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Cincinnati Fall 2006 Courses
Click here for the Cincinnati Rabbinical Student Handbook (PDF format)
Click here to download the Cincinnati Fall 2006 courses in Word format
For an archive of previous year's course listings click here
Starting Fall, 2006 the College-Institute introduces "Focused Learning Sessions." These sessions will take place the week before semester courses begin. They will be 3 semester credit hour courses that will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Certain courses (see descriptions below) will be required for second and third year students. During the 2006 Fall Focus Learning Session, there will be three courses given: "Critical Thinking" taught by Dr, Kalman (required for all incoming 2nd year students); Introduction to Aramaic taught by Dr. Washofsky (required for all 3rd year students); and Liturgy (A new Reform Siddur! : Mishkan T'filah in the Context of Reform Prayer Books taught by Dr. Sarason. These courses may count as prescribed electives towards your degree. For example, Dr. Sarason's course would count as a prescribed rabbinic literature elective. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Deb Xander, Registrar or Rabbi Ken Kanter, Director of the Rabbinical School.
IDS 509
(3487) |
CRITICAL THINKING (3 cr.)
Dr. Kalman
The purpose of this program is to introduce students to critical approaches for the study of the texts significant to the Jewish
tradition. Through the examination of a variety of narratives found in material from Antiquity to the present, it is hoped that
students will have the opportunity to explore a spectrum of methods of analysis they will continue to encounter and use
throughout their years at the College-Institute. Required for all 2nd Year students. (2) |
ARA 510
(3488) |
INTRODUCTION TO ARAMAIC (3 cr.)
Drs. Jerusalmi and
Washofsky
Introduction to Aramaic. An intensive survey of the structure, grammar, and syntax of Aramaic. Special emphasis will be placed
upon the Aramaic of the Babylonian Talmud, along with the technical terminology prevalent in that work. The goal is to facilitate
your entry into Talmud study. Instructors: Jerusalmi and Washofsky. Text. Required for all 3rd year students. (3) |
LIT 511
(3489) |
A NEW REFORM SIDDUR!: MISHKAN T'FILAH IN THE CONTEXT OF REFORM PRAYER BOOKS (3 cr.)
Dr. Sarason
The publication of a new North American Reform prayer book reopens many perennial issues in the history of Reform liturgy and
prayer book composition. This course will examine those issues (how much tradition? how much innovation? what is timely and
what is timeless? how do contemporary cultural issues get absorbed into the prayer book? and, most generally, how do Reform Jews
pray?) through the double lens of Mishkan T'filah and its North American predecessors (with a few backward and sideways glances
at Reform prayer books in Europe).
No prerequisites, but Liturgy 401 helpful. |
AKK 501
(3447) |
INTRODUCTION TO AKKADIAN (3 cr.)
Staff
Text. |
AKK 517
(3448) |
TREATIES AND COVENANTS IN AKKADIAN (3 cr.)
Dr. Greengus
Treaties and covenants in Akkadian language sources. This course will survey treaties written between various monarchs who ruled
from the Old Babylonian to neo-Assyrian periods (c. 1900-600 BCE). These are important for political and social history, and
contain material which is of importance for the study of Covenants in the Bible. Text. |
AKK Elective
(3490) |
Dr. Weisberg
Treaties and covenants in Akkadian language sources. This course will survey treaties written between various monarchs who ruled
from the Old Babylonian to neo-Assyrian periods (c. 1900-600 BCE). These are important for political and social history, and
contain material which is of importance for the study of Covenants in the Bible. Text. |
AMA 501
(3449) |
INTRODUCTION TO ARAMAIC (3 cr.)
Dr. Jerusalmi
Introduction to Aramaic as a major language for the study of Judaism. The Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, as well as
selections from the various Targumim, will be read and analyzed. This course is open to rabbinic as well as to graduate
students. *Attendance is a course requirement. Text. |
BIB 401
(3438) |
INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL PROSE (3 cr.)
