Me’ah Select: Leadership Amidst Lawlessness: The Biblical Books of Judges (In Person)

After the conquest and settlement of the Land of Israel (as told in the Book of Joshua) but before the first kings were appointed and anointed (in the Book of Samuel), charismatic leaders arose from time to time to lead the people against adversaries and their own worst natures. In this course, we will study the biblical book of Shoftim (Judges) which tells the stories of this interim period of leadership amidst lawlessness and the heroic age of the Shoftim. Focusing on the narrative text, we will investigate the book’s literary method, character development, political theory, and historical background. Toward these goals we will enlist Midrash, medieval and modern commentaries, as well as Western and Near Eastern thought and literature. Together, we will make meaning out of our people’s history and stories and find contemporary resonance in the ancient words of the Hebrew Bible.

Dates: Wednesdays, Oct 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec 7, 14, 21, Jan 4 & 11

Registration: Click HERE to register through Hebrew College.

This class is sponsored by Hebrew College in partnership with Temple Beth Elohim.