NES 2644

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - May 19, 2024 7:32PM EDT
  • Course Catalog - May 19, 2024 7:07PM EDT

NES 2644
Introduction to Judaism

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

This course is an introduction to Jewish identities, values, and practices from the ancient to modern era. Organized thematically, it examines Judaism as a religious phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on its cultural and textual diversity across three millennia. Themes covered include creation, Sabbath, prayer, Jerusalem, pious customs, magic, reincarnation, revelation, among others. Throughout the semester students perform close readings of a wide selection of Jewish texts from the Bible, Talmud, kabbalah (mysticism), philosophy, liturgy, and modern Jewish thought. In what ways are these various traditions of Judaism interrelated and/or in tension with one another? In the face of the Jewish history's tremendous diversity, what is it that has unified Judaism and the Jewish people over the centuries? By exploring these types of questions, this course examines the appropriateness of defining Judaism as a religion, an ethnicity, a civilization, and/or a culture. Readings include introductory-level textbooks and essays, as well as a range of primary source materials in translation.

When Offered Spring, Summer.

Breadth Requirement (GHB)
Distribution Category (ALC-AS, HA-AS, HST-AS)
Course Attribute (CU-ITL)

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: JWST 2644, RELST 2644

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5901 NES 2644   LEC 001

  •  
    • MW Statler Hall 198
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Litvak, O

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    This course is an introduction to Jewish identities, values, and practices from the ancient to modern era. Organized thematically, it examines Judaism as a religious phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on its cultural and textual diversity across three millennia. Themes covered include creation, Sabbath, prayer, Jerusalem, pious customs, magic, reincarnation, revelation, among others. Throughout the semester students perform close readings of a wide selection of Jewish texts from the Bible, Talmud, kabbalah (mysticism), philosophy, liturgy, and modern Jewish thought. In what ways are these various traditions of Judaism interrelated and/or in tension with one another? In the face of the Jewish history's tremendous diversity, what is it that has unified Judaism and the Jewish people over the centuries? By exploring these types of questions, this course examines the appropriateness of defining Judaism as a religion, an ethnicity, a civilization, and/or a culture. Readings include introductory-level textbooks and essays, as well as a range of primary source materials in translation.