REL 3100 - JUDAISM Fall 2015

REL 3100: Judaism

Fall 2015 ~ September 10 to December 17
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 2:20 to 4:00 pm ~ Lentz Hall 344

Instructor: Dr. Susan Ramsey
Office: Lentz Hall 224H
Office Phone: 262-551-6156
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am 12:00 pm
For other times, email the instructor to arrange an appointment.
Email: sramsey@carthage.edu

Required Texts:

Introducing Judaism by Eliezer Segal, Routledge, 2009.

Aleph isn't Tough: An Introduction to Hebrew for Adults by Linda Motzkin/Hara E. Person
My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
Any modern version of the Bible (NRSV, NIV, etc.) - if you have a question about your
version, send me an email or ask me in class. [not ordered by the bookstore]

Optional Texts:
De Lange, Nicholas R. M. 2000. An introduction to Judaism. Cambridge [u.a.]: Cambridge Univ. Press.
(Carthage eBook) http://carthage.worldcat.org.carthage.idm.oclc.org/oclc/237365052

Berlin, Adele, Marc Zvi Brettler, and Michael A. Fishbane. 2004. The Jewish Study Bible: Jewish Publication
Society Tanakh translation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. BS 895 J4 2004 (on reserve)
Levine, Amy-Jill, and Marc Zvi Brettler. 2011. The Jewish Annotated New Testament New Revised Standard
Version Bible translation. New York: Oxford University Press. (eBook) http://carthage.worldcat.org/oclc/808609751
Glazer, Nathan. 1957. American Judaism. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. (eBook)

http://carthage.worldcat.org.carthage.idm.oclc.org/oclc/239461

Course Description:
We will examine Judaism as a living tradition. This will include becoming familiar with the
history of Judaism, the classical texts, Jewish practices and rituals, and exploring some
contemporary expressions of Judaism within music, literature, and art. We will investigate
Judaism within the contemporary American context, including modern branches of
Judaism, and the major events and movements which have shaped the modern Jewish
identity such as the Holocaust, Zionism, and the creation of the State of Israel.

Student Learning Outcomes:
1) Students will identify key themes and theological ideas found in Judaism, and see
common threads in Christianity and Islam which build upon Judaism as a
foundation.
2) Students will cite specific steps in the development of Judaism as a tradition and
specific ways that historical events shape and mold tradition.
3) Through reading various types of texts, students will analyze and integrate
knowledge.
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4) Students will write with increased precision and will highlight central ideas in
written assignments.
5) Through the examination of the Jewish faith, students will develop an awareness of
their own faith traditions, beliefs, and practices.

Outside Requirements

Note: Assigned readings should be done in preparation for the session in which theyll be discussed.

assigned weekly textbook readings

assigned weekly biblical text(s) from the Bible
read My Name is Asher Lev (an assigned portion each week)
For each sessions readings, bring two discussion questions/comments to class
Visit a synagogue & write an essay about your visit (5 pages). Discuss the layout of
the synagogue, the prayer books and Chumash, the content of the service, as well as
a comparison to worship/prayer services in your tradition. Note which branch of
Judaism the synagogue belonged to and from class material, discuss how the service
reflected that branch of Judaism how does that branch differ from some of the
other main branches of Judaism. Due on 11/19.
Pick a Jewish film from list below (or if you come across other possibilities, ask me
about it before you proceed.) Write a five page essay including a brief summary of
the film, include interaction with class readings and lectures, and reflections on the
film. Due on 12/3.

In-Class Material
lecture
class discussion
watching clips from movies/documentaries related to Judaism
listening to music (e.g. Matisyahu, cantors)
looking at Jewish art (e.g. Marc Chagall)
learn Hebrew alphabet and some key words in the Jewish tradition in Hebrew
Five quizzes - multiple choice on the readings assigned for the week.
Two exams (multiple choice, short answer, and 1-2 brief essay questions.) The
midterm exam will cover weeks 1-7, while the final exam will cover weeks 8-15.

Grading
20% - Quizzes (five quizzes)
30% - Tests (two exams: midterm and final)
20% - Synagogue Visit Report
15% - Film Summary / Reflection
15% - Participation in Class Discussions & eLearning Forum

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COURSE SCHEDULE (Readings, Topics, Homework, Quizzes, Exams)

Thursday, 9/10/15
Introduction to Course, Review Syllabus, Review Textbooks
**Rosh Hashanah Sunset 9/14 to Sunset 9/15

Tuesday, 9/15/15
Topics: The Hebrew Scriptures
Readings: Introducing Judaism (Judaism) ch 1; Asher Lev (Asher) ch 1; Torah: Genesis 12-14
In Class: Aleph Isnt Enough (Aleph) Lesson One pp 5-6
Thursday, 9/17/15
Topics: Temple and Synagogue
Readings: Judaism ch 16; Asher Lev ch 2; Genesis 15-17
In Class: Aleph Lesson One pp 7-9
**Saturday, 9/19 Shabbat Shuva (Return)
Tuesday, 9/22/15
Topics: Daily Life
Readings: Judaism ch 17; Asher Lev ch 3; Leviticus 16 and 23
In Class: Aleph Lesson One pp 10-11
**Wednesday, 9/23 Yom Kippur
Thursday, 9/24/15
First Quiz
Topics: Second Temple Judaism
Readings: Judaism ch 2; Asher Lev ch 3; Genesis 18
In Class: Aleph Lesson Two pp 12-14
9/29 & 10/1 (No Class Instructor out of town)
Readings: Asher chs 4-5 (will discuss on 10/6 in class)
Tuesday, 10/6/15
Topics: Talmud and Midrash
Readings: Judaism ch 3; Asher chs 4-5; Jeremiah 7-8
In Class: Aleph Lesson Two pp 14-16
Thursday, 10/8/15
Second Quiz
Topics: Sacred Calendar
Readings: Judaism ch 18; Jeremiah 9-10
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In Class: Aleph Lesson Two pp 17-19

