STMM 5290 - Exodus and Jewish Interpretation and Identity

3 credit hours
This course examines Exodus as a book of the Hebrew Bible and “Exodus” as a fundamental concept of Jewish identity. The entire book of Exodus (or Shemot, “Names” as it is called in Hebrew) will be covered and we will discuss its place in the Hebrew canon, along with issues in the book’s interpretation and exegetical tradition. Additionally, we will engage the influence of Exodus and Moses traditions on the shaping of Jewish Holy Days, liturgy, and group identity. Exploring both ancient Jewish texts and modern Jewish poetry, we will endeavor to discern the shape and scope of the Exodus tradition, its background, authority, and importance.

Terms Typically Offered: winter