Calling Out from the Depths: The Book of Psalms in Jewish and Christian Life

INT533

For centuries, Jews and Christians have turned to the Book of Psalms in times of joy and thanksgiving, and in times of sadness and lament. However, there have been far fewer opportunities for members of these two communities and others to explore these ancient poetic texts_together_as fellow spiritual seekers. What do we share in common? Where do we differ? How might reading these sources with people with different religious or ideological commitments impact our relationship with the text?

J-TERM From Diversity to Pluralism: Religious Leadership in an Interreligious Age

INT510

We live in one of the most religiously diverse societies in the history of humankind. How can we cultivate an ethos of dignified engagement both within our particular communities of practice and across religious traditions? What are the ethical underpinnings—values and dispositions—that support such an effort? What theological resources might we draw on for this sacred work? What are some historical and contemporary models of individual and communal engagement that we can learn from as we develop our intra/interreligious leadership capacities? 

J-TERM Introduction to Islam for Jewish Leaders

INT600

Islamic tradition. Special attention will be given to the interaction of Jews and Muslims, past and present. The course will be taught by Imam Taymullah Abdur-Rahman, who has served as imam for Harvard University, the Massachusetts Department of Correction, and Northeastern University. The course will include presentations by religious and cultural figures and outings to local Islamic institutions.

Samuel Aleph (1) and Bet(2)

BIB506

This course will examine Samuel Aleph and Bet. Personalities such as Hannah, Samuel, Saul, and David come to life in all of their strengths and weaknesses. Their humanity is apparent on every page as we study these foundational characters in our tradition. We begin with the paradigm of_prayer in the opening chapters and move on to selections of the turbulent, beautiful yet heartbreaking stories that follow.

The Prophets in Bible, Theology, and Jewish Life

BIB716

This course will introduce the major literary prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Book of the Twelve. We will examine the place of the prophets in biblical history, their theological and political roles, and their enduring literary and moral stature. Major themes include the centrality of ethics and concern for the poor; attitudes toward Temple, ritual, and Torah; covenant, restoration, and the future of Israel. Attention to the beauty and power of the Hebrew text will be a central focus.

Foundations of Biblical Hebrew 2

HBW511

It is an intensive introduction to Biblical Hebrew. A basic familiarity with Hebrew is presumed, including mastery of the binyanim and the conjugation of all major root classes. Working in close coordination with the course Core Text: Bereshit 2, grammatical concepts will be applied to the decoding of texts studied in that course. These texts will include midrash and rabbinic commentary, thereby also affording students guidance and practice in decoding unvocalized rabbinic texts.

Rabbinic Hebrew

HBW608

This course focuses on the grammar and idiom of the Hebrew of post-biblical rabbinic literature, primarily through a careful reading of short stories of S.Y. Agnon, the 20th-century master of Rabbinic Hebrew. Students will prepare texts with precise attention to grammar, vocabulary and syntax. Consistent with the level of student skill, a portion of the class time may be devoted to discussion in Hebrew and Hebrew composition may be assigned.

Hamesh, Megillot, Esther, Song of Songs, Ruth.

BIB750

In this course students will engage a deep reading of three of the Five Megillot: Esther, Song of Songs, and the Book of Ruth. We will consider the historical context and genre of their composition, as well as their significance with respect to the liturgical year (Purim, Passover, and Shavuot). Special attention will be given to the dramatic presentation and character development, along with accompanying classical parshanut, midrash, literary commentary, modern feminist readings and creative responses to these texts. We will explore some of the existential issues each scroll presents: Jewish identity in the context of exile (galut) and assimilation; the virtue of the stranger (ger) in our midst; the tension between Law and Narrative; the problem of hester panim (the Hidden Face of God).

J-TERM Introduction to Christianity

INT519

Introduction to Christianity will focus on the histories, beliefs, and practices of contemporary Christian communities. The intensive course will be conducted on-site at churches and Christian organizations in greater Boston, providing students the opportunity to network with other important actors in the religious landscape and exposure to the various expressions of Christianity in Boston. The course will be facilitated by Rev. Soren Hessler, former Associate Director of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership, and will include guest lectures and workshops led by area clergy and religious professionals. While the course is primarily designed to orient emerging Jewish religious leaders to the traditions of Christianity, non-Jewish students are welcome to enroll.