World Religions: Judaism

EarthDiverse is pleased to announce its 2020 Term 1 Religious Diversity classes in Hamilton in its new ‘World Religions’ series. This series provides an in-depth look at the world’s main religious traditions, and goes into greater detail than the information provided in our introductory ‘Discovering Religious Diversity’ series.

Over an entire Term of eight sessions focused on a single belief tradition, we’ll examine the history and development of each tradition, at key figures associated with its founding or development, its sacred texts, contemporary beliefs and practices, and the major festivals and commemorations associated with each. During the final session of each Term, we’ll view a representative film for each tradition that accentuates and highlights the main points discussed during the Term.

Our 2020 courses are:
- Term 1: Judaism
- Term 2: Islam
- Term 3: Hinduism
- Term 4: Buddhism

Our Term 1 Judaism course provides a detailed introduction to the Jewish religion. Individual class topics are:
- Week 1: Early Biblical History: Genesis
- Week 2: Early Biblical History: Exodus through Second Temple Period
- Week 3: Diaspora, Development and the Emergence of Rabbinic Judaism
- Week 4: Sacred Texts: Torah & Talmud
- Week 5: Contemporary Beliefs and Practices
- Week 6: Jewish Festivals and Commemorations
- Week 7: Jewish Ethics & the concept of Tikkun Olam
- Week 8: Movie night!

Class meets in Hamilton on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:30pm. All classes are held at Artmakers, 2 Seddon Rd, Hamilton.

COST per person per Term (8 classes):
Waged: $104 (includes $4 online registration fee)
Unwaged (unemployed, students, seniors): $84 (includes $4 online registration fee)

Each Term class may be taken independently of the others and there are no prerequisites. Classes may be joined at any time throughout the year.

All classes are taught from an objective point of view. These are classes about religion and religious behavior, taught from an anthropological point of view, and are designed for participants to get a greater understanding of the depth and scope of the diversity that exists within the world’s various faith and belief traditions.

Registration: To register, please visit the website.