Chumash – Shemos

Description

Textual Analysis of the Pentateuch:  Exodus

Objectives:  To prepare for the examination, the candidate is expected to be able to prepare a textual analysis of Exodus, as well as the comparative analysis of the various studied commentaries; discuss and analyze literary aspects of Exodus’ 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; criticize or defend the activities of the biblical characters, and find inconsistencies or fallacies in their behavior. In topics on biblical law, the candidate is expected to be able 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 Exodus (two main sections) as well as with the text of the biblical narrative of Exodus (slavery in Egypt; birth of Moses; burning bush; Moses sent to Pharoah; Ten Plagues; Exodus from Egypt; splitting of the Red Sea; Manna from Heaven; Sabbath laws; appointment of judges; giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai; social laws; building the Tabernacle in the desert; Golden Calf; Thirteen Attributes; Garments of the Priests) 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.