The Court, the Judge, and the Law in the History of Halakhah - Einzelansicht

In this course we will explore the discourse of halakhah, often translated as “Jewish Law”, although, as we shall see, this is a rather misleading translation. We shall read texts presented in English and Hebrew. No reading knowledge of Hebrew required. Our examples are taken from the Hebrew Bible, Rabbinic, Medieval, and Modern Judaism. The focus will be on the nature of the court, the judge and the “law” in these examples. We will read primary sources as well as secondary, scholarly texts.

Students are expected to participate in class discussions based on the reading assignments. There will be some brief writing exercises and presentations. A five-page final essay is to be submitted at the end of the course.