Theology Talks Masterclass Series - Session 3

Introduction

• Host: Mara
• Session: Third and final session of the series
• Series:
  • 1st Session: Rabbi Shai Held on love and compassion in Jewish faith
  • 2nd Session: Menachem Rosenstaff on faith after the Holocaust
  • 3rd Session: Exploring the mystery of the hiding God with Dr. Arnold Eisen
• Guest: Dr. Arnold Eisen
  • Renowned authority on American Judaism
  • Former Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary
  • Author of "Seeking the Hiding God"

Dr. Arnold Eisen’s Contributions

• Focus on modern Jewish experience
• Transition from teaching others' theologies to exploring personal beliefs
• Motivation: Desire to document personal beliefs for his children
• Outcome: Discovered he believed more than expected

Book: Seeking the Hiding God

• Format: Personal theological essay
  • Includes memoir elements and personal reflections
  • Conversational format using imagined letters
• Themes:
  • Personal theology vs. traditional Jewish theology
  • The role of personal experience in shaping belief
  • Importance of memory and life events in theological development

Key Discussions

Theological Dialogues

• Letters:
  • Written to friends with differing beliefs
  • Inclusion of diverse voices (e.g., Freud’s skepticism)

Impact of Personal Experience

• Personal experiences as a basis for faith and belief
• Childhood and family rituals' impact on enduring faith
• Examples:
  • Holding the Torah at synagogue and feeling a connection
  • Experiencing a prayer answered at the Western Wall

Understanding Jewish Theology

• Community and Rituals:
  • Theology done in community settings, e.g., Passover
  • Theological discussions intertwined with everyday life
• Contrast with Systematic Theology:
  • Non-systematic, creedal approach
  • Emphasis on personal and communal engagement

Interpretation of Mitzvah

• Mitzvot as expressions of love for God
• Diverse interpretations and enactments of commandments

Experiences of Life and Death

• Personal anecdote on realizing mortality
• Experience of birth and overwhelming gratitude

Love and God

• Concept of loving God despite God's elusiveness
• The role of glimpses or "rumors of angels"
• Redefining "V'ahavta" as "love with God"

Conclusion & Reflections

• Personal Theology: Encouragement to engage in personal theological exploration
• Faith as a Journey: Emphasis on seeking, glimpsing, and trusting in God
• Final Thoughts: God needs partners in the world; theology as a continuous dialogue
• Q&A Highlights:
  • Discussion on what happens after death
  • The importance of memory and legacy

Closing Remarks

• Invitation for further engagement: Book signing session with Dr. Eisen