California State University, Chico Religious Studies/Modern Jewish and Israel Studies. RELS 204/MJIS 204 Judaism

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1 California State University, Chico Religious Studies/Modern Jewish and Israel Studies RELS 204/MJIS 204 Judaism Instructor: Dr. Jed Wyrick Office location: Trinity 239 Telephone: Office hours: Class days/time: TR 2:00-3:15 Classroom: OCNL 254 Prerequisites: for all conversation, questions, or appointments; Vista to send documents if necessary (only checked occasionally) M 2-3; W 3-5; TR 1-1:45, or by appt. None Spring 2012 Course Usage of Blackboard Vista Copies of the course syllabus and major assignments may be found on Vista. You are responsible for regularly checking the online resources, which is accessed through the portal at and then on My Vista Courses. Course announcements will be sent on Vista or appear as Vista announcements. Course Description and Goals The first goal of this course is to gain a familiarity with the origins of Judaism, its practices and beliefs, and major moments in the history of the tradition. We will explore the textual basis of Judaism, including important parts of the Hebrew Bible, known in Christianity as the Old Testament. We will also read passages from the formative and authoritative texts of rabbinic Judaism such as the Talmud and traditional Jewish biblical interpretation or Midrash. Central Jewish beliefs and religious practices (including prayer, holidays, and the Fall 10 page 1 of 12

2 life cycle) will be surveyed. Attention will also be given to historical and theological issues facing Judaism in modernity, including Jewish responses to the Enlightenment, the nature of anti-semitism, the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish views of God s justice (theodicy), and the significance of Zionism and the state of Israel to Judaism as a whole. The second goal of the course is to explore Judaism and the minority experience in the United States. Minority status includes aspects of race and ethnicity, native language, gender and sexuality, class and economic status, religion, as well as societal prejudice and discrimination. The experiences of Jews are particularly interesting to this discussion for a variety of reasons. Judaism has not only a religious but also an ethnic or even racial dimension; however, the history of Judaism reveals how problematic the concept of race is. Like other minorities, Jews have often given up their native languages upon emigrating to the US and sought to blend in with their neighbors and their traditions. In the face of this assimilation, other Jews have sought to strengthen or redefine their religious practices and beliefs. Jewish economic success and ethnic status as white grant Jews much in common with majority American culture, but the prominence of the notion of America as a Christian nation, together with historically ingrained prejudices and the existence of hate groups, solidifies the minority status of Jews. There is a tradition of solidarity with other minorities and the disenfranchised, but solidarity with Israel and appreciation of the Jewish experience in America have also resulted in increasing nationalism and affinity with majority American culture. In the process of exploring the basics of Judaism and the minority status of Jews in America, this course enables you to gain a feeling of empathy for the practitioners of this religion to imagine what it might be like to be a Jew. You will gain an appreciation for the diversity of Jewish groups and approaches to Judaism. On a practical level, you will also practice skills in the "close-reading" of texts and the creation of an argument or thesis statement. This course counts as a General Education course in the Humanities in the area of great thinkers and ideas (area C-3). It also counts as a United States Diversity (USD) course. General Education Course Requirements: Because this is a General Education course in the Humanities (area C), you will be expected to attend 4 cultural events during the semester. Part of your class participation requirement will be met when you hand in a single document detailing each event you attended in a description of one sentence or more. One of these "events" may be one of the recommended films listed on this syllabus under the appropriate dates. Other events might include television documentaries related to Judaism, serious musical performances, plays, or lectures, attended this semester. Except for the films or documentaries, they need not relate to Judaism or religion. The observation of a Jewish service may count for GE as well as for extra credit (an extra credit submission requires a 1-page response paper). Fall 10 page 2 of 12

3 This course counts towards the minor in Modern Jewish and Israel Studies (18 units see the minor and B.A. in Religious Studies (21 units and 39 units respectively; see and the minor and B.A. in Humanities (21 and 41 units see Students graduating with majors in these and other disciplines in the liberal arts are known for their overall educational preparation, their job flexibility, and their ultimate earning potential when compared to graduates receiving a more narrow, technical, or vocational undergraduate education. Graduation with a double major or even a minor in these fields provides extra evidence of open-mindedness, perseverance, inquisitiveness, and the ability to relate to people of other cultures and to those who are highly educated. Student Learning Objectives 1. Students will enhance their skills in written communication through writing assignments linked to course content. 2. Students will demonstrate enhanced factual knowledge of the practices and beliefs of Judaism and its foundational texts. 3. Students will describe and compare Jewish explanations or representations of religious and racial persecution 4. Students will practice critical thinking by proposing and defending explanations for the relationship between Jewish interpretive narrative (midrash) and biblical text 5. Students will be able to describe aspects of the Jewish experience as a minority in the United States Required Texts/Readings (available at AS Bookstore and Mr. Copy) Texts Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Judaism Today (London and New York: Continuum, 2010). ISBN Stephen M. Wylen, The Book of the Jewish Year (Urj Press, 1995). ISBN Sue Fishkin, The Rebbe s Army: Inside the World of Chabad Lubavitch (New York: Schoken Books, 2005). Chaim Potok, The Chosen (Fawcett Books, 1995). ISBN Course Reader, available at Mr. Copy (Main St. at 1st St., next to the 7- Eleven). Please bring it to class when it contains readings for that day. Fall 10 page 3 of 12

