Spring 2010

MES 320 • JEWISH ETHICS

Course Description

In this course we will discuss Jewish responses to ethical issues such as life and death; sexuality; family; business practices; public welfare; and warfare. We will examine the sources for decision making, including the Bible, Rabbinic texts, Jewish law codes, and medieval and contemporary Responsa, to determine Jewish positions on these issues. Attention will also be paid to critical examination of the process of decision-making, diachronic and synchronic variants, as well as the role of extenuating circumstances.

Grading Policy

Quizz 1: 35% Quizz 2: 45% Class presnetation 20%

Texts

E. Dorff, To Do the Right and the Good: A Jewish Approach to Modern Social Ethics. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society 2004 Course Packet

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