Online Course: Jews and the Messiah

Online Course: Jews and the Messiah

Tuesdays October 5, 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 23; 
7:00-9:00 p.m. ET

This course is generously underwritten by Yale Asbell, JTS trustee.

Messianism—the belief in an anointed one who will gather the Jewish people from the dispersion and restore them to their native soil—is a profound dynamic in Jewish history and thought. Once the messianic idea became embedded within Judaism, it spread to other monotheistic religions, and later to secular Western culture.

In this course, led by Dr. Benjamin Gampel, we will examine the role of messianism in medieval and early modern Judaism—among both Ashkenazim and Sephardim—and its parallels within Christianity and Islam. We will also come to understand how fantasies about the end of days continue to influence contemporary social, political, and religious movements across the globe and impact our daily lives. 

To prepare for class sessions, you are encouraged to read the assigned primary sources. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required. 

Cost: $240 for eight sessions.