Rabbis: A Kind of History - Einzelansicht

We will survey the history of the figure of the rabbi, investigating the changing expectations, functions and qualities of the person and position from antiquity to the present time. We will explore several autobiographical texts by rabbis, such as Leone da Modena, Yitzhak Nahum Twersky of Shpikov, and Alan Lew. We will also read excerpts from Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Spiritual Intimacy: A Study of Counseling in Hasidism.

The course will be conducted in English. Readings will be in English. The final assignment will be a research paper or other project on a topic chosen by the student in coordination with the instructor.