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Andrew Benkendorf

Andrew Benkendorf is a psychotherapist in private practice, working with children, adolescents, families and couples. During the school year, Andrew also teaches the 7th Grade Service Learning Program at Leo Baeck Temple and the 6th Grade Limmudim students at IKAR. Over the summer, Andrew works as the Inclusion Coordinator (or Camp Therapist) for Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps (Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp). Andrew was the recipient of both the LA-BJE's Smotrich Family Foundation Award and JESNA's Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education for his work with the Religious School and Youth programs at Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Andrew has a BA in Psychology and Comparative Religion from Bradley University, an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MA in Jewish Communal Service from HUC-JIR in Los Angeles.

TEEN: Views of the Afterlife in Judaism and World Traditions

Global History and Culture, Text and Thought, Teen Approved

What do Jewish teachings say about the afterlife? I've heard the term "Olam HaBah" (world to come) but how does that compare to popular ideas about heaven and hell? Do Jews believe in reincarnation or rebirth? What about karmic retribution - if I live a life of Torah, will I be rewarded in the world to come? This session will explore Biblical and Talmudic sources and various Jewish concepts of the afterlife throughout Jewish history. Participants will also have the opportunity to compare and contrast Jewish teachings about the afterlife with those of other major world traditions. Note: this session is for teens only.

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