JS Course Descriptions

Jewish Studies (2009-2010)

Biblical Hebrew for beginners. A study of the alphabet, and some of the basic vocabulary and grammar of the language.

A continuation of RS 131/JS 105A. Most of the rules of grammar will be covered in this course and students will begin to read texts in the original language.

Students will be introduced to the Hebrew Bible by way of selected readings which deal with a particular aspect of the human predicament. The focus will be on exploring relationships via narrative passages in the Old Testament and particularly in the Book of Genesis. The following relationships will be discussed: (a) Spousal (b) Human/God (c) Parent/child (d) Siblings (e) Gender issues in narratives of rape, incest, seduction and dominance.

This course will trace the development of biblical exegesis in the Jewish tradition. Interpretive methods and approaches to problems in the text such as redundancy, contradiction, and gaps will be surveyed, commencing with the Bible itself, through the classical period of the Talmud and concentrating on major medieval commentators. (The biblical episode of the 'Binding of Isaac' will be used as a paradigm to illustrate various approaches to the text.)

This course will deal with the period of the Prophets, e.g., Joshua, Kings, and Samuel. It will examine the uses and abuses of power analyzing the historical narratives and study the conflict between Saul and David, the political as well as the moral rise and fall of David.

How does an ancient religious tradition remain relevant in the face of shifting cultural morals and beliefs and especially in light of the West's emphasis on relativism and freedom of choice? This course will explore the major themes and challenges that face Judaism and the Jewish people at the start of the 21st century. We will compare the insights of an extremely diverse group of Jewish thinkers on the place of tradition in the modern world, and examine the perpetual quest for meaning at the core of Judaism.

The catastrophe and devastation of the Holocaust and the radical nature of its evil demanded responses within contemporary Jewish thought, identity, and experience. This course will explore philosophical, theological (Jewish law, rabbinic), literary (novels, poetry, memoirs, plays), and artistic (museums, memorials) attempts to deal with the issues the Holocaust raises.

A study of the biblical prophets with special attention to their religious experience, social critique, visions of the future, and the writings that bear their names.

The course will explore the thought of various Jewish scholars throughout history on issues that were vital to their faith. The texts studied will be representative of the philosophical and rabbinic traditions on such matters as the nature of God, the problem of evil, creation, miracles, prophecy, and providence.

This course will survey the roots, history, and symbolism of the Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbalah. Students will be introduced to the major texts, charismatic mystical masters, and schools of Kabbalah, beginning with the ancient Rabbis through to contemporary exponents such as Hasidim and messianic groups. Particular attention will be focused on the Zohar (Book of Splendour) and popular appeals to the mystical tradition.

An introduction to the religious tradition of the Jews, in terms of beliefs, practices, ideals, and institutions from the beginning to the present time.

An examination of the Holocaust as portrayed in feature films and documentaries. Do cinematic attempts capture the horror of the Holocaust faithfully, or trivialize it? The background to anti-semitism, use of religious imagery in propaganda films, and what counts as "success" or "failure" in cinematic representations are discussed.

One or more special courses will be offered at different times. Consult Jewish Studies for current offerings.

An analysis of the response to the Holocaust, from 1933 to 1945, and the legacy of the event since the war in Canadian society.

Reading and grammatical analysis of selected passages from the Hebrew Bible.

Reading and analysis of Iron Age inscriptions and ostraca in Hebrew or closely related Canaanite dialects, including the Siloam and Mesha inscriptions and the Lachish letters, plus a selection from the Dead Sea Scrolls.

This course examines the life and thought of Moses Maimonides, the most important thinker in Jewish history. It explores his contributions to philosophy, law, biblical interpretation and his attempt to reconcile religion and science.

This course examines the Bible in relation to the archaeology and material culture of the Ancient Near East. It will explore how archaeological discoveries contribute to our understanding of the events, personalities and narratives of the Hebrew Bible.

One or more special courses will be offered at different times. Consult Jewish Studies for current offerings.

One or more special courses will be offered at different times. Consult Jewish Studies for current offerings.