Winter 2019 Pardes Learning Seminar: Ego, Humility and the Distortion of Religion

Introduction

Link to course description.

Title: Ego, Humility and the Distortion of Judaism

Description: An ethical-literary reading of a rarely read but fascinating Haftara, Kings 2 Chapter 5, tells the tale of a Naaman, the leprous Aramean general, who is healed by Elisha and becomes a devoted monotheist. On the way, we learn a great deal about the true balances of ego, pride, and religion.

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This session was given by Rabbi Alex Israel as part of the Winter 2019 Pardes Learning Seminar, Shaping Meaningful Relationships in a Lonely World.

If you missed the 2019 Winter Seminar, but want to join us for the Summer 2020 Pardes Learning Seminar on Who Am I? The Complexity of Identity in the 21st Century, June 28-July 2, 2020, contact us now! Details and registration is open at: www.pardes.org.il/seminar.

Credits:
Alex Israel – Host and Faculty
Adam Titcher – Executive Producer

Alex Israel

Rabbi Alex Israel teaches Bible at Pardes. Born and raised in London, he holds degrees from London School of Economics, the Institute of Education London and Bar-Ilan University. Alex studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion under Rav Aharon Lichtenstein and Rav Yehudah Amital, and gained Rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Rabbinate.

Alex has taught for twenty years in many top Jerusalem Yeshivot and Midrashot. He is also a volunteer for Tzohar, a group that seeks to bridge the gaps between religious and secular communities In Israel. Alex lives with his wife and 4 children in Gush Etzion.