This 12-week course will cover exegetical analysis of Hebrew Wisdom Literature and poetry. The course will explore both Biblical texts and other significant Jewish literature (Midrashic, Tannaitic, Qumranic, etc.).
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate:
- Da’at (Theoria): basic knowledge of Hebraic Wisdom Literature and Poetry
- Binah (Praxis): ability to read and comprehend Hebraic Wisdom Literature and Poetry within its own contextual environment
- Chochma (Poiesis): practical exegesis of Hebraic Wisdom Literature and Poetry and application to the student's halakha
Any formal equivalent (literal or near-literal) translation of the Bible
Sneed, Mark R. The Social World of the Sages: An Introduction to Israelite and Jewish Wisdom Literature. Minneapolis, Minn.: Fortress Press, 2015. ISBN 978-1-4514-7036-9.
Glazer, Miriyam. Psalms of the Jewish Liturgy. New York, N.Y.: Aviv Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0-916219-41-3.
Your Professor
Brian Tice was ordained as a Sephardic Rabbi (Moreh Hora'ah) by MJR in May of 2000 and by Y'sharim USA in June of 2016 (Choshen Mishpat/Dayan). He obtained his B.Sci. in Bible and Ancient Languages from Cornerstone University and his M.Sci. in Higher Education with an emphasis on Classical Hebrew Andragogy from Kaplan/Purdue Global. He also studied Music and Modern Languages at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Worship Studies at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and Middle Eastern History through Tel Aviv University.
Professor Tice has taught Hebrew, Hermeneutics, Tanakh Exegesis, and Apologetics for Cornerstone University (as a Graduate Assistant) and for Take Hold Ministry School. He also developed a number of courses for International Messianic Torah Institute and MJR Yeshiva as well as teaching homeschool music and Torah cantillation courses in the Grand Rapids area (Michigan).
Professor Tice facilitated the Torah Schul at his home synagogue for three years as well as serving as a chazzan and occasionally teaching from the bimah. He has also delivered the D’var Torah on the “Torah Foundations of Faith” radio program on Hebrew Nation Radio. Presently, he is a Hebrew and Judaica research scholar with Manuscript Research Group, working with Jewish manuscripts in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Judeo-Arabic and spanning nearly all nusachot and minhagim.
Professor Tice contributes to tikkun olam by working with the Willing to Wait Leadership Team, an abstinence education ministry of the Pregnancy Resource Center and ministering to the local homeless and poor. He has also volunteered with Little Mary’s Hospitality House, a woodland vacation resort for families with children battling life-threatening or terminal illnesses, for 11 years; Habitat for Humanity for 7 years; Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo for 6 years; and several homeless ministries.
Course Curriculum
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StartModule 1: Introduction to Wisdom Literature
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StartModule 2: Proverbs
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StartModule 3: Job
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StartModule 4: Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes)
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StartModule 5: Extrabiblical Wisdom
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StartModule 6: Midpoint Assessment
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StartModule 7: Introduction to Psalms (1:59)
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StartModule 8: Falling on your Face
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StartModule 9: Hallel Prayers
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StartModule 10: New Moon & New Direction
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StartModule 11: Shabbat Selections
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StartModule 12: Capstone Project