Overview
In this much anticipated follow-up to his Methodology in the Academic Teaching of Judaism (University Press of America, 1987), Zev Garber brings together an outstanding group of scholars and master teachers at the cutting edge of Jewish Studies. As each of these contributors confronts the process of integrating Jewish Studies into college humanities classes, the reader is treated to a wide-ranging and imaginative set of essays that will assist and inspire any educator who wishes to incorporate the concepts and themes of Jewish scholarship into his or her course. The volume is divided into four sections. The first concentrates on theory and methodology while the second examines the various approaches or topics that can be used to teach Jewish Studies. These include the Bible, rabbinical and modern literature, ethics, Zionism, Shoah, feminism, and Hebrew language. The third section is concerned with the proper direction of teaching Jewish Studies to non-Jews and touches upon the sensitive issue of how to educate and not indoctrinate. The last section includes personal perspectives on curricular issues that have a bearing on the integration of Jewish Studies and Western culture. Like the critically acclaimed first publication, this volume provides a thought-provoking and useful introduction to Jewish studies for a new cadre of scholars, students, and clergy.
Synopsis
In this much anticipated follow-up to his "Methodology in the Academic Teaching of Judaism" (University Press of America, 1987), Zev Garber brings together an outstanding group of scholars and master teachers at the cutting edge of Jewish Studies. As each of these contributors confronts the process of integrating Jewish Studies into college humanities classes, the reader is treated to a wide-ranging and imaginative set of essays that will assist and inspire any educator who wishes to incorporate the concepts and themes of Jewish scholarship into his or her course. The volume is divided into four sections. The first concentrates on theory and methodology while the second examines the various approaches or topics that can be used to teach Jewish Studies. These include the Bible, rabbinical and modern literature, ethics, Zionism, Shoah, feminism, and Hebrew language. The third section is concerned with the proper direction of teaching Jewish Studies to non-Jews and touches upon the sensitive issue of how to educate and not indoctrinate. The last section includes personal perspectives on curricular issues that have a bearing on the integration of Jewish Studies and Western culture. Like the critically acclaimed first publication, this volume provides a thought-provoking and useful introduction to Jewish studies for a new cadre of scholars, students, and clergy.
Author Biography: Zev Garber is Professor of Jewish Studies at Los Angeles Valley College in Van Nuys, California.
Editorials
Jewish Book World
While this book is intended for scholars, it should also be very useful for the laity in the Jewish community. On reading this book, they will better understand the complexity of the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing educators.Journal of Ecumenical Studies
Academic Approaches to Teaching Jewish Studies can inspire anyone teaching in this field.Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
Garber's book offers convincing proof that there are teachers in the field with the expertise to handle high-level students along with newcomers.— Beverly Gray
Choice
…the individual studies substantially contribute to the discussion, which should interest teachers of Jewish studies and be of concern to anyone interested in the state of undergraduate education in the humanities today.— A.J. Avery-Peck
Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal Of Jewish Studies
The current volume is a worthy successor to its most significant predecessor of the 1980s. Garber is to be commended for his continuing efforts to bring attention to the multiphased phenomenon that has become 'Jewish Studies.'— Richard Libowitz
Jewish Spectator
Academic Approaches to Teaching Jewish Studies' has appeal beyond academia.— Zev Wallis
Religious Studies Review
Garber and the writers of this work begin the process of moving those of us who teach, do research and write in the field of Jewish studies to pioneering new levels of pedagogy and research…It is well worth the read whether you are in Jewish studies or not.— Samuel M. Edelman
Society Of Biblical Literature
The collection contains a broad spectrum of valuable tools and insights for those either beginning to teach in the field as well as for more experienced teachers looking to reflect on their current approach and learn from other thoughtful pedagogues.— Joel S. Kaminsky