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Maalot Educational Network | Evaluated Learning Experience

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Jewish Holidays in Biblical and Talmudic Literature (REL480)

Formerly Biblical Origins (REL480)
Course Category: 
Judaic Studies/Religion - Maalot Educational Network
Length: 

Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks). Distance/Hybrid: Varies. 

Location: 
Traditional classroom-based offered at Maalot, Jerusalem, and other authorized locations. Distance learning and hybrid options available.
Dates: 

September 2009 - Present.

Instructional delivery format: 
Online/distance learning
Hybrid course/exam
Proficiency exam
Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the Biblical, Talmudic, and Rabbinic sources of significant Jewish dates and the practices and concepts associated with them, and their significance in the writings of classical and modern Jewish thinkers.

Instruction: 

Major topics taught in this course include: Overview of the months of Elul through Tamuz, including their names, astrological symbols, and the Tribe and/or Hebrew letter associated with each month. Elul and repentance; Rosh Hashanah and the shofar; the Yom Kippur sacrifices; the Azazel sacrifice; Cheshvan, insights and events; Kislev and Chanuka; insights into the war with the Syrian-Greeks; Tevet, insights and events; fast days commemorating the destruction of the two Temples; the fast of the Tenth of Tevet; Shevat and Shabbat Shirah; the four “New Years” in the Hebrew calendar and the Fifteenth of Shevat; Adar; Moses’ birth and passing on the Seventh of Adar; Parashat Zachor; the joy of Purim; Rosh Chodesh Adar II; Nisan; the date of the world’s creation; Shabbat HaGadol; Birkat Ilanot and other mitzvot in Nisan; speech and Nisan; Hallel; Passover, supplementary study of selected topics; Iyar; Pesach Sheini and the Counting of the Omer; Sivan, insights and events; the Book of Ruth; the unique nature of Shavuot as the day the Torah was given at Sinai; Tamuz, insights and events; mourning the destruction of the two Temples. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, and textual preparation.

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, or Religious Studies (10/10) (8/15 revalidation) (3/21 revalidation).

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