The biblical story of creation introduces the cosmos in all its simple complexity, its swarms of living creatures, and the crown of creation—man and woman—all under the direction of a speaking and judging God. We know all this from our earliest years in Hebrew school. But how do we make sense of these stories? What does it mean for God to declare His handiwork as “good”? What does the goodness of creation tell us about the nature of God, man, and the world? This seminar will explore the multiple meanings of the goodness of creation, using both traditional Jewish sources and philosophical texts, ultimately trying to understand why it should matter to us as modern (young) men and women making our own way through the world.

This course is open to all students of all backgrounds but is especially encouraged for students from public and secular schools interested in exploring Jewish ideas.