Sacred texts like the Hebrew bible challenge human understanding, demanding constant study, interpretation and reinterpretation. Jewish scholars have been engaged in this process (exegesis) for centuries, trying to make the Bible give up its mysteries while blocking alternative interpretations that they thought unacceptable. Through close reading ofbiblical passages and rabbinic commentaries we will examine issues ranging from vegetarianism to messianism, gender to eros,the holiness ofJerusalem to the legitimacy of Halacha.

Additional 1 hour Hebrew text reading section. Course requires Hebrew language competency.