ICL: My G-d - September 17, 2024, 2:00 PM – October 22, 2024, 4:00 PM

Course Instructor - Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger

ICL veteran Course Instructor, Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger is presenting an exciting new, six-week course for the fall session titled My G-d.

Nothing is off-limits as this refreshingly open course asks piercing questions about G-d and delivers profound, insightful answers. An enlightening study into G-d’s nature, G-d’s goal for creation, human experiences of G-d, the role of religion, and the function of miracles and prayer, this course promises to satisfy your questions, including those you didn't know you had.

This course is designed to appeal to people at all levels of knowledge, including those without any background in Jewish learning. A student workbook is required and can be ordered through ICL for $20 or at Amazon for $39. To order the book send an email to icl@yhc.edu no later than September 10th. Payment is due at the first class when you pick up your book.

 

Lesson Details:

Lesson 1: The Basics

Let’s become familiar with G-d’s basic bio:

What is G-d and where is He? Does G-d have a gender? And who created G-d?

Lesson 2: His Nature

Let’s learn a bit about how G-d operates:
Does G-d have feelings? Does He communicate with us? Does He ever act illogically? Why does He have so many names? And why is it that many write “G-d” with a hyphen?

Lesson 3: His Reasons

Let’s discover why G-d does what he does:
Why did G-d create me—does He need me? And why did He create evil—does He need evil? Can I question G-d? And why is He described in the Bible as “wrathful” and “jealous”?

Lesson 4: His Expectations

Let’s discuss G-d’s expectations of us:
Do I have to believe in G-d to have a good life? What if I have doubts about G-d? 

Do I need to fear G-d? That doesn’t sound very appealing! 

Lastly, I’m okay with believing in G-d, but I’m not religious. Can I still have a relationship with Him?

Lesson 5: His Paradoxes

Let’s delve into some of the deeper Divine mysteries and enigmas: 
Can G-d create a rock that He can’t lift? Does His foreknowledge of events preclude my free choice? Is there anything that G-d finds difficult to do? And if G-d has decided to do something, can I change His mind?

Lesson 6: Our Relationship

Let’s deepen our understanding of our relationship with G-d:
Why can’t we see G-d? Because we can’t see Him, can we reconcile His existence with science? 

Why is religion so obsessed with idolatry—is G-d jealous?

Last of all: I’m a spiritual person; do I need to follow the “thou shalls” and “thou shall nots” to have a relationship with G-d?

Please view video trailer here… 

Rabbi Hambourger has taught extensively on all aspects of Judaism over many years, including six previous courses for ICL. “Now more than ever, we need to focus on our spiritual health, and our faith,” he said. “There is no better way to do that than through authentic Torah (Old Testament) based study and learning. I encourage everyone to give it a try and see what it can do for you.”