Spring Break
Issue Date: 11/14/05
Judaic studies professor draws lessons from history, faith
By Lisa Christiano Rose
"What is 'chutzpah'?" he asked his class. His students paused, waiting for his answer. "Unmitigated gall," he replied. An outside observer can't help but notice his students' rapt attention - taking in the experience and personal anecdotes Professor Yehuda Shabatay imparts throughout his lectures.
The class is Intro to Judaism, or JS 100. Every Tuesday night, approximately 20 people gather to learn about the history, religion and ethnic culture of the Jewish people from the Patriarchs and Prophets through the modern branches of Judaism. Shabatay explores the Torah, Talmud, various commentaries and movements affecting Judaism, as well as its ceremonies and language.
"Some take it for no credit, just for enjoyment," Shabatay said. "There is a cross-section of people here. That's the exciting part."
Sandy Halem and her daughter, Rebecca, enrolled to learn more about the history of their faith.
"Professor Shabatay is very knowledgeable about Jewish history," Halem said. "He breaks it down into simple, easy-to-understand concepts."
Albert Weiss said he also attends to further his knowledge of Judaism.
"I've had a lot of illnesses and I started going to services. I wanted to know more. What you learn in this class you don't always get in services," he said.
Not everyone who enrolls comes with a background in Judaism. Student Michelle Gray said that she's always been fascinated with the religion.
"This class definitely has more history than I thought, but I like it," she said.
Although Shabatay calls himself "retired," he said it's all how you define "retirement."
"I no longer push paper," said Shabatay, who spent 30 years in education administration. "Now I do what I love."
As far back as he can remember, from his days growing up in Budapest, Hungary, he knew he would be a teacher. He survived the Nazi occupation of Budapest and the Holocaust. He lived in the ghetto and managed to obtain a teaching diploma before moving to Israel. There, he went to law school and served as a public prosecutor for the Israeli police before opening an office of his own.
The class is Intro to Judaism, or JS 100. Every Tuesday night, approximately 20 people gather to learn about the history, religion and ethnic culture of the Jewish people from the Patriarchs and Prophets through the modern branches of Judaism. Shabatay explores the Torah, Talmud, various commentaries and movements affecting Judaism, as well as its ceremonies and language.
"Some take it for no credit, just for enjoyment," Shabatay said. "There is a cross-section of people here. That's the exciting part."
Sandy Halem and her daughter, Rebecca, enrolled to learn more about the history of their faith.
"Professor Shabatay is very knowledgeable about Jewish history," Halem said. "He breaks it down into simple, easy-to-understand concepts."
Albert Weiss said he also attends to further his knowledge of Judaism.
"I've had a lot of illnesses and I started going to services. I wanted to know more. What you learn in this class you don't always get in services," he said.
Not everyone who enrolls comes with a background in Judaism. Student Michelle Gray said that she's always been fascinated with the religion.
"This class definitely has more history than I thought, but I like it," she said.
Although Shabatay calls himself "retired," he said it's all how you define "retirement."
"I no longer push paper," said Shabatay, who spent 30 years in education administration. "Now I do what I love."
As far back as he can remember, from his days growing up in Budapest, Hungary, he knew he would be a teacher. He survived the Nazi occupation of Budapest and the Holocaust. He lived in the ghetto and managed to obtain a teaching diploma before moving to Israel. There, he went to law school and served as a public prosecutor for the Israeli police before opening an office of his own.