GENDER EQUALITY, CHOSENNESS, AND OTHER ISSUES IN JEWISH LITURGY (REMOTE)

In this interactive online discussion class we will discuss the Jewish prayer book, or siddur. The ancient words of the prayerbook connect us to our ancestors, and  to other Jews all over the world who have said and continue to say those same words. But what happens when worldviews change? When, if ever, should liturgy be changed to reflect more modern ideas? We will discuss these questions in relation to some of the most central prayers in Jewish liturgy, focusing on issues  of making prayers more inclusive of women, and the concept of the Jews as the chosen people. Note: you do not have to be Jewish to take this class, and no prior knowledge of the prayer book is required.