JLI

Judaism Decoded

JUDAISM DECODED

Judaism Decoded sheds light on the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation.

Discover the elegance of the “source code” on which Torah law is built and enjoy the intellectual depth of Talmudic reasoning.

Join us for

Six Tuesdays

Jan 20 – Feb 24
7:00–8:30 P.M.

Chabad of Etobicoke
17 Strath Humber Ct
Etobicoke, ON M9A 4C8

$99 individual · $150 per couple (textbook included)

www.jewishetobicoke.com
office@jewishetobicoke.com
437-269-0770

Instructor: Rabbi Duni Blotner

This course is offered both online and in person

Course Lessons:
  • Lesson 1: THE DYNAMIC DUO
    If we have a written law, why do we need tradition? And if we have a tradition, what's the point of a written law? Discover the brilliance of this binary system, and how it has kept Jewish tradition intact for millennia.
  • Lesson 2: A FORMULA FOR ETERNITY
    Circumstances change, and, in most cases, so do the rules--unless, that is, the rules were created as principles with a unique formula to make them apply to any situation that may arise. Explore the systematic formula through which Jewish law is applied to solve new, modern-day dilemmas.
  • Lesson 3: RABBIS MAKING RULES
    Is my rabbi allowed to change the law when he deems it necessary? When do rabbis have the power to legislate new laws? And what prevents a rabbi from unilaterally changing the face of Judaism?
  • Lesson 4: DEBATING THE DIVINE
    The Talmud is filled with all kinds of debates. If the law is Divine, should there be any room for discussion? When there are differences of opinion, how do we determine the law? And why does the Talmud record opinions that were ultimately overruled?
  • Lesson 5: LAWS THAT EXPIRE
    While most Jewish practices are as relevant today as ever, some laws have reasons that no longer apply. When does a law expire? How is it revoked? And why might we choose to continue a practice even once its rationale is no longer relevant?
  • Lesson 6: EVIDENCE FOR SINAI
    Judaism encourages us to question. How do we know the Torah is true? Why was Maimonides so convinced about the historic truth of the revelation at Sinai? Is there any empirical evidence to support his claim?
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“An extraordinarily sophisticated examination of Talmudic methodology…”

Dr. Eugene Kontorovich
Professor of Law, Northwestern University

“This superb course will enable each participant to enter the fascinating world of Talmud…”

Dr. Susan Handelman
Professor of English, Bar-Ilan University