Objectives : The aim of this course is to raise awareness amongst students as to the variety of Jewish/Rabbinic theological responses to the Holocaust (Shoah) and how such theological thoughts have an impact on contemporary Christian theologies.

Learning Outcomes : To teach students to critically study contemporary Jewish theological writings and to encourage them to face, in class discussions, the depth of the theological questions facing Judaism and the Church.

Content : The Holocaust has shaken to the core the pillars of Jewish beliefs. Jewish Covenant theology has always interpreted the events of Jewish history as being a significant expression of God’s will. How is it therefore possible to argue today that the murder of more than six millions Jews can be understood in such a way? Looking at the writings of three major post-Holocaust theologians (Fackenheim, Rubenstein and Berkovits), the course aims at exploring the depth of questioning and doubts that define the current state of Jewish belief. While the main focus of the class will be centred on Jewish theological writings, we will also look at the way some Christian theologians have understood and responded to these writings and ideas.

Methodology : After a general introduction, the course will be based on readings of selected passages from Jewish theologians as well as Christian texts responding and commenting on these texts. These readings will be discussed critically, enabling the expression of various opinions so as to generate a debate during the classes

Means of Evaluation : The evaluation will take the form of a paper ( elaborato ), details of which will be discussed individually with the students