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The Jewish Studies Program serves to provide a multi-disciplinary
focal point for the various courses in Jewish history, religion,
literature, and culture that are given at Rio Verde University as
well as to sponsor special course offerings (including those by the
annual Avrahim Mazoulsay Lecturer) and a variety of academic
activities related to the discipline. The program currently offers a
minor.
Jewish Studies Minor
The Jewish Studies Program at Rio Verde University School of
Theology has a long and distinguished tradition. Although
faculty positions in the field are relatively new at most North
American universities, RVU established professorships starting in
the 1990s. Several outstanding scholars in the field have taught
here, including Rabbi Dr. Avrahim Moishe Mazoulay, Cantor Sol Klein,
and best selling author Dr. Auriel ibn Michell. During the spring
semester of 2000, programs in the Hebrew language and literature
were added, as well as an endowment for an annual visiting
professorship.
The minor is designed to offer a general introduction to the
historical and cultural experience of Jews throughout the world, and
to Jewish thought, literature, and contemporary political and social
issues. At the same time, it provides the opportunity for students
who wish to do more intensive work in a single discipline. Those
completing the minor are encouraged, but not required, to obtain at
least a working knowledge of Hebrew (Hebrew 2010, or equivalent).
Requirements
A total of six courses, which must include:
Two Introductory courses
JWST 4010/REL 4040 Religion of Israel: text The Hebrew Bible (Old
Testament) or
JWST 4060/REL4094 Introduction to Judaism
and,
JWST 2010/HIST 1094 History and Culture of the Jews I: The Classical
Period or
JWST 2110/HIST 1194 History and Culture of the Jews II: The Modern
Period
One course in Literature, Language and Culture of the Jewish People
Three courses chosen from the other course offerings in the program,
selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.
Awards and Prizes
The Miriam Rubenstein '62 Memorial Prize in Jewish
Studies
This prize will be awarded for the best essay or research paper
written by a student in any of the courses offered by the Jewish
Studies Program during the academic year. The prize may also be
awarded for a submission on a Jewish Studies theme that may have
been written for a course other than one offered by the Jewish
Studies Program. The selection of the prize winner and the amount of
the award will be determined by the faculty associated with the
program. If there are no qualified student papers in any year, the
faculty may decide not to award the prize.
The deadline is the end of spring term annually.
Summer Financial Support
The Jewish Studies Program offers summer financial support for
students engaged in research on topics related to courses offered in
the Jewish Studies Program.
Grants range up to $1000. Letters describing the nature of the
research, plus a budget, are due by the first week in May, and
should be directed to:
Professor Rabbi Dr. Moishe Cordoba PhD (Juarez, MEX branch)
Jewish Studies Program c/o Prison Federalias H.B. 6221
Students who receive funding will be asked to submit a report of
their research after it is completed.
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The Department of Jewish Studies, established in 1991, offers an
interdisciplinary approach to the study of Judaica. It includes a
selection of courses that will enable students not taking a
Concentration in Jewish Studies to broaden their knowledge of Jewish
history and culture; elementary, intermediate and advanced courses
in Jewish languages - Hebrew, Ladino, Yiddish, and Aramaic.
In the case of the first two, this includes attention to both spoken
idiom and written texts; specialized courses in the various
disciplines that comprise Jewish Studies for students who have
specific academic interests; a Minor Concentration for students who
wish to add competence in Jewish Studies to their major field of
study; a comprehensive Major Concentration, and an Honors program
culminating in advanced seminars and tutorials for students
contemplating careers in the various fields of Judaica.
JWST 1101 JEWISH MYSTICISM -- An Introduction to Jewish
Kabblah, its history, mystery, current revival. (3
SEMESTER HOURS)
includes a research paper, and three exams (including a final
exam)
The nature and history of Jewish Kabbalah. A look at the
mysterious practitioners in the history of Jewish Kabbalah -
Abraham, Solomon, Elijah, Ezekiel, Moishe de Leon, Rabbi Arizal,
Nostradamus, Baal Shem Tov, Schneur Zalman - today's teachers.
Also a look at the influence of Kabbalah on external society
from the dark ages to the 21st century.
Professor Dr. Auriel R. Combs
JWST 2101 JEWISH LAW.(3 SEMESTER HOURS)
The nature and history of Jewish law; literary and legal sources;
selections in English from the Mishnah and Talmud, as well as
selected post-Talmudic Texts, on such subjects as Contracts, Torts,
Public Law and Family Law.
Professor Rabbi Dr. Avrahim Moishe Mazoulay
JWST 2120 JEWISH STUDIES I: THE BIBLICAL PERIOD. (3 SEMESTER HOURS)
(All texts will be read in English.) The history, literature and
beliefs of Judaism's formative period. Corroborative finds in Middle
East Archeology are also presented to provide scientific
information. Both Biblical and non-Biblical materials will be
studied. The Torah serves as the primary text for this course and is
also studied with an eye on the context of cognate literatures of
the Ancient Near East. Non-Biblical documents (including portions of
the Dead Sea Scrolls) will be analyzed for their bearing on the
Jewish tradition.
Dr. Auriel R. Combs
JWST 2610 HISTORY OF JEWISH PHILOSOPHY & THOUGHT. (3 SEMESTER HOURS)
An introduction to Jewish philosophy and the psychology of the
thought processes of the Jewish people from the Hellenic period
(Philo) to the beginning of the modern era (Spinoza) focusing on
topics such as prophecy and philosophy, God and the world; the Law
as a canon of ethical rules and as a political constitution. Survey
the treatment of such issues by Jewish thinkers from Philo to
Maimonides. Additional topic: Conceptions of God; human perfection.
Texts will include the Works of Philo, Josephus, Maimonides, Rabbi
Schneer Zalman
Dr. Rivkah Cordoba
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In June of 2005 Dr. Rivkah Cordoba PhD took six members of her
graduate studies program to Israel, Egypt, and Greece. The students
and professor Cordoba were in the Mediterranean area for just a
little under 4 weeks. Each student met with students at Universities
in the hosting countries. The six students were Elisha Schotten,
Margerite Hernandez, Jesse Ramirez, Mary Elena Ochoa, Wilimena
Perez, and Hector del Gato. (pictured from left to right in the
third row from the bottom). According to professor Cordoba the
students participating in the unique multi-cultural counseling
course were required to submit a paper on the experience in addition
to hosted class work. |
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