24

Our journey begins with a foundational exploration of identity, a cornerstone of Jewish understanding. Drawing inspiration from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' acclaimed Ten Paths to God curriculum, we will delve into the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity. Through a careful selection of texts and excerpts as well as Rabbi Sacks' own writings, we will examine how our personal Jewish identity intersects with the collective destiny of the Jewish people.

 

Lesson 2 - Prayer & Study - 06/11/24

This lesson will explore the interconnectedness of prayer and Torah study in Judaism. Students will delve into the significance of prayer as a means of connecting with God, expressing faith, seeking guidance, and finding solace. In addition, the lesson will examine the importance of Torah study as a path to God. Students will explore classic approaches to Torah study and develop an understanding of these themes through on a variety of currated texts.

 

Lesson 3 - Mitzvot & Tzedaka - 13/11/24

This lesson will explore the concepts of Mitzvot and Tzedakah through the lens of Rabbi Sacks' teachings. We will delve into how Mitzvot serve as miniature acts of redemption, elevating the mundane to the sacred. Additionally, we will examine the multifaceted nature of Tzedaka, exploring its connection to justice, love, and the dignity of the human being.

 

Lesson 4 - Chesed & Faith - 04/12/24

This lesson will explore the concept of chessed in Judaism, examining its profound significance as a central pillar of Jewish ethics. We will contrast chessed with tzedakah and mishpat to understand its unique qualities. The lesson will also delve into the intersection of chessed with faith, encouraging students to reflect on their personal faith journeys and the role of questioning in their spiritual development.

 

Lesson 5 - Israel & Kiddush Hashem - 11/12/24

In this lesson, we'll examine the unique bond between Judaism and the land of Israel. We'll explore how Judaism stands apart as the only religion so deeply intertwined with a specific territory for such a lengthy period. We'll also delve into the historical journey of the Jewish people's relationship with the land, including their forced displacement and their enduring desire to return.

 

Lesson 6 - Responsibility & Epilogue - 18/12/24

In this lesson, we'll examine the unique bond between Judaism and the land of Israel. We'll explore how Judaism stands apart as the only religion so deeply intertwined with a specific territory for such a lengthy period. We'll also delve into the historical journey of the Jewish people's relationship with the land, including their forced displacement and their enduring desire to return.

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Soul Maps

Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World

 

Weekly Wednesday evenings 

Time: 6:30pm - 08:00pm

Location: in person at private location

Perhaps you have struggled before with the elusive search for meaning, and wished you had a personal mentor to guide your growth. What if you had the chance to meet one of the greatest masters of Kabbalah and learn ancient proven strategies for self-realization and contentment?

 

In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.

Lesson 1 Soul Words - 08/01/25

If you are such a good person, why do you sometimes feel so mean inside? And if you are such a bad person, why are you plagued by fits of conscience? Just as Freud developed the vocabulary that enable you to speak about your psyche, the Tanya provides the key terms and constructs that allow you to speak about your soul  . . . or souls. What kind of person are you? What is the source of inner conflict? This lesson teaches you the words you need in order to answer the question.

 

Lesson 2 Getting A Grip on Yourself - 15/01/25

It can be enlightening to know why you succumb to temptations that you wish you had resisted. But is there a strategy to gaining self-control? This lesson provides practical guidelines for overcoming weakness and learning to control behaviour.

 

Lesson 3 Sync or Sink - 22/01/25

When your heart’s passion pulls you one way and your measured mind pulls another way, the disconnect can be agonizing. This lesson will teach you two methods for aligning reason and emotion, so you can reduce stress and live decisively.

 

Lesson 4 The Joyride - 29/01/25

Constant doubt and emotional unhappiness can gradually sap you of the strength and will to change. But joy provides the boost that allows you to live each day with enthusiasm and resolve. This lesson provides useful perspectives that can help you generate a positive attitude.

