Jewish Mysticism
RELIGION335
The main historical stages, personalities, texts, ethical doctrines, social teachings, and metaphysical doctrines from rabbinic to modern times. Topics include the significance of context and cross-cultural influence in shaping mystical traditions of a minority population living in Christian, Muslim, and secular environments and ways in which mysticism has served to empower and marginalize women. Readings emphasize primary sources (Hebrew Bible, Rabbinic writings, medieval mystical works) in translation and consider them both as literary works and elements of religious ritual. One course.
Crosslisting Numbers:
JEWST335
MEDREN351
Ethics Elective
Message from the Department:
The faculty of the Department of Religious Studies laments and strongly objects to the racist comments and symbols that have appeared on campus at Duke, repugnant expressions of White supremacy groups and others expressing racial and religious hatred that have no place whatsoever in our community or anywhere else. We sincerely hope that students, staff and faculty across the university will publicly convey their staunch rejection of such hatred in order to champion the values of tolerance and equality that are the true basis of our intellectual and ethical community.