Pre-course Information Packet

Lesson 1: Origin of Judaism - The Exodus [part 1]

1. Laying the Groundwork: the Book of the Kuzari
2. Historical Background to the Exodus Miracles
3. G-d’s Introduction at Sinai
4. Supporting Torah Verses
5. Moses’ Role in the Exodus
   1. The Divine Origin of the Plagues
   2. The Truth of Moses’ Teachings

1. Solidifying the Foundation of Judaism
   1. Judaism: A Unique Creation
   2. A G-d-based Religion
2. Supporting Torah Verses

1. Perpetuating Judaism through Tradition
   1. The Exodus Tradition
   2. The Tradition of the Revelation at Sinai
2. Preservation through Commandments

1. The Foundation of Free Will
2. The Benefit of Free Will
3. Boundaries of Free Will
4. Divine Intervention In Man’s Free Will
1. Exceptionally Evil Behavior
2. Leaders of the People
3. Requesting Divine Assistance in Exercising our Free Will Wisely

1. Defining Emunah (Belief in G-d) & Bitachon (Trust in G-d)
2. Objective of Bitachon in G-d
3. Human Effort
   1. Test man
   2. Occupies man
   3. Functioning in Nature
4. Balancing Bitachon with Human Effort

1. Overview of the Issues
   1. A Non-comprehensive Study
   2. General Attitudes Towards G-d’s Justice
   3. The Emotional Element
2. Asking the Question
3. Answers
   1. Incomplete Information
      • "Good" People
      • "Good" & "Bad" Situations
   2. Only G-d Knows Who is Good & Bad
   3. This World & the World-to-Come
   4. Reward and Punishment Correspond to One’s Life Focus
   5. Other People Influence the Way We Are Judged
   • Associating With Others – Either Righteous or Wicked
   • Intergenerational Influences

1. Overview: The Kuzari King & Jewish Sage
2. The Uniqueness of the Land of Israel: Living Responsibly with G-d
3. Application of Responsible Living: Tithing Produce of the Land of Israel

1. Introduction: Why Pray?
2. A Relationship with G-d
   1. Establishing the relationship
   2. Creating the need for a relationship
3. An Understanding of G-d
4. Tefillah: The Definition of Prayer