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Part of the series, Relating to God

With Rabbi Mychal Springer, Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and Adjunct Professor, 91�첥

The daily Amidah refers to God as “the One Who Brings Life to the Dead.” This paradox—the holding of life and death together—is central to a life of faith and often plunges people into doubt. We will make space for the “watering of the soul,” both metaphorically and through exploration of the connection between resurrection and water—in the form of rain and dew. 

ABOUT THE SERIES

Relating to God Join 91�첥 scholars to explore what Jewish texts and thought can teach us about how we might understand, experience, and be in relationship with the divine.

See All Sessions in the Series

SPONSOR A SESSION

Did you know that you can sponsor a learning session to honor a loved one, celebrate an occasion, or commemorate a yahrzeit? To learn more, contact learninglives@jtsa.edu.

Part of the series, Relating to God

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With Dr. Rachel Rosenthal, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics

We often think of God’s choice to respond to our prayers as an act of mercy, but the rabbis in the Babylonian Talmud believed that God was powerless to ignore certain prayers. We look at five models of people whose prayers God answers and consider how they act as messengers on behalf of their communities.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Join 91�첥 scholars to explore what Jewish texts and thought can teach us about how we might understand, experience, and be in relationship with the divine.  

See all sessions in the series

SPONSOR A SESSION

At 91�첥, we are committed to providing the Jewish community with outstanding classes in Judaic studies. We hope you will partner with us so that we can continue to do so. Did you know that you can sponsor a learning session to honor a loved one, celebrate an occasion, or commemorate a yahrzeit? To learn more visit the  or email learninglives@jtsa.edu.

Part of the series, Relating to God

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With Dr. David Kraemer, Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics

One often hears it said that “Judaism cares what one does, not what one believes.” But this is a distortion, an oversimplification. When one looks at sources from the period of the birth of Rabbinic Judaism (including early “Christian” writings), one finds that there was an active debate about this matter. In this session, we will begin by considering the arguments of those ancient Jews—Paul and James—who raised the important question of faith vs. mitzvot. We will then examine echoes of the same debate in early rabbinic sources.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Join 91�첥 scholars to explore what Jewish texts and thought can teach us about how we might understand, experience, and be in relationship with the divine.  View All Sessions in the Series

See all sessions in the series

SPONSOR A SESSION

At 91�첥, we are committed to providing the Jewish community with outstanding classes in Judaic studies. We hope you will partner with us so that we can continue to do so. Did you know that you can sponsor a learning session to honor a loved one, celebrate an occasion, or commemorate a yahrzeit? To learn more visit the  or email learninglives@jtsa.edu.

Download Sources

Part of the series, Relating to God

With Dr. Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages

How did the biblical authors, and other Israelites, view the gender of God? Did they perceive God to be male? Did any of them perceive God as female? To answer this question, we examine both several biblical texts as well as archaeological evidence.

This session was generously sponsored by Linda and Ronald F Daitz and by Yale Asbell, 91�첥 trustee

ABOUT THE SERIES

Join 91�첥 scholars to explore what Jewish texts and thought can teach us about how we might understand, experience, and be in relationship with the divine.  View All Sessions in the Series

See all sessions in the series

SPONSOR A SESSION

At 91�첥, we are committed to providing the Jewish community with outstanding classes in Judaic studies. We hope you will partner with us so that we can continue to do so. Did you know that you can sponsor a learning session to honor a loved one, celebrate an occasion, or commemorate a yahrzeit? To learn more visit the  or email learninglives@jtsa.edu.

Download Sources

Part of the series, Relating to God

With Dr. Arnold Eisen, chancellor emeritus and professor of Jewish Thought, 91�첥

Professor Eisen explores recent developments in Jewish thought about God and what God requires of us as Jews and human beings against the background of past Jewish thought, recent work by non-Jewish thinkers, and Professor Eisen’s own theological reflections in the age of COVID.

This session was generously sponsored by Yale Asbell, 91�첥 trustee

ABOUT THE SERIES

Relating to God Join 91�첥 scholars to explore what Jewish texts and thought can teach us about how we might understand, experience, and be in relationship with the divine.

See All Sessions in the Series

SPONSOR A SESSION

Did you know that you can sponsor a learning session to honor a loved one, celebrate an occasion, or commemorate a yahrzeit? To learn more, contact learninglives@jtsa.edu.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Join 91�첥 scholars to explore what Jewish texts and thought can teach us about how we might understand, experience, and be in relationship with the divine.

View detailed session descriptions.