JTP1350: Death, Dying, & the Good Life, crn14328

Abstract

Course Description and Objectives: ►In this course we will be examining a range of Jewish ideas surrounding death: we will think about Jewish ways of dying; how Jews have thought about, treated and related to the dead; and ideas about the afterlife. Does this sound morbid to you? I hope not. ►One of goals of this course are for you to learn about some foundational ideas of Jewish thought and to consider how these ideas have been expressed by Jews in a variety of times and places. We will think together about how some of these notions and expressions have changed over time. ►We will explore these ideas through reading primary sources as well as secondary literature. ►Another of the goals of this course is for you to use the sources as a springboard for your own thinking about what constitutes a “Good Life.” While emerging adults such as yourself are probably not spending too much time reflecting on your own mortality — and you shouldn’t be! — this is a time in your life when you are thinking about and making decisions about the kind of life you would like to lead. Reflecting on our own mortality, on Jewish ideas about the afterlife, about Jewish practices related to the dead and Ethical Wills written by Jews in a variety of historical contexts to express the values they want to convey to their descendants and heirs will hopefully afford you the opportunity to clarify for yourself some of the values that are important to you and that you would like to guide you throughout your life.