Introduction to Jewish Spiritual Practice

This course surveys the Jewish liturgical calendar and Jewish life cycle as well as fundamental rituals such as kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) with the purpose of creating a foundation of comprehension of the meaning, purpose and beauty of Jewish spiritual life in the context of providing spiritual care. It is important that students understand the theoretical issues upon which practices and rituals are based and that students appreciate the contexts, texts, and axioms behind the rituals for comprehensiveness. Topics include the holy day cycle, the life cycle, the dietary laws, and ritual garments with an eye on how to bring its lessons to the spiritual care setting.