From scrolls to codices, the Torah's physical transformation mirrors Jewish cultural adaptation, preserving divine wisdom across millennia of diaspora.
From scrolls to codices, the Torah's physical transformation mirrors Jewish cultural adaptation, preserving divine wisdom across millennia of diaspora.
This course offers a unique perspective on the Jewish Bible by examining its history as a physical artifact. Participants will delve into the evolution of the Jewish Bible from scrolls to codices, exploring how its physical attributes have shaped its interpretation and cultural significance over time. The course focuses on the Torah Scroll and its central role in Jewish tradition, while also covering the broader history of the Jewish Bible as a material object. Students will learn to interpret the context and meaning of various Bible formats, from ancient codices to modern digital versions. By studying the Bible's physical evolution, participants will gain insights into Jewish history, culture, and religious practices, as well as a deeper appreciation for the materiality of sacred texts in general.
4.9
(8 ratings)
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English
What you'll learn
Analyze the significance of the Jewish Bible as a physical artifact
Trace the evolution of the Jewish Bible from scrolls to codices and digital formats
Interpret the cultural and religious context of different Bible formats and layouts
Examine the role of the Torah Scroll in Jewish tradition and practice
Evaluate how physical attributes of texts influence their interpretation and use
Compare different historical formats of the Jewish Bible and their significance
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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Module Description
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the Jewish Bible as a physical artifact, tracing its evolution from ancient scrolls to modern digital formats. The curriculum focuses on the Torah Scroll, examining its cultural and religious significance within Jewish communities. Participants will learn about the development of different book formats, including the transition from scrolls to codices, and how these changes reflected and influenced Jewish cultural and religious practices. The course covers topics such as the materials used in creating biblical texts, the evolution of Hebrew script, and the significance of page layouts in different historical periods. Students will gain skills in interpreting the physical attributes of biblical texts and understanding how these attributes relate to broader historical and cultural contexts. The course also explores how the materiality of the Jewish Bible has shaped its interpretation and use over time, providing insights into the relationship between physical form and religious meaning.
Fee Structure
Instructor

1 Course
Leading Scholar in Jewish Literature and Comparative Studies
David Stern is the Harry Starr Professor of Classical and Modern Jewish and Hebrew Literature at Harvard University, as well as a Professor of Comparative Literature and Director of the Center for Jewish Studies. He joined the Harvard faculty in 2015 after a distinguished career at the University of Pennsylvania. Stern's scholarship focuses on Jewish literary creativity within its historical and cultural contexts, exploring themes across Jewish literary history from the Bible to contemporary works. His teaching includes seminars on Jewish texts such as Midrash and Talmud, both in their original languages and in translation. Notable publications include "Parables in Midrash: Narrative and Exegesis in Rabbinic Literature" and "Midrash and Theory: Ancient Jewish Exegesis and Contemporary Literary Studies." He has received fellowships from prestigious institutions, including a junior fellowship at Harvard’s Society of Fellows and a Radcliffe Institute fellowship, as well as grants from the ACLS, NEH, and the Guggenheim Foundation. Through his research and teaching, Stern aims to deepen understanding of Jewish literature's impact on broader literary traditions and foster critical engagement with texts across cultures.
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4.9 course rating
8 ratings
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