Stern College Syllabi -- Spring and Fall 2021-2022 courses --- BIBL (Bible)
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Browsing Stern College Syllabi -- Spring and Fall 2021-2022 courses --- BIBL (Bible) by Issue Date
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Item Restricted BIB1206L: Book of Genesis(2021-01) Schechter, ShoshanaThis course will focus on the analysis of various topics throughout the Book of Genesis. You will be introduced to a wide array of commentaries from ancient to modern times, with a primary focus on understanding Rashi and Ramban. While our analysis of the text will be thorough, we will always focus on understanding the profound messages of the Torah as applicable to our lives. Topics that will be studied over the course of the semester will include but not be limited to: 1. An introduction to the Sefer 2. The creation of man in G-d’s image 3. The relationship between man and woman 4. The sin of Adam and Chava 5. Noach and the flood 6. Migdal Bavel 7. The personalities and tests of Avraham and Sara 8. The concept of “Bechira” 9. The destruction of Sodom 10. Akeidat Yitzchak 11. Yitzchak and Rivka—shidduch and marriage 12. Yaakov and Esav—rivalry and deception 13. Rachel and Leah—sisters and wives 14. The story of Yosef and his brothersItem Restricted BIBL1213L: Topics in Genesis(2021-01) Rosensweig, SmadarWe will be studying major personalities and themes in Sefer Bereishit: Cain and Hevel; Lemekh to Noach; Avraham and Sarah; Lot and Avraham; Rivkah and Yitzchak , Yaakov and Eisav, The Imahot, Levi and Shimon, Reuven and Yehudah, Yosef and his Brothers. This will be accomplished through a close examination and appreciation of Peshat, Midrash, classical, medieval and traditional modern commentaries. Our analysis will be directed towards understanding the diverse interpretive approaches applied to these themes.Item Restricted BIBL2363K: TOPICS: PERSONALITIES IN KINGS(2021-01) Rosensweig, SmadarThe aim of this course is to study the events that transpired in preparation for, and during the time of Bayit Rishon. We will begin our course of study with the Shlomo and conclude with the catastrophe of Hurban Bayit Rishon. Subsequently, we will study the histories of Malkhut Yehuda, and their respective kings. We will attempt to understand the theosophy, historiosophy and message of Sefer Melakhim and Divrei HaYamim. These analyses will be done through a close examination of the Peshat along with inquiry into the traditional Rabbinic Parshanim ranging from the Rishonim to later commentary. We will make extensive use of maps ,archaeology and the history and politics of the Near East during Bayit Rishon.Item Restricted BIBL2555K: Enduring Messages of Sefer Yirmiyahu, Confronting the False Prophets(2021-01) Grunhaus, NaomiAs the prophet designated to predict and warn of the impending destruction of the First Temple, by promoting religious reforms Yirmiyahu struggled to prevent or at least delay the exile. This course examines Yirmiyahu’s attempts to motivate his constituents to repent, and the ways in which his prophecies are timeless, unique, and inspiring.Item Restricted BIBL3209J: Psalms(2021-01) Angel, JosephWith the aid of both traditional and modern commentaries, this course will study a selection of psalms (some familiar from the siddur, some not) representing the various types and genres included in ספר תהלים . In-class discussion will consist of verse by verse analysis as well as broader consideration of each psalm as a whole, with special attention to its unique features, central message(s), and theological import.Item Restricted BIBL2050M: THE HAFTAROT II(2021-01) Rosensweig, SmadarThis semester we will be studying the Haftarot that are read in the Beit Knesset throughout the spring. We will study the concept of Haftarah, the text of each Haftarah, the relevant midrashim and parshanim, its message, and its correlation with Parshat Hashavua and/or the calendar. This will be accomplished through a close examination and appreciation of פשט , מדרש , medieval and modern commentaries.Item Restricted BIBL2356M: Book of Kings 2(2021-01) SHAFFER, I.Outline of the course: A) Introduction to the Sefer based on the approach of classical and modern mefarshim. B) A detailed look at specific texts of mefarshim which will be studied in depth.Item Restricted BIBL3207B: Book of Psalms(2021-01) Shloush, GideonCourse Objective: To offer an overview of Sefer Tehillim and to delve into several chapters - in-depth; presenting them in an exciting and meaningful way.Item Restricted BIBL1082L: Introduction to Exegesis Part 2(2021-01) Price, Nechama1. Course Description: This course will visit different ambiguous stories in Tanach. For each type, we will discuss methods of resolution. 2. Course Goals: For the student to learn the necessary skills to deal with ambiguities in Tanach. After taking this course, the student should have the skills to understand other ambiguous stories found in Tanach not covered in this course.Item Restricted BIBL1408B: Topics in Leviticus II(2021-01) Weiss, MoriahCourse Description: We will be studying major topics in the second half of Sefer Vayikra: Parshiot Tazria, Metzora, Aharei Mot, Kedoshim, Emor, Behar, Behukotai. We will cover the text as well as develop overarching themes throughout Vayikra with a focus on hashkafic values. This will be accomplished through a close examination and appreciation of Peshat, Midrash, classical, medieval and traditional modern commentaries. Our analysis will be directed towards understanding the diverse interpretive approaches applied to these themes.Item Restricted BIBL3257D: Textual Analysis of the Book of Mishlei(2021-01) Shmalo, MahnazThis course is an analysis of the book of Mishlei (Proverbs) based on classic commentators on Tanach. The approaches of these commentators vary in their styles and interests, highlighting the fact that Mishlei (like all other biblical texts) may be analyzed and understood at many levels beyond the literal. We will be studying the unique approaches of these great biblical exegeses, such as Meiri, Ralbag, Rashi, Alsheich, Malbim, Rabeinu Yona, Gr”a and others