The Origins and Teachings of Early Rabbis

Where did the Rabbis come from? How did this class of creative teachers and interpreters rise in Jewish society? Jesus was a first-century rabbi, yet many who read the Gospels today are unfamiliar with what that meant in its original setting. This course introduces students to the history and origins of the early rabbis among whom Jesus lived and taught. The thoughts, central beliefs, and values can serve as a helpful backdrop to some of the ideas expressed in the New Testament. These lectures serve as a historical appendix to the course entitled: The World of Rabbis Jesus Knew. 

Skills & Learning Objectives:

By the end of this short course, students will be able to: 


The lectures were designed with a diverse audience in mind. This course emphasizes observation, context, and literary awareness rather than particular theological interpretation or practical application. The course is enhanced with a number of downloadable handouts, articles, and links to helpful books. The practical skill development in this course depends entirely on students going beyond passive learning and completing the exercises (which are optional).