Objectives : The course aims: a) to acquaint the students with the basic facts and features of Second Temple Judaism and Jesus’ Movement in its context; b) To teach students interpret historical and religious sites in Jerusalem and their development in the context of Christian and Jewish religious identities; c) To enhance students critical understanding of main issues in contemporary Jewish-Christian relations.

Learning Outcomes : The student will be able to a) identify main challenges in contemporary Christian Jewish relations both generally and in particular Jerusalem context b) recognize implications of religious and theological narratives about historical sites of Jerusalem c) understand and explain place of Jesus’s movement in the diversity of Second Temple Judaism

Content : This week-long summer course will focus on Christian-Jewish relations as they can be studied through the terrain of Jerusalem, the texts of Jewish and Christian traditions, and contemporary dialogue with activists and religious leaders. Run by the Center for Biblical Formation in Jerusalem, located in the heart of the Old City, the course offers a unique opportunity to explore this ancient city and learn alongside Jewish and Christian Jerusalem-based scholars, while also encountering the diverse practices of contemporary Judaism and local Christians. It also allows to explore practices of dialogue in this shared sacred space.

Methodology : field trips, lectures and text-based discussions.

Means of Evaluation : a paper (5-8 pages) referring to one of the historical sites of Jerusalem or issues in Christian-Jewish relations, combining course-based reflections and academic readings.