Stern College Syllabi -- Spring and Fall 2021-2022 courses --- BIBL (Bible)
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Item Restricted BIBL4911/SOCI 1211: Biblical Archaeology/Archaeology of Israel(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Katz, JillThis course will present an overview of the archaeological data (including texts) from the Land of Israel during the biblical period. We will examine general Canaanite culture and learn to identify the cultural distinctions between Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites and how negotiating these differences helped shape a distinct Israelite ethnic identity. While exploring the First Temple period, we will look at the rate of acculturation among these groups as way to better explain the rising tensions between the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the diminishing of tensions with the Philistines and Canaanites (now Phoenicians). We will compare the political ambitions of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians and how these ambitions dramatically altered the social, political, and economic landscape of the Land of Israel its inhabitants. By the close of the Biblical Period, we will see the Phoenicians ensconced as coastal sea-farers, the Philistines having disappeared, and the Jews reemerging as a newly defined community centered in Jerusalem.Item Restricted BIBL3857L: Ezra-Nehemiah(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Mermelstein, AriWe will study the book of Ezra-Nehemiah as a window onto biblical narrative and historiography in general. We will begin by situating Ezra-Nehemiah in its historical context in order to understand better the theological concerns that occupied the attention of Jews during the Persian period. Our study of the book will also include parallel discussions of contemporaneous books of תנ"ך, which will help us appreciate the distinctive worldview underlying Ezra-Nehemiah. In our analysis of the book, we will try to reconstruct the mindset of the author: what accounts for the narratorial decisions that he made, including certain details and excluding others, formulating and organizing those details in the ways that he did, etc.; how did he connect individual passages to build up towards more overarching themes and messages; and how did he interweave theology into his understanding of history. In sum, our focus will be on the author as a theologian of history rather than as a historian. Ezra-Nehemiah covers the events during the first 100 years after the Jews returned from exile and built the Second Temple. For the first time, the Jews did not enjoy political sovereignty, and prophecy was largely waning. Jews who, throughout the First Temple period, often violated basic dictates of the Torah, now turned to the Torah for instruction and inspiration. In many ways, it is the beginning of our experience of Judaism and raises many of the questions with which we continue to struggle: in the absence of prophecy, how do we ascertain the divine will? To what extent does our Judaism require an insular existence? We will not always connect the dots between our contemporary experience and that of the Jews during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, but I hope that the challenges that they faced will seem very familiar to you and that you will find these books extremely relevant for your own spiritual growth.Item Restricted BIBL3707N: Megillot/Book of Esther(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) SHAFFER, I.Outline of the course: • Introduction to the Sefer based on the approach of classical and modern mefarshim. • 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. • A detailed look at specific texts of mefarshim which will be studied in depth. Later and contemporary Mefarshim • Malbim/Vilna Gaon • Rav Benny Lau/Esther-Kriah Bemegilla • *Judaica Press ( Rabbi A. Rosenberg)* • Other contemporary comments (Rav Yigal Ariel, and Prof.Gabi Cohen-‘The 5 megillot’) 5) Rav Bachrach zalItem Restricted BIBL3209H: Tehilim and the Human Condition(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Trapedo, ShainaThis course will cover the authorship, canonization, style, and significance of Sefer Tehillim and the central position it has come to occupy in Jewish thought and practice. Using classical meforshim, we will come to understand the literary features and distinct genres (including mizmor, shir, maskil, etc) of the timeless biblical text at the core of personal and collective religious expression from the Temple era until today. In addition to Tehilim’s lyrical texture, we will examine the range of human emotions voiced in its carefully crafted chapters— from grief to gratitude, desire to despair, anger to atonement, and shame to salvation— as well as its unique capacity to furnish wisdom and exert theurgic influence over divine decrees as laid out in rabbinic literature and midrashim. In accordance with the Straus Center mission, we will conclude our course by surveying the reception and appropriation of Tehilim in Western culture. The particularism of Israel’s experience encapsulated in the Psalms has found universal appeal and applicability in various communities and contexts. From Renaissance poetry to American abolition to international diplomacy, individuals and institutions have been turning to Tehilim for evocative imagery and moral inspiration for centuries and continue to do so today.Item Restricted BIBL2555H: Jeremiah(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Bernstein, PeninaThis course delves into prophecies of the primary Prophet at the end of the first temple period, Yirmiyahu. During this course