Lecture: The Myth of Satan |
3/23/2006 |
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Mystical Anti-Semitism: the Myth of Satan
The Devil, whether he is called Satan, Samael, Beelzebub, Lucifer or Mephistopheles, is one of the most powerful and universally identifiable images in the history of civilization. In this history course, we will examine the multi-layered mythology of Satan and his relationship with the Jewish people, via art, literature, theology, papal decree, governmental law and propaganda. We will assess Joel Carmichael’s haunting book, The Satanizing of the Jews: Origins and Development of Mystical Anti-Semitism, Elaine Pagel’s The Origin of Satan, as well as Joshua Trachtenberg’s Jewish Magic and Superstition. We will discuss the ways in which Western civilization has come to identify the image of the Jew with the myth of Satan. We will finish our investigation by asking the dramatic question: what are the implications and consequences of Gentiles aligning the Jewish people with Satan?
Co-Sponsored by Cong. Beth Sholom, San Francisco
5 sessions: Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 PM March 23 - April 27 No Class: 4/14/06
Tuition: $65; $55/members of San Francisco co-sponsors and Learning for Life (age 65+)
Site: Cong. Beth Sholom, 1301 Clement St. (at 14th Ave.), San Francisco
Directions/parking: (415) 221-8736
DANIEL HARRIS, M. Div, earned his master’s degree in Divinity at the University of Chicago, focusing on medieval and mystical literature. He is a lecturer, poet, essayist and visual artist and a member of the faculty of Lehrhaus Judaica.
http://www.lehrhaus.org
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