JHIS 1344: Jewish Exegetical Polemics

Abstract

¶This course explores the strategies Jews employed in response to Christian interpretations of Tanakh. The course traces the conflict between the two religions from its beginnings until modern times, concentrating specifically on approaches to biblical interpretation. ¶Some of the questions to be answered are: Why does/did Tanakh interest Christians? In what fundamental ways do the assumptions of Jewish and Christian interpreters of Tanakh differ? Why do/did Christians usually care more about Jewish interpretation of Tanakh than Jews care/d about Christian interpretation of Tanakh? How did Jews respond to Christian interpretations? What changes took place in Jewish-Christian arguments over the centuries? ¶Students will deepen their own approaches to Tanakh, while at the same time they will develop a sophisticated understanding of the use of perushim and other media to respond to alternative interpretations. Students are encouraged to consider the PRIMARY TEXTS before class, which will enhance their understanding of the material and facilitate classroom discussions. At all times, we will attempt to keep the discourse open, critical, and respectful. All articles on the syllabus and translations of many course materials are available through the library’s electronic reserve system. No prior knowledge of the subject matter is assumed. If you do not use your ymail address, please forward your Canvas mail to an e-mail address that you check regularly. ¶N.B. This course is similar to (but not exactly the same as) the course previously taught as BIBL1165. Materials labelled with that course number may be used interchangeably for this course.