Course Explores Jewish Faith In Modern World

Posted Tuesday, Jan 1st, 2008
Town-Crier
This February, the Wellington Jewish Center is set to unveil Beyond Belief, an intriguing new course from the Jewish Learning Institute. Beyond Belief provides an innovative look at the process whereby lives are enriched and deepened by thinking about faith. Fresh, provocative and insightful, the course is designed to help students take a closer look at how their beliefs can bring meaning to their lives and guide their choices in the real world.

"Many people grapple with fundamental questions of belief and its place in their lives," Rabbi Mendy Muskal explained. "Beyond Belief reclaims faith as a uniquely Jewish value, while recognizing that it is not a static formulation to be unthinkingly accepted. Jewish faith is a dynamic, powerful force within us that must be continuously fed by thinking, feeling and doing."

Beyond Belief draws on 13 key principles of faith identified by pre-eminent Jewish thinker Maimonides. Students will examine the logic and role each principle plays in shaping their worldview. Students will also have the opportunity to grapple with ideas that sometimes seem remote and to gain insight into the process by which these and other beliefs are shaped and expanded. Taken together, these principles are a set of building blocks that allow students to construct a deep and nuanced understanding of what it means to live as a Jew.

Beyond Belief provides multiple pathways into the exploration of faith building. Both thoughtful and practical, Beyond Belief is an innovative look at faith that should not be missed. Like all JLI courses, Beyond Belief presents the fundamentals of Judaism in a way that is challenging yet accessible. Students will have the opportunity to encounter classic primary texts and engage in thoughtful, open discussion.

The course will be offered at the Wellington Jewish Center for six Wednesdays beginning Feb. 6. The course costs $89 for individuals or $169 for couples, and a beautiful student textbook is included. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Muskal at (561) 333-4663 or [email protected].
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