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Shaye Cohen
and
Matthew Hass
For over two millennia, Jews throughout the entire world have been committed to reading, interpreting, and living their scriptures. But what are the Jewish scriptures? When were they written? And why are they relevant in the 21st century?
Read more
For over two millennia, Jews throughout the entire world have been committed to reading, interpreting, and living their scriptures. But what are the Jewish scriptures? When were they written? And why are they relevant in the 21st century?
Read more
For over two millennia, Jews throughout the entire world have been committed to reading, interpreting, and living their scriptures. But what are the Jewish scriptures? When were they written? And why are they relevant in the 21st century?
This religion course introduces students to the diversity of the ever-expanding Jewish canon and the equally diverse ways of reading it. It will examine how Jews, ancient and modern, drew inspiration and guidance from the traditional texts while simultaneously reinterpreting their contents in light of new circumstances. The religion we call “Judaism” emerges at the nexus of text, interpretation, and lived tradition.
Whether you are a long-time student of the Jewish scriptures or a complete newcomer, this course will give you a new understanding of the fascinating roles that sacred texts have played in the rich history of Judaism.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5c8whk/judaism
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- The diversity of jews and judaism
- Key facts about the primary texts of the jewish canon
- The role that scripture has played and continues to play in the lives of jews
- Why the sacred texts of judaism continue to matter in the 21st century
- The diversity of jews and judaism
- Key facts about the primary texts of the jewish canon
- The role that scripture has played and continues to play in the lives of jews
- Why the sacred texts of judaism continue to matter in the 21st century
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Jewish canon, granting a deeper understanding of Jewish history and practice
Taught by renowned scholars in the field, Shaye Cohen and Matthew Hass, ensuring the course is informed by the latest research and insights
Examines the relevance of Jewish scriptures in the contemporary world, making the course applicable to modern-day life
Suitable for both beginners and those with prior knowledge, offering accessible learning for a wide audience
May require additional research and reading beyond the course materials for a more comprehensive understanding
Save this course
Save Judaism Through Its Scriptures to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Biblically expansive judaism study
According to students, this course is a great way to expand their Judaism knowledge through its scriptures. Students enjoyed the course and found it worthwhile
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Judaism Through Its Scriptures with these
activities:
1. Review the Hebrew Bible in English
Show steps
Since we will be discussing multiple books of the Hebrew Bible, it can be helpful to review the stories in translation before the course.
Browse courses on
Hebrew Bible
Show steps
-
Install a Bible app on your phone.
-
Read the following books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy.
6. Watch Videos on Jewish History and Culture
Show steps
This will help you to understand the context of the Jewish texts that we will be studying.
Browse courses on
Jewish History
Show steps
-
Visit the YouTube channel of the Jewish Museum.
-
Watch videos on topics such as Jewish history, Jewish culture, and the Hebrew Bible.
4. Review "The Jewish Study Bible"
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Hebrew Bible and will be a valuable resource throughout the course.
Show steps
-
Purchase a copy of "The Jewish Study Bible".
-
Read the introduction and the notes on the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
2. Practice Identifying Different Types of Jewish Texts
Show steps
The Jewish canon is vast and diverse, and this course will introduce you to a variety of genres of Jewish texts.
Show steps
-
Visit the Jewish Virtual Library website and explore the different sections of the Jewish canon.
-
Take a quiz on different types of Jewish texts.
5. Join a Study Group
Show steps
Studying with others can help you to learn the material more deeply.
Show steps
-
Find a study partner or group.
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
3. Write a Blog Post on a Jewish Text
Show steps
One of the best ways to learn about a text is to write about it.
Show steps
-
Choose a Jewish text that you are interested in.
-
Read the text carefully and take notes.
-
Write a blog post about the text, discussing its main themes, characters, and significance.
1. Review the Hebrew Bible in English
Show steps
Since we will be discussing multiple books of the Hebrew Bible, it can be helpful to review the stories in translation before the course.
Browse courses on
Hebrew Bible
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Install a Bible app on your phone.
- Read the following books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy.
6. Watch Videos on Jewish History and Culture
Show steps
This will help you to understand the context of the Jewish texts that we will be studying.
Browse courses on
Jewish History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the YouTube channel of the Jewish Museum.
- Watch videos on topics such as Jewish history, Jewish culture, and the Hebrew Bible.
4. Review "The Jewish Study Bible"
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Hebrew Bible and will be a valuable resource throughout the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase a copy of "The Jewish Study Bible".
- Read the introduction and the notes on the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
2. Practice Identifying Different Types of Jewish Texts
Show steps
The Jewish canon is vast and diverse, and this course will introduce you to a variety of genres of Jewish texts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Jewish Virtual Library website and explore the different sections of the Jewish canon.
