Teacher: Michael Raileanu

Class Name: Introduction to the Philosophy of Abraham Joshua Heschel

Class Description:  Abraham Joshua Heschel was an American rabbi and arguably one of the leading theologians and Jewish philosophers of the 20th century. Heschel, a professor of Jewish mysticism at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, authored a number of widely read books on Jewish philosophy. He was also a much beloved leader in the American civil rights movement in the 1960's. In this 10-week class we are going to explore a cross section of his writing, occasionally looking at what others had to say about him and his writings.

Our main textbooks will be Abraham Joshua Heschel: Essential Writings (from the Modern Spiritual Masters series edited by his daughter Suzanna Heschel) and his classic work The Sabbath. His unique style of writing and argumentation will aid students in confronting issues never before considered or open new doors to topics previously studied. No knowledge of Hebrew or previous study of Jewish philosophy is necessary.

Time: Wednesdays, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Dates: 2/5 - 4/23 (Feb.26 – Zoom only, NO CLASS March.5)

Location:  Hybrid- CAA History Room and Online Option

Teacher Bio: Michael Raileanu was born and raised in El Paso and grew up in a family of teachers and dedicated Zionists. Michael got his first classroom assignment at the age of 15 and has been teaching non-stop ever since. He has held leadership positions in every Jewish educational setting, formal and informal, that can be named. 

Michael got his B.A. in English from the UT and his M.A.Ed. from the University of Judaism. Michael is winner of the JProStl Peer Excellence Award for Adult Education. Additionally, he received both the Stuart I. Raskas Outstanding Day School Teacher Award and the Grinspoon/Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.

Michael brings tremendous humor, pop culture references, experience and enthusiasm to his teaching. If you have ideas you would like to share or would like to discuss the Dodgers, the Cowboys, the Longhorns, or the importance of frozen Peanut Butter M&M’s please feel free to send him an email.

Investment: $100

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