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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Maalot Educational Network | Evaluated Learning Experience

Studies in the Book of Esther (REL375)

Formerly Esther (REL375)
Length: 

Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies. 

Location: 
Traditional classroom-based offered at Maalot, Jerusalem, and other authorized locations. Distance learning and hybrid options available.
Dates: 

September 2009 - Present.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Online/distance learning
Hybrid course/exam
Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the Book of Esther with a focus on its homiletic interpretation; formulate the theological implications of the Book of Esther; and discuss the historical background of the Book of Esther.

Instruction: 

Major topics include: authorship of the book; hidden references to the vessels and clothing of the Temple; significance of times; Divine Providence; “man”;  anonymity and publicity; “Hadassah”; silence; attributions; the significance of dates; the parallels between the money given to the Mishkan and the money given by Haman; the significance of removal of king’s ring; behavior in the king’s palace; “three days”; why Esther made a party; double entendre of “king”; “in his heart”; inevitable triumph over Amalek; identity of Harvona; Divine intervention in the Book of Esther; meanings of “anger”; kings removing rings; the state of the Jews after the war; walled cities from the time of Joshua’s conquest; Purim on Shabbos; source of the laws of Purim; parallels between the Book of Esther and the revelation on Mt. Sinai. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, and textual preparation.

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Hebraic Scriptures, Judaic Studies, or Religious Studies (10/10) (8/15 revalidation) (3/21 revalidation).

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