Download REL/HST 215 Introduction to Jewish Traditions Course Credits: 4

REL/HST 215
Introduction to Jewish Traditions
Course Credits: 4
MW 10-11:40 am
Instructor: Prof. Rena Lauer
Office: 307 Milam Hall
Office Hours: Th 1-3 and by appointment
Email: [email protected]
What is Judaism? This deceptively simple question hides a complex set of answers which this course
begins to answer. Though Judaism is commonly called a religion, it is more than a set of beliefs, and
encompasses a complex historical tradition alongside cultural and ethnic affiliations. This course
surveys the major practices, traditions, beliefs, and history of Judaism. We will look at the origins of
Judaism and its growth from a local ethnic community into a global religion and progenitor of two
other Abrahamic faiths. Over the course of the term, students will gain knowledge of the cycle of
the Jewish year, Jewish holidays, and the events of the Jewish lifecycle. Together we will analyze
pieces of some of the fundamental texts of Judaism (including Torah, Mishnah, Talmud, and the
prayer book), and investigate trends in Jewish history as they relate to wider world history. Students
will also explore the influence of modernity on Judaism by learning about Hassidic Judaism,
denominations such as Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism, and consider notions about
Judaism and Secularity.
Course Description: An introduction to Judaism's traditions, histories, and practices. Covers
historical origins and developments from the biblical period through the Middle Ages, and considers
Judaism in the modern world. Topics include the Jewish calendar (including holidays and their
traditions), Jewish life cycle events, Jewish prayer, and traditional texts, such as the Mishnah and
Talmud.
Prerequisites: This course has no prerequisites. No prior knowledge of Judaism is expected.
Learning Outcomes:
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify and explain core beliefs, practices, and traditions of Judaism.
2. Develop familiarity with multiple forms of Judaism.
3. Analyze and construct historical arguments about the ways that Judaism has changed over
the last three thousand years.
4. Analyze and contextualize selections from classical Jewish texts, including the Hebrew Bible,
the Mishnah, and the Talmud.
Bacc Core Learning Outcomes: This course fulfills the “Cultural Diversity” requirement. As such,
our intended learning outcomes include the following goals:
1. Identify and analyze characteristics of a cultural tradition outside of European or American
culture.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how perspectives can change depending on cultural or
historical contexts.
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3. Describe aspects of Non-Western culture that influence or contribute to global cultural,
scientific, or social processes.
Assessment Measures and Grading Scale:
 2 mini-midterms (18% each = 36%)
 2 response papers (10% each = 20%)
 Final paper (20%)
 Participation (15%)
 2 Discussion Forum conversations (4% + 5% = 9%)
Reading:
1. In each class we will read primary sources that can offer us direct insight into the topic at
hand. These can be accessed on Canvas, and must be downloaded, printed, and brought to
class. We will be engaging with them in class discussions each meeting.
2. We will read Abraham Joshua Heschel’s classic work The Sabbath, and you should buy that
text and bring it to class on the relevant day. It is available at the Beaver Store.
3. We also will have readings in a textbook, which you must read, but you do not have to bring
it to class unless explicitly instructed. The textbook is available at the Beaver Store:
Michael Satlow, Creating Judaism: History, Tradition, Practice (New York: Columbia University
Press, 2006).
Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities: Accommodations are collaborative efforts
between students, faculty and Disability Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations
approved through DAS are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course
prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they
are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through DAS should
contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098.
Technology Policy:
To create a safe environment for learning together, cell phones must be shut off during class.
Texting, IM, Facebook, or other personal electronic communications are not allowed during class.
In general, laptops are strongly discouraged in this class; they stifle discussion. Recent
studies show that note-taking on a computer is also less effective for student learning than
writing notes by hand.1
Ethics Policy:
Student conduct is governed by the university’s policies in the Office of Student Conduct.
Information and Regulations are located at http://oregonstate.edu/studentconduct/offenses-0.
Mueller and Oppenheimer, “The Pen is Mightier than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand over Laptop Note
Taking,” Psychological Science 25/6 (April 23, 2014): 1159–1168. A summary of the study and its findings is available at:
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/take-notes-by-hand-for-better-long-termcomprehension.html
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Reading and Assignment Schedule:
Unit I: Premodern Judaism: A Historical Perspective
Week 1:
M Introduction
 Read together: Encyclopedia Judaica, “Jew”
W Biblical Origins I: The Heroes of Genesis
 Reading:
o Selections from Genesis
o Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling (Selection)
o Textbook selection
Week 2:
M Biblical Origins II: Exodus
 Reading:
o Selections from Exodus
o Waltzer, Exodus and Revolution (Selection)
o Textbook selection
 Due today in hardcopy at the beginning of the class: Response Paper
W Biblical Origins III: King David to the First Exile
 Reading:
o Selections from I and II Samuel
o Textbook selection
Week 3:
** Due Sunday night by 8 pm: Discussion Forum Post + 2 responses
M Second Temple Judaism
 Reading:
o “Comparing Rabbinic Views and the New Testament: A Primary Source Selection”
o Textbook selection
W Diaspora and the Rabbinic Success: Mishnah and Talmud
 Reading:
o Mishnah Avot 1-5 (Selections)
o Textbook Selection
o In-class: The Changing Face of the Talmud
http://www.jewishhistory.com/PRINTINGTHETALMUD/objects.html
Unit 2: Jewish Life Cycles
Week 4:
M Unit 1 Mini-Midterm (in class)
W A Jewish Life, From Birth to Death I: Rituals of Childhood
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

Reading
o Midrash on Childhood
o Textbook selection
In-Class Workshop: Midrash and Talmud on Childhood
Week 5:
M A Jewish Life, From Birth to Death II: Rituals of Adulthood
 Reading:
o “The Rabbis on Marriage: Primary Sources”
o Textbook Selection
 Due today in hardcopy at the beginning of the class: Response Paper
W Daily Prayer and Prayer in Jewish Life
 Reading:
o “The Shema in Context: Primary Sources”
o Textbook selection
 In-Class Workshop: The Shemah: A Case Study
Week 6:
M A Jewish Year I: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
 Reading:
o Selection from S.Y. Agnon, Days of Awe
o Selection from the holiday liturgy
W A Jewish Year II: Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, Shavuot
 Reading:
o Books of Maccabees (Selection)
o “The Rabbis on Hanukkah: Primary Sources”
o Textbook selection
Week 7:
M Sabbath
 Reading:
o Abraham Joshua Heschel, Sabbath
W Unit 2 Mini-Midterm
Unit 3: Judaism and Modernity
Week 8:
M Hassidic Judaism and Its Discontents
 Reading:
o Hassidic Tales
o Textbook selection
W Denominational Judaism
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
Reading:
o J. Soloveitchik, Selections from Halakhic Man
o “Conservative Responsa: A Selection”
o Textbook selection
Week 9
M Judaism Faces the Holocaust
 Reading:
o Selection from Elie Wiesel, All Rivers Run to the Sea (“God’s Suffering: A
Commentary)
o Selection from Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
 Due today in hardcopy at the beginning of the class: Response Paper
W Zionism and the State of Israel
 Reading:
o “Differing Dreams of Zion: Primary Sources”
o Textbook selection
**Due Saturday night by Midnight: Discussion Forum post + 2 responses
Week 10
M Is Secular Judaism an Oxymoron?
 Reading:
o David Biale, Not in the Heavens, pp. 1-15
o Textbook selection
W Reflections on Judaism
 Reading to be handed out
***Finals Week: Final paper due Monday by 8 pm through Canvas
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