Humility is a deeply prized religious value, yet sometimes religious people gravitate toward arrogance and intolerance. This class will explore the ways faith intersects with character, looking at models of religion that allow for stability and commitment without prejudice. How can humble faith serve both the individual and nurture a strong civil society?

SOURCES FOR THIS SESSION

In this three-part series, God in an Age of Certainty and Instability, Joshua Ladon explores Jewish faith today: we live in a paradoxical moment where certainty and instability feel simultaneously rampant. War, climate catastrophe, political partisanship, economic uncertainty, antisemitism – the list is long – create legitimate fears about our lives and our futures. Yet our leaders (political, religious, societal) speak in absolute soundbites. And through our digital technologies we feel like the ultimate protagonists – powerful, invincible, in full control of our destinies. To catalyze an engaged, robust, pluralistic Judaism, we require fluency in Jewish God-language. Our study of faith will serve our souls while inspiring us to strengthen society.

Other sessions in the series:

• Between Mystery and the Rational: Several Paths to the Mountain
• Faith Beyond Certainty

This program is part of Ideas for Today, curated courses by Hartman Institute scholars on the big Jewish ideas we need to think better and do better.