10105 Time, Society and Family: Studies in Talmud

Credits: 6 intermediate credits in Oral Law

Prerequisites: none

Authors: Yachin Epstein, Yehezkel Luger

The course acquaints students with the literature of the Tanaim and the Amoraim by studying selected issues in the Mishnah and Talmud and examining the culture, way of life, and thought reflected in Talmudic texts. Students are introduced to methods of textual analysis emphasizing the language and teaching of Tanaitic literature – translation, interpretation, structure and contents of Amoraic literature.

Topics: Introduction to Rabbinics; Rabbinic court procedure; Individuals disqualified as witnesses; Regulation of Sukkoth; The Passover Seder and its customs; The Ketubah; Gittin – divorce law; The synagogue – its sanctity and role.