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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Torah Accreditation Liaison (TAL) | Evaluated Learning Experience

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Jewish Thought and Ethics (Jewish Thought 104)

Formerly Elementary Jewish Thought (Jewish Thought 104)
Course Category: 
Jewish Thought - Torah Accreditation Liaison
Length: 

Varies; offered as a proficiency examination or self-study format.

Location: 
Torah Accreditation Liaison (TAL) authorized proctor sites.
Dates: 
Version 1: January 2008 - March 2014. Version 2: April 2014 - Present.
Instructional delivery format: 
Hybrid course/exam
Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1: Students are required to display a basic knowledge of the mitzvos (overview, purpose, selections), fundamentals of Jewish philosophy, the oral and written Torah, the pillars of Jewish life, the idea of holiness, soul versus body, reward and punishment, the function of community from a Torah perspective and the concept of covenant, etc. Version 2: Students are required to display a basic knowledge of the mitzvos, fundamentals of Jewish belief in addition to the purpose and meaning of many Torah commandments and customs. Emphasis is placed on the Jewish approach to moral and ethical questions such as: the relationship between G-d given laws and absolute values, the sanctity of life, charity, and revenge.

Instruction: 

Version 1: Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences. Self-Study Format:  Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on the foundations of Torah, such as the structure and reasons for the mitzvos, the basics of hashkafa and an overview of the elements that are contained within the written and oral Torah. Version 2: ​Proficiency exam: The course is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences and focuses on the foundations of Torah, such as the structure and reasons for the mitzvos, the basics of hashkafa and ethics. Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials.

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1 and 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Ethics, or Religion (2/08) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation). 

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