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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Mercaz HaTorah | Evaluated Learning Experience

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Talmud 161, 261, or 361- Makos (T161, T261, or T361)

Course Category: 
Intensive Study Courses - Mercaz HaTorah
Length: 
97.5 hours (13 weeks); in addition, 240 hours of supervised peer study.
Location: 
Mercaz HaTorah, Talpiot, Jerusalem, Israel.
Dates: 
May 2005 - Present.
Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

First year students will be able to: discuss the substance and essence of the Talmudic text; apply analytical skills in Talmudic explication; utilize the major medieval, modern, and contemporary commentaries to comprehend the underlying assumptions and consequences of the legal principles implicit in the text. Second year students and beyond: In addition to the above outcomes, students will be able to analyze abstract legal concepts and formulate abstract legal categories based on the Talmudic text and follow the dynamics of Talmudic argumentation leading to Halachic conclusions and resolutions.

Instruction: 

Students read and study the first chapter of tractate Makos employing the commentary of Rashi. Instruction and peer study involve the laws pertaining to Edim Zomimim (false witnesses), the general laws of witnesses, as they relate to Edim Zomimim specifically and to other circumstances. Topics include: the formulation of punishment for Edim Zomimim in both standard and exceptional cases, the exact Halachic nature of this punishment, the scriptural basis for the punishments and their Halachic ramifications, the determination of which witnesses are affected by these and similar related laws regarding the disqualification of witnesses, and the laws of combination of individual testimonies. NOTE: This tractate is studied by all students in a given semester. While the scope of instruction is the same, the breadth of study depends upon what year of study the student is in.

Credit recommendation: 

First year students: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Jurisprudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion; Second year students and beyond: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Jurisprudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (9/05) (12/19 revalidation). NOTE: This course and Talmud 160, 260, or 360 - Makot (T160, T260, or T360) overlap in content. Credit should only be awarded for one course.

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