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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

Jewish Perspectives of Women (REL378)

Formerly Feminism and Jewish Perspectives of Women (REL478)
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 primary sources that delve into the role of the Jewish nation as a whole and of Jewish women in particular; isolate facets of those concepts and examine their interplay to gain a new perspective on the philosophical underpinnings of Judaism and feminism, and Judaism and human nature; and crystallize the central theme of classic Jewish philosophical texts that relate to the role of women in Biblical and later Jewish texts.

Instruction: 

Major topics include:multifaceted work of women; gratitude as the root of all service of G-d; Avigail’s gratitude saves her husband and his estate; labor and birth as a metaphor for the coming of the Moshiach; affliction is sent to solicit prayer; prayer as a prerequisite for salvation; chessed and salvation; women of boundless chessed; maariv as a prayer of special connection; women and maariv; childbirth and tzaar gidul banim rectify Chava’s sin; parenthood enhances service of G-d; parent-child relationship mirrors relationship with G-d; praying for the sex of a baby; leading role played by women in Jewish holidays; women’s obligations regarding holidays; Rachel and her descendants bring about salvation; Leah’s essence; Rachel is identified with the sheep; Esther didn’t reveal her origins; revelation on Mt. Sinai as the “wedding” of the Jewish People with G-d. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, and textual preparation. Prerequisite: Foundation course in Jewish Law and gender issues. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Hebrew Bible, Judaic Studies, Women's Studies, or Religious Studies (10/10) (8/15 revalidation) (3/21 revalidation).

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