Jewish Values and History Series (based on Beyond Dispute and the Ethical Life JTS Courses) taught by Rabbi Jay R. Goldstein

1. April 29th 7 pm When Can We Legitimately Modify Tradition? Waging War on Shabbat:    This class encourages us to consider the existential challenges facing the Jewish community today and the accompanying calls for innovation or adherence to tradition. When can one consider oneself empowered to modify or set aside tradition?  How does innovation come to be seen as consistent with tradition rather than as an act of abandonment or betrayal?  
2.   May 6th 7pm  Do We Need to Mean What We Pray? Sacrifices in the Siddur:  The sources in this class demonstrate how different denominations responded to the challenges posed by sacrificial language in prayer (Musaf Service) and illustrates a variety of ideas about what prayer is and how it—and language itself—function. How important is it for the words of the siddur to match one’s personal beliefs?  What shape should Jewish prayer take today, and tomorrow—and who should decide?  
3.     May 20th 7pm Who Wields Authority in Jewish Ritual? Smashing Wine Barrels and the Patriarchy: A study of a Talmudic debate will help us analyze how best to challenge power structures that are unjust. In the worlds in which we live, who has authority in the Jewish community?  What lessons can we learn about how to speak and be heard, how we can treat each other with respect—in our homes, workplaces, synagogues, and schools

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