This seminar is intended to provide students with an introduction to Jewish Law as a self-contained, comprehensive, dynamic and evolving legal system. The seminar will examine the sources and development of Jewish law, its precedents and principles of adjudication. It will focus on the relationship between the rights of the individual and the needs of the community in the Jewish legal tradition. The seminar will explore contemporary topics in Jewish law pertaining to the status of the individual, issues of human rights and dignity and bioethics. The only text required for this seminar will be a readings package.
Method of Evaluation: 75% Research paper, 15% class presentations and 10% class participation.