Limmud Seattle 2019

To what extent is "honesty always the best policy?" Under what circumstances might it be justifiable, or even preferred, to manipulate the truth? Do the ends (sometimes) justify the means? This text-based class will closely analyze Yaakov/Jacob's life and choices to explore the Biblical and Rabbinic perspectives on whether Jacob was a man of truth or deception. The text of the Torah itself gives ambiguous answers to these questions and the Midrashim are polarized. How are we meant to respond to the breakdown of this prototypical covenantal family caused by deception and parents playing favorites? What are we to learn about the ever important issue on the ethic of truth-telling and lying.