Hebrew Scriptures (JWST 10300/RLST 10300) Rebecca Lesses
MWF 11:00-11:50 Friends 309 3 credits
ICC: Identities and Mind Body Spirit. Perspective: Humanities
The Hebrew Bible (referred to by Christians as the Old Testament) is one of the foundational books of both western and world culture, and serves as the basis for Judaism and Christianity. In this course, we will read the books of the Bible critically as literature, as religious and moral text, and as a source of sociological knowledge. This course surveys the biblical literature, acquaints the students with critical methods for the study of the Bible, situates the Bible within the literature and culture of the ancient Near East, and discusses the religion of ancient Israel. We will deal with questions of history and archaeology, and with questions of meaning—what the biblical text meant to its ancient readers, and what meaning it has today. Readings will include the Bible and The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures, by Michael D. Coogan (4th edition). No prerequisites. NOTE: Students may not earn credit for both RLST-10300 and JWST-10300.
Living Judaism (JWST/RLST 20301) Rebecca Lesses
MWF 2:00-3:10 Friends 306 4 credits
ICC: Identities; Mind Body Spirit. Perspective: Humanities.
What does it mean to live a Jewish life? How have Jews thought about God and incorporated those understandings into their daily lives? This course examines the many ways that Jews have understood Judaism as a way of life that encompasses ethical behavior, ritual practices, and personal and family relationships. We will explore Jewish theology/philosophy and mysticism through reading biblical, rabbinic, philosophical, mystical, and modern writings. We will address questions of good and evil, the covenant, death and the afterlife, justice, and social responsibility. NOTE: Students may not receive credit for both RLST 20301 and JWST 20301.
Jewish Mysticism (JWST/RLST 33300) Rebecca Lesses
TR 2:35-3:50 Friends 308 3 credits
This course traces the history of Jewish mysticism. After a brief overview of early Jewish mysticism from the biblical and rabbinic periods, we will concentrate on the medieval flowering of Kabbalah, and its further developments in the 16th century Kabbalah of Safed, Israel and 18th century Eastern European Hasidism. The emphasis will be on understanding both the theoretical and experiential aspects of Jewish mysticism, and on examining some of its key texts. NOTE: Students may not receive credit for both JWST-33300 and RLST-33300.