Through the study of classical Rabbinic literature, modern theology and philosophy, halakhic debates, and a wide range of historical sources, students learn the history and philosophy of the Conservative movement. Students will explore topics such as the origin of Conservative Judaism, the halakhic process, theological underpinnings, pluralism in theory and practice, and the Masorti movement in Israel. Original Rabbinic texts and philosophical papers will supplement the main text, Conservative Judaism by Neil Gillman. The course begins with a review of the geography of a page of Talmud. When the text study is begun, it is accompanied by Rashi and occasional Tosafot.
Work is done in pairs or together in class.
Topics covered include the concept of increasing but not decreasing in holiness, and questions about how holiness attaches to an object, how it remains in an object, and how it is removed. In addition to the text, emphasis is placed on learning basic Aramaic terms which appear throughout the Talmud. When a principle from another sugyah is encountered, the parallel sugyah is often learned. In this thematically based course, students will study selections from Masekhet Sanhedrin. Topics to be covered include the arrangement of courts for civil and capital cases, the adjudication process, and the issue of capital punishment.