JPH112- Survey of Chabad Philosophy I

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An in-depth study examining core teachings of Chabad Chassidic philosophy and practice, utilizing a variety of Maamorim [Chassidic Discourses] as source texts. The course explores issues involving the nature of the soul and how the makeup of human identity mirrors the kabalistic description of the chain-like progression of spiritual realms [Seder Hishtalshalut]. It also includes explores the very nature of Chassidut itself and how it differs from kabala and other types of mysticism that appeared earlier in Jewish history.

COURSE GOALS:
By the end of this course you should be able to:
1) Demonstrate knowledge of the broad sweep of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi’s Tanya Chapters 1-26 and its program for spiritual development as encapsulated in the Chassidic Discourse Vayishlach Yehoshua.
2) Create one mini-project that demonstrates knowledge of how the “short way” and “long way” of Tanya can generate love within a relationship.
3) Explain how Chassidut differs from the forms of Jewish mysticism that preceded it.
4) Produce a creative work inspired by Chassidic principles in an artistic medium of your choice, preferably one that reflects your own experience of spiritual and emotional growth.