What do we do when we pray? Models from the History of Judaism, History of Religions, Theology and Philosophy - Einzelansicht

NOTE LOCATION: Haus  14 

In this course we shall explore different ways of understanding prayer. Our examples will be based on the Jewish religious tradition, but the questions and models that shall guide us are drawn from Religious Studies, philosophy, literary theory, and cultural anthropology. These are some of the questions and models that we will investigate:  Feminist perspectives; poetry and/as prayer; intentionality and addressing; changing the will of God?; prayer as theurgy, magic, and mystical ritual; prayer as an act of reflection; keep it simple; prayer as conversation; prayer without supernaturalism; prayer as a solitary practice.

Readings in this course are in Hebrew and English. Students are expected to be ready to discuss the readings in class. Brief writing exercises will be distributed throughout the courses, which will encourage a variety of responses: constructive, analytical, interpretive, imaginative, and creative. The portfolio of writings provides the grade for the course.

A basic goal in this course is to learn about the great variety of prayers and modes of praying in the Jewish religious tradition. To better understanding the phenomenon the student will learn about some theological and philosophical interpretive approaches. As an exercise in reflective practice, the student will have the chance both to interpret existing prayers as well as to compose new prayers.