Belovski

The Challenge and Reality of Faith in the 21st Century

Jan - Mar 2015

From the LSJS website: 

What does it mean to believe in God and what happens when someone has ‘doubts’?

How central is faith to Jewish practice?

Learn how Jewish law, thought and tradition approaches this issue.

Session 1: Introducing the Jewish God

Session 2: Believe vs. Practice

Session 3: I am God: The First Commandment

Session 4: Does Belief Change as we Grow Older? Session 5: Heresy in Judaism
Session 6: How have Psychology and Modern Science Affected Belief? Session 7: Talking to God

Kosher Foods, Purchasing Kosher Food & Uninvited Diners

Hosted by the Scotts for GGS 03/12/14

Gluttony on Yom Kippur: Redefining Eating

To be delivered at GGS after Minchah (5.50pm), Shabbat Shuvah 5775

Jews and the Black Death

GGS 05/08/14

From the GGS Website

One of the most destructive pandemics in history, the Black Death raged in mid-14th-century Europe, killing close to half of its population.  In many places, sometimes encouraged by church leaders, Jews were blamed for spreading the disease, resulting in widespread persecution and the destruction of hundreds of Jewish communities.

In this presentation, Rabbi Belovski will examine the social and political context of these attacks, explore the role of Pope Clement VI, who tried to prevent them and consider their ramifications for European Jewry.

Please note that this recording begins a few seconds into the class.

Delivered at GGS

02/08/14

In Pursuit of Perfection

May - July 2014

From the LSJS website:

Spies, Korach, Zimri – this book is full of rebellion. Or maybe it’s the story of a community on the cusp of perfection but haunted by self perception clashing with reality. We will explore themes of leadership and the dangers of self-denial through the lens of the chassidic School of Przysucha – the Rebbes of Ishbitz, Kotzk, Lublin and Sochaczew.

Session 1: Torah in the Desert: On the Cusp of Perfection?

Session 2: Manna: Food of the Gods?

Session 3: Spies: Desire for the Desert

Session 4: Tzelophchad: Sinning for the Sake of Heaven
Session 5: Korach:  A Man Before his Time?
Session 6: Striking the Rock and Predestiny
Session 7: Zimri and the Lure of the Desert

Idolatry and the Golden Calf

Edgware Shiur 11/02/14

Understanding Human Suffering on the Threshold of Modernity

MMY 29/12/13

Are Beauty and Pleasure Jewish Ideas or Evils?

Jan - Mar 2014

From the LSJS website:

It’s often said that Judaism is interested in action rather than form, but is that really true? What do Jewish sources really have to say about beauty, visual and physical pleasure and the wonders of art? In this innovative course, Rabbi Belovski will explore classic texts and contemporary Jewish writings on aesthetics and form. As well as major themes, we will look specifically at Jewish approaches to art, music, poetry, language, food, aroma, and, of course, the pleasures of wine and sex.

Session 1: Pleasure and Aesthetics in Traditional Jewish Sources
Session 2: Art
Session 3: Music
I am frustrated to report that the recording failed.  I hope to have a chance to repeat the class soon.

Session 4: Literature and Poetry
Session 5: Taste and Smell
Session 6: Wine Session 7: Sex