Torah Accreditation Liaison (TAL) | Evaluated Learning Experience
Textual Analysis of Esther (Bible 120)
Varies, self-study.
August 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: describe the entire text of the Book of Esther with the commentary of Rashi; identify difficulties in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages according to the midrashic traditions; solve apparent moral inconsistencies based on the commentary of Rashi; explain the significance of unusual terminology and phrases found in the Hebrew text; evaluate motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the commentary of Rashi.
Major topics include: the basic storyline in the book of Esther, along with selected comments from Rashi. Students will study the entire text of Esther along with a fundamental commentary and will analyze the text by identifying themes and characters within the text. Assessment is based on a final exam containing multiple choice and short answer questions.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Religion, or Bible Studies (8/23).