Dr. Aaron
This course will provide a grounding in the basics of textual criticism, so-called source criticism and a variety of literary
approaches to the analysis of narrative in the Tanakh, with primary emphasis on the Torah. Students will gain analytical skills
in a variety of genres, as well as learn to identify the theological and political issues that underlie the Torah's history of
composition. (2) |
BIB 518
(3439)
HEB 518
(3440) |
CLASSICAL BIBLICAL NARRATIVE PROSE (3 cr.)
Dr. Kaufman
Cross listed as HEBREW 518
See Hebrew 518 for detailed description. |
BIB 570
(3441) |
HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION (3 cr.)
Dr. Aaron
The goal of this course is to illustrate how the theological transformations within a religion might best be understood by paying
particular attention to its history of interpretation. The Aqedah will serve as the core text. After covering a unit on a
variety of anthropological approaches to sacrifice and cult, we will turn to selections from the literatures of the Second Temple
Period, New Testament, Rabbinic Judaism, early Church Fathers, Islamic commentaries on the Quran, and medieval exegetes, all with
regard to the Aqedah. The course will also consider a variety of hermeneutic theories prominent in contemporary religious
studies as applied to the reading of ancient sources. |
BIB 553
(3442) |
BIBLICAL LAWS: PRACTICE AND INTERPRETATION (3 cr.)
Dr. Greengus
This course will study selected groups of biblical laws dealing with human conduct and interpersonal relations. The focus will
be mainly on laws in the Pentateuch; references to legal practice in other parts of the Bible will also be considered. This
course is open to both rabbinical and graduate students. Students will be asked to write and present a paper dealing with
biblical laws either in their ancient setting or as seen through the persepectives of later rabbinic writings. |
BIB 574
(3443) |
RELIGIONS OF ANCIENT ISRAEL (3 cr.)
Dr. Fox
A study of early Israelite religion in the pre-exilic period. Biblical prophetic and historical texts will be examined in an
attempt to understand religious concepts and practices prevalent in the land of Israel in the pre-monarchic and monarchic
periods. Students will analyze evidence of polytheism, monolatry and monotheism reflected in the Bible and the archaeological
record as well as various scholarly theories on the topic. Hebrew text. Attendance required. Open to rabbinical and graduate
students. |
BIB 600
(3444) |
FAITH AND SUFFERING IN JEWISH INTERPRETATIONS OF JOB (3 cr.)
Dr. Kalman
Cross listed as RAB 536 (3445)
The attempt to understand human suffering has played an essential part in the writings of the great Jewish thinkers. Primarily
the discussion has revolved around the seeming contradiction between belief in an omnipotent, just, and compassionate God and a
God who allows his creations to suffer. In the Jewish tradition consideration of suffering often masks discussions of the
relationship between the people of Israel and their God. The Hebrew Bible offers the "first" paradigm of this relationship and
with it the first extensive discussion of suffering – the Book of Job. Thoughts and ideas about suffering have been
presented through analysis of and commentary on the biblical book of Job. This course presents the ways in which the Jewish
tradition has confronted human suffering and particularly how these confrontations have been portrayed in interpretations of and
commentaries on the book of Job.
|
CSP 504
(3446) |
MISSIONARIES, MILLENNIALISTS & CHRISTIAN ZIONISTS --
NAVIGATING THE DYNAMICS OF JEWISH-EVANGELICAL RELATIONS. (3 cr.)
Dr. Cook
Historical-biblical analysis with practical guidance on the vexing dilemma that many Christians supporting the State of Israel
also sponsor "Messianic Jews" and "Jews-for-Jesus", and interpret Mideast news as presaging Armageddon, the Second Coming, and
the end of the Jewish people as such. Three units:
- Christian Missionizing -- The history of a variety of missionary groups, their theology, biblical-exegetical
underpinnings and rationales, their training manuals and techniques for targeting Jews (especially youth and the
intermarried). Special attention to the complex dilemmas and pitfalls encountered in effectively confronting and halting
this encroachment.
