About This Course
It seems that every day we are flooded with questions about right and wrong, good and evil. How do we as Jews, and leaders of institutions, use our experience, text, and traditions to navigate through the issues of the day and provide an “ethical” voice? How do our own perspectives affect our reading of texts and leadership decisions?
We will begin by questioning our own vantage points and then take a deep dive into the evolution of ethical thought in Jewish tradition from Biblical times through the present. This course is both theoretical and practical as it will survey Jewish ethical theory as well as relevant contemporary topics. We will spend the first third of the class learning about the evolution of Jewish ethics in Jewish literature and thought. The remainder of each class will be dedicated to studying texts related to current ethical dilemmas.
Zoom classroom
This course is held live in the Zoom classroom on Tuesdays at 8:00 pm Eastern.
Date change: The January 31 class will NOT be held that day. It will be held on Sunday, February 5 at 8 pm.
Click this link to enter the Zoom classroom
Course Objectives
- Students will understand the relationship between ethics and Jewish ethics
- Students will become familiar with ethical theories in Biblical, Rabbinic, and Medieval texts as well as within the denominations.
- Students will engage in text study about relevant current ethical dilemmas, providing a foundation for how to stay engaged in this work as other topics inevitably arise.
Required Reading
Each student will need to purchase “The Oxford Handbook of Jewish Ethics and Morality” edited by Elliot N. Dorff and Jonathan K. Crane. Please have this before the first class.
There will also be handouts given throughout the course.
Assignments
Each week students will submit a short (1-2-page max) written reflection based on readings and/or class conversation. Questions in this syllabus are meant to be a guide and spark for the reflection, students do not need to address each question asked. (8 reflections total)
Each week one student will present on a Jewish ethical theory contained in our textbook. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for their slot at the end of the first class. Presentations should be 20-30 minutes, summarize the reading material, and teach the basic concepts. Rabbi Levy will be available to anyone who needs help with their presentation. Teaching and presenting are not only key skills for rabbis but they also enable learners to absorb the material in a deeper way. (1 presentation per student)
Final Exam: Choose ONE of the following options
Option #1: Create a source sheet of your own related to any contemporary ethical dilemma of your choice. You should submit a written lesson plan or essay (approximately 3 pages) explaining why you chose those particular texts, how you would present the material to others, and what people need to know about this topic as it pertains to Jewish ethical theory and development.
Option #2: 5-10 page paper on the evolution of Jewish ethics.
Download the course syllabus below for more information on the weekly topic
Meet Your Instructor
Rabbi Jill Levy is the Director of Ramah DC Day Camp, which is part of the Camp Ramah New England family. Rabbi Jill joined CRNE after five years as Rabbi at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC in Houston, where she oversaw Jewish learning and engagement as well as taught numerous adult education classes. Prior to her position at the Houston JCC, Rabbi Jill was Director of Congregational Learning at Herzl-Ner Tamid in Mercer Island, WA. Rabbi Jill received her ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2011. While in rabbinical school, she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow and served as student rabbi in several different congregations. In addition, she completed a summer of clinical pastoral education at St. Luke’s and Texas Children’s Hospitals in Houston. Rabbi Jill also earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University. She currently lives in Silver Spring with her husband, Matt, and two daughters (and eager campers), Nava and Miri. In her free time, you can find her running or bike riding on one of the many trails in the D.C. area.
Smicha, Jewish Theological Seminary
Master of Public Administration, Columbia University
Bachelor’s Degree, University of Washington
Ratings and Reviews
Robbie SchaeferThis was a fantastic class that taught us all more about how to think as a Jew and potential rabbi, than about what to think. Rabbi Jill is encouraging, challenging, and knowledgeable. The material is relevant and the class discussions were vibrant.
Matthew KleinWhat could have been another boring, Jewish, analytical, drag of a class, was in fact an inspiring, interactive and deep meaningful experience. I only regretted that it didn't go on for more sessions. Rabbi Jill Levy has her heart in the work and is a supportive guide to opening deep windows into new possibilities of world of ethics.
A masterful combination of relevant and informative readings, personal reflection, deep probing questions, and class interaction. Rabbi Jill opened for us the complex worlds of Jewish Ethics, while encouraging deep thought and engaging discussion. This is a model of how to create and deliver a course.