About This Course
The rest is commentary, but the commentary cannot be ignored. “When both feet are finally resting on the ground, then the task begins. Go and learn it.” – Barry Holtz
Jews are known as “the people of the book”. We are also a people of words, imagination, and boundless creativity. This class will examine three Biblical narratives in conjunction with classic commentaries, art, poetry, and contemporary thought to understand how textual interpretation has, at once, evolved and remained constant over time. We will discuss if questions, which lie at the heart of all commentary, are being asked or answered and why they matter.
The course will meet on Zoom Tuesdays at 8 pm Eastern. Link to Zoom room
Course Objectives
- Students will take a deep dive into Biblical narrative
- Students will become familiar with classic and contemporary commentaries
- Students will discover new materials and ideas to use in their own teaching and future study
- Students will practice writing and delivering divrei Torah or study sessions on these topics
Required Reading
Each student will need to purchase “Back to the Sources” ed. By Barry Holtz. Please have this before the first class.
Each student needs a Tanach.
Handouts as given.
Recommended (not required): My People’s Passover Haggadah, ed. Lawrence Hoffman and David Arnow
Assignments
- Each week students will submit a short (1-2-page max) written reflection based on readings and/or class conversation. (9 reflections total). Reflections are due each Sunday (the first one due 10/10). Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted. Missing more than one reflection may result in failing the course.
- Each week one student will present on commentaries related to our Biblical narrative. Students will have an opportunity to sign up for their slot at the end of the first class. Presentations should be 20-30 minutes and include time for class participation and discussion. Rabbi Levy will be available to anyone who needs help with their presentation. Teaching and presenting are not only key skills for rabbis but they also enable learners to absorb the material in a deeper way. (1 presentation per student)
Assessment/ Final Exam
Choose a Biblical narrative not included in the syllabus for a 5-10 page paper that traces commentaries from midrash through the present. The student’s original interpretation should also be included in the paper.
The exam is due NO LATER than one week after the final class. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted and will result in failure of the course.
Meet Your Instructor
Rabbi Jill Levy is the Director of Ramah DC Day Camp, which is part of the Camp Ramah New England family. Rabbi Jill joined CRNE after five years as Rabbi at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC in Houston, where she oversaw Jewish learning and engagement as well as taught numerous adult education classes. Prior to her position at the Houston JCC, Rabbi Jill was Director of Congregational Learning at Herzl-Ner Tamid in Mercer Island, WA. Rabbi Jill received her ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2011. While in rabbinical school, she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow and served as student rabbi in several different congregations. In addition, she completed a summer of clinical pastoral education at St. Luke’s and Texas Children’s Hospitals in Houston. Rabbi Jill also earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University. She currently lives in Silver Spring with her husband, Matt, and two daughters (and eager campers), Nava and Miri. In her free time, you can find her running or bike riding on one of the many trails in the D.C. area.
Smicha, Jewish Theological Seminary
Master of Public Administration, Columbia University
Bachelor’s Degree, University of Washington
