Chumash – Vayikra

Description

Textual Analysis of the Pentateuch: Leviticus

Objectives:  To prepare for the examination, the candidate is expected to be able to prepare a textual analysis of Leviticus, as well as the comparative analysis of the various studied commentaries; discuss and analyze literary aspects of Leviticus’ 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 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 text of the biblical narrative of the Book of Leviticus (burnt offerings; meal offerings; peace offerings; mistake offerings; guilt offerings; priest’ portion; installment of the priests; inauguration of the Tabernacle; death of Nadav and Abihu; laws of kosher animals and fish; laws of childbirth; laws of leprosy of skin and clothes; laws of bodily discharges; Yom Kippur service; prohibition against eating blood; forbidden sexual relationships; laws of the first fruits; laws of priests and high priest; holidays; sabbatical year; laws relating to lending of money; laws of slaves; reward and punishment; endowment evaluations) 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 commentaries.

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