R501 – Introduction to Rabbinic Literature

Instructor: Elliot Klayman​
Location: Populi (https://mjti.populiweb.com)
Dates: October 27 – December 29, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to an understanding of rabbinic literature, its genres, historical setting, structure, purposes, and intent. It provides an overview of classic rabbinic literature, focusing on the origins, formation, and writings of the Late Antique period. It includes texts from the Mishna, Talmud, midrash selections, responsa, commentaries, philosophers, commentaries, and mysticism.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE CURRICULUM
This course is required for the Master of Jewish Studies, Master of Rabbinic Studies, and Certificate in Rabbinic Texts degrees.

RELEVANCE
This class is necessary for familiarity with the early rabbinic movement, which began after the destruction of the Second Temple. It distinguishes Rabbinic Judaism from its forerunner, pre-destruction sectarianism, which includes Pharisees, Sadducees, and Yeshua believers. Students who understand the various genres will be better able to be conversant with the larger body of Jews and Christians and reflect on the relationship between Rabbinic and Messianic Judaism.

PREREQUISITE
This class is open to all Jewish Studies and Rabbinic Studies students. Biblical Hebrew proficiency is recommended but optional.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The student must have a computer, high-speed internet access, and reading materials.

COURSE FORMAT
This synchronous class has eight real-time two-hour Zoom meetings, one pre-week. There is an asynchronous discussion thread requiring answers to questions and reactions from students.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete the required weekly reading on or before Sunday of each week.
2. Write a reaction paper assignment.
3. Participate in the live-zoom classes.
4. Actively participate in the weekly discussion threads.
5. Complete an electronic notebook with the class syllabus, notes, assignments, and other
materials.
6. Complete the quiz and final exam.

REQUIRED TEXTS

  • Holtz, Barry W. Back to the Sources: Reading the Classic Jewish Texts. 17th ed., Simon & Schuster. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2006
  • Katz, Steven. Editor. The Cambridge History of Judaism: Volume 4, The Late Roman-Rabbinic Period. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 1984. Available at https://archive.org/details/TheCambridgeHistoryOfJudaismVolume4
  • Heschel, Abraham Joshua. The Sabbath: Its Meaning for the Modern Man. United States: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1995.
  • Frydland, Rachmiel. What the Rabbis Know About the Messiah: Study of Genealogy and Prophecy, 4th ed. Columbus, Ohio: Messianic Publishing Co., 2011.
  • Course Pack of Articles to be provided on Populi.

 

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