4 Recommended readings: Tanakh: A New Translation of the Holy Scriptures According to the Traditional Hebrew Text (Jewish Publication Society, 1985) (available at AS Bookstore) Library Liaison George Thompson, ghthompson@csuchico.edu, , MLIB 305 Classroom Protocol You will lower your attendance grade by 10 points (1% of your final grade) every time you miss class; you have one absence allowed. Legitimate excuses (e.g. a doctor's note or a note from another professor about a class related activity) will be accepted, provided that they are accompanied by a 1/2 page written discussion of the readings assigned for that day. It is your responsibility to inform me at the end of class if you missed roll call. Newspaper reading and surfing the internet for materials unrelated to Judaism are not allowed in class. You are welcome to excuse yourself to make a necessary phone call or text. Please ask permission to look at materials for another class in an emergency, but only if you can also pay attention to classroom discussion. You are encouraged to skim through the Judaism readings for the day while listening to class discussion to remind yourself of what you read or to catch up. Please close your laptop while watching films, video clips, etc. Dropping and Adding You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, etc. found You should be aware of the new deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes. Assignments and Grading Policy Attendance: 100 points (minus 10 for each missed class with one exempt) Classroom Participation/Homework/Quizzes: 50 points GE 4 cultural events: 50 points 3-page analysis of Jewish Midrash: 200 points (REQUIRED TO PASS) Fall 10 page 4 of 12

5 3-page essay on Holocaust Theology: 200 points (REQUIRED TO PASS) Test on Genesis and Exodus: 50 points Test on The Chosen: 50 points Midterm multiple-choice exam: 200 points Final Exam: 100 points [Extra Credit: response paper discussing your visit to a Jewish service, in Chico or elsewhere, this semester: 25 points] Total: points Late papers may be penalized up to 1/3 of a grade per day unless prior permission has been granted. Analysis papers are required; you cannot pass the course without handing in both of them. All assignments must be submitted in hard copy. You are required to keep a backup copy of each essay you submit, either in a computer disk or in hard-copy, to be printed out and resubmitted upon my request. Any paper not resubmitted on request will be considered as not having been completed. Alternately, submit both a hard copy of your paper and electronic version on Vista at the due date. Academic integrity University Policies and Campus Resources Students are expected to be familiar with the University s Academic Integrity Policy. Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at California State University, Chico, and the University s Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. The policy on academic integrity and other resources related to student conduct can be found at: The policy of the Department of Religious Studies is that anyone found to have blatantly cheated or plagiarized on an assignment will automatically fail the course and be referred to student judicial affairs for further disciplinary action. Jewish Communities in Chico: Off Campus Resources Congregation Beth Israel (CBI, is located on 1336 Hemlock (at 14th St.) (phone: ). CBI is led by Rabbi Julie Danan, ordained in Jewish Renewal. Some would describe the synagogue as similar to Reform in its relaxed atmosphere and English service with Hebrew songs and prayers. Friday night services (Kabbalat Shabbat) are well attended and begin at 7:30pm, but the first Friday of the month is usually earlier Fall 10 page 5 of 12

6 (check to confirm). Saturday morning Shabbat services are usually the main service, and include a ceremonial chanting of the Torah portion of the week from the Torah scroll housed in the ark; these services begin at 10am and last 2 hours. The Rabbi notes that it is more polite to arrive late than to leave early and that it is not polite to take notes during the service. Dress is informal. Men are not expected to put on a kippah or skullcap as they enter the synagogue, although these are available at the entrance and are optional for men or women. Seating is mixed (men and women are not separated). The Chico Havurah: Meetings are held at the Congregational Church, 1190 East First Ave. (the corner of Downing & East 1st Ave.) on the first and third Fridays of every month at 7pm. The Chico Havurah is a small Reconstructionist Congregation (an offshoot of the Conservative movement) formed in 2003 to give Jews in Chico an alternative to the traditional synagogue experience. The Havurah is a Jewish community that seeks to honor Jewish history and culture by focusing on the kavannah (spirit) of the traditions, rather than rigid religious observation. Everyone, regardless of religious identity, knowledge, or background, is welcome to participate fully in our services and community. Seating is mixed. Phone The Rohr Chabad Jewish Center, 440 W 4th St (Phone ): a Hasidic, traditional orthodox Jewish center (one of over 110 campus centers in America) led by Rabbi Mendy Zwiebel. Chabad is an organization dedicated to engaging every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation, or personal level of observance, and providing resources to help increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. Chabad presents events for students such as Friday Night Live!, One-on-one Study, Chana s Kitchen, Girls Night Out, and regular Jewish holiday parties. Saturday morning services are held on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 12pm. As appropriate, interested non- Jews will be graciously welcomed at Chabad events, but their outreach is directed towards Jewish students and community members. Seating is separated by gender. The Chico State Hillel/Jewish Student Union (chicohillel@sbcglobal.net), Chico's branch of this nation-wide organization for Jewish students, also sponsors events relating to Jewish holiday observances. The Hillel Center is located at 101 Salem Suite 160, behind Celestino's and directly across from Taylor Hall at the corner of Salem and W. 1st St. Phone Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or chronic illness, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible or see me during office hours. Please also contact Disability Support Services (DSS) as they are the designated department responsible for approving and coordinating reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities. DSS will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide you further assistance with requesting and Fall 10 page 6 of 12

