How Jews Read the Hebrew Bible: Introduction to Rabbinic Midrash

Fall term graduate course at VST, open to auditors, beginning September 15 2022, taught by Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan

Midrash is a Hebrew word for “Biblical interpretation.” Over the centuries, Jewish interpreters have used close reading, Hebrew wordplay, and generous imagination to recover legends, address theological questions, define ritual practices, and adapt to social trends while preserving historical continuity. Through our study of midrash, we will expand our understanding of Hebrew Bible’s complexity, spirituality, and homiletic potential. We will touch on halachic (practical) midrash, but will focus on aggadic (narrative) midrash.

Course meets weekly on Thursday afternoons, 2-5 pm Pacific, for the fall term. Contact the VST registrar for information, www.vst.edu