JUDS 1474: Sephardic Law and Liturgy

Abstract

Students in this course will explore the differences of laws and customs among various Jewish communities, especially those from the Middle East and Spanish Portuguese. We will trace the sources of these practices back to their sources and include some historical study of these communities. Through reading primary sources, we will become familiar with some of the great poskim and sages from the Sephardic world. We will also learn about some of the liturgy of these communities including the variations of Nusah, samplings of piyyutim and their tunes, and the function and chanting of the Ta’amim (cantillation). All readings are available through Canvas and should be prepared before each class.