Chumash – Devarim

Description

Textual Analysis of the Pentateuch: Deuteronomy

Objectives:  To prepare for the examination, the candidate is expected to be able to prepare a textual analysis of Deuteronomy, as well as the comparative analysis of the various studied commentaries; discuss and analyze literary aspects of Deuteronomy’s 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. In topics on biblical law, the candidate is expected to analyze the basic premise and state the rule from the text, be able to classify or arrange the components, and predict how the law is applicable in modern life.

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

The candidate is expected to be very familiar with the structure of the Book of Deuteronomy: address to the people, exhortation, moral demands as well as the text of the biblical narrative of the Book of Deuteronomy (recollection of events, encounters and victories; Moses’ plea; loyalty to God; setting up the cities of refuge; the 10 Commandments; reward for obedience; non-sacrificial meat; idolatrous prophet and city; kosher and non-kosher animals; tithes; sabbatical year; establishing judges and police; kings; laws of witnesses; laws of inheritance; rebellious son; rape; divorce; laws of employees; first fruit; covenant with God; Song of Moses; Blessing of Moses) 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.