Episode Details

Recently, a book with this title hit the bookstores. In the book its author, Rabbi Shai Held (a Conservative rabbi) tells us that, for too long, Judaism has been mistakenly characterized as a legalistic, judgmental faith tradition. In response Rav Held proceeds to draw upon a rich compendium of sources representing 3000 years of Jewish learning and living to teach us that, beyond a shadow of doubt, love is the dominant foundational Jewish principle. Judaism is, indeed, about love. We will read the book over the course of ten weeks (it is a substantial tome) and meet weekly to discuss Held’s analysis and study selected primary sources from which he draws his Torah.

The eighth discussion in this series centered on Chapter 14 of Rabbi Held's book, in particular the meaning of engaging Chosenness . It took place via Zoom on August 14, 2024

Special Guest: Rabbi Emeritus Joel Rembaum.

Links:

• Judaism Is About Love Class 8 Source Sheet