IMPORTANT! After opening this page, refresh your browser to see where the arrow is!

Required Texts:

TaNaKH, Jewish Publication Society translation of the Hebrew Bible (or another accurate translation)
Alexander, P. Textual Sources for the Study of Judaism
Donin, H. H. To Be A Jew
de Lange, N. An Introduction to Judaism, 2nd. ed. Note the very useful Glossary, pp. 223-234.
Steinsaltz, A. The Essential Talmud - Thirteenth Anniversary Ediition

The Jewish Encyclopedia is now on-line! Finished in 1906 (in 12 volumes) it remains a classic reference resource. Even though it has now been replaced by the more recent Encylopaedia Judaica (1971), the JE is still a very important tool for all students of Jewish culture, religion, and history.

INTRODUCTION

Sept. 6: a. Introduction: Who/What is a Jew/Judaism?
b. Jewish History: 3,500 years in 200 minutes
(To be read after opening lecture:)
1. Donin: 7-27
2. de Lange, chapter 1 - 2nd ed.:1-23 (1st ed.: 1-25)

Sept. 8, 13 & 15: Jewish History: 3,500 years in 200 minutes (continued)
1. Joshua, chapter 1
2. Book of Lamentations (entire)
3. de Lange, chapter 2 - 2nd ed.: 24-42 (1st ed. 26-44)

UNIT I. The Two Torahs, Written and Oral

Sept. 20 & 22:
1. Exodus, chapters 19-20
2. II Kings, chapters 22-23
3. Nehemiah 8-10:1

Sept. 27
1. de Lange, chapter 3 - 2nd ed.:43-64 (1st. ed.: 45-66)

Oct. 4 & 6
1. Steinsaltz: 3-140; 257-303
2. Alexander: 1-6; 57-68; 9-16; 78-95

UNIT II. God
Oct. 18
1. Genesis, chapters 1-2
2. Exodus 3:1-4:17, chapters 32-34
3. Ezekiel, chapters 1-3

Oct. 25
1. Alexander: 20-33; 105-132

Oct. 27
1. Alexander: 33-44; 132-155
2. de Lange, chapters 4 & 7 - 2nd ed.: 65-80; 150-181 (1st ed.: 67-83; 155-186)

Nov. 3 & 8
1. de Lange, part of chapter 6 - 2nd ed.: 115-136 (1st ed.: 119-141)
2. Psalms 145-150
3. Steinsaltz: 247-253
4. Alexander: 6-9;68-78; 16-20, 95-105
5. Donin: 142-206

UNIT III. The Life Cycle
A. Sabbath
Nov. 10 & Nov. 15
1. Exodus 20:8-11; 31:1-17
2. Steinsaltz:148-154
3. Donin: 28-38; 61-96

B. Sacred History and the Festival Cycle
Nov. 17 & 22
1. Exodus, chapters 1-20
2. Leviticus, chapters 22-23
3. Steinsaltz:155-167
4. de Lange, part of chapter 5 & part of chapter 6 - 2nd ed.: 81-104; 136-142 (1st ed.: 84-107; 141-147)
5. Donin: 208-267

C. From Womb to Tomb
Nov. 29 & Dec. 1 & Dec. 6
1. de Lange, part of chapter 5 & part of chapter 6 - 2nd ed.: 104-114; 142-149 (1st ed.: 107-118; 147-154)
2. Donin: 270-310
3. Steinsaltz:168-175; 236-246
4. Pirqey Avot 5:20-21

Dec. 8
1. Donin: 97-141
2. Steinsaltz:176-183; 212-235
3. de Lange, chapters 8 & 9 - 2nd ed.: 182-222 (1st ed.: 187-225)