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Understanding
Jewish spirituality
Colleen O’Boyle ’04
On March 15, Judaic Studies scholar Dr. David R. Blumenthal
spoke in the Connelly Center Cinema as part of the ongoing Contemporary
Perspectives on Spirituality lecture series, sponsored by the Office for
Mission Effectiveness. Author of several books, essays and articles on
Jewish spirituality, Blumenthal is currently a Jay and Leslie Cohen Professor
of Judaic Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He has made noteworthy
contributions to the study of Judaism in a number of topics, including
medieval Judaica, Jewish spirituality and mysticism, the study of Judaism
in the university setting, holocaust studies and contemporary Jewish spirituality.
This latter subject holds particular significance for Blumenthal as his
current interest.
Blumenthal addressed a number of specific types of Jewish spirituality.
These included the particular identity that defines Jews as a collective
people as well as a focus on the Jewish commandments. Of these, Blumenthal
particularly focused on the political and theological differences that
distinguish the Jewish and Christian communities. Though not much theological
dialogue occurs with Christians, he noted, there is plenty of political
discourse, mainly about survival issues in the post-Holocaust era. “For
some,” Blumenthal said, “Jewish spirituality is identification
with the Jewish people.” While Christians tend to unite in the feeling
of “God’s love,” Jews typically experience a different
kind of spirituality, one that is connected to past generations and to
the Jewish fate. The idea of Jewish national consciousness, for example,
is inextricably tied to the deeds and actions performed to cultivate and
promote the Jewish community.
In Judaism, however, there is a theological spirituality that is an option
for some, he stressed. Blumenthal explained his own connection with theology
in his faith, a strong connection that continues to be an important part
of his faith. Overall, he hopes people might begin to understand that
spirituality is a multifaceted subject that differs in practice and understanding,
but that remains authentic in all of its faiths and forms.
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