Tuesday, 10/13/15
Topics: Life Cycle Rituals
Readings: Judaism ch 19; Asher Lev ch 6; Jeremiah 11 and Lamentations 1-2
In Class: Aleph Lesson Three pp 20-22
Thursday, 10/15/15
Topics: Medieval Judaism and Regional Judaism
Readings: Judaism ch 4; Asher Lev ch 7; Lamentations 3-4
In Class: Aleph Lesson Three pp 22-25
Tuesday, 10/20/15
Review for Midterm
Topics: Monotheism
Readings: Judaism ch 8; Lamentations 5
In Class: Aleph Lesson Three pp 26-28
Thursday, 10/22/15
Midterm Exam
Tuesday, 10/27/15
Topics: Medieval Jewish Philosophy
Readings: Judaism ch 5; Asher Lev ch 8; Writings: Read five Psalms The following is a
suggestion (Psalms 34, 67, 92, 145, 147)
In Class: Aleph Lesson Four pp 29-31
Thursday, 10/29/15
Topics: Resurrection and Reincarnation
Readings: Judaism ch 11; Numbers 6; Deuteronomy 6
In Class: Aleph Lesson Four pp 31-34
Tuesday, 11/3/15
Topics: Jewish education
Readings: Judaism ch 15; Asher ch 9; Deuteronomy 11
In Class: Aleph Lesson Four pp 34-38
Thursday, 11/5/15
Third Quiz
Topics: Kabbalah and Hasidism
Readings: Judaism ch 6; 2 Samuel 7
In Class: Aleph Lesson Five pp 39-42

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Tuesday, 11/10/15
Topics: Mysticism
Readings: Judaism ch 12; Asher ch 10; Joshua 2
In Class: Aleph Lesson Five pp 42-45
Thursday, 11/12/15
Topics: Physical World and Jewish Spirituality
Readings: Judaism ch 9; Daniel 3 and 6
In Class: Aleph Lesson Five pp 46-49
Tuesday, 11/17/15
Topics: Modern Era
Readings: Judaism ch 7; Asher ch 11; Proverbs 9-10
In Class: Aleph Lesson Six pp 50-52
Thursday, 11/19/15
Fourth Quiz
Topics: Exegesis
Readings: Judaism ch 13; 2 Maccabees 6-7
In Class: Aleph Lesson Six pp 53-56
*Synagogue Visit Paper due* (can be turned in earlier if desired)
11/24 & 11/26 Thanksgiving Break: Read the Book of Esther
Tuesday, 12/1/15
Readings: Asher ch 12; Book of Esther (read over Thanksgiving Break)
In Class: Aleph Lesson Six pp 57-61
Thursday, 12/3/15
Topics: Justice and morality
Readings: Judaism ch 14; Exodus 19-20
In Class: Aleph Lesson Seven pp 62-64
*Jewish Film Reflection Due* (can be turned in earlier if desired)
**12/7-14 Hanukkah**
Tuesday, 12/8/15
Fifth Quiz
Topics: Theological view of Jewish history
Readings: Judaism ch 10; Asher ch 13; Summary of Tractate Avot
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Talmud/syn-avot.html
In Class: Aleph Lesson Seven pp 65-68
Thursday, 12/10/15
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Topics:
Readings: Asher ch 14; Summary of Tractate Sukkah
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Talmud/synsukkah.html
In Class: Aleph Lesson Seven pp 69-73
Tuesday, 12/15/15
Review for Final Exam
Thursday, 12/17/15
Final Exam 3:30 to 5:30 pm

Possible Jewish Films for Essay

*if you have Netflix, check for these films some may be available there too*
Everything is Illuminated amazon
When Do We Eat? amazon
Fiddler on the Roof amazon
Schindlers List amazon
A Stranger Among Us amazon
Yentl amazon
A Serious Man amazon
Life is Beautiful - amazon
Go for Zucker - netflix
A Price above Rubies - amazon
Europa Europa - amazon
Praying with Lior - netflix
A Life Apart: Hasidism in America Netflix
My Father, My Lord Netflix
Hiding and Seeking Netflix
Arranged Netflix
Inventing our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment Netflix
Little Town of Bethlehem Netflix

Jewish Websites:
Jewish Film - http://www.brandeis.edu/jewishfilm/index.html

Jewish Authors - http://jewishwriting.com/pages/links.html

Jewish Music - http://www.hatikvahmusic.com/index.html

Jewish Art - http://www.israelartguide.co.il/

Jewish Newspapers - http://www.jewishlink.net/newspapers.html




Jewish Magazines - http://www.world-newspapers.com/jewish-magazines.html

Jewish Studies Library Guide: http://libguides.ccny.cuny.edu/jewishstudies

Learning Biblical Hebrew: http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/7_home.html

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