Chumash – Breishis

Description

Textual Analysis of the Pentateuch: Genesis

Objectives:  To prepare for the examination, the candidate is expected to be able to prepare a textual analysis of Genesis, as well as the comparative analysis of the various studied commentaries; discuss and analyze literary aspects of Genesis’ main narrative; recognize the range of traditional biblical exegesis and its exegetes; explore ethical and narrative applications of the text and applied commentary; make value decisions about issues; and criticize or defend the activities of the biblical characters.

Instruction:  The proficiency examination is administered under secure and proctored conditions.

The candidate is expected to be very familiar with the text of the biblical narrative of the Book of Genesis (Creation, Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, Deluge, Noah, Covenant, Tower of Babel, Abraham and Sarah, Ishmael, Sodom, Binding of Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Twelve Tribes, Joseph, Pharaoh, Dream Interpretation, Famine in Egypt, Israel in Goshen, Jacob’s Blessings), and familiarity with selected commentaries in traditional biblical exegesis (Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Nachmanides, Abravanel, Radak, Ktav V’ha’kabbalah, Or Hachayim, Sforno).

One section will contain 5-6 unseen passages with commentaries and the student will be required to answer questions on the commentary.

This course has a value of 3 lower-level undergraduate credits.