The concept of sacrifice is one that differs sharply from the pagan to the covenantal setting. Today, Rabbi Rocklin will address the following questions:

1. How does the cult of Dionysus uniquely position Greece—and eventually Rome—to be open to the notion of the covenant?
2. What is the difference between the Jewish and Greek aversion to human sacrifice?
3. Why must the Greek gods follow through on all prophecies in contrast to the God of Bible who can be persuaded to change his mind?

Recommended Reading: D’Aulaire, Ingri & D’Aulaire, Edgar. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. New York: Delacorte, 1992.

The difference between the Jewish and Greek worldviews come into even sharper focus with a careful study of the ancient Greek myths. Together, we’ll explore the following the questions:

1. Why do shepherds feature so prominently in both Jewish and Greek hero-figures?
2. How do the Jews and the Greeks differ in the way they relate to the animating spirits of the world?
3. What is the difference between the Greek notion that man was created in the shape of the gods and the Jewish perception that man was created “in the image of God”?

Recommended Reading: D’Aulaire, Ingri & D’Aulaire, Edgar. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. New York: Delacorte, 1992.

The earliest Greek mythologies come to us from Hesiod, to whom we turn for a glimpse into the Ancient Greek psyche. Rabbi Rocklin will address the following questions:

1. Who was Hesiod and why do we need to study his works?
2. According to Hesiod, why was woman created? How does that compare to the Biblical account of the creation of woman?
3. How does Hesiod’s Fable of the Hawk highlight the pagan perspective on being moral and just?
   Recommended Reading: Hesiod’s Theogony and Works and Days (available online)"