The Centre for Jewish Studies
University of Manchester
Limmud Day, Sunday February
27th 2000
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Title: 'THE BODY OF TORAH'.
Abstract: When we say "Torah"
we mean many things. For the literalists it's the five books of Moses; for
traditionalists it can encompass all the standard Jewish texts; for Chasidim
it can be a diamond-like titbit of Jewish knowledge and for modernists,
it's essentially unlimited. By asking the curious question: "What makes
a Sefer Torah Kosher?" and seeing how Maimonides wrote his own, we
will try to unravel what "Torah" really is. Mind the gaps, hum
the tune and you're bound to get it.
The Speaker: Raphael recently received
his PhD in Theoretical Physics and currently works for Makor, the Educational
Resource Centre of UJIA (Renewal), where he directs the Text & Values
Project. This involves writing new educational materials, acting as a consultant
for educators, and direct informal teaching. Raphael is also the Head Teacher
of the Florence Melton Adult Mini School. He is author of The Jampacked
Bible an educational resource book for Jewish teenagers; has published
two scientific papers on Quantum Chaos Theory; moonlights as Reviews editor
of Le'ela Magazine and writes for a number of Jewish text study booklets.
Raphael is a regular presenter at Limmud as well as CAJE (Conference in
Alternatives in Jewish Education), a sister organisation in the States.
Raphael lives with his wife Jacqueline in East Finchley, London.
The Centre for Jewish Studies
The Department of Religions and Theology
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)161 275 3614; Fax +44 (0)161 275 3613
e-mail: Bernard.Jackson@man.ac.uk