Can we be both commanded and free to choose? Does Judaism value choice and freedom? If so, how can the Bible and Talmud describe punishments for those who do not observe the laws and even discuss what types of methods of coercion may be used by the leadership to force people to follow the law. Together we will explore sources that address these issues and think about how we can have a system that values both Commandments and choice. This session was given by Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield as part of the Pardes Executive Learning Seminar, Summer 2017.
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Zvi teaches Talmud, Halakha and Jewish Thought at Pardes. In addition Zvi is a faculty member of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators and has been training and mentoring Jewish Educators for over ten years in Tefilah in educational settings; critical issues in modern Jewish thought; and Israel education. Click here to read more.