- Christian Millennialism -- Rapture, Tribulation, Antichrist, 666, and Armageddon: their biblical origins and modern
theological ramifications. Why do some millennialists see missionizing Jews as hastening Jesus= return even as others
(within the Posse Comitatus, Aryan Nations, Christian Identity, etc.) deliberately fuel antisemitism to advance the very same
goal?
- Christian Zionism -- Why do many missionaries and millennialists construe the State of Israel as God=s Aodometer@ in
history? What do their end-time scenarios (drawing upon Ezekiel, Zechariah, Daniel, and Revelation) hold for Israel=s
boundaries, the Temple=s restoration, Mideast peace initiatives, the future of the Palestinians, Arabs, and Islam, and,
preeminently, the destiny of the Jewish people?
Integrative Questions -- Realistically, are there ground-rules that both Jews and Evangelicals could amenably adopt regarding
Christian missionizing of Jews? Should Jewish professionals (especially rabbis) and communal leaders (e.g., Federation) refuse
to speak at Evangelical rallies for Israel? Should they reject Evangelical funds for Israel or for pro-Israel programming, join
or avoid cooperative overtures (e.g., purchasing ambulances for Israel), etc.? Amidst today=s dangerous world climate, has the
Evangelical mind set to any degree influenced White House or Congressional domestic and foreign policy (and is such a reality, or
prospect, to be welcomed, feared, or both?)?
Non-text. No prerequisites. Attendance required. Depending upon enrollment, late entry may become limited to HUC
students. |
EDU 513
(3461) |
TEACHING CHILDREN AND ADULTS ABOUT GOD. (3 cr.)
Rabbi Joseph
Much of the curriculum of the congregation school is filled with the "how-to" of Jewish life. There are classes on holidays,
life cycle, Hebrew language. We also teach about Jewish texts, history and traditions. Strangely, when it comes to teaching
about God, the curriculum is frequently silent. An awareness of God is usually not part of the stated curriculum of the school.
This is also the case in adult learning programs. The list of adult classes always include Torah study, holiday observances,
introduction to Judaism, but rarely if ever a class directly about God and theology.
Students in this course will explore the rich Jewish tradition of teaching about the meaning of God. Class sessions will be
devoted to personal theological reflections; ways Judaism thinks about and teaches the meaning of God; an analysis of curricula
and curricular resources available to teach about God; and the creation of model curricula for teaching the meaning of God at
various developmental levels. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to create both a formal and informal
curriculum toward the teaching about the meaning of God.
Requirements include attendance, readings in advance of class sessions and a curriculum project (which will be done in small
groups). |
HEB 402
(3450) |
READING FOR MEANING (3 cr.)
Staff
A study of the grammar, syntax, idiomatic expressions and other linguistic features of Biblical Hebrew
(prose and poetry). (2) |
HEB 501
(3451) |
INTENSIVE REVIEW OF BIBLICAL HEBREW GRAMMAR, VOCABULARY, AND PROSE READING.(3 cr.)
Dr. Jerusalmi
This course is primarily for beginning Ph.D. students and is designed to meet the requirements for admission to Residency.
Unless otherwise stipulated, M.A. students must also register for this course to meet their Hebrew Language requirment. M.A.
students receive six hours credit for this course; Ph.D. students receive three credits. The class will meet for three sessions
per week with additional tutorials. |
HEB 518
(3440) |
CLASSICAL BIBLICAL NARRATIVE PROSE (3 cr.)
Dr. Kaufman
Cross listed as BIB 518 (3439)
Classical Biblical Narrative Prose -- Rapid reading of the narrative texts of Joshua-Kings (and Ruth). The goal is to develop
vocabulary and to master the intricacies of Biblical Syntax. Students will be required to prepare a paper on a particular
feature of Hebrew grammar as exemplified in this corpus. Text. |
HEB 401
(3492) |
SURVEY OF A VARIETY OF GENRES OF HEBREW LITERATURE
(3 cr.)
