Philosophy of the Talmud and the Sages

Taught by Prof. M. Avrum Ehrlich

Academic Department

The Department of Philosophy and Sociology

School of Religion and the Centre for Judaic and Inter Religious Studies

Shandong University

Dates and Times

Course Name:  Philosophy of the Talmud and the Sages

Year:      2006

Semester one:      5^th September – 31^st December

Semester two: 15^th February – 15^th of June.

Date/ Time:   Thursday morning 8am – 12pm

Duration:      Four hours/ week

Suitability

Students:             Post graduate students

Language of Tuition:  English and Hebrew

Prerequisites:               Competency in Hebrew reading; basic Hebrew grammar; good

 English comprehension; post graduate students; familiarity with   

 Jewish history and ideas.

Goals of Course

The purpose of this course is:

1. Gaining fluency in reading and comprehending rabbinic texts in the original Hebrew Language.
2. Developing a broader understanding of the entirety of Talmudic literature.
3. Gaining insight into the philosophy, ideas, mindset and teachings of the rabbis.
4. Becoming familiar with the secondary and academic literature surrounding Talmudic studies.

Obligations for Course

Weekly reading of articles

Weekly practice of Hebrew reading and grammar

Ownership of books on reading list

Submission of essay or participation in project each semester

Fulfill the following criteria:

1. Attendance in class
2. Participation in class discussion
3. Demonstrating critical abilities
4. Demonstration of knowledge of rabbinic concepts studied in class.
5. Pass test and/or essay and/or project

List of Readings

Primary Texts:

Introduction to the Commentary on the Mishna by Maimonides

Selected readings of the following Mishnaot:

Sanhedrin

Avoda Zarah

Baba Metzia

Baba Kama

Avot

The Babylonian Talmud
Edited and Translated from the original Hebrew and Aramaic by LEO AUERBACH

Secondary Texts:

The Sages: Their Concepts and Beliefs

Ephraim E. Urbach

The Mishnah---Oral Traditions of Judaism
Eugene J. Lipman

Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash
Hermann L. Strack

Philosophy and Law: Essays Towards the Understanding of Maimonides and His Predecessors

Leo Strauss (New York, 1986)

Halacha Shefuya (Sane Jewish Law)

Moshe Zemer

Aspects of Rabbinic Theology

Solomon Schechter (New York, 1993)

The Essential Talmud

Adin Steinsaltz (New York, 1976)

Lo beShamaiim Hi (Not in Heaven: Chapters in the Philosophy of Halacha)

Avi Segi