Course Descriptions

HIST 6/457 The Parables of Jesus and Rabbinic Meshalim - Credit Hours: 3

Semester normally offered: Spring

Course Description

A seminar study of the parables of the Gospels and the Meshalim (Rabbinic parables) found in classical rabbinic literature, including issues of hermeneutics, methodology of approach, and content.

Course Equivalencies

This course fills equivalencies in the following areas:  

• Classical Rabbinic Literature
• Bible
• New Testament Studies - Gospels

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, the student will:

• be introduced to the methods of rhetoric and hermeneutics that Jesus had in common with the rabbis of the Talmud;
• gain an in-depth understanding of the literary traditions, structure, allusions and motifs of the parables composed in ancient Israel; and
• be able to analyze and contrast the parables of the Gospels with those found in classical rabbinic literature.

Field Study

A one-day interactive field study to sites around Jerusalem where texts are read in a geographical setting replicating the parables told.