Topics in Talmud explores selected topics in the Babylonian Talmud, which may examine both legal (halakhic), philosophical (aggadic) material, or both, through close textual analysis. Students will engage with central Talmudic passages that illuminate key themes in Jewish thought, practice, and rabbinic literature. The course develops fundamental skills in Talmudic methodology while challenging students to probe the underlying logical structures and assumptions of rabbinic discourse.
Perek Kol HaBasar (Tractate Chullin, Chapter Eight)
This course provides an in-depth study of Perek Kol HaBasar (Chapter Eight) of Tractate Chullin of the Babylonian Talmud. Focusing primarily on the laws and principles related to the consumption of meat and milk in Jewish law, this material forms the conceptual framework for subsequent practical rulings. Students will explore the Talmudic texts, commentaries, and practical applications of these laws.
- Translate and parse the linguistic components of assigned Talmudic passages from Aramaic to English, including technical terminology and rhetorical devices
- Reconstruct the logical flow and structure of Talmudic arguments, identifying premises, challenges, resolutions and conclusions
- Differentiate between legal (halakhic), narrative (aggadic), and philosophical (hashkafic) elements within the studied texts
- Map the development of specific legal concepts from biblical sources through Talmudic discussion and later commentaries
- Compare interpretations of key medieval commentators (Rashi, Tosafot, Ramban, etc.) on assigned sugyot
- Evaluate how different commentators resolve textual difficulties and apparent contradictions