Survey Course on the Medieval Period of Jewish History- Wednesday evenings online via Zoom

Program: Hebrew College Me’ah Select
Instructor: Dr. Shari Lowin (Read Bio)
Dates: 11 Wednesdays, FALL 2023: 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20 & 1/3
Time: 7:15 -9:15 p.m.
Cost: $360, financial aid is available
Location: Zoom
Hosted by: Hebrew College

Study the Jewish mindset and the contours of medieval Jewish civilizations under Islam and Christianity during the Middle Ages (600 to 1700 CE). Jewish life during the Middle Ages (about the seventh century through the 17th century), built upon earlier rabbinic foundations, made manifest in form and content what the rabbis of the Talmud had only begun: the construction of a rabbinic Jewish civilization, with distinctive approaches to community life, behavioral norms, and beliefs and values. As a result, Jewish culture and its genres expanded dramatically in several areas: philosophy, mysticism, liturgy and commentaries on the Bible and Talmudic texts. Readings and discussions focus on Jewish encounters with non-Jews, including the rise and fall of Jewish life in Spain and Eastern Europe. You will examine the modes of community that Jews constructed in the shifting diaspora, as well as the expansion of Jewish thought in the areas of philosophy, mysticism, liturgy, and Biblical and Talmudic commentaries.

NOTE: This course is part of our Me’ah Classic program that we are opening to all who wish to learn about Medieval Jewry. We hope you will enjoy taking this course and then register for the other sections of Me’ah Classic.

For more information, contact meah@hebrewcollege.edu