Dr. Einbinder
This course surveys a variety of genres of Hebrew literature written from the twelfth to the twentieth centuries. Whether
poetry, prose, polemic, drama, lyric, or film, literary texts open a unique window onto the culture and concerns of Jewish
communities over the centuries and around the world. Like all literary texts, they also raise questions about the use of
language to convey meaning, and the inevitable evolution of meaning and audience over time. Questions of identity, meaning, and
power; what we communicate and how we communicate it; how literature makes meaning; and what tools we have to find it –
these are some of our concerns.
The course will consist of one combined lecture per week and one section meeting, both required. Due to the projected large
enrollment for this fall, students with excellent Hebrew skills may wish to enroll in one of the Hebrew Literature electives
offered in the fall or spring semesters in lieu of 401; if so, please contact Dr. Einbinder (or Dr. Sarason if you are interested
in the fall 2006 piyyut elective) prior to registration. (2) |
HEB 534
(3454)
RAB 534
(3455) |
PIYYUTIM ON THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION (3 cr.)
Drs. Einbinder and Sarason
From the Byzantine period in the Land of Israel down through the late Middle Ages throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle
East, synagogue poets embellished the Sabbath and Festival liturgies with thousands of poems that presented the themes, images,
and contemporary resonances of the Torah readings for those days in elegant and ingenious linguistic formulations. These poems
draw on rabbinic midrashic traditions in creative, allusive fashion. In this course, we will read together many of these
piyyutim, as they relate to the weekly Torah readings and their rabbinic interpretations. Our selection will range from the
early works of Yannai and Kallir, down through medieval European poets. Some of this material is anthologized in Shulamit
Elizur's book, Shirah shel parashah: Parashot hatorah bir'i happiyyutim.
Prerequisites: Midrash 401, Hebrew Literature 401. (NOTE: With permission of the instructors, third-year students with the
necessary Hebrew skills may elect this course in fulfillment of the core literature requirement.) |
HIS 401
(3456) |
ANCIENT ISRAEL FROM ITS CANNAANITE BEGINNINGS TO THE REDACTION OF THE
BABYLONIAN TALMUD (3 cr.)
Dr. Cook
Jewish History Survey. This course is continued during 2nd semester (History 402) and covers all major periods, trends, and
events in the Jewish experience and is taught in coordination by members of the Department of History.
History 401/402 is a prerequisite for all further courses in Jewish History and is to be taken during one of the first two years'
residence in Cincinnati. (2) |
HIS 403
(3457) |
AMERICAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE (3 cr.)
Drs. Zola and Krasner
American Jewish Experience This course will examine the historical experience of Jews in the United States, from the colonial
era to the present day, with attention to religious, social, and cultural developments. Attendance is mandatory. (3) |
HIS 558
(3458) |
EGYPT AND ISRAEL IN BIBLICAL TIMES (3 cr.)
Dr. Fox
Egyptian interest in the Levant, in particular Canaan, can be traced to the inception of the Pharaonic era. Interconnections
between the two lands over a period of three millennia, including the presence of Canaanites/Israelites in Egypt and Egyptians in
Canaan, are attested in Egyptian as well as Hebrew sources. The relationship can be characterized as bittersweet, fluctuating
between friendly and hostile. A key objective of this course is to understand both the history and traditions that color our
Apicture@ of Egypt and Israel in biblical times. The account of the Exodus will be a focus of discussion.
The course will utilize a multi-discipline approach - examining historical sources, literary narratives, archaeological remains,
and linguistic evidence (Egyptian terms in Hebrew texts and Semitic terms in Egyptian texts).
Knowledge of Egyptian NOT required, attendance is required, class presentation and final project. |
HIS 594
(3491) |
ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN HISTORY – PART 4 (3 cr.)
Dr. Weisberg |
HIS 597
(3459) |
AMERICAN JEWISH CULTURE AND IDENTITY (3 cr.)
