The Jewish Course of Why - Lesson 1

The topics of this course span a diverse range, from fun, light, and off-the-beaten-track questions, to more complex and controversial issues. Ever wondered why there are so many Jews in Hollywood? Why Jews eat gefilte fish and cholent and wish each other mazal tov and l’chaim? Why the Bible sanctions slavery and animal sacrifices? What is the cause of antisemitism? What does Judaism say about Christianity? About the role of women in Jewish life? You will also gain insight into mysterious Jewish practices, strange biblical narratives, and enigmas of Jewish identity.

Intrigued?

Lesson Details

Lesson 1

1. Why ask “Why?”? Isn’t Judaism a belief system?
2. Why are there no miracles today of biblical proportion?
3. Why do we pray? Doesn’t God know what He is doing? Can we really affect His will?
4. Why is there so much fragmentation in Jewish practice?
5. Why have the Jews survived millennia while so many other civilizations have vanished?
6. Why don’t Jews accept the Christian messiah?
7. Why do we kindle yartzeit candles to commemorate the dead?

Bonus Questions:

1. Why are the Jewish holidays always “late” or “early”?
2. Why do we say Mazal Tov?
3. Why do Jews eat gefilte fish on Shabbat?