From ancient to modern times, there's something for everyone in history, literature, religion, art and politics. An exploration of distinctive Jewish approaches to the questions of gender, sexuality, and the body, as formulated in their historical, religious, legal, ethical, and imaginative dimensions. Topics include the 'body of God,' circumcision, laws of purity, rites of passage, the synagogue, feminist theology, and masculine and feminine stereotypes. Primary and secondary readings, and contemporary films. .
All students are welcome.
This course examines the ways in which the American-Jewish experience challenges the conception of exile in Jewish history. Focusing on the development of Jewish society and Jewish culture in the United States from the colonial period until the present day, we will analyze different attempts to come to terms with the idea that Jews are at home in America. Readings will consist of a variety of primary sources, including communal records, memoirs, works of fiction, and religious thought. Olga Litvak . An opportunity to read a wide range of the literature of the anthology known as the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament.