060040 SE Modern Jewish Thought - An Introduction (2017S)

This course is a critical survey of the most significant Jewish responses to the experience of the modern era. Beginning with Spinoza's political and hermeneutic thought, we will explore how Jewish thinkers met the social, cultural, and religious challenges of modernity and, in turn, influenced the transformation of modern Jewry. Jewish Thought is understood in a broader sense to include philosophers, religious reformers, and political leaders. Changing and conflicting perspectives on tradition, education, culture, and religion will be in the center of our interest.

The following units will guide the course:
1) Defining the Modern Period for Judaism
2) Spinoza
3) Origins of the Jewish Enlightenment
4) Moses Mendelssohn
5) Emancipation in Progress
6) Religious Reform and Historicism
7) Alternative Models of Reform and Religious Adjustment
8) Nationalism and Dissimilation
9) Reinventing Tradition
10) Judaism as Culture
11) After the Holocaust
12) Contemporary Questions

Format:
Lecture with Discussion. Students are required to prepare short primary texts in advance.