of study, students will study prophecies that highlight key themes and ideas in the Sefer. Students will examine each prophecy from an array of perspectives, with specific focus on the comparison between peshat & derash, the context of the prophecy & the messages contained within the prophecies. Students will also explore the historical & religious significance of these prophecies, as well as the styles of these two prophets. This course will follow a Seder (independent, partner-learning) and Shiur model on a weekly basis.Item Restricted BIBL2503K: Isaiah(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Schwartz, AllenWe will become familiar with Isaiah's views regarding the sacrificial order, and the struggle between ritualistic and moralistic tendencies. Emphasis will be placed on eschatological prophesies. Linguistic and thematic connections to Deuteronomy 32 (Parashat Ha'azinu) and questions of authorship as they relate to chapters 40-66. We will also delve into the connections borne out of all the Isaiah Haftarot.Item Restricted BIBL2148M: Book of Samuel 1(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) 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 BIBL2121E: Textual Analysis of the Book of Judges(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Shmalo, MahnazThis course will present and analyze the book of Judges which covers a period of almost four hundred years, from the preliminary attempts by the tribes to secure their designated land by Yehoshua, until the eve of the monarchy centuries later. The period of the Judges was perhaps the most turbulent in all Biblical history, as the Jewish tribes struggled mightily to lay the foundations of their state in the shadow of very powerful and corrupted cultural, moral and military threats. The leaders of these centuries, the Judges, led their tribes on the battlefield and frequently provided them with spiritual guidance and leadership. During the course of our studies, we will not only analyze the textual difficulties but will also encounter many important and thought-provoking issues that are introduced by the narratives of this book.Item Restricted BIBL2119B: Sefer Yehoshua(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Weiss, MoriahCourse Description: We will be conducting a close analysis of the text of Sefer Yehoshua. Through this analysis we will develop overarching themes throughout the sefer with a focus on hashkafic values. We will be focusing on the development of Yehoshua bin Nun as a personality and leader of Bnei Yisrael parallel to the development of Bnei Yisrael as a nation establishing themselves in Eretz Yisrael. This will be accomplished through a close examination and appreciation of Peshat and Midrash, as well as classical, medieval and traditional modern commentaries. Our analysis will be directed towards understanding the diverse interpretive approaches applied to these themes.Item Restricted BIBL2115 C: Book of Joshua(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Weiss, MoriahWe will be conducting a close analysis of the text of Sefer Yehoshua/Book of Joshua. Through this analysis we will develop overarching themes and values. We will be focusing on the development of Yehoshua bin Nun as a personality and leader of the Jewish people parallel to the development of the Jewish people as a nation establishing themselves in the Land of Israel. This will be accomplished through an understanding of Peshat and Midrash, as well as classical, medieval and traditional modern commentaries. Our analysis will be directed towards understanding the diverse interpretive approaches applied to these themes.Item Restricted BIBL1405B: Book of Leviticus(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Rabinovich, Deena S.Course goal: To understand the importance of Sefer Vayikra and how it helps to define our relationship with God. To learn how we can apply its teachings in a world without a mishkan or mikdash. Course objectives: The student will be able to define the concept of kedusha and show how it applies in the areas of time, place and people. The student will be to explain how kedusha reflects our relationship with God who is the ultimate of holiness.Item Restricted BIBL1312: BOOK OF EXODUS(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Levine, Michelle J.GOAL 1: This course aims to provide an in-depth study of selected topics, themes, and personalities in the Book of Exodus by applying the literary and linguistic tools of a peshat method of interpretation and by studying the viewpoints of rabbinic, medieval, post-medieval, and modern exegesis Objective 1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the predominant topics of the Book of Exodus, and they will develop broad portraitures of the key figures who are presented in this biblical text. Objective 2: Students will be able to reflect critically on key theological, halakhic, and philosophical issues that form the basis for an understanding of the Book of Exodus. GOAL 2: Students will apply the analytical skills gained in this course through independent study of selected topics within the Book of Exodus. Objective 1: Students will be allotted class time for chavruta study to prepare primary sources independently for discussion during the lecture. Objective 2: Students will complete two self-study written assignments, with guided questions, which will serve as an assessment in lieu of a midterm examItem Restricted BIBL1311L: Topics: God & Man in the Torah(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Schwartz, AllenWe will become familiar with tort law, family law, transactions, and partnerships in our comparisons with cuneiform