Rabbinic Literature and Halacha

»Moses received the Torah at Sinai and transmitted it to Joshua, Joshua to the elders, and the elders to the prophets, and the prophets to the Men of the Great Assembly. They said three things: Be patient in [the administration of] justice, raise many disciples and make a fence round the Torah.«(Mischna Avot, 1:1)

The Chair of Talmud and Rabbinic Literature is concerned with research and teaching of the oral Torah under philological, literary, historical, legal and philosophical aspects. The literature studied includes the oral Torah literature of all generations: the Tannaitic literature (Mishnah, Tosefta, and Halakhishe Midrashim), the literature of the Amoreans (Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud), the Aggada literature, and the rabbinic literature, from the conclusion of the Talmudic writings until today.

In the courses offered, students learn about approaches and methods of academic research in many areas: the world of faith and the opinions of rabbis, Jewish holidays and festivals, topics from Order Nezikin, theology and gender, halakhah and bioethics, or halakhah and modernity. Students read sources and research literature and engage with the issues and problems that arise from scholarly research of the texts. They acquire research tools and practice their use.

The course is designed for those who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of rabbinic literature. Study content is tailored to each student individually and in accordance with existing knowledge, skills, and interests.

Our faculty is characterized by an open, respectful, and enriching atmosphere, allowing believers to freely engage in research and critical inquiry. Believers, agnostics, and atheists benefit from meeting in our academic environment.