e-TiM: Parshanut and Polemics

Jews and Christian share the same holy book—the Tanakh or “Old Testament.”  But they have been arguing about its correct interpretation ever since the rise of Christianity.  In this class we will examine how and when Jewish Bible commentaries argue against Christian teachings and readings of the biblical text.  We will begin our studies with a few passages in the Talmud and then move on to the great Jewish Bible commentators of later years, including Rashi, Rashbam, Ramban, Radak, Abarbanel and others.

This eight-part series will take place on Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Eastern:

Wed., Jan. 6: Part 1: How Does the Talmud Take on Christianity? Part 1

Wed., Jan 13: Part 2: How Does the Talmud Take on Christianity? Part 2

Wed., Jan. 20: Part 3: How Does the Talmud Take on Christianity? Part 3

Wed., Jan. 27: Part 4: How Does Rashi's Torah Commentary Take on Christianity? Part 1

Wed., Feb. 3: Part 5: How Does Rashi's Torah Commentary Take on Christianity? Part 2

Wed., Feb. 10: Part 6: How Does Rashbam’s Torah Commentary Take on Christianity?  Part 1

Wed., Feb. 17 Part 7: How Does Rashbam’s Torah Commentary Take on Christianity?  Part 2

Wed., Feb. 24: Part 8: The Book of Esther, Antisemitism, and Jewish-Christian Polemics

Wed., March 3: Part 9: Insulting or Mocking Polemics: Rabbi Yosef Bekhor Shor

Wed., March 10: Part 10: Was There Non-polemical Discussion of the Bible by Jews and Christians in Medieval Times?