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.

This course is brought to you by the Savannah Jewish Federation and Chabad of Savannah.

Morning Option

Four Wednesdays
February 8 - Mar 1

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

 

LOCATION

Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance
5111 Abercorn Street

Evening Option

Four Tuesdays
February 7 - 28

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM


LOCATION

Chabad of Savannah
2424 Drayton Street
Savannah, GA 31401

COURSE TEXTBOOK

This course requires a textbook. It can be purchased here.

If you have any questions, email [email protected] or call 912-844-2477

 

1. THE DYNAMIC DUO

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.

2. A FORMULA FOR ETERNITY

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.

3. POWER OF THE PEOPLE

The Rabbi's loom large in Jewish Tradition. Does G‑d always concur with their decisions? In which way are Rabbinic enactments different from Biblical Law? On the other end of the spectrum, what about the power of the people? Do traditions that originate with the masses enjoy any legal or spiritual standing?

4. DEBATING THE DIVINE

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?

Dr. Eugene Kontorovich
Professor of Law, Northwestern University

An extraordinarily sophisticated examination of Talmudic methodology, tackling the toughest questions about the nature and legitimacy of rabbinic law, combining high academic rigor with fundamental rooting in Jewish tradition.

Dr. Susan Handelman
Professor of English, Bar-Ilan University

This superb course will enable each participant to enter into the fascinating world of Talmud, sharpen his or her mind, and understand the foundations of Jewish law and its application to critical contemporary issues.

Dr. Jeremy Rabkin
Professor of Law, George Mason University

Anyone with an interest in legal reasoning should engage with the Talmud, which records some of the oldest and most subtle interpretations of fundamental law. Judaism Decoded offers a fine introduction to Talmudic methods.