Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

In our final class, participants share their reflections about what they have learned and how it has changed their perspective, leading to some very stimulating and inspiring discussion with the Reverend Matthew and Rabbi Jonathan. Rabbi Jonathan concludes with a summary of the insights we have gained and crystallized as a result of the course.

"Values" are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate one's attitudes and actions. "Jewish Values" are those basic beliefs that are fundamental to Judaism. In this discussion, we articulate those values that we agree are "Jewish", and we explore how those values should inform the positions we take in the current moment, both in the USA and in Israel. Also, we discuss that often core values can be in conflict with each other. Thus, values-based decision making often involves balancing conflicting positions, and requires careful and discerning thought.

We explore the last days of Jesus' life, including the Last Supper, his trial and crucifixion, and the stories of his resurrection. As always, we place these accounts in the context of Jewish life, history and thought of the 1st century. We discuss varying theories about the actual historicity of these events, and what they are meant to teach.

A Rabbi And A Priest Study The Gospels 8 010920.MP3 by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

We continue studying the birth narratives in the Gospels, this session focusing on Luke and John. We explore the differing themes that each narrative highlights, and the striking differences between the various narratives. We show how each narrative is a layered midrash drawing on and weaving together earlier classic Jewish sources.

We examine the varying birth narratives in the Gospels, today beginning with Matthew. Mark contains no narrative about Jesus' birth, while Matthew and Luke each have detailed, but very different, stories. John's account is cosmic and theological. We note how these very different accounts have merged over time into a single popular telling. We also look deeply at the Biblical and literary context of Matthew's account, and are able to situate it as a 1st-century Jewish creation. Fascinating discussion!

We look at the parable of the Good Samaritan through a 1st-century Jewish lens: Jesus as a Jewish teacher expounding on the central Jewish commandment "Love you neighbor as yourself." Who was one's "neighbor" according to Jewish understanding? Why choose a Samaritan to be the hero of the story? Who were the Samaritans? We address these and other questions in an illuminating session.

We examine the stories of John the Baptist and Jesus in an illuminating discussion that explores historical, cultural and literary context.

This week we turn to the text of the Gospel of Mark, and study it in the context of the Biblical texts that animate its narrative and its choice of metaphors. We also discuss a wide range of compelling questions from participants in the class.

In the context of 1st century Judaism, what did Jesus mean when he spoke of the Kingdom of God? And what did the term "Messiah" mean to Jews of that era? In this week's class we explore these and many other questions.

With this new series Reverend Matthew Wright and Rabbi Jonathan Kligler continue their exploration of the profound intersections and shared origins of Judaism and Christianity. During this series we will be studying passages from the Gospels and investigating the Jewish context in which they were composed. In this introductory session, Rev. Matthew offers an overview of modern Biblical criticism. He describes the current understanding of when the Gospels were composed, and explains the difference between the historical figure of Jesus who lived and taught in Judea at the beginning of the 1st century of the Common Era vs. the theological Jesus who emerges over the next centuries as Christianity takes shape. In and around this presentation, our stimulating discussion ranges far and wide.

Jamie Romm Yom Kippur 5780 by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Rabbi Jonathan's Introduction to Kol Nidre 5780 by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Rabbi Jonathan's Introduction to the Confession, Yom Kippur 5780 by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Rabbi Jonathan's teaching on Kol Nidre

Laura Kaplan Kol Nidre 5780 by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Rabbi Jonathan offers a visualization

WJC member Laurie Mozian speaks to the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, Second Day of Rosh Hashanah 5780/2019

WJC Member Evan Holland speaks to the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, First Day of Rosh Hashanah 5780/2019

WJC Senior Administrator Andrew Maayan speaks to the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, Erev Rosh Hashanah 5780/2019