JPHI 1816: Hashkafa of the Vilna Gaon

Abstract

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The course will consist of an in-depth study of themes in Jewish thought based upon insights and concepts of the Vilna Gaon. Most of the discussions will relate to the holidays of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, and Chanukah. Given the brief and often enigmatic presentations typical of the Vilna Gaon, we will utilize numerous additional sources to give context and expand upon the ideas of the Vilna Gaon himself. In this fashion, we will discover how a breadth of sources can be utilized to illuminate concepts in Hashkafa, and we will see that seemingly disparate ideas in fact complement one another and create a tapestry of Torah thought. Some of the ideas presented may be kabbalistic in nature. The course will consistently use the original texts in the presentation of the sources. This is important as authors often elucidate earlier sources and each expositor relates his concept with unique terminology and nuance. While students are not obligated to master the reading of all the sources, strong familiarity in Hebrew text is important to be able to follow the class. There may be some texts, which will identified in advance, that students will need to know for the tests.