The Talmud: A Methodological Introduction

  • 4.6
Approx. 15 hours to complete

Course Summary

The Talmud is a course that introduces students to the fundamental teachings of the Jewish religion. The course covers the history, structure, and contents of the Talmud, and provides an in-depth analysis of its complex and sophisticated legal and ethical systems.

Key Learning Points

  • Gain an understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious context in which the Talmud was developed
  • Learn about the structure and contents of the Talmud, including its legal and ethical systems
  • Analyze and interpret key passages from the Talmud in order to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish law and tradition

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the historical and cultural context in which the Talmud was developed
  • Analyze and interpret key passages from the Talmud
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Jewish law and tradition

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • No prior knowledge of Jewish history or religion is required
  • Basic reading comprehension skills in English are necessary

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Self-paced
  • Online
  • Video lectures

Similar Courses

  • Introduction to Judaism
  • Jewish History: From the Bible to the Yishuv
  • Jewish-Christian Relations: Past, Present, and Future

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
  • Dr. Tal Becker

Related Books

Description

The Talmud is one of the richest and most complicated works of literature the world has ever known. Since being composed around 1500 years ago it has inspired not only religious reverence but significant intellectual engagement. In this course learners will be introduced to the unique characteristics of this text and the challenges that inhere in studying it while studying a chapter of the Talmud. Students of the course can expect to develop an appreciation for how the Talmud works and why it continues to inspire religious and intellectual devotion. They will be challenged to employ critical reading skills and to analyze legal and historical concepts.

Outline

  • Introducing the Talmud
  • Introduction
  • Video 1 Why Study Talmud?
  • Video 2 Where Does the Talmud Come From?
  • Video 3 How the Talmud Works-An Overview
  • Video 4 The Talmud's Interpreters
  • Meet Your Professors
  • Grading & Logistics
  • Additional Resources
  • Special Thanks & Permissions
  • Full Glossary
  • Module 1 Glossary
  • Module 1 Rabbi Genealogy & Maps
  • Video 2 Texts & Translations
  • Video 3 Texts & Translations
  • Module 1 Quiz
  • False Testimony From Bible to Rabbis
  • Video 5 False Testimony in the Bible
  • Video 6 Evolution of Testimony Scenarios in Biblical, Second Temple and Rabbinic Literature
  • Video 7 Overview of Mishnah - What it is and how it works
  • Video 8 How Was the Mishnah Organized
  • Module 2 Glossary
  • Video 5 Text & Translations
  • Video 6 Texts & Translations
  • Video 7 Texts & Translations
  • Video 8 Texts & Translations
  • Module 2 Quiz
  • Reading the Bible & Rabbinic Logic
  • Video 9 The Logic of Reading the Bible - Kal Vahomer
  • Video 10 Using Logic in Reading Critically
  • Video 11 Reading the Bible Like a Rabbi
  • Video 9 Texts & Translations
  • Module 3 Glossary
  • Video 10 Texts & Translations
  • Video 11 Texts & Translations
  • Module 3 Quiz
  • Redaction & Textual Witnesses
  • Video 12 What is a Beraita
  • Video 13 How Loyally Were Materials Transmitted
  • Video 14 How Redactors Built a Talmudic Passage
  • Video12 Texts & Translations
  • Module 4 Glossary
  • Video 13 Texts & Translations
  • Video 14 Texts & Translations
  • Module 4 Quiz
  • The Stam as Reader and Writer
  • Video 15 Conceptual Evolution of “Multiple Punishments”
  • Video16a What is Legal Midrash?
  • Video 16b Mah Hatzad: Applying a Rabbinic Logical Tool
  • Video 15 Texts & Translations
  • Module 5 Glossary
  • Video 16b Texts & Translations
  • Module 5 Quiz
  • Tosefta, Tannaitic Midrash and Palestinian Talmud
  • ​Video 17 Mishnah-Tosefta Comparison
  • Video 18 Mishnah-Tannaitic Midrash Comparison
  • Video 19 Palestinian Talmud
  • Video 20 Rabbis and Romans
  • Module 6 Glossary
  • Video 17 Texts & Translations
  • Video 18 Texts & Translations
  • Video 19 Texts & Translations
  • Video 20 Texts & Translations
  • Module 6 Quiz
  • Narrative and History
  • Video 21 Legal Narrative
  • Video 22 From Sects to Rabbis
  • Video 23 Parallel Narratives
  • Video 21 Texts & Translations
  • Module 7 Glossary
  • Video 22 Texts & Translations
  • Video 23 Texts & Translations
  • Module 7 Quiz
  • Conclusion
  • Video 24 Rabbinic Law as Idealization
  • Video 25 Reception and Impact
  • The Talmud MOOC - Live!
  • Video 24 Texts & Translations
  • Module 8 Glossary
  • Video 25 Texts & Translations
  • Module 8 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the wisdom of the Talmud with this comprehensive course from Coursera. Users praise the engaging lectures and insightful discussions, making it a great resource for beginners and experts alike.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Engaging lectures and insightful discussions

Pros from User Reviews

  • Comprehensive coverage of Talmudic wisdom
  • Great resource for beginners and experts alike
  • Engaging lectures with insightful discussions
  • Interactive quizzes and assignments to test understanding
  • Accessible and easy to follow

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course content to be too basic
  • Lengthy lectures may not be suitable for those with short attention spans
  • Limited interaction with instructors
  • Not enough practical application of Talmudic principles
  • No certificate or accreditation offered upon completion
English
Available now
Approx. 15 hours to complete
Barry Scott Wimpfheimer
Northwestern University
Coursera

Instructor

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