This class will examine the theological question of how a person should relate to divine commandments -- should they fulfill them out of desire, or out of a sense of obligation. Along the way, we will consult major sources from the Jewish Canon and even a few prominent non-Jewish philosophers.

Taught by Jonathan Berkowitz

Jonathan Berkowitz is a senior at Harvard, studying philosophy, and writing his thesis on the religious phenomenology of Heidegger and Rabbi Soloveitchik. He plans to, God-willing, begin rabbinic school at Yeshiva University in the Spring after he graduates. Prior to attending Harvard, Jonathan spent a year and a half learning at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel. His biggest passions are studying gemara and reading Existentialism, but he also enjoys basketball, birdwatching, and (last, but certainly not least!) spending time with his fiancé.