V’ahavta – Divine and Human Love in Jewish Tradition

Catalog description

What does Jewish tradition say about love in its many manifestations? In this course, we will delve into many sources that describe, celebrate, and teach about love between people and God as well as between people. We will examine the implications for the modern notion of romantic love, the mandate to work for justice, and the meaning of the Chosen People, among other ideas. We will deepen our appreciation for how traditional Jewish sources can surprise and inform as we study teachings about love from the Bible – along with its commentaries – and from Talmud, Midrash, halakhah and Jewish mysticism.