UC LL001 - Living Well in a Time of Challenge

Course Description

Tufts University invites you to join Rabbi Jeffrey Summit for a four-session virtual seminar as we explore what it means to ""live well"" during these unprecedented times.

Abraham Joshua Heschel taught that a life lived well “begins with a consciousness that something is asked of us.” But what is asked of each of us at this moment as we navigate family, work, friendships and celebration from a distance? Or deal hour after hour with an intensity of closeness if we live isolated together with a small group of family or friends?

What is asked of us in a world where Zoom has replaced coffee dates, online shopping has taken the place of walking the aisles, and work – if we are fortunate to have it – exhausts us with digital overload? What is asked of us as we as we carefully navigate re-entering social space with family and friends? What is asked of us as we live deep in a place of fear, and for some – already – the reality of illness and loss?

In this innovative virtual course, participants will explore themes of friendship, hope, courage and mortality though texts, poetry and interactive discussion.

The group will meet for four formal sessions, each focusing on one of these important topics, and will also have the opportunity to meet and socialize virtually ""outside of class.""

Program enrollment is limited to 30, to help foster interactive discussion and connection. Participants will be asked to do some light reading in-between sessions.