Dr. Krasner
This course will focus on the evolution of American Jewish culture and identity as reflected through films, both documentary and
feature length. Students will be exposed to the most current research and writings concerning the construction of American Jewish
identity. |
HLT 511
(3460) |
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GREEK VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE
(3 cr.)
Dr. Kamesar
The purpose of this course will be to introduce some of the major themes of Septuagint and related studies. This will be done in
large measure via selected readings from relevant and representative Greek texts. Among such texts are the non-biblical
testimonia in the Letter of Aristeas, and Philo's Life of Moses. Among biblical texts, the focus will be on the Pentateuch, and
the Psalms, with a view to gaining some competence in the consultation of the Göttingen editions and critical apparatus of
these
texts. Some attention will also be given to non-Septuagintal versions (Aquila, Symmachus, Theodotion) via Field's edition of the
Hexapla, the Mercati fragments, and the Qumran scroll of the Minor Prophets.
Open to all students. Greek text. Attendance necessary. |
LIT 401
(3475) |
INTRODUCTION TO LITURGY (3 cr.)
Dr. Sarason
A study of the content, theology, historical development, and phenomenology of Jewish liturgy; the major components of the
traditional worship services of the entire year, in terms of structure, wording, ritual practices, and ideas; and the salient
liturgical features of Reform Judaism. We shall explore as well the concepts of worship, prayer, liturgy, and ritual performance
as these are expressed in rabbinic Judaism. Students will also be introduced to some of the relevant scholarly literature on the
history, structure, and phenomenology of Jewish worship. (3) |
MID 501
(3476) |
INTRODUCTION TO THE DIVERSE GENRES AND STYLE OF MIDRASH (3 cr.)
Dr. Goldman
An introduction to the diverse genres and styles of non-halakhic classical and medieval midrashic literature. Attention will be
paid to the hermeneutics of the midrashic process and to the world view which the rabbis bring to the reading of Scripture.
Selected texts and collateral readings in the secondary literature. Students will also acquire a familiarity with
bibliographical tools in the study of midrashic literature.
Prerequisite: Midrash 401. |
PDE 401
(3462) |
WORSHIP AND RITUAL
Cantor Shore
This course covers the fundamental principles for practical rabbinics on all life cycle events. Text study includes an overview
of halakhic and Reform sources. The class focuses on two areas: 1) Developing the skills needed to create effective
ritual. 2) Addressing the individual's capability for handling situations that arise during life cycle events. The course
provides the foundation for a comprehensive rabbinic portfolio through developmental programming, traditional and creative
liturgies, music, innovative ritual, site visits, in class observations and projects. |
PDE 402
(3466) |
TEACHING WITHIN THE REFORM EDUCATIONAL SETTING
Rabbi Joseph
Basic objectives, principles of learning and educational philosophy, and pedagogical methodology for Reform religious education
of children and youth. A 2-semester course; classroom teaching and field visits required. (2) |
PDE 403
(3467) |
HOMILETICS
Dr. Cook, Rabbis Ingber and Kopnick
The structure and content of the Jewish sermon, stressing the textual and non-textual sermon. Two semester course. (3) |
PDE 404
(3468) |
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RELATIONS
Rabbi Alpers
Human Relations provides the theoretical bases for understanding individual and family behaviors. Students will learn to deal
appropriately with common life issues facing congregants, and will practice basic techniques for responding to a variety of
pastoral care needs. The course will also include discussion of Jewish teachings and attitudes towards pastoral care. This
course meets once a week for the entire academic year. (3) |
PDE 405
(3469) |
HUMAN RELATIONS / CLINICAL PASTORAL CARE
Rabbi Alpers
Human Relations / Clinical Pastoral Care or its equivalent. Rabbi Alpers' permission required for admission to this courses.
HUC-JIR offers all 4th year students the opportunity to complete a unit of CPE during the academic year. It consists of two
separate components: formal classroom instruction, conducted one evening per week and practical experience, which involves the
counseling of unaffiliated Jewish patients (approximately 8-10 hours per week) at Jewish Hospital under the supervision of the
course instructor. Instructor's permission required for admission to this course. Interns are expected to continue their
training between academic semesters. (4) |
PDE 406
(3470) |
LEADERSHIP: THEORY AND SKILLS CONGREGATIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP,
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION FOR EFFECTIVE JEWISH COMMUNITY. (3 cr.)
Rabbi Joseph
The organizational behavior and operation of a Reform congregation, or a Jewish communal organization, in its administrative
dimensions and in relation to the direction, staffing and implementation of its basic program. Visioning and leading as a
professional working with other professionals and lay leadership will be a central course theme. Prequisite: PDE 402 Field
visits required. (4) |
PDE 407
(3471) |
SENIOR PRACTICUM
Rabbi Kanter
Senior Practicum. Required of the candidate for ordination, this course will examine issues, challenges, and problems that
confront the contemporary rabbi. Together we shall examine and discuss key questions to which we must direct our thinking and
help our people find personal and communal responses. Some additional programs are required. (5) |
PDE 408
(3472) |
FIELD WORK SEMINAR
Rabbi Kanter
Field Work Seminar (2) |
PDE 409
(3473) |
MAYERSON FIELDWORK
Rabbi Kanter
Mayerson Fieldwork Each student serving a bi-weekly (or its equivalent) for credit must register for this course both Fall and
Spring semesters. |
PDE 410
(3474) |
FOURTH YEAR SERMON
Rabbi Ehrlich
Fourth Year Sermon A required speech/homiletics workshop for fourth year students. This is a year long course. Sermon
structure, style and delivery. (4) |
PDE 420
(3463) |
ADVANCED TA'AMEI MIKRA
Cantor Shore
The chug emphasizes both individual mastery of Torah and Haphtarah chanting and the pedagogic tools needed to teach others. This
includes aspects of grammar and interpretation as well as performative Hebrew and chanting skills. The chug functions as a
laboratory in order to develop listening skills, kinesthetic, cognitive, and developmental language approaches needed when
working with b'nei mitzvah. It is an extension of PDE 402. |
PDE 421
(3464) |
THE ART OF THE GABBAI, SHABBAT NUSACH, AND BASIC MUSICIANSHIP
Cantor Shore
The chug focuses on practical skills to become a master gabbai/gabbait. This includes proficiency with the Hebrew calendar,
liturgical subtleties surrounding Torah, and the pedagogic skills needed to help others. The musical overview parallels liturgy
of Kabbalat Shabbat, Erev Shabbat, and Shabbat shacharit. An introduction to basic nusach, Reform, and cantorial settings forms
the core material. Basic musicianship will focus on healthy vocal production, developing tonal memory, elements of pitch, and
harmony. It is an extension of LIT 401 |
PDE 422
(3465) |
NUSACH OF SHALOSH REGALIM
Cantor Shore
The chug presents an overview of basic nusach and congregational melodies for each of the chagim as well as the minor holidays.
Ta'mei mikra for Megilot shir hashirim and Esther are part of the course of study. This is a performance- oriented class.
Although the machzor course is not a prerequisite it is strongly encouraged. 60 minutes weekly (4) |
RAB 401
(3477) |
EARLY RABBINIC LITERATURE AND THOUGHT. (3 cr.)
Dr. Kalman
An introduction to the literature and thought-world of early rabbinic (tannaitic) Judaism in its cultural, religious, and
historical contexts. Through the reading of selected primary texts in Hebrew and more extensive primary texts in English as well
as significant secondary literature, we will explore some of the major issues of early rabbinic culture, such as its relation to
biblical and post-biblical antecedents and the biblical text, and its often quite independent development and expansion of
biblical legal themes and norms, within the larger context of the Greco-Roman near east. We also will examine the range of
exegetical and discursive practices in early rabbinic literature. Students will become familiar with the characteristic
conceptual and rhetorical traits, as well as the themes and issues, of the Mishnah and Tosefta. Some attention will be devoted
as well to the tannaitic midrashim and their relationship to the Mishnah and Tosefta. The course thus additionally prepares
students for work in the core Midrash and Talmud courses. One course session each week will be devoted to lecture/presentation
of materials and concepts by the instructor. The second session will be devoted to reading and discussing of primary texts in
smaller groups, divided according to level of Hebrew fluency and supervised by the instructor.
