Peshuto shel Mikra: the Relationship of the Oral and Written Torah from the Jewish Enlightenment to Today

Peshuto shel Mikra: the Relationship of the Oral and Written Torah from the Jewish Enlightenment to Today

Program: Hebrew College Me’ah Select
Instructor: Rabbi Benjamin Samuels, PhD  (Read Bio)
Dates: 5 Tuesdays, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/18 & 7/25
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $190, generous financial aid is available
Location: Zoom
Hosted by: Hebrew College

Peshat exegesis refers to the contextual literary reading of the Torah. Derash refers to layers of meaning derived through the interpretive rules and methods of rabbinic commentators. Together, peshat and derash conjoin the written and oral Jewish traditions of Torah. However, there has long been a tension between the two. As the modern era ushered in new approaches that separated peshat from derash, there were counter efforts to produce commentaries showing that they were inseparable.

In this course, we will study modern representations of peshat interpretation, and peshat and derash unitive commentaries, from the Jewish Enlightenment of the 18th Century until today. We will also delve into the controversy presently swirling around the legitimacy of peshuto shel mikra in religious bible study today.

Hebrew College Me’ah Select courses offer in-depth academically oriented adult learning experiences led by outstanding faculty.