Exploring Islam Through the Lens of Judaism

Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, & 23 from 12 noon to 1:30 pm Rabbi Asher Lopatin opens doors to increased understanding of Islam through explorations of biblical and qur’anic parallels and differences. Topics include early stories such as Adam and the Garden of Eden, Abraham and Ishmael, the binding of the son, and Joseph in Egypt, followed by investigation into the Temple, Jerusalem, and ways of worship. In what are certain to be engaging discussions, the class will analyze jihad vs. war and delve into relationships between Muhammad and the Jews of Medina. Rabbi Asher L. Lopatin is the spiritual leader of Chicago’s Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation. A former Rhodes Scholar and Wexner Fellow, he holds an MPhil in Medieval Arabic Thought from Oxford Unive