Description

This course will examine the narrative perspective on the Book of Exodus that Exodus is a testimony of the divine affection for the Israelites who are compared to stars whom God brings out and causes them to enter according to their number and names (Rashi). It presents Israel's liberation and birth and the beginning of God's covenanted nation (Plaut). That approach presents the notion of interdependency between God and Israel. The people show obedience both to covenantal commitments and to worship and hence they are led to freedom from oppression, to divine living provision, to protection from enemies, and to peace. During the course the assumptions will be scrutinized that at the basis of such an approach lies a theology of servanthood and that throughout Exodus the Divine is presented as the Master of history and the Redeemer of his people. These are amongst the foundational themes on which Scripture and finally also the Christian faith are based.

* Methodology

Using a dialogical approach with the text, professors with different expertise will develop, based on the traditional weekly pericope (Parashat HaShavuah) of the Book of Exodus, aspects of the interdependence between the Israelites and the Divine, based on rabbinic authors, midrashic and Talmudic sources, and Jewish and Christian commentators from late antiquity to modernity. Of equal importance are the various academic and pastoral approaches to the Book of Exodus that will encourage a new encounter with the Book and a renewed view on cultural and religious attitudes of Jews and Christians.

* Evaluation

The final mark is based on the results of the pre-assigned readings which include an introduction to the Hebrew language, full participation in the July program, a written or oral exam and a research paper.

Highlights

Each day begins with a Hebrew prayer and the Havrutah method is incorporated by the lecturers.

Excursions include: Jerusalem's City of David and the Horizon Tour, John in the Desert,The Garden Tomb, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre,Chagall Windows,Yad Vashem, Ein Kerem,Qumran, Beersheva, Bethlehem, Gethsemane, The Temple Mount.

Degree Level

Masters Degree

Subject Areas

• Jewish Studies
• Languages / Linguistics
• Religious Studies

Cost in US$:

3,500

Program Fees Include:

25 nights lodging and meals (full board). From dinner on the 5th of July to breakfast on July 29. Weekly excursions in Jerusalem and in Israel. Professors and rabbis from well-known academic and religious institutions contribute scholarly lectures.

Experience Required

yes

Pre-readings and assignments.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 20

Scholarships are Available

Limited scholarships available for those from Third World Countries.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 month

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Bat Kol Institute's Mission Statement

Jewish studies for Christians, in Jerusalem. Today it is an international association of Christian women and men who are committed to the study of the Word of God within its Jewish context and to incorporate these studies into their Christian self-understanding in a manner that respects the integrity of both traditions. Alumni have founded centres in the Philippines, South Africa, India, United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Brazil and a number of other international venues.

Year Founded

1982