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
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 Even though it has now been replaced by the more recent Encylopaedia Judaica (1971), the JE is still a very important tool for all students of Jewish culture, religion, and history.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. 8 — a. Introduction: Who/What is a Jew/Judaism?
b. Jewish History — 3,500 years in 180 minutes
(To be read after opening lecture:)
1. Donin: 7-27
2. de Lange: 1-25

Sept. 10 & 15 — Jewish History — 3,500 years in 180 minutes (continued)
1. Joshua, chapter 1
2. Book of Lamentations (entire)
3. de Lange: 26-44

UNIT I. The Two Torahs, Written and Oral

Sept. 17 & 22
1. Exodus, chapters 19-20
2. Book of Deuteronomy (entire)
3. II Kings, chapters 22-23
4. Nehemiah 8-10:1

Sept. 24
1. de Lange: 45-66

Sept. 29
Guest Lecturer, Professor Guy Stroumsa, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem & Oxford University

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

UNIT II. God
Oct. 6
1. Genesis, chapters 1-2
2. Exodus 3:1-4:17, chapters 32-34
3. Ezekiel, chapters 1-3

Oct. 8
1. Alexander: 20-33; 105-132

Oct. 15
1. Alexander: 33-44; 132-155
2. de Lange: 67-83; 155-186

Oct. 20 & 22
1. de Lange: 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
Oct. 29 & Nov. 3
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. 5 & 10 & 12
1. Exodus, chapters 1-20
2. Leviticus, chapters 22-23
3. Steinsaltz:155-167
4. de Lange: 84-107; 141-147
5. Donin: 208-267

C. From Womb to Tomb
Nov. 17 & 19 & 24
1. de Lange: 107-118; 147-154
2. Donin: 270-310
3. Steinsaltz:168-175; 236-246
4. Pirqey Avot 5:20-21

D. Purity
Dec. 1 & 3
1. Donin: 97-120
2. Steinsaltz:212-235
3. de Lange: 187-212

E. Women
Dec. 8 & 10
1. Donin: 121-141
2. Steinsaltz:176-183
3. de Lange: 213-225