7 arranging accommodations. Disability Support Services Student Services Center 170 Student Computing Computer labs for student use are available located on the 1 st floor of the Merriam Library Rm 116 and 450, Tehama Hall Rm.131 and the BMU Rm 301. Additional labs that may be available to students in your department/college. Student Services Student services are designed to assist students in the development of their full academic potential and to motivate them to become self-directed learners. Students can find support for services such as skills assessment, individual or group tutorials, subject advising, learning assistance, summer academic preparation and basic skills development. Student services information can be found at: University Writing Center The CSU, Chico writing center is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the University Writing Center. Our writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. The Writing Center information can be found online at Student Learning Center The mission of the Student Learning Center (SLC) is to provide services that will assist CSU, Chico students to become independent learners. The SLC prepares and supports students in their college course work by offering a variety of programs and resources to meet student needs. The SLC facilitates the academic transition and retention of students from high schools and community colleges by providing study strategy information, content subject tutoring, and supplemental instruction. The SLC is online at Fall 10 page 7 of 12

8 Course Title/Number Course Schedule (Note: subject to change with fair notice.) Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines Readings will be discussed on the day listed below and should be read prior to the date in which they are listed 1 Tuesday 1/24/12 1 Thursday 1/26/12 2 Tuesday 1/31/12 Introduction to Judaism and the Jews Entering Judaism; Introduction to Charismatic Judaism (Hasidism) and Chabad 1. The Rebbe s Army pp and The Temple and the Synagogue; High Holy Days, Sukkot, Tisha B Av, Simchat Torah 1. Stephen Wylen, The Book of the Jewish Year, pp and Judaism Today, Basic Practices 1-6, pp Thursday 2/2/12 3 Tuesday 2/7/12 1. Genesis 1-35; please print out Gen. chapters 1-4 and bring to class (click on Bereshit 1-4) or bring your copy of the Bible Three Covenants; Israel Defined in Egypt 1. Reread Genesis 9, 15, and Exodus 1-20, 24 Please print out Gen. 9, 15, 17, and Exodus 24 and bring to class or bring your Bible (click on Shemot 24) 3 Thursday 2/9/12 The Akedah (the Binding of Isaac) and Jewish Midrash ***Please bring RELS 204 Reader to class*** 1. Gen. 22; Please print and bring to class 4 Tuesday 2/14/12 2. Targum to the Sacrifice of Isaac (an example of Jewish Midrash) (in RELS 204 Reader) Jewish Midrash: ***Please bring RELS 204 Reader to class*** 1. Exodus chapters Flavius Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews, selections from book 2 (in RELS 204 Reader) 3. The Book of Legends pp (##1-26) (in RELS 204 Reader)

9 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines Readings will be discussed on the day listed below and should be read prior to the date in which they are listed 4 Thursday 2/16/12 5 Tuesday 2/21/12 5 Thursday 2/23/12 6 Tuesday 2/28/12 6 Thursday 3/1/12 7 Tuesday 3/6/12 7 Thursday 3/8/12 The Oral Torah, Part 1: The Mishnah, a Code of Laws ***Short Test on Genesis and Exodus*** The Oral Torah, Part 2: The Talmud, the Rabbis' Commentary on the Mishnah 1. Stephen Wylen, The Book of the Jewish Year, pp Tales of the Saints and Scholars (in RELS 204 Reader) Israelite Religion vs. Rabbinic Judaism; Passover the Pilgrimage vs. Passover the Seder 1. Stephen Wylen, The Book of the Jewish Year, pp ***Analysis Paper due: How Does Jewish Midrash Interpret the Torah?*** Clean and Unclean Animals; Kashrut 1. Leviticus Deuteronomy 14: Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 19:26-27; Deuteronomy 12: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, chap. 36, Laws of Salting Meat, pp (in RELS 204 Reader) Kashrut, cont.; Shabbat 1. Miryam Z. Warhman, Kosher Pork: Brave New Animals, in Brave New Judaism: When Science and Scripture Collide, pp (in RELS 204 Reader) 2. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, chaps , The Laws of Tree Grafting, The Laws of Interbreeding Animals, Laws Concerning Shaatnez (Wool Mixed with Linen), pp and 1169 (in RELS 204 Reader) 3. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, chap. 191, Prohibition of Cruelty to Animals (in RELS 204 Reader) Shabbat, cont.; The Calendar 1. Stephen Wylen, The Book of the Jewish Year, pp Prayer and Physical Mitzvot 1. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, chap. 10, Laws of Tefillin, pp (in RELS 204 Reader) 2. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, chap. 17 The Laws of Reading the Shema, pp (in RELS 204 Reader)

