Judaic Studies
SCRIPTURAL EXEGESIS AND LANGUAGES (TANACH)
Advanced Textual Analysis of Deuteronomy
Major topics: Jewish creed declarations and their philosophical implications, the Decalogue, charity, Biblical poetry and Moses’ farewell oration.
Advanced Textual Analysis of Exodus
Major topics: Enslavement and Redemption, Revelation, the Tabernacle and laws of the festivals.
Biblical Themes
Major topics: Selected ethical, moral and theological themes from the Books of Genesis and Exodus.
Advanced Textual Analysis of Leviticus
Major topics: Role and deeper rationale for sacrifices, concepts in the kashrut (dietary laws) structure, business and social behaviour, and the unique priestly code.
Daniel: The Man, His Message and His Times I
Daniel: The Man, His Message and His Times II
Major topics: Literary structure, language and history of the Book of Daniel, structures of history, apocalyptic revelations and their interpretations, Redemption, theodicy and eschatology.
Esther: The Persian Era
Major topics: Historical era of the Persian Empire and its worldwide expansion. Using the Book of Esther, focus is on the underlying homiletic interpretation of the themes within this Book, and the significant theological implications applicable to contemporary society.
Jeremiah: Prophecy in the Face of Destruction
Major topics: Historical and geopolitical context, Jeremiah’s biography, false prophecy, symbolic prophecy, consolation, eschatology and universalism.
Joshua: Bringing the Nation to its Homeland
Major topics: Conquest of the Land of Israel, division of land, tribal boundaries, the charge to Joshua, and review of the laws governing cities of refuge.
Ruth
Major topics: Insights into the period preceding the birth of King David, laws of conversion, laws of Levirate marriage, and contemporary relevance of the themes within the Book of Ruth, such as internal religious disagreement, community standards, and the acceptance of the convert into the mainstream community.
Samuel: Man, Prophet and King Maker
Major topics: Narrative of Samuel I and II, personalities of Samuel, Saul, David and other Biblical figures, moral and religious teachings implicit in the Biblical text.
PHILOSOPHY
These courses can be used to satisfy the free electives of any degree structure. They may also be used to fulfill the specialization in Judaic Studies as part of the Bachelor of Judaic Studies.
Advanced Jewish Philosophy and Ethics
Major topics covered in the course are: the ideas of R. Judah Loew of Prague vis-à-vis judicial integrity; the learning process; political leadership; definition of virtue; and a wide selection of ethical and philosophical ideas.
Approaching the Divine: Foundations of Jewish Prayer
Major topics covered in the course are: examinations of the texts of prayers; the setting of prayer; preparation for prayer; intention and devotion during prayer; and the silent prayer (Shemonah Esreh) – its components, themes, laws, and explanations of those items.
Concepts in Jewish Education
Major topics covered in the course are: attitudes towards Jewish education; and educational philosophy as reflected in the following periods – Talmudic, Eastern Europe in the 16th century, 18th century Chassidic ideology; mitnagdic thought, and 19th century Western Europe.
Ethics as a Guide to Life
Major topics covered in the course are: charity; altruism and selfishness; humility; asceticism; spirituality; judicial ethics; theodicy and eschatology.
Fundamentals of Faith
This course examines the arguments for the belief in G-d and for the Divine origin of Torah.
Introduction to Jewish Philosophy
Major topics covered in the course are: free will; Divine Providence; eschatology; philosophy of Mitzvoth; faith and reason; and prophecy and existence of G-d.
Jewish Philosophy: Interpersonal Relationships
This course examines issues of hatred, reproof, revenge, cynical and deceptive abuse, friendship, greed, and charity.
Serving With Joy: A Guide to Chassidic Thought
Major topics covered in the course are: worship; prayer; Torah study; ritual performance; the righteous master; and conceptions of G-d.
Studies in Luzatto: The Moral-Ethical Paradigm
Major topics covered in the course are: the moral values of vigilance; diligence; cleanliness; self-denial; purification; humility; fear of sin; and holiness.
Studies in Maharal: The Theocratic Method
Major topics covered in the course a reflection of the specific text which will be studied comprehensively.
Survey of Jewish Philosophy
Major topics covered in the course are: the approach of various schools of Jewish thought and their biblical/rabbinic roots; Maimonidean rationalism; Safed pietism; East European mystical-rationalism; Lurianic mysticism; and Chassidic thought.