- Take a quiz on different types of Jewish texts.
5. Join a Study Group
Show steps
Studying with others can help you to learn the material more deeply.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study partner or group.
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
3. Write a Blog Post on a Jewish Text
Show steps
One of the best ways to learn about a text is to write about it.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Jewish text that you are interested in.
- Read the text carefully and take notes.
- Write a blog post about the text, discussing its main themes, characters, and significance.
Career center
Learners who complete Judaism Through Its Scriptures will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Rabbi
Rabbi
As a Rabbi, you will provide religious guidance and leadership to a Jewish community. You will lead services, teach classes, and counsel individuals and families. This course will give you a strong foundation in the Jewish scriptures, which are essential for your work as a Rabbi. The course will also help you develop your skills in public speaking, counseling, and conflict resolution.
Professor
Professor
As a Professor, you will educate students in Jewish studies. Classes will be based on your area of expertise, which could include Jewish history, theology, or literature. This course can provide you with a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will be essential for your research and teaching. The course will also help you develop your skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication.
Hazzan
Hazzan
As a Hazzan, you will lead musical services in a synagogue. You will select and arrange music, and work with a choir and instrumentalists. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you choose music that is appropriate for different occasions. The course will also help you develop your skills in music theory, conducting, and vocal performance.
Jewish Educator
Jewish Educator
As a Jewish Educator, you will teach Jewish studies to students of all ages. You will develop and implement lesson plans, and work with students in a variety of settings. This course will give you a strong foundation in the Jewish scriptures, which are essential for your work as a Jewish Educator. The course will also help you develop your skills in curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction.
Museum curator
Museum curator
As a Museum Curator, you will oversee the collection and display of artifacts in a museum. You will work with scholars and other professionals to develop exhibits and educational programs. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you curate exhibits on Jewish history and culture. The course will also help you develop your skills in museum management, exhibit design, and public programming.
Archivist
Archivist
As an Archivist, you will manage and preserve historical documents and artifacts. You will work with researchers and other professionals to make these materials accessible to the public. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you identify and catalog Jewish materials. The course will also help you develop your skills in archival research, preservation, and outreach.
Librarian
Librarian
As a Librarian, you will help people find and access information. You will work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you assist patrons with research on Jewish topics. The course will also help you develop your skills in information retrieval, reference services, and collection development.
Writer
Writer
As a Writer, you will create written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, non-fiction, and marketing. You will work for a variety of clients, including publishers, magazines, and businesses. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you write about Jewish topics with accuracy and sensitivity. The course will also help you develop your skills in storytelling, character development, and plot.
Journalist
Journalist
As a Journalist, you will research and write news stories, articles, and other content. You will work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you write about Jewish topics with accuracy and sensitivity. The course will also help you develop your skills in research, writing, and editing.
Translator
Translator
As a Translator, you will translate written content from one language to another. You will work for a variety of clients, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you translate Jewish texts with accuracy and sensitivity. The course will also help you develop your skills in language proficiency, cultural awareness, and research.
Editor
Editor
As an Editor, you will review and edit written content. You will work for a variety of publishers, including book publishers, magazines, and websites. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you edit Jewish texts with accuracy and sensitivity. The course will also help you develop your skills in grammar, punctuation, and style.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
As an Anthropologist, you will study human societies and cultures. You will work for a variety of institutions, including universities, museums, and government agencies. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you understand Jewish culture and society. The course will also help you develop your skills in research, observation, and analysis.
Historian
Historian
As a Historian, you will research and write about the past. You will work for a variety of institutions, including universities, museums, and historical societies. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you research and write about Jewish history. The course will also help you develop your skills in research, writing, and analysis.
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
As an Archaeologist, you will study past human societies through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and sites. You will work for a variety of institutions, including universities, museums, and government agencies. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will help you understand the material culture of ancient Israel. The course will also help you develop your skills in excavation, analysis, and interpretation.
Religious Studies Scholar
Religious Studies Scholar
As a Religious Studies Scholar, you will research and teach about religion. You will work for a variety of institutions, including universities, seminaries, and research centers. This course will give you a deep understanding of the Jewish scriptures, which will be essential for your research and teaching. The course will also help you develop your skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5c8whk/judaism
Reading list
We've selected 44 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Judaism Through Its Scriptures.
This one-volume resource provides the complete Hebrew text of the Tanakh (the Jewish Bible) alongside a clear and accessible English translation. It also includes extensive notes, essays, and commentary from leading scholars.
Save
Comprehensive overview of Jewish studies, covering a wide range of topics from history to literature to religion. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Judaism.
This single-volume resource provides the complete text of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) in a new English translation, along with introductions, notes, and essays written by leading scholars in the field.
