Class discussions deal with topics such as Jewish identity, exile, humor, and satire. Toopics include political history, communal disparities, and the various wars and their diplomatic outcomes. Hebrew 202 is a continuation of Hebrew 201 on a more advanced level. At the beginning of the course there is an in-depth review of the verb system. The vocabulary and texts introduced in this course are more sophisticated than the material of the first year.
Much emphasis is placed on speaking and creative writing.
Readings in translation of Eastern European and Israeli authors, focusing on short fiction by Nachman of Bratslav, Abramovitsh, Peretz, Sholem Aleichem, Agnon, Appelfeld, Amichai, and Yehoshua. Bible, Rabbinic Judaism, early Christianity, Jewish philosophy, mysticism, and evolution of Jewish practices and belief. Modern Jewish history, society, and thought, with emphasis on religious and secular reformulation of Jewish self-identity. A survey of the history of Jerusalem from its earlier times to the Crusader period through examination of archaeology remains and other ancient sources. Hence, Jewish Studies can be, and is, studied in many disciplines.