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Judaic Studies DepartmentJudaic Studies Courses and ConcentrationsB.A. PROGRAM IN JUDAIC STUDIESCURRICULUM OVERVIEW
REQUIRED JUDAIC STUDIES BASE
Choose one core concentration (Bible, Jewish Law, Jewish Thought) - 15 credits Bible Concentration
Jewish Law
Jewish Thought
JUDAIC STUDIES ELECTIVES 15 credits approved electives ( Total for major: 45 credits ) Courses in Judaic Studies are generally 1.5 credits each. However, credits may vary depending on the hours of instruction and additional study. INTRODUCTORY (Machon) BIBLE Courses in the Bible on the Machon level stress basic textual skills. As the course progresses, analytical and exegetical skills are developed. Rashi and other basic classical commentaries are studied. This description is common to all courses in the Machon Bible section. Pentateuch JMB 101-102 Introduction to the Pentateuch Designed for students who are beginning their Judaic Studies programs. Selections from Leviticus and Genesis with the commentary of Rashi. 1.5 credits each. JMB 201-202 Exodus Prerequisite: JMB 101 and 102. 1.5 credits each. JMB 301-302 The Pentateuch-Deuteronomy Prerequisite: JMB 102. 1.5 credits each. Hagiographa JMB 131-132 Introduction to Hagiographa-Megillot, Psalms Prerequisite: JMH 102 or equivalent. 1.5 credits each. JMB 241 Proverbs Prerequisite: JMB 132. 1.5 credits. Jewish Heritage and Thought JMH 101-102 Survey of Jewish Heritage This course is open to all Machon students. It is designed to fill in gaps in basic Jewish learning in several key areas: Biblical and Rabbinical literature, and major themes in Jewish philosophy. 1.5 credits each. JMH 153 Philosophy of Liturgy The origin and philosophy of classical liturgical texts and their organization within the Jewish prayer book. 1.5 credits. JMH 213 Ethics of the Fathers The text of Mishna Avot (Pirke Avot) is studied with special attention to thematic issues. 1.5 credits. JMH 411-412 Topics in Jewish Thought Concepts relating to human relations such as ethics and charity are examined. Readings include both classical and modern works. 1.5 credits. JEWISH LAW JML 221-222 Introduction to the Talmud The textual study of the Babylonian Talmud and its classical commentaries. For students with a limited background in Talmud. Prerequisite: JML 132 or permission of the Department. 1.5 credits. Codes JML 131-132 Introduction to Ritual Law Rituals of the Jewish daily life cycle. For students with little or no background. 1.5 credits. JML 201-202 Jewish Law and Customs -Sabbath and Festival Selections from laws of the Sabbath (201) and the festivals (202). For students with a limited background in Hebrew. Prerequisite: JML 132. 1.5 credits. JML 301 Topics in Jewish Law - Kashrut An examination of the Jewish dietary code, with emphasis on its application to contemporary food processing and preparation. 1.5 credits. JML 401 Topics in Jewish Law - The Family Introductory survey of Talmudic and responsa sources dealing with the legal structure and rituals of Jewish family life. 1.5 credits. ADVANCED BIBLE Courses in Bible on the Advanced Level involve intensive study of the works referred to in the course title, including comparison and evaluation of classical and traditional modern commentators, and study of the historical and philosophical background. This description applies to all Bible courses on the Advanced level with the exception of JSB 357-358. Pentateuch JSB 151-152 Textual Analysis of the Pentateuch: Genesis 1.5 credits. JSB 251-252 Textual Analysis of the Pentateuch, II-Deuteronomy 1.5 credits each. JSB 351-352 Textual Analysis of the Pentateuch: III-Exodus 1.5 credits each. Prophets JSB 272 The Minor Prophets I Trei Asar. Prerequisite: JSB 161. 