Coming in January, the shul will offer a provocative new course, “Beyond Dispute: Debates That Shape Jewish Life.” The course, developed by the Jewish Theological Seminary and facilitated by Rabbi Gadi, probes philosophical, spiritual, ethical and cultural questions at the heart of Jewish life. Some of the topics to be discussed are: Do we need to mean what we pray? When can we legitimately modify tradition? Are religion and reason compatible?

          JTS has programmed 11 sessions, but some topics may require more than one, Rabbi Gadi said. The first unit of five sessions will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, followed by a short break before the remaining units are scheduled. Each session will begin with a short video by a JTS faculty member whose experience mirrors the topic. Relevant source materials distributed by JTS to each registered participant (or downloaded) prior to the start of the course will suggest areas for study and discussion. 

The course will be offered as a hybrid — in person and on Zoom. “Face-to-face discussion during a previously-offered JTS course titled ‘The Ethical Life’ added greatly to everyone’s experience,” said Ann Hurwitz, administrator of the Marshall S. Hurwitz Fund For Special Programs and Projects, the sponsor of both JTS courses for our shul. Tax deductible fees are $18 per member household and $36 for nonmembers. Signup information will be provided as the start of the course nears.

For questions, email the shul at ctigreenport@gmail.com in attention of Ann Hurwitz.