Virtues, Values and Wealth

On the heels of the rich and plentiful atmosphere springing from the glow of the Shabbat candles, the Talmud introduces a fascinating analysis about the virtues of affluence; discussing the privilege and pitfalls of material wealth. As is common in Talmudic lexicon, multiple layers of nuanced meaning and innuendo are contained within the literal and allegorical definitions introduced. This class endeavors to open and elucidate the words of the Sages in an attempt to understand their deeper messaging. (Tractate Shabbat 28B)