ברוכות הבאות!

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.

In the past week and a half we've touched on some fundamental ideas and questions that go straight to the core of what it means to think and live as a Jew in the 21st Century. I've been greatly impressed by your contributions, and now it's time for us to put some of them in writing.

Assignment: By Monday (Feb 2nd), please write in the comments section of this post 1-2 paragraphs on some of the ideas we've discussed so far in class that spoke to you in some way--maybe because they resonated with you as being truthful, intrigued you, or even disturbed or bothered you in some way. After you have shared your thoughts, comment on 2 other classmates' responses, and tell them why you either agree with, disagree with, or would add to what they wrote.

*Keep in mind: Although I am not going to be grading this assignment on the basis of your English language skills, I do fully expect you to use your best writing, so that you can be sure you're communicating clearly and efficiently. That includes using proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and writing conventions (complete sentences and paragraphs, topic sentences, etc.).

**Please note: Before you post anything at all on this blog, create a Google Doc titled "JL&F Blog" and write everything there first. Then copy and paste it into the blog (this goes for all blog submissions). Occasionally people will write a lengthy response and then hit "submit", only to see it all instantly disappear. As long as you've got the original version in your Google Doc, this isn't a big problem; you can just send me your submission and I will post it for you.

Women and Relationships Part II

Before we begin to explore the teachings of some important and interesting Jewish thinkers on the subject of Jewish women, I'd like us to take the opportunity to put some of our own thoughts and observations in writing here on the blog.  In the comments section below, please address the following:

• What different kinds of relationships might a person have in their lifetime, and with whom? Challenge yourself to think of many varieties, and tell us a bit about what makes each one unique and important.
• What do you see as some differences between the way we approach relationships from a Torah perspective, versus a secular American perspective?
• In your opinion, how do you think men and women differ, aside from the obvious biological considerations?
• Does American society encourage these differences, or reject them? Explain your thoughts.

When you've finished writing, reply to the comments of at least 2 classmates, and specify why you either agree or disagree with what they wrote.