Required of all second-year rabbinic students and graduate students working in the areas of History of Biblical Interpretation,
Jewish Studies in the Greco-Roman Period, and Rabbinics. (2) |
RAB 534
(3455) |
PIYYUTIM ON THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION (3 cr.)
Drs. Einbinder and Sarason
Cross listed as HEB 534 (3454)
From the Byzantine period in the Land of Israel down through the late Middle Ages throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle
East, synagogue poets embellished the Sabbath and Festival liturgies with thousands of poems that presented the themes, images,
and contemporary resonances of the Torah readings for those days in elegant and ingenious linguistic formulations. These poems
draw on rabbinic midrashic traditions in creative, allusive fashion. In this course, we will read together many of these
piyyutim, as they relate to the weekly Torah readings and their rabbinic interpretations. Our selection will range from the
early works of Yannai and Kallir, down through medieval European poets. Some of this material is anthologized in Shulamit
Elizur's book, Shirah shel parashah: Parashot hatorah bir'i happiyyutim.
Prerequisites: Midrash 401, Hebrew Literature 401. (NOTE: With permission of the instructors, third-year students with the
necessary Hebrew skills may elect this course in fulfillment of the core literature requirement.) |
RAB 536
(3445) |
FAITH AND SUFFERING IN JEWISH INTERPRETATIONS OF JOB (3 cr.)
Dr. Kalman
Cross listed as BIB 600 (3444)
The attempt to understand human suffering has played an essential part in the writings of the great Jewish thinkers. Primarily
the discussion has revolved around the seeming contradiction between belief in an omnipotent, just, and compassionate God and a
God who allows his creations to suffer. In the Jewish tradition consideration of suffering often masks discussions of the
relationship between the people of Israel and their God. The Hebrew Bible offers the "first" paradigm of this relationship and
with it the first extensive discussion of suffering – the Book of Job. Thoughts and ideas about suffering have been presented
through analysis of and commentary on the biblical book of Job. This course presents the ways in which the Jewish tradition has
confronted human suffering and particularly how these confrontations have been portrayed in interpretations of and commentaries
on the book of Job. |
TAL 401A
(3478)
TAL 401B
(3479) |
READINGS FROM SEDER MO'ED DEALING WITH THE CYCLE OF THE JEWISH YEAR. (3 cr.)
Drs. Cohen and Washofsky
An introduction to Talmudic literature, especially the style, language and procedure of the Gemara. The emphasis is on helping
the student acquire the tools for independent Talmud study. Required for all 3rd year students. This class includes a required
tutorial section. (3) |
TAL 510
(3480) |
READINGS IN PALESTINIAN TALMUD TRACTATE ROSH HASHANAH (3 cr.)
Drs. Cohen and Washofsky
Stress will be placed upon the unique stylistic and linguistic characteristics of the Yerushalmi, as well as the historical
background of this literature. In addition to careful preparation of the primary source and some parallel passages, selected
readings from the secondary literature will also be required. Text.
Prerequisites: Core Talmud courses. |
TAL 530
(3481) |
THE JEWISH LAW OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE. (3 cr.)
Dr. Washofsky
Selected topics in the Halakhah of marriage and divorce. The class will study Talmudic and halakhic literature on subjects
including: the wedding ceremony, the ketubah and monetary relations between husband and wife, non-halakhic marriage, halitsah,
grounds for divorce, the agunah and custody of children. Responsa and recent rabbinic court decisions will be examined. The
goal of the course is to isolate the ideas and principles at the core of the legal institutions, as well as to analyze the
attempts of the halakhic system to solve the problems that arise in this areas of law. Text.
