The Ethical Imperative: Rabbinic Teachings and the Sermon on the Mount: Interfaith Learning

This course offers Christians and Jews the opportunity to study together the teachings of the Jewish Sages in Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers, and the Fathers According to Rabbi Nathan, alongside the Sermon on the Mount. Each week we will examine different ethical themes such as compassion, humility, justice, responsibility, and forgiveness as they appear in our texts. Our study together aims to deepen our understanding of the historical and intellectual relationship between early Judaism and emerging Christianity, while also considering the ongoing interpretative and ethical significance of these texts in our contemporary lives and communal contexts. Vernon Kurtz received Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary. Rabbi Emeritus of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, Illinois, which he served for 31 years, Rabbi Kurtz is Adjunct Professor of Rabbinics at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. The author of Encountering Torah: Reflections on the Weekly Portion, Rabbi Kurtz has published articles in periodicals, books and the Chicago Jewish News. (images via wikicommons) Tuition: ILS 390 ($130*) for 6 classes *dollar price dependent upon exchange rate on date of payment 10% discount price for simultaneous registration for 2 series or more 15% discount price for simultaneous registration for 3 series or more. Cancellation Policy: Prior to start of course – 100% refund or 100% credit for another course. Following one class – 90% refund or 100% credit for another course (except for fieldtrip courses where only a 75% refund will be given after one meeting). No cancellation after 2 classes (in special cases, e.g. illness, a credit will be given for another course). The weekly zoom link will be sent via email to all registered students one week before the start of classes.