1.5 credits JSB 273 The Minor Prophets—The End of Prophecy The study of the last three prophets in the Book of the Twelve Prophets (Trei-Asar), with an emphasis on themes relevant to the latter Biblical period. The return to Zion and the construction of the Second Temple; the role of the priesthood; Jews and Gentiles in the Second Commonwealth period; messianic prophecies; the end of the prophetic era and the establishment of Anshe Knesset Hagedola; comparison with passages in Ezra-Nechemia concerning the same period. Prerequisite: JSB 272. Credits may vary. JSB 361 – 362 Studies in the Weekly Haftarah A study of the origin of the Haftarah (weekly readings from the Prophets) – its historical and halakhic background. Textual and conceptual analysis of the Haftarah and its relationship to its respective Torah reading. 1.5 credits each. Hagiographa JSB 171-172 Megillot, Psalms 1.5 credits each. Biblical Studies JSB 412 Women in the Bible In-depth analysis of Biblical narratives dealing with the role, place, and impact of women. Special emphasis on the lives of the Matriarchs, and the roles of Devorah and Esther. 1.5 credits. Jewish Heritage and Thought JSH 161 Midrashic Literature Analysis of Midrashic treatment of basic faith concepts. 1.5 credits. JSH 257 The Literature of the Mussar Movement Study of selections from medieval and modern Jewish ethical literature. In addition to examination of classical texts such as Hovot ha-Levavot, Sha'arei Teshuva, Sefer Hasidim, and Mesillat Yesharim, the course will focus upon the development of the Mussar movement as reflected in the writings of Rabbi Israel Salanter and his disciples. 1.5 credits. JSH 258 Jewish Thought: The Hasidic Masters Examination of the Hasidic teachers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Prerequisite: JSH 257 or Department approval. 1.5 credits. JSH 311-312 Topics in Jewish Philosophy Faith and reason: readings in Hilkhot Deot, Moreh Nevukhim, Kuzari, and Shemoneh Perakim. Prerequisite: Junior standing. 1.5 credits each. JSH 321/322 Women in Judaism An historical analysis of famous women throughout Jewish history, with special emphasis on the primary and secondary sources addressing women's issues. The main focus will be the rabbinical literature dealing with halakhic issues pertaining to women and mitzvot. 1.5 credits each. JSH 353 Modern Jewish Thought The impact of emancipation on Jewish thinking: liberal theology; post-Kantian idealism; neo-Orthodox, secular and religious Zionism; 20th century rationalism and the emergence of Jewish existentialism. Prerequisite: Junior standing. 1.5 credits. JSH 456 Seminar: Maimonides Selections from the Guide to the Perplexed analyzed and compared to writings of Saadya Gaon, Yehudah Halevi, Nachmanides, Albo, Crescas, and contemporary Jewish thinkers. Prerequisite: JSH 251. 3 credits. JEWISH LAW Talmud JSL 253-254 Talmud A tractate of the Talmud is studied with classical commentaries. Emphasis on conceptual analysis. 1.5 credits each. JSL 451-452 Talmud A tractate of the Talmud is studied intensively with classical commentaries. Emphasis on conceptual analysis (course may be repeated for credit.). 3 credits each. JSL 453-454 Intensive Talmud Study of a tractate of the Talmud with classical commentaries and codes. Supervised periods of independent study. 3 credits each (course may be repeated for credit.) Codes JSL 141 Introduction to Jewish Law Daily Life Cycle Study of the rituals of the Jewish daily life cycle utilizing classical and modern legal literature. 1.5 credits. JSL 142 Introduction to Jewish Law: Kashrut Study of laws of Kashrut (the Jewish dietary code), utilizing classical and modern literature. Prerequisite: JSL 141. 1.5 credits. JSL 241-242 Topics in Jewish Law: Sabbath and Festivals Selected topics in Sabbath (241) and Festivals (242). Laws examined in both substantive and procedural aspects. Prerequisite: JSL 141-142 or permission of Department. 1.5 credits each. JSL 361 Topics in Jewish Law: Medical Ethics Intensive analysis of bio-ethical issues as treated in Jewish Law. 1.5 credits.
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