In this course, we will attempt to outline the different ways in which Christianity has been perceived in Jewish society over the centuries. We will begin by surveying some of the earliest Jewish references to Christianity found in Rabbinic Literature (Mishnah, Tosefta and Talmuds). Through several examples, we will examine attitudes towards Christianity reflected in Jewish liturgy, exegesis and anti-Christian polemics from the Middle Ages. Finally, we will reflect on lines of continuity and change during Jewish modernity—in the Haskalah period and in modern-day Israel.
Both the Hebrew original and an English translation of the different texts will be provided. The classroom discussion will be based on the translation, though students wishing to work on the Hebrew texts are encouraged to do so.
- Lehrende/r: Eran Shuali