RELI W4501 - Psalms Through the Commentary of the Baal Shem Tov

Institution:

Barnard College

Subject:

Description:

Close reading of selected psalms along with the commentary attributed to the Ba'al Shem Tov, one of the founders of Hasidism. Offers an opportunity to gain experience in close reading of major Jewish texts in the original language (Hebrew). Provides students simultaneous exposure to a major biblical book, Psalms, which has a long and rich reception history, both textually and spiritually, as well as to a significant text of Hasidic thought. The two texts and their historical/discursive framings will be read complementarily or against one another. Additional readings will give supplementary perspectives, raising questions that include the production history of the Book of Psalms, comparative mythology, the liturgical and ritual use of psalms historically, and mystical readings of the Book of Psalms. Through the combination of perspectives we will learn about the variety of the interpretative approaches to a canonical texts such as the Book of Psalms: the dense web of meanings and uses given to one biblical text over the course of Jewish history; the methods and goals of Hasidic exegesis of the Bible. - J. Schorsch 4 points

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.barnard.edu

Phone Number:

(212) 854-5262

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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