10 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines Readings will be discussed on the day listed below and should be read prior to the date in which they are listed 8 Tuesday 3/13/12 8 Thursday 3/15/12 9 Week of March Tuesday 3/27/12 10 Thursday 3/29/12 11 Tuesday 4/3/12 11 Thursday 4/5/12 12 Tuesday 4/10/12 12 Thursday 4/12/12 3. The Rebbe s Army pp The Life Cycle 1. Judaism Today, Basic Practices 7-12, pp Chaim Potok, The Chosen, pp (chapters 1-4) Jewish Belief: Resurrection of the Dead; The World to Come; The Messiah; Redemption 1. Maimonides, 13 Fundamental Principles (in RELS 204 Reader) 2. Ezekiel 37 and Daniel Judaism Today, The Fundamental Beliefs, pp Spring Break Jewish Belief: The World to Come; Redemption; The Messiah 1. Isaiah The Rebbe s Army, pp Women, Sexuality, and Homosexuality in Judaism 1. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, chaps Laws of Modesty, Prohibition of Discharging Semen in Vain, Prohibition Against Being Secluded with Women, and The Laws of a Woman Who is Menstrually Unclean, pp (in RELS 204 Reader) 2. Judaism Today, pp The Rebbe s Army pp ***Midterm exam*** Purim; Christianity and Judaism 1. Jewish-Christian relations, Modern Judaism pp (in RELS 204 Reader) 2. Stephen Wylen, The Book of the Jewish Year, pp Islam and Judaism 1. Jewish-Muslim relations, Modern Judaism pp (in RELS 204 Reader) Mysticism and Kabbalah 1. Chaim Potok, The Chosen, pp (chaps. 5-7)

11 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines Readings will be discussed on the day listed below and should be read prior to the date in which they are listed 13 Tuesday 4/17/12 Hasidism: The Tsaddik 1. Martin Buber, ed., Tales of the Hasidim, selections (in RELS 204 Reader) 2. The Rebbe s Army, pp Thursday 4/19/12 The Meaning of the Enlightenment and its Impact on Judaism 1. Judaism Today, The Enlightenment and Modern Jewish Life, pp Judaism Today, Modern Jewish Movements, pp Judaism Today, Modern Challenges to Judaism, pp Tuesday 4/24/12 Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust; Philosophical/Theological Responses 1. Judaism Today, The Rise of Anti-Semitism, pp Judaism Today, The Holocaust and the State of Israel, pp To begin analysis paper: 1. Richard Lowell Rubenstein, After Auschwitz (in RELS 204 Reader) 2. Emile Fackenheim, The Jewish Return into History and To Mend the World (in RELS 204 Reader) 14 Thursday 4/26/12 Zionism; Modern Hebrew Language 1. Judaism Today, Zionism, pp Judaism Today, The Holocaust and the State of Israel, pp Stephen Wylen, The Book of the Jewish Year, pp Tuesday 5/1/12 4. Chaim Potok, The Chosen, pp (chaps. 8-12) Religion in Israel; Who is a Jew? 1. Judaism Today, pp Halakhah and Israel, Modern Judaism pp (in RELS 204 Reader) 15 Thursday 5/3/12 Judaism in America 1. Judaism Today, Modern Jewish Movements, pp Judaism Today, The Dissolution of Traditional Belief and Practice, pp Chaim Potok, The Chosen, pp (chaps )

12 Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines Readings will be discussed on the day listed below and should be read prior to the date in which they are listed ***Test on The Chosen*** 16 Tuesday 5/8/12 16 Thursday 5/10/12 ***Analysis paper: Holocaust Theology due *** Israel and Religious-Political Conflict What is Jewish Identity? 1. Judaism Today, The Future of Judaism, pp ***Summaries of 4 cultural events due in class *** ***Extra Credit Response Paper due in class: Visit to a Jewish Service *** 17 Thursday 5/17/12 Final Exam OCNL :50pm