Succession in Judaism: Joy and Danger

Succession in Judaism: Joy and Danger

Program: Hebrew College Tamid
Instructor: Rabbi Nehemia Polen  (Read Bio)
Dates: 5 Wednesdays, Fall 2024: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4 & 12/11
Time:  10-11:30 a.m. ET
Course fee: $250, financial aid is available
Location: In Person at Hebrew College
Hosted by: Hebrew College
Registration:  Click here

Who succeeds the parent/leader/teacher/prophet? This is a key question for any culture, and certainly for Judaism—so focused on transmission of Torah, spirit, historical memory and blessing. Our study explores biblical, rabbinic, kabbalistic and hasidic accounts of transmission of wisdom, leadership and charisma. Succession may be accomplished with grace and generosity, or with tension and rupture—and often with both at the same time. In the biblical period we will focus on prophetic transmission, such as that between Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha. We will also read the narratives of royal succession, especially in the houses of Saul and David. For the Rabbinic period, we look at the many stories of the sometimes kindly, sometimes fraught relationship between teacher and student, as well as tales of both camaraderie and competition among disciples of a great Rabbinic teacher.  We will explore charismatic discipleship in kabbalistic circles and the culture of Hasidism, which views the master-disciple relationship as an intimate covenant binding soul to soul. Finally, we will examine contemporary parallels in the fields of science, medicine and the arts, especially music.  As a case study, we will read composer Philip Glass’s account of his relationship with two great but very different teachers–Nadia Boulanger and Ravi Shankar.

For additional information and questions, contact the Hebrew College Tamid Team