God in Times of Crisis

A joint adult education course with KTI, Community Synagogue of Rye and Congregation Emanu El of Westchester

Thursday evenings, 7:30-9:00pm via Zoom

Where is God when the world seems to fall apart before our eyes?

In this course, we will consider the relationship between faith and what transpires in the world. When, why, and to what degree does God intervene in world affairs? What is the relationship between human initiative and Divine involvement in the world? Who is God in moments of tragedy? What characterizes the relationship with God—submission, dialogue, argumentation, doubt—and how does the relationship change over time?

Registration Required

January 5, 2023: Divine intervention—Biblical Perspectives taught by Rabbi Howard Goldsmith

This class examines the tensions between biblical accounts of Divine-given human sovereignty over the world and God's interventions to set things right when humanity goes astray.

January 26, 2023: Divine Intervention—Rabbinic Approaches taught by Rabbi Ben Goldberg

In the wake of the destruction of the Temple, when Jews had lost their sense of whether and how their relationship with God would continue, the rabbis began to offer additional and diverse ways of envisioning God’s role in world affairs.

February 16, 2023: Divine Intervention and Human Initiative taught by Rabbi Howard Goldsmith

What does a Divine-human partnership look like? In the previous class, we noted that even in interventionist moments, God enlists the leadership of human beings. How are Divine intervention and human initiative related to one another?

March 2, 2023: Faith and Tragedy taught by Rabbi Daniel Gropper

When tragedy strikes, how do people understand their relationship with God? Why and how do people maintain a relationship with God when they are struggling and perceive God to be absent?

March 16, 2023: Debate and Submission taught by Rabbi Daniel Gropper or Jamie Field

In Abraham's encounters with God, Jewish tradition begins to offer a legacy that suggests that God does not only expect submission but also debate and argumentation. In this class, we explore that legacy and the questions it raises.

March 30, 2023: Intimacy, Distance and Doubt taught by Rabbi Ben Goldberg

What is the role of doubt in a relationship with God? How is faith about process and not only conclusions? In this class, we will explore the ways in which doubt is actually part and parcel of a dynamic life of faith.