in their historical contexts. Through comparing and contrasting their styles of interpretation, we will be able to demonstrate how their interpretations are consistent with worlds in which they lived, written in order to inspire their students and address the challenges of their generations. We will focus on selections from Mishlei that are relevant to daily prayers, character development, and how to enhance the quality of one’s life while dealing with the challenges of our society, so that the students will find the ideas and lessons timely, and will be able to derive useful life lessons.Item Restricted BIBL2154N: Book of Samuel 2(2021-01) SHAFFER, I.Outline of the course: A) Introduction to the Sefer based on the approach of classical and modern mefarshim. B) A look at certain chapters and events in more detail. We will study the book in the form of ‘sugyot’ so that you will be expected to read for yourselves the chapters not studied in class time. C) A detailed look at specific texts of mefarshim which will be studied in depth.Item Restricted BIBL1304KL: Book of Exodus II(2021-01) Sultan, ShiraCourse Objectives: • Students will read and analyze the text in order to come to a deep and meaningful understanding of the storyline of Sefer Shemot • Students will focus on reading and understanding Rashi and Ramban • Students will study and discuss other commentaries on the text and will apply values and topics brought up to situations in modern day life • Students will broaden their hebrew vocabulary through reviewing words found in the text of Sefer ShemotItem Restricted BIBL1015A: Introduction to the Bible(2021-01) Mermelstein, AriThis course will address the following question: When we speak of תנ"ך as a holy corpus of books, what precisely do we mean? What, exactly, are the markers of sanctity that distinguish תנ"ך from secular literature generally? Rather than focusing on fundamental differences between religious and secular literature, e.g., one is divinely authored, the other is not, we will ask how those fundamental differences have affected the way that תנ"ך has been treated and interpreted throughout Jewish history. This question will serve as the backdrop for our inquiries into the history of the biblical text, the canonization of תנ"ך , and the historical tension between פשט and דרש .Item Restricted BIBL1514IJR: Book of Numbers(2021-01) Shloush, GideonTo offer an analysis of key sections of the Book of Numbers in an exciting, stimulating and inspiring way. This course will be text based and will share insights from many classic and contemporary commentaries.Item Restricted BIBL4022H: SHIR HA-SHIRIM(2021-01) Cohen, MordechaiDESCRIPTION: In-depth study of the Song of Songs, diction, structure, imagery, and depiction of human and spiritual love. Literal vs. allegorical readings in rabbinic, medieval and modern commentaries. Emphasis on imagery, parallelism, and their role in biblical poetry.Item Restricted BIBL4931HC: Genesis & Ethics - Fall 2021(2021-01) Lerner, DovThis course will provide a comprehensive survey of and meditation on the book of Genesis, specifically through the lens of ethics. We will begin with some introductory material concerning the genre of Genesis and narrative, more broadly, as a mode of ethical instruction. And then we will turn to the a section by section analysis of the text’s structure, themes, characters, and theologies, as seen through the readings of major exegetes, from the sages to the commentators of today—with a central focus on the claims of Leon Kass’s The Beginning of Wisdom. From the dawn of life to the death of the Egyptian viceroy, we will assess the ethics embedded in the text and the tales that have shaped the Jewish imagination for millennia.Item Restricted BIBL1609E: Book of Devarim Advanced(2021-01) Taubes, RacheliThe rabbinic nickname of Sefer Devarim is Mishneh Torah, from where the English nickname Deuteronomy, or Second Law/Repetition of Law, is derived. This course will examine how Sefer Devarim retells and modifies narratives and laws that were mentioned earlier in the Torah. We will also consider the unique ways the Book of Devarim addresses a generation of Bnei Yisrael that did not experience the Revelation at Sinai or the Exodus and is about to enter the Promised Land without Moshe. Learning will be based on the Biblical text as well as classical and modern commentaries.Item Restricted BIBL2506J: Isaiah: Geulah & the Messianic Era(2021-01) Grunhaus, NaomiThis course examines גאולה and the messianic era. In order to gain a full understanding of this fundamental belief in Judaism we will analyze prophecies in ספר ישעיה in depth and probe their approaches to the messianic age. We will also read philosophical analyses of the messianic age, which treat the topic more systematically than the בואות do, but are still based on the פסוקים and .חז"ל All articles on the syllabus are available through the library's electronic reserve system, which is accessible directly from Canvas without a password. Instructions for remote access outside of Canvas are posted in Canvas. Class announcements will often be circulated via email. If you do not use your ymail address, please forward your Canvas mail to an e-mail address that you check regularly. Many course materials are provided in translation. Please note that this course can be used to fulfill your Jewish Philosophy or Bible distribution requirement.Item Restricted BIBL2362EFM: Topics in Kings: Eliyahu & Elisha Narratives(2021-01) Bernstein, PeninaThis course explores the narratives of two of the primary prophets in Sefer Melachim. During this course of study, students will examine each narrative from an array of perspectives, with specific focus on the comparison between peshat & derash, the structure of the narrative, and character development through each narrative. Students will also explore the historical & religious significance of these prophets and the narratives that involve them, as well as the role of the narrative in the structure of Sefer Melachim. Students will approach these stories from an array of modalities including group learning, independent and chavruta work.