Rabbis and Reinterpretation
RELI 253
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
CJST 251 |
This course explores the dynamic and creative ways in which rabbinic texts, particularly the Mishnah and Talmud, reinterpret biblical passages. We will investigate the methods of rabbinic exegesis, their theological and legal motivations, and the role of these texts in shaping the larger Jewish tradition. Emphasis will be placed on close readings of primary sources in translation, contextual analysis, and critical engagement with secondary scholarship. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Jewish & Israel Studies Minor)(Religion Minor)(Religion) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
All readings will be available online via Moodle
:
The Jewish Study Bible
The Mishnah
The Babylonian Talmud
The Oxford Handbook of Jewish Studies
The Mishnah, An Introduction
The Cambridge Companion to the Talmud and Rabbinic Literature
Curated Secondary Scholarship in Rabbinic Studies
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Examinations and Assignments:
Participation in In-Class Activities and Discussions
An In-Class Midterm
A Short Presentation on Final Research Topic
A Final Research Paper (or Equivalent Creative Project)
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course satisfied the "Historical Traditions" or "additional course" requirement for the Religion major. |
| Instructor(s): Walker,Tanner Ethan Times: .M.W... 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 7 | | |
| Seats Available: 19 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 4 | SO: 4 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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