Jewish Piety & Mysticism

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Course surveys major traditions of Jewish piety and wisdom from the Ancient Period to the Middle Ages, with an emphasis on the novel modes of exegesis and theology developed in late thirteenth-century Iberia that are synonymous with the medieval kabbalah. Students will explore writings by Moses Nahmanides, Ezra of Gerona, Joseph Gikatilla, and examine the homilies of the Zohar. Themes include repentance, contemplative prayer, Torah, prophecy, knowledge of God, imitatio dei, God's male and female attributes, divine names, and the Hebrew language.