The Jewish Learning Experience is excited to announce the launch of our inaugural course catalog! We are currently in the process of developing our full course offerings, but we are pleased to offer two classes for the 2023-2024 academic year.
JST 325 Contemporary Halacha - 3.0 credits
In this class, students will explore Jewish ethics - both the context and time in which they were lived and practiced as well as the way we understand these ancient laws in our lives today. Over the course of the year, students will spend time exploring kashrut, Shabbat, medical ethics, property laws and social responsibility, starting with the original text, exploring what our ancient commentators thought about these laws and then assessing what these laws look like in modern day. The ultimate goal is for students to develop an understanding of these fundamental pieces of our tradition and determine how they might apply the underlying values to challenging ethical decisions in their own lives.
JST 328 Argument for Community’s Sake - 3.0 credits
In this class, students will explore the developmental foundations of what it means to be together in community, during both good times and challenging times. Using the story about maklochet l’shem shemayim (argument for the sake of heaven), students will explore a variety of philosophies and methodologies tied to creating and engaging in community. Students will also explore some of the skills needed to engage with other community members in a positive and productive way including understanding our own strengths and triggers, attuned listening and learning how to achieve a win-win feeling at the end of a discussion. The ultimate goal is for students to develop an understanding of the study of Talmud, as well as how they might utilize the skills and strategies they have learned in real-life difficult conversations.