BIBL1505L: Book of Numbers - Fall 2021

Date

2021-09

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

YU Faculty Profile

Abstract

This course will focus on the in-depth analysis of various topics throughout the Book of Bamidbar using an array of commentaries from ancient to modern times. 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. Analysis will include an introduction to commentaries, with a primary emphasis on Rashi and Ramban. Topics that will be studied over the course of the year will include but not be limited to:

  1. An introduction to the Sefer
  2. The census and set up of the camp in the desert
  3. The laws of the nazir
  4. The Birchat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing)
  5. The murmurings of Bnei Yisrael
  6. Moshe’s frustrations and plea for help
  7. The story of Eldad and Medad and Moshe’s reaction
  8. Miriam and Aharon’s lashon hara against Moshe
  9. The story of the twelve spies
  10. The laws of tzitzit
  11. Korach’s rebellion
  12. The laws of the red heifer (para adumah)
  13. Moshe’s sin – hitting the rock – and subsequent punishment
  14. Balaam – prophet or sorcerer

Description

SCW syllabus / YU only

Keywords

Citation

Schechter, Shoshana. (2021, Fall), Syllabus, BIBL1505L: Book of Numbers, Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University.