 

Lesson 5 The Big Picture - 05/02/25

Even after learning methods for overcoming personal challenges and pursuing goodness, you may still wonder why it all matters. What is the purpose of imperfect attempts at perfection? Do your human failings condemn you to be a personal failure? Or might your weaknesses provide an opportunity for a making a unique contribution to the world? Lesson Five allows you to make peace with your personal struggles as you consider your place in the larger scheme of things.

 

Lesson 6 Have a Heart - 12/02/25

Most of Tanya focuses on how you can gain control of the way you act, even if your feelings and motives are not always pure. For those who are patient enough to pursue a slow fix, this final lesson provides meditations and guidelines for reshaping your essential nature over time, while recognizing that the true key to living purposefully is behaving purposefully.

  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Full Course
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Full Course
    Wed, 08 Jan
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    08 Jan 2025, 18:30 GMT – 12 Feb 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    08 Jan 2025, 18:30 GMT – 12 Feb 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 1: Soul Worlds
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 1: Soul Worlds
    Wed, 08 Jan
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    08 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    08 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 2: Getting A Grip on Yourself
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 2: Getting A Grip on Yourself
    Wed, 15 Jan
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    15 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    15 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 3: Sync or Sink
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 3: Sync or Sink
    Wed, 22 Jan
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    22 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    22 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 4: The Joyride
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 4: The Joyride
    Wed, 29 Jan
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    29 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    29 Jan 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 5: The Big Picture
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 5: The Big Picture
    Wed, 05 Feb
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    05 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    05 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
  • Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 6: Have a Heart
    Soul Maps: Kabbalah to Navigate Your Inner World - Lesson 6: Have a Heart
    Wed, 12 Feb
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    12 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    12 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    In Soul Maps you will receive insight into your inner world and you will discover new strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and progress. You’ll learn to resolve guilt, conflict, and confusion, and to traverse life’s journey with joy, purpose, and direction.
Judaism Decoded
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Full Course
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Full Course
    Wed, 19 Feb
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    19 Feb 2025, 18:30 GMT – 26 Mar 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    19 Feb 2025, 18:30 GMT – 26 Mar 2025, 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 1 The Dynamic Duo
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 1 The Dynamic Duo
    Wed, 19 Feb
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    19 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    19 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 2 A Formula for Eternity
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 2 A Formula for Eternity
    Wed, 26 Feb
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    26 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    26 Feb 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 3 Rabbis Making Rules
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 3 Rabbis Making Rules
    Wed, 05 Mar
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    05 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    05 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 4 Debating the Divine
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 4 Debating the Divine
    Wed, 12 Mar
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    12 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    12 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 5 Laws That Expire
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 5 Laws That Expire
    Wed, 19 Mar
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    19 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    19 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?
  • Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 6 Evidence for Sinai
    Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition - Lesson 6 Evidence for Sinai
    Wed, 26 Mar
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place
    26 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    26 Mar 2025, 18:30 – 20:00 GMT
    Community Centre, 1-3 Elliott's Place, Elliott's Pl, London N1, UK
    Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?

Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition

 

Weekly Wednesday evenings 

Time: 6:30pm - 08:00pm

Location: in person at private location

Just as science follows the scientific method, Jewish tradition has its own system to ensure its authenticity remains intact. Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?

 

Discover the sheer elegance of the “source code” on which Torah law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; and get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.

 

Lesson 1 The Dynamic Duo - 19/02/25

If we have a written law, why do we need tradition? And if we have a tradition, what’s the point of a written law? Discover the brilliance of this binary system, and how it has kept Jewish tradition intact for millennia.

 

Lesson 2 A Formula for Eternity - 26/02/25

Circumstances change, and, in most cases, so do the rules—unless, that is, the rules were created as principles with a unique formula to make them apply to any situation that may arise. Explore the systematic formula through which Jewish law is applied to solve new, modern-day dilemmas.

 

Lesson 3 Rabbis Making Rules - 05/03/25

Is my rabbi allowed to change the law when he deems it necessary? When do rabbis have the power to legislate new laws? And what prevents a rabbi from unilaterally changing the face of Judaism?

