Judaic Studies | Michigan Jewish Institute

Judaic Studies

The student must be fully able to read and understand Hebrew, as all course texts are studied in the original language. Those wishing to commit themselves to an intense study of the Talmud can take the courses JST 300, 350, and 400. The Talmud courses are conducted in the traditional method of students preparing the text in pairs, chavrusos, and hearing a lecture, shiur, on a topic of the instructor's choice related to the text.

JS 450 Internship/Externship (no more than 6 credits counted for JS concentration) 1-6 credits per semester (but no more than 12 total)

Prerequisite: Permission from Dean

The goal of the internship/externship program is to provide students with opportunities to test their career interests and develop job related skills through approved work experiences. Faculty sponsors guide students as they link theoretical knowledge with practical learning gained in part time or full time career internships/externships. A faculty member will determine the academic content of the work experience and monitor student performance. The student internee will have to maintain regular contact with the faculty supervisor, reporting on experiences during the internship and analyzing the academic content and skills acquired.

JST 101 The Narrative of the Chumash (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course explores the narrative themes of the Pentateuch. It aims to establish a basic grasp of the founding narrative of Judaism and an understanding of how it serves as an underpinning for the legal/political structure of the Jewish people.

JST 102 The Passion of the Prophets (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None, but JST 101 is recommended

The literary prophets - the Neviim acharonim - bestowed a body of writing that is unique in its expression of G-d's passionate involvement in His creation. Through looking first hand at the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets, we will explore the moral and philosophic significance of their vision of a G-d who cares what His name means to His people and to His world.

JST 104 Introduction to Jewish Liturgy and Written Hebrew (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None, however a minimal ability to read Hebrew is desired.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the Jewish prayer book (Siddur). Students will develop knowledge of the key elements of the Jewish liturgical cycle including daily, Sabbath and holiday prayers. Although basic ability to read Hebrew is desirable, the course will introduce the Hebrew letters and vocalization.

JST 201 Medieval Bible Exegesis (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Study and methodology of the exegetes of the Northern French School (10th to 14th centuries). Commentators include Rashi, Rashbam, Radak and Ramban.

JST 202 Post Medieval Bible Exegesis (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Study and methodology of the Exegetes of the European and Sefardic Schools (15the to 20th centuries). Commentaries studied include the drush of Klei Yakar and the Ohr Hachayim, as well as the 19th century classics, Malbim, Netziv, and Hirsch.

JST 211 Seminar/Directed Study in Rabbinical Literature (1-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

To be determined for each seminar or directed study by Instructor and Student in consultation with the Dean of Academic Administration or the Dean of Talmudic Law/Jurisprudence.

JST 212 Seminar/Directed Study in Rabbinic Literature (1-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

To be determined for each seminar or directed study by Instructor and Student in consultation with the Dean of Academic Administration or the Dean of Talmudic Law/Jurisprudence.

JST 213 Seminar/Directed Study in Rabbinic Literature (1-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

To be determined for each seminar or directed study by Instructor and student in consultation with the Dean of Academic Administration or the Dean of Talmudic Law/Jurisprudence.

JST 231 Structure and Development of the Liturgy (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Using primary sources, the student traces the development and structure of the presently used liturgical service.

JST 232 Foundations of the Halacha (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Course content is the development and fundamental philosophy of the Oral Law. Mishna, Gemara and the subsequent codes of Rif, Rambam, Tur and Shulchan Aruch.

JST 251 Sanctifying Time: The Lifecycle and the Calendar in Halacha (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Jewish Law specifies time and places as having special significance and holiness. And even when through much of Jewish History, the holy places were reachable only in memory or imagination, holiness in time was a available to everyone. This course explores the sanctification of the time shared by the public through the calendar's cycles and the private time of each individual through life cycle milestones.

JST 300 Talmud I (3-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission from Dean based on previous familiarity with Talmud study

Intensive study of the Talmud for at least three to nine hours weekly (dependent on credits taken). Students will attend course lectures and other available seminars and cover material as determined by the instructor.

JST 301 From Sinai to Cyberspace (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Any Jewish History Course - This course meets Masorah requirements

Jewish Law is a coherent system meant to direct the mutable details of a finite worldly life to correspond to the infinite wisdom and immutable goodness of the Deity. We will investigate the fundamental principles of this system, and see how it proposes that the human mind grasp G-d's intelligence and purpose, making it a program for practical action in government of the community and of the self.

JST 313 Topics in Halacha - Sabbath and the Festivals (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or Permission from the Dean

Various legal issues are discussed and analyzed, with an emphasis on modern applications.

JST 331 Essential Concepts of Jewish Prayer

Prerequisite: JST 231 or Instructor's permission (must demonstrate ability to navigate through the Siddur's (Jewish prayer book) daily, Shabbos and holiday sections).

The Rabbi's understood that serving G-d with the heart was accomplished through prayer. The liturgy of Judaism binds the Jewish people to G-d and to each other as members of a community at prayer. Through examining its structure and concepts, we will acquaint ourselves with Judaism's understanding of G-d and with what it means to serve G-d.

JST 350 Talmud II (3-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission from the Dean based on previous familiarity with Talmud Study or JST 300

JST 353 Topics in Halacha - The Family (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Standing or Permission from the Dean

Specific highlighted issues are discussed and analyzed, including the family unit, parental right and duties, children's rights and other topics (at the instructor's discretion).

JST 383 Topics in Halacha - Contemporary Problems (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Standing

Legal issues relating to the current technological and political situation are discussed and analyzed.

JST 400 Tamlud III (3-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission from Dean based on previous familiarity with Talmud study or JST 350

JST 441 The History and Philosophy of Chassidut - I Foundations (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior /Senior Standing or Permission from the Dean

Study of the historical and social background leading to the advent of the Chassidic movement. Topics include the Baal Shem Tov as an innovator and leader, the Mezeritcher Maggid and his students, and the initial opposition to the movement.

JST 442 The History and Philosophy of Chassidut - II Development and Growth (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Standing, JST 441 or Permission from the Dean

A continuation of JST 441, this course deals with the expansion of the Chassidic movement, drawing on the major works of Chassidic Philosophy.

JST 443 The History and Philosophy of Chassidut - III Modern Era (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior Standing or Permission from the Dean

Highlights the struggle of the Chassidim to survive in the 20th century. Topics include the destruction of the movement during the Holocaust, and its subsequent rebirth and growth in the USA and Israel.

JST 450 Seminar/Directed Study in Judaic Studies (1-3 credits)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

To be determined for each seminar or directed study by Instructor and Student in consultation with the Dean of Academic Administration or the Dean of Talmudic Law/Jurisprudence.

JST 460 Seminar/DirectedStudy in Judaic Studies (1-3 credits)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

To be determined for each seminar or directed study by Instructor and Student in consultation with the Dean of Academic Administration or the Dean of Talmudic Law/Jurisprudence.

JST 470 Seminar/DirectedStudy in Judaic Studies (1-3 credits)

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

To be determined for each seminar or directed study by Instructor and Student in consultation with the Dean of Academic Administration or the Dean of Talmudic Law/Jurisprudence.