Comprehensive encyclopedia of Judaism, covering a wide range of topics from history to literature to religion. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Judaism.
This new translation of the Hebrew Bible, with commentary by one of the world's leading Bible scholars, provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the text.
This companion volume provides a comprehensive overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism.
This companion volume provides a comprehensive overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism.
Save
This online resource provides a wealth of information on all aspects of Judaism.
Save
This online resource provides a wealth of information on all aspects of Judaism.
This classic commentary on the Torah provides a clear and concise explanation of the text, along with insights from both traditional and modern sources.
Multi-volume history of Judaism, covering the period from the Second Temple period to the present day. It valuable resource for students and scholars of Jewish history.
Save
Collection of rabbinic teachings from the first two centuries CE. It valuable resource for understanding the development of Jewish law and tradition.
This classic commentary on the Torah provides a clear and concise explanation of the text, along with insights from both traditional and modern sources.
Comprehensive code of Jewish law written in the 16th century. It valuable resource for understanding the development of Jewish law and tradition.
Comprehensive code of Jewish law written by Moses Maimonides in the 12th century. It valuable resource for understanding the development of Jewish law and tradition.
This comprehensive guide to the Talmud provides an overview of the text, its structure, and its major teachings.
Collection of mystical texts from the 13th century. It valuable resource for understanding the development of Jewish mysticism.
This new translation of the Mishnah, the foundational text of rabbinic Judaism, provides a clear and accessible introduction to this important work.
Philosophical work written in the 12th century that attempts to reconcile faith and reason. It valuable resource for understanding the development of Jewish thought.
Save
Collection of mystical texts written in the 16th century. It valuable resource for understanding the development of Jewish mysticism.
Collection of Hasidic teachings written in the 18th century. It valuable resource for understanding the development of Hasidic Judaism.
This anthology of Talmudic texts provides a comprehensive overview of the major themes and teachings of the Talmud.
Save
This three-volume commentary provides a comprehensive overview of the prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible. It valuable resource for students who want to understand the prophets in their original context.
Save
This two-volume commentary provides a comprehensive overview of the Writings of the Hebrew Bible. It valuable resource for students who want to understand the Writings in their original context.
This translation of the Bible into Aramaic provides the complete text of the Bible in its original language. It valuable resource for students who want to read the Bible in its original language.
Provides a critical introduction to the Targums, the Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the Targums.
Save
Provides a critical introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls, the ancient Jewish manuscripts that were found in the Qumran Caves. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the Dead Sea Scrolls.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of Judaism, from its origins to the present day. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism.
This one-volume history of Judaism provides a comprehensive overview of the development of Judaism from its origins to the present day. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history of Judaism.
Save
This journal publishes scholarly articles on all aspects of Judaism. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research on Judaism.
This journal publishes scholarly articles on all aspects of Judaism. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the latest research on Judaism.
This critical edition of the Hebrew Bible provides the complete text of the Hebrew Bible with notes and commentary. It valuable resource for students who want to read the Hebrew Bible in its original language.
This translation of the Old Testament into Greek provides the complete text of the Old Testament in its original language. It valuable resource for students who want to read the Old Testament in its original language.
Save
This new translation of the Zohar, the central text of Jewish mysticism, provides an accessible introduction to this complex and fascinating work.
Save
This new translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of ancient Jewish texts, provides an accessible introduction to these important texts.
This new translation of the Mishnah, the foundational text of Rabbinic Judaism, provides a clear and accessible introduction to this important work.
Save
This new translation of the Zohar, the central text of Jewish mysticism, provides a comprehensive overview of this complex and fascinating work.
This comprehensive guide to Judaism provides an overview of the religion's history, beliefs, and practices.
Save
This popular history of the Jewish people provides a comprehensive overview of the Jewish experience from ancient times to the present day.
This new translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls provides a comprehensive overview of these important texts.
Save
This classic work provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Judaism from ancient times to the present day.
This introduction to Jewish thought provides a comprehensive overview of the major themes and thinkers in Jewish history.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides a wealth of information on all aspects of Judaism.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5c8whk/judaism
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Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructors
Shaye Cohen
Matthew Hass
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
World Religions Through Their Scriptures. It's comprised of seven courses:
Good to know
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Jewish canon, granting a deeper understanding of Jewish history and practice
Taught by renowned scholars in the field, Shaye Cohen and Matthew Hass, ensuring the course is informed by the latest research and insights
Examines the relevance of Jewish scriptures in the contemporary world, making the course applicable to modern-day life
Suitable for both beginners and those with prior knowledge, offering accessible learning for a wide audience
May require additional research and reading beyond the course materials for a more comprehensive understanding
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