Jewish History
Jewish history is the real story of how the Jewish people came to be and survived. The study of Jewish history helps us understand who we are, what our literature means, and how we can influence the next stages in Jewish evolution.
Individual Learning
Several opportunities for individual learning about Jewish history are collected on our Adult Learning pages focused on Bible/Torah, Israel/Zionism, Jewish History, and Jewish Identity. There are also a number of IISHJ Publications on the subject that might be of interest.
Community learning
These seminars are examples of programs the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ) has offered in partnership with local Secular and Humanistic Jewish communities. If your community is interested in working with IISHJ to host such a program, email info@iishj.org. These courses also qualify as elective credit towards the IISHJ’s Leadership Program.
JH 100) Ancient Jewish History
An introduction to the major events, literature, and issues from the earliest stages of Jewish history. Topics covered include the emergence of the Israelite nation, the development of the Israelite religion, the story of the two Hebrew nations and the emergence of the Bible. CR: 1
JH 103) The Torah
An examination of a central book in Jewish life. Issues of authorship, authority, historical context and contemporary meaning are all addressed. CR: 1
JH 110) Hellenistic Jewish History
An introduction to the major events, literature, and issues from this major transitional period in Jewish history. Topics covered include the transition from Temple to Talmud, varieties of Judaism during the Second Temple , the transfer of authority from priests to rabbis, and the flourishing synthesis of Hellenistic and Jewish cultures. CR: 1
JH 112) Jesus and the Jews
An examination of Jesus the Jew and the relations of the early Christian movement to the Jewish community of its day. CR: 1
JH 120) Rabbinic Jewish History
An introduction to the events, literature, and issues from this foundational period for Rabbinic Judaism. Topics covered include the basic ideas, literature, and practices of Rabbinic Judaism, Jewish demographic and migration patterns, the emergence of Hasidism, and Medieval Jewish philosophy. CR: 1
JH 122) The Kabbalah and Hasidism
An introduction to Jewish mysticism and its most widespread modern expression. Topics include the Zohar, Jewish mysticism and Creation, the Tsaddik in Hasidism, and New Age Jewish Religion. CR: 1
JH 130) Contemporary Jewish History
An introduction to the major events, literature, and issues from contemporary Jewish history. Topics include Haskala (Enlightenment) and emancipation, American Jewish history, anti-Semitism, Zionism, Holocaust , Israel , new religious movements, and the transformation of the Jewish people. CR: 1
JH 132) Antisemitism
a survey of the history of the hatred of Jews and Judaism, from its Greco-Roman origins through medieval Christian anti-Judaism to modern racial anti-Semitism. CR: 1
JH 133) Women in Jewish Life
An examination of the role of women in Judaism, as well as the experiences of Jewish women. Topics include Biblical and Rabbinic perspectives, Women and Jewish Law, the Jewish family, Jewish Feminism, the Israeli Experience, and Women Rabbis. CR: 1
JH 134) Jews and Arabs
An historical survey of the interactions of Jews and Arabs, from Islamic origins in Arabia to the heights of medieval Spain , through modern Zionism and anti-Zionism. CR: 1
JH 140) Survey Jewish History Elective
covering a variety of topics related to themes across many eras in Jewish history. CR: 1
JH 145) Rediscovering Jewish Diversity
Exploring diverse examples of Jewish cultures and histories, focusing on the Hellenistic Jews of Alexandria, Mizrahi Jews of Baghdad, Sephardi Jews of Salonika, and the Beta Israel Jews of Ethiopia. CR: 1
Professional Training
These seminars are designed for and offered to participants in IISHJ’s professional programs for Life Cycle Officiants, Leaders, and Rabbis. Visit our Programs page to learn more.
JH 501) Ancient Jewish History and Biblical Literature 1
A graduate-level exploration of the earliest origins of the Jewish people in their Near Eastern context. Issues include the beginnings of Hebrew religion, sources and literature of the Hebrew Bible, the divided monarchy period and the Destruction of Jerusalem. Reading knowledge of Hebrew required. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3
JH 502) Ancient Jewish History and Biblical Literature 2
A continuation of JH 501: Ancient Jewish History and Biblical Literature 1, which is a prerequisite for this course. Issues include the return from Babylonian Exile, Hebrew wisdom literature, and influences of the Persian Empire. Reading knowledge of Hebrew required. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3
JH 511) Second Temple Jewish History and Literature 1
A graduate-level exploration of the diversity of Jewish thought, religious practice and community from approximately 200 BCE to 200 CE, “from the Macabees to the Mishnah.” Issues include Hellenism and Hellenistic Judaism, Second Temple Jewish sects and their literatures, and the Great Revolt against Rome. Reading knowledge of Hebrew required. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. – CR: 3
JH 512) Second Temple Jewish History and Literature 2
A continuation of JH 512: Second Temple Jewish History and Literature 1, which is a prerequisite for this course. Issues include the creation of the Biblical canon, the establishment of rabbinic authority, and the Bar Kokhba revolt and its aftermath. Reading knowledge of Hebrew required. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3
JH 521) Rabbinic History and Literature
A graduate-level exploration of the key sources and events of early Rabbinic Judaism. Issues include the formation and development of the Mishnah and the Talmuds, Jewish life between Byzantine Christians and Muslim Arabs, and the Karaite challenge. Reading knowledge of Hebrew required. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3 Download a syllabus for JH 521/522
JH 522) Medieval Jewish History and Literature
A continuation of JH 521: Rabbinic History and Literature, which is a prerequisite for this course. Issues include the medieval Jewish experience, Jewish philosophy and mysticism, codes and the challenges of “Orthodoxy.” Reading knowledge of Hebrew required. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3 Download a syllabus for JH 521/522
JH 531) Modern Jewish History 1
A graduate-level exploration of the experience of the Jewish people in modern times. From Enlightenment and Emancipation in Western Europe, through periods of migration and change between the old world and the new, to the radical changes wrought by the traumas and triumphs of the 20th century, the Jewish world has radically changed in the past 300 years. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3 Download a syllabus for JH 531/532
JH 532) Modern Jewish History 2
A continuation of JH 531: Modern Jewish History and Literature 1. Issues include the Holocaust and the modern State of Israel, the post-WWII American Jewish experience, and challenges for the future. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3 Download a syllabus for JH 531/532