Students' Work
Over the last couple of years, in my courses at Hebrew University, I have offered students a choice of submitting a final research paper on a topic of their choice, or of producing a more creative work, such as a website, blog, prezi or youtube video. I received a very interesting and impressive body of material, and I am proud to feature my students' work, below. I hope you will enjoy the entries.
Hasidism: From Mystical Fraternity to Reactionary Movement
Neo-Hasidism: The New Jewish Movement Bridging Traditional Observance and Progressive Values:
An essay and prezi by Lisa Gold, on her struggle to find a progressive, open-minded yet intense neo-hasidic community. Sustenance or Study:
An essay and prezi presentation on the Haredi community's financial struggles, by Pam Kessel. |
Jewish Mysticism & Contemporary Kabbalah
Sefirot in Movement: Celeste Patten is earning a BFA in dance at George Mason University, in Virginia. In the accompanying essay and video, she explains the relationship of the sefirot to the body, and invites several dancers to creatively express the meaning of the sefirot in their own movements and dance. (Rothberg, Spring 2016) |
Kabbalah for Kids:
Creating an interactive lesson for children ages 12-14, and analysis of educational approaches in Kabbalah By Rachel Margolin, a student from Washington University in St. Louis
Creation, Kabbalah, and The Creative Process: The Genesis of Great Ideas An essay and youtube video on the nature of creativity, based upon Kabbalistic principles. By Sarah Rosenthal, a student from UC Santa Cruz. A Sonic Landscape through the Tree of Life
An original composition, inspired by the Kabbalistic tree of the Sefirot, with an explanatory PowerPoint presentation. Best listened to with rich bass speakers or earphones (and a glass of wine - according to the composer.) By Mike Hinkediker Bursztyn, a professional percussionist from Uruguay. A Depiction of Lurianic Kabbalah’s Creation: As seen through an oil pastel and pencil drawing
Original artwork, based upon Kabbalistic themes, with explanatory essay. By Marlaina Rich, a student at University College London. The Sefirot of My Jewish Identity/Experience One student's discussion of her personal spiritual and religious journey, understood in light of the Kabbalistic Tree of the Sefirot. (Anonymous.) |
Previous Courses
Judaism and Environmentalism
The Food Industry, and how it affects the environment:
A website devoted to the environmental and ethical problems caused by factory farming, with some upsetting images. By Stephani Iovan, Western Michigan University.
Environmental Racism:
A prezi presentation on the theme of Environmental Racism, by Sarah Lewis, Tulane University.
Shmittah as a Lost Ecological Paradigm:
A final essay by Hannah Roodman, Northwestern U.
Care for My Creation, for there will be None to Replace it: Judaism and Ecosocialism
A final essay by Paul Benjamin, Haverford College.
The Immortal Environmentalist: Being “Green” After Death
A final essay by Brittany Beck, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
“Let’s Wear Organic, Fair-Trade Cotton on Shabbos”: The challenges of integrating Environmentalism into the Mainstream Torah-Observant World
A final essay by Emily Landau, Mount Holyoke College.
A website devoted to the environmental and ethical problems caused by factory farming, with some upsetting images. By Stephani Iovan, Western Michigan University.
Environmental Racism:
A prezi presentation on the theme of Environmental Racism, by Sarah Lewis, Tulane University.
Shmittah as a Lost Ecological Paradigm:
A final essay by Hannah Roodman, Northwestern U.
Care for My Creation, for there will be None to Replace it: Judaism and Ecosocialism
A final essay by Paul Benjamin, Haverford College.
The Immortal Environmentalist: Being “Green” After Death
A final essay by Brittany Beck, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
“Let’s Wear Organic, Fair-Trade Cotton on Shabbos”: The challenges of integrating Environmentalism into the Mainstream Torah-Observant World
A final essay by Emily Landau, Mount Holyoke College.