Rabbinic Judaism: Literature and Beliefs (3 cr)
Jason Mokhtarian
JSTU-J 320 (31910) / REL-A 318 (30836)
MW 2:30-3:45 (PY 115)
CASE A&H, CASE GCC; IW
The Jewish sages of late antiquity known as rabbis were masters of the Bible who, between 100 and 500AD, produced a complex set of laws and narratives known today as rabbinic literature. What did these rabbis believe? And how did they interpret the Bible? In seeking answers to these and other questions, this course introduces students to the literature and beliefs of rabbis who not only reimagined Judaism in Persian exile, but who also witnessed the rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire. Over the course of the semester, we will examine key themes in rabbinic Judaism, such as God’s covenant, good and evil, the election of Israel, redemption, revelation, and the existence of demons and angels.
