With Rabbi Benjamin J. Samuels, PhD.
Co-sponsored by Ma'ayan.

Register via Ma'ayan here.

Peshat exegesis refers to the contextual literary reading of the Torah. Derash refers to layers of meaning derived through the interpretive rules and methods of rabbinic commentators. Together, peshat and derash conjoin the written and oral Jewish traditions of Torah. However, there has long been a tension between the two. As the modern era ushered in new approaches that separated peshat from derash, there were counter efforts to produce commentaries showing that they were inseparable. 

In this course, we will study modern representations of peshat interpretation, and peshat and derash unitive commentaries. We will also delve into the controversy presently swirling around the legitimacy of peshuto shel mikra in religious bible study today. Some of the commentaries to be studied: HaKetav VeHakabbalah, Malbim, Meshekh Chokhman, Ha'amek Davar, Torah Temimah, and Peshuto Shel Mikra.

Sources will be presented in Hebrew and English, and made accessible to all.