Course Descriptions

Semester Course Schedule Long-Term Program Dates Short-Term Program Dates Entrance Requirements 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

  • 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.