The definition of truth is not clear cut in Judaism. Is there one "truth" to be grasped or is truth something more organic than that? After giving the Torah, does God have a say in changing the truth found in Jewish law? This class discusses this topic through the lens of the famous debate between Rabbi Eliezer The Great and his students. 

Jewish parables, refereed to as medrashim, are speckled throughout the Talmud. They're nuanced, esoteric, and captivating. They also contain within them the spirit of Judaism. This course discusses the power of metaphors and parables. It also discusses how Judaism relates to them. With a deep understanding of moral law, these texts open up to us a deep well of wisdom. Without that background, these metaphors remain closed to us, best case scenario. The worst case scenario is they destroy any chance of a truly spiritual life. Wisdom well used gives life. Wisdom misused ends it. 

Knowing what the right thing is and doing it are extremely different.  God revealed a higher purpose but Judaism's struggle is how to actualize that purpose. How do we build a better life for ourselves?  This class discusses how rabbinical additions to Jewish law actualize Judaism's purpose.  Rabbinic restriction is, in essence, what taps into divine meaning.  By struggling to make God’s law livable we are able to understand God's deeper purpose.