Character Development in Religion

Interfaith course focuses on character development and religion

The role that character development plays in religion is the focus of an interfaith course presented in November at Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley, 12202 N. 101st Ave.

Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will present the adult education classes from 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 7 and 14 and 10-11 a.m. Nov. 21.

“Religion is generally conceived to be focused on God, prayer and practice. What is sometimes not stressed, however, is the central role that character development can play in religion,” Rabbi Kaplan said.

He will teach the participants to rely upon positive psychology as pioneered by Professor Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania and others.

According to positive psychology, virtues and strengths include:

• Wisdom and knowledge: creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, perspective, innovation, prudence

• Courage: bravery, persistence, vitality, zest

• Humanity: love, kindness, social intelligence

• Justice: citizenship, fairness, leadership, integrity, excellence

• Temperance: forgiveness and mercy, humility, self-control

• Transcendence: appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, humor, spirituality

This three-part series will look at these virtues and strengths, and see how they might be useful for understanding behavior, improving responses to various challenges and living life to the fullest.

Cost is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. Deadline to register and pay is 4 p.m. Nov. 1 by calling the Temple office at 623.977.3240. For more information, go to tbsaz.org.