An Online Course with Dr. Robert Harris

Six Mondays: February 5, 12, 26, March 4, 11 and 18
7:30–8:45 p.m. ET     

How do you begin to speak to those whom you fear and mistrust? And can the tradition of biblical commentary show us the way? Ancient and medieval biblical interpreters, both Jewish and Christian, were always aware of one another, speaking to and writing about each other even as they claimed Hebrew Scriptures as their own. While there was a great deal of mistrust, suspicion, and hatred on both sides, at a certain point, it looked like the kind of ignorance that breeds fear and prejudice might be giving way to understanding and accommodation. Alas, this hope was short-lived. Through a close reading of biblical commentaries, our course will examine the ways in which Jews and Christians expressed their respective claims. In particular, we will look at the language through which they attempted to come to terms with the other in their midst.

Cost: $180

Dr. Robert Harris is professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at JTS.