Maalot Educational Network | Evaluated Learning Experience
Studies in Jewish Law: Interpersonal Relationships (REL219)
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks). Distance/hybrid: Varies.
September 2009 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify, describe, interpret and analyze the Laws of Interpersonal Relationships; extrapolate from the relevant principles to their applications in a wide variety of situations, typical and atypical, practical and theological. In delving into source material from across the spectrum of Jewish history, the student will demonstrate skill in analyzing Biblical, Rabbinical, medieval and modern primary sources and will trace the development of the Jewish legal code as the sages of one era build on the work of sages of previous times.
Major topics taught in this course include: reasons for the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents, who pays the expenses of honoring parents?, emotional claims, excesses of parental authority, conflicts between parent’s desires and religious principles, the imperative to love one’s fellow man, how can we love another as much as we love ourselves?, Rebuke, “Do not hate your brother in your heart”, hate the evil, but not the evildoer, obligation to rebuke, limits of the obligation, visiting the ill, patient autonomy, obligation to heal, faith healing, treatment of the dying, euthanasia, praying for the terminally ill, brain death, limits of contracts, strikes and unions, employee liability, Lashon hara and rechilus, lying for the sake of peace, “mechusrei emunah”, “geneivas daas”, lying about a bride’s attributes, exaggeration. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, and textual preparation. Prerequisite: Basic Halachic knowledge.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Psychology, or Religious Studies (10/10) (8/15 revalidation) (3/21 revalidation).
