Disclaimer: This video in no way reflects the views of Torah Cafe and aren't been reviewed for halachic authenticity.
David Medansky is a recent graduate (magna cum laude) of the University of Colorado at Boulder, with a B.A. in Humanities and Ethnic Studies and certificates in Peace and Conflict Studies and Business. Originally from Chicago, he was drawn instantly to the beauty of the mountains in Boulder, but stayed for all the opportunities the campus and community offered. During his junior year he was fortunate to study abroad, living on a ship that circumnavigated the globe. Visiting numerous countries and meeting many people along the way provided him with memorable experiences. During high school, he thoroughly enjoyed his Rabbi’s Sunday classes. This interest was furthered by the Sinai Scholars program, giving him a broader lens to view Judaism through new angles. He is excited about starting a 27 month Peace Corps assignment later this year.
David’s paper, “The Case for Prayer: A Deconstruction of Prayer for Jews Who Do Not Confirm their Belief in God” creates a new theology that looks specifically at the Religious Agnostic Jew. This paper focuses on the history, purpose, definitions and language of prayer to determine if a Jew, who cannot confirm ones belief in God, can even be considered a member of the Jewish community and practice the religion. Analysis on this subject leads to the conclusion that it is possible, and it examines how a Religious Agnostic Jew can pray, seemingly an integrated action with the confirmation of God.
This presentation was delivered at the Sinai Scholars Academic Symposium 2012.
The Sinai Scholars Symposium is a yearly conference for university students, hosted by the Sinai Scholars Society. Students from around the world gather with an esteemed panel of Ivy League professors, world-class Torah scholars and experts in their field to study, discuss and present their thoughts on various subjects that deal with Judaism and the modern world. Each student prepares an academic paper which they present to their colleagues and a panel of judges.
