Cracking the Book Barrier: Breaking into Four Primary Jewish Texts

Instructor: Ellen Frankel

Course Description

Jewish literacy has an extremely high barrier to entry. Classic texts are written in a foreign language (sometimes in more than one), and meanings are often hidden by lots of insider code.

This course will provide an introduction to four ancient classics in the Jewish library: the Hebrew Bible, the prayer book, the Talmud, and the Midrash, each of them constituting mini-libraries in their own right.

We will look at selected texts in English, unriddle their secrets codes, and learn how best to hear their ancient voices with modern ears.

This is meant to be an entry level course, especially for people new to Judaism or intimidated by text study. Advanced students are DISCOURAGED from attending.

Format Four 1.5 hour sessions on Zoom