law. We will analyze apodictic and casuistic law, and we will compare texts of Exodus and Deuteronomy. We will become familiar with a list of ancient, medieval, and modern materials in assessing Biblical sources.Item Restricted BIBL1305: The Book of Exodus(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Reinitz, Sara EnnaObjectives: Study selected topics in Exodus with close attention to biblical commentaries (and their hermeneutical disputes) and other selected Jewish texts in order to understand the lessons.Item Restricted BIBL1304E: Book of Exodus II(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Kelman, AtaraIn Book of Exodus II we will study the book of Shemot starting from the 11th chapter and cover the experiences of the Israelites from slavery to freedom. We will cover topics including the plague of the firstborn, the Exodus and the splitting of the sea, the revelation and laws given at Sinai, as well as the building of the Mishkan. In the course of our studies, we will address questions such as: - What does it mean to become a nation? - What are the responsibilities of freedom? - In what ways did the relationships between the Israelites, God, and Moshe develop through the course of this book? In addition to these content areas, we will focus on textual skills including reading and translating verses and selections from Rashi, identifying key words in Rashi, and focusing on the motivation for the comments on the commentaries. Students will read and translate verses and selections from Rashi and will think critically about the relationship between the texts we study. Students will know some biographical knowledge about the commentators.Item Restricted BIBL1212: Women in Genesis(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Levine, Michelle J.Objective 1: Students will investigate the dynamics of the narratives in which women play a key role in the Genesis stories by analyzing the biblical text with the literary and philological tools of the peshat method of interpretation, as well as with the commentaries of midrash, medieval, and modern exegetes. Objective 2: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which the feminine personae of ספר בראשית shape the unique character of the nation of Israel as well as other related nations. GOAL 2: This course will aim to develop comprehensive character portraits for each of the women studied in .ספר בראשית Objective 1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and multidimensionality of these female personalities. Objective 2: Students will be trained to investigate how to recreate these amalgamated portraits through a close examination of the direct and indirect character indicators presented in the biblical text. Objective 3: Students will reflect critically on the ways in which biblical commentators perceive the personalities of the female figures in ספר בראשית , and how and why they sometimes diverge in their evaluations of their actions and behaviors. GOAL 3: Students will apply the analytical skills gained in this course to independent study of selected topics within .ספר בראשית Objective 1: Students will complete one self-study written assignment that will analyze a selected biblical narrative unit.Item Restricted BIBL1085H: Kabbalistic vs Philosophical Bible Interpretation(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Cohen, MordechaiWhat are the fundamental concepts of Jewish faith? How are they derived from Tanakh? This course will explore the views of the key rishonim: Rabbenu Saadia Gaon, Rav Yehudah ha-Levi, Rambam, and Ramban on • shekhinah & mikdash • Eretz Yisrael • kedushah of the Hebrew language • nature, miracles, and hashgahah peratit (divine providence) • ta‘amei ha-mitzvot (rationale for the commandments)Item Restricted BIBL1083C: Topics in Rashi(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Shmalo, MahnazThis is a skills based course that will hone the student’s ability to analyze a biblical text through the eyes of its foremost commentator----Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki ( Rashi). Students will become acquainted with the style and methodology of Rashi and his use of midrash. Students will learn to anticipate Rashi’s question and to categorize different types of Rashi commentaries. Students will be introduced to some of Rashi’s super commentaries.Item Restricted BIBL1081L: Ambiguities in Tanach(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Price, NechamaCOURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will visit different types of ambiguities in Tanach. For each type, we will discuss methods of resolution. 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 ambiguities found in Tanach not covered in this course.Item Restricted BIBL2355D: Book of Kings(2021-09) Mermelstein, AriThe author of Sefer Melakhim narrates historical events ranging over hundreds of years, but his approach to writing history differs from that of modern historians. Perhaps the most obvious distinction between their historiographical methodologies relates to their respective views on causality, with the author of Melakhim reserving a distinctive place for divine intervention in history. Our discussions of the text will focus on the manner in which religious ideology affected the way that the author of our book writes history and on the literary techniques that he uses to embed that ideology in his work. Our effort to understand the historical method of the author of Melakhim will also lead us to look at other literature, both in Tanakh (primarily in the books of Shemuel and Divrei ha-Yamim) as well as in the literature of Israel’s ancient near eastern neighbors.