 

Lesson 4 Debating the Divine - 12/03/25

The Talmud is filled with all kinds of debates. If the law is Divine, should there be any room for discussion? When there are differences of opinion, how do we determine the law? And why does the Talmud record opinions that were ultimately overruled?

 

Lesson 5 Laws That Expire - 19/03/25

While most Jewish practices are as relevant today as ever, some laws have reasons that no longer apply. When does a law expire? How is it revoked? And why might we choose to continue a practice even once its rationale is no longer relevant?

 

Lesson 6 Evidence for Sinai - 26/03/25

Judaism encourages us to question. How do we know the Torah is true? Why was Maimonides so convinced about the historic truth of the revelation at Sinai? Is there any empirical evidence to support his claim?

Great Debates

Great Debates in Jewish History 

 

Weekly Wednesday evenings 

Time: 6:30pm - 08:00pm

Location: in person at private location

Debate is not only encouraged within Judaism but resides at the very heart of our history and theology. Great Debates in Jewish History explores six fundamental conflicts that pitted the greatest Jewish minds against each other—six instances of divergent perspectives, including several that are still debated today.

 

Discover stirring and surprising accounts that span two millennia of Jewish disputation, reflecting the panorama of Jewish history and its monumental political, ethical, and spiritual challenges. Encounter the gripping narratives of six fascinating eras, the intellectual tension and points of view they unearth, and the light they shed on the most fundamental of Jewish beliefs.

 

Lesson 1 Dead Sea Scrolls - Dead Sea Sect vs Rabbinic Interpretation - 30/04/25

Unlock the secret of the Dead Sea Scrolls by contrasting their writings with Talmudic texts, and unearth a fundamental debate about rabbinic authority and interpretation. What led the Dead Sea Sect to break away from the Temple and the Jewish establishment? What were their theological views? And why were they so opposed to the Pharisaic approach?

 

Lesson 2 Suicide at Masada - Militant Nationalism vs Religious Institutionalism - 07/05/25

Glimpse into the minds of those who took their lives at Masada in 73 CE. Discover a view of Judaism that believes it cannot survive without autonomy in Israel and prefers to die rather than live under a foreign nation’s rule. What role does nationalism play in Judaism? What is the Jewish perspective on taking up arms when defeat is inevitable?

 

Lesson 3 The Maimonidean Controversy - Faith vs Reason - 14/05/25

In the 13th century, Maimonides’s major philosophical work, the Guide for the Perplexed, was banned and even burned. Condemnation of his writings divided the Jewish world: Is rationalism an acceptable approach to Divine worship? What role does reason play in Judaism? And how do we resolve the conflict between faith and reason?

 

Lesson 4 Renewal of The Sanhedrin - Active Messianism vs Passive Messianism - 21/05/25

In the wake of Spanish expulsion came a proposal to reinstate the Sanhedrin, in an effort to herald the messianic era. The idea catapulted the Jewish world into a frenzy: some with jubilation, others with uproar and outrage. Can we force the Divine hand to hasten the redemption? Should we? And what about recent attempts at renewing the Sanhedrin?

 

Lesson 5 Chasidism - Divine Transcendence vs Divine Immanence - 28/05/25

In the 1700s, the Ba’al Shem Tov introduced a focus on joy, prayer, and the simple Jew’s relationship with G-d. But this endeavor was met with resistance. What motivated Chasidism’s opponents? What issues lay at the heart of the debate? And what historic tensions set the stage for this upheaval that divided families and communities?

 

Lesson 6 Separation of Church and State - Religion in Public vs Religion as a Private Affair - 04/06/25

A 1989 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, permitting public menorah displays, deeply divided the Jewish world. Is religion designed to be a personal and private affair, or one to be paraded in the public domain? What presents a greater challenge to Judaism: the supremacy of a conflicting religion, or the predominance of irreligiosity? Where does Judaism stand on the separation of church and state?

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Past courses

Past Courses

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