Welcome to the Jewish Life & Faith class blog! This will be our virtual forum for sharing thoughts and ideas on a wide variety of topics pertaining to Judaism, as well as a place for us to ask deep and difficult questions. I know that we will all gain from hearing each other's perspectives, and I ask that you take the time and effort to produce worthwhile content.
We have so far studied the historical backgrounds and enduring contributions of the Rambam, Rabbi Yehudah HaLevi, the Ba'al Shem Tov, the Ramchal, Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, and to a lesser degree, those of Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, and Rabbi Emanuel Feldman and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (yibadlu l'chaim tovim--they should both live and be well).
Assignment: Ask one of your other Judaic studies teachers or administrators which one of these great Jewish thinkers has had a significant impact on their life, and why (you can interview them in person, by phone, or by email). Please record their answer in a comment, and then tell us what intrigues you about their answer. Does it motivate you to want to learn more about that philosopher? What else does it make you want to know about the teacher you asked?
I would like each of you to create an account with your name or initials, and respond to this post in the comments section below. Please contribute a comment of your own; then read your classmates' comments and write an additional response to at least one of them.
This assignment must be completed by the day we return from Labor Day weekend, Tuesday, September 2nd.
ooh, many of them have; Rabbi Emanual Feldman, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, and Rach Shimshon Rapheal Hirsch.Rav Aryeh Kaplan pondered the deep fundamental ideas of the world, G-d, people, and how they all worked together. He took this depth of understanding and created persuasive understandable literature to prove and show how Judaism and Hashem is the answer to these deep questions. He spread his love for Hashem and his argument of absolute truth using his brilliant mind (that Hashem gave him)! Thereby, greatly contributed to the world-That is inspirational!- Mrs. Harris
ReplyDeleteI feel inspired by Rabbi Emanuel Feldbuam. He continued to stay with the congregation in Atlanta and held this position for nearly 40 years. He was raised by his successful father and he followed his fathers foot steps. This shows me full commitment and a string heart. He did an outstanding job with commitment and responsiblity.Now he is retired and still edits Jersalams papers and he spends divided time between Israel and the US.Once again he has showed a great amount of time of commitment.
I agree with Kayla, it is very inspiring that rabbi feldman stayed with his community and lead them for 40 years.
DeleteKayla, I'm so glad you reached out to Mrs. Harris--this is a great way for us to get to know some of our new teachers in a deeper sense. Do her eloquent words about the impact Rabbi Kaplan has had on her make you more interested in reading his books?
ReplyDeletePosting on behalf of Rebecca, due to technical difficulties: Rebecca also reached out to Mrs. Harris and got the same response regarding Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. She added the following comment: "I still wonder how she grew up? It does make me wonder and want to know more about this philosopher because she makes it seem that she was very inspired by him."
ReplyDeleteYes I agrre Rebecca. If she was so inspired what particularly happenned
ReplyDeleteI agree with them also because e made a huge impact on this world
ReplyDeleteLisa Palumbo said: I like the Rambam the most because he has a very unique way of learning. I like the way he teaches and he really devotes himself to his learning. His teachings show how devoted he is and that he really puts his heart and time into them.
DeleteI agree also, sorry I couldn't post mine yet, I asked Mrs. Klein but she hasn't answered yet.
ReplyDeleteMrs Klein said: Hi Shoshana, thanks for asking me! I think out of those Rabbanim I would Choose Rabbi Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, who really spear-headed the idea of "Torah Im Derech Eretz"- which I feel is such a major factor in not only being a good jew but also feeling like you are a good person. It also helps guide me when I teach both my students and my own children, teaching material is great and having your students acquire knowledge is wonderful, but equally as important is derech eretz- the proper way to use this knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this answer! I think it's important to learn about Derech Eretz and it is one of the main things that help sculpt a good Jew!
Very interesting reply..I agree with Mrs. Klein
DeleteMorah Chany: I like the Rambam since he is brilliant but knows how to talk to the regular person. His rendering of Halacha and torah are practical and easy to relate to. I think he started impacting my life during High School.
ReplyDelete