Prerequisite: PTH401 or permission of instructor. |
TAL 560
(3482) |
NARRATIVE AND HALAKHAH: AN INTRODUCTION (3 cr.)
Dr. Cohen
The course examines the use of narrative in halakhic texts, particularly in the formulation of halakhic rulings. It is structured
as a graduate seminar in halakhic literature. Students will be expected to prepare both halakhic and scholarly material.
Pre-requisites: Talmud 401 and PTHL 401 or instructor's permission. |
PHI 401
(3483) |
MEDIEVAL JEWISH PHILOSOPHY (3 cr.)
Dr. Kogan
A critical introduction to some of the basic issues of medieval Jewish philosophy from Sa=adia ben Joseph to Moses Maimonides.
Emphasis will be placed on interpreting texts in translation and analyzing the philosophical issues raised by the thinkers
selected for study. The goal of the course to explain how their distinctive views reflected their commitment to Judaism and to
philosophic inquiry.(3) |
PHI 538
(3484) |
THE ARTIST AS THINKER AND THE THINKER AS ARTIST: READINGS IN THE WORKS OF JUDAH
HALEVI (3 cr.)
Dr. Kogan
This course will explore a variety of intersections between religious experience and rational reflection in the poetic and prose
works of Judah Halevi (ca. 1075-1141). Drawing upon his well known dialogue, the Kuzari, and selected poems and letters, we will
explore how he integrated his own religious experience and traditional Jewish sources with a wide array of ancient and
contemporary materials that reflect his critical appreciation of philosophy, theology, medicine, and Sufi mysticism. More
specifically, we will examine how he treats the competing claims of reason and revelation to fashion the best way to live, the
relation between faith and knowledge, the problem of creation vs. the eternity of the universe, the concept of nature in relation
miracles, the revelation at Sinai, the practical meaning of worship, the distinction between rational laws and divine,
traditional Laws, his critique of Qaraite religious rationalism and its contemporary significance, theodicy, and the significance
of the land of Israel. Our overall goal will be to determine how we can best understand the multi-faced work of this
multi-talented genius in an integrated way. This course fulfills the Ethical Literature requirement. Text. |
PHI 542
(3485) |
THEOLOGY OF REDEMPTION OR REDEMPTIVE THEOLOGY? MESSIANISM IN JEWISH AND ISRAELI THOUGHT
AND LITERATURE. (3 cr.)
Dr. Rechnitzer
In this course we will focus on 20th century Jewish and Israeli scholars, rabbis and artists that created various concepts,
visions and critical reflections concerning messianism and utopia. We will read from Buber, Scholem, Kook, Leibowitz, Hartman,
Kasher and Green among others. The course will focus on close reading of text and students will be invited to construct debates
between the different world-views as they engage in critical reflections on each theme. |
PHI 545
(3486) |
POST ZIONIST PHILOSOPHY (3 cr.)
Dr. Rechnitzer
In this course we will focus on 20th century Jewish and Israeli scholars, rabbis and artists that created various concepts,
visions and critical reflections concerning messianism and utopia. We will read from Buber, Scholem, Kook, Leibowitz, Hartman,
Kasher and Green among others. The course will focus on close reading of text and students will be invited to construct debates
between the different world-views as they engage in critical reflections on each theme. |
SYR 501
(3452) |
INTRODUCTION TO SYRIAC (3 cr.)
Dr. Jerusalmi
Elements of Syriac-Aramaic grammar are presented in conjunction with pertinent comparative Semitic features and with reference to
other Jewish-Aramaic dialects, especially the Bavli. This course is open to rabbinic students as well as to graduate fellows
preparing to read rabbinic texts. *Attendance is a course requirement. Permission of Instructor Required. Text. |
URG 501
(3453) |
INTRODUCTION TO UGARTIC (3 cr.)
Dr. Kaufman
Introduction to the language, texts, and religion of Late Bronze age Ugarit. Text. |
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