About the Department
The Department of Talmud and Oral Law deals with all areas of the Oral Torah: Tannaitic literature: the Mishnah, Tosefta and halakhic midrashim; Amoraic literature: the Babylonian Talmud and Jerusalem Talmud; various Aggadic midrashim; post-Talmudic rabbinic literature: the Geonim, Rishonim, and Acharonim. All these areas are studied and researched in the department using an academic approach, with in-depth analysis and consideration of historical, philological, literary, and legal aspects.
At Bar-Ilan University, there is a wide-ranging and senior faculty in the field, which means - the most diverse offering of courses and research topics in Israel. The faculty are brilliant researchers with international recognition and are quality, skilled, and charismatic lecturers. In their classes, they weave ancient laws and stories into social, moral, and philosophical issues, dealing with the characters that appear in these stories and the cultural worlds in which they operate.
The faculty members are committed and dedicated to your success; and through personal attention and close guidance they will ensure that you meet the high requirements and fulfill your full academic and research potential.
Here is a sample of our courses: The study of topics in the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds on the Passover Seder; the Amoraic narrative in the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud; prayer in the teachings of the Sages; the Talmudic text in the Geonic period; between Ashkenaz and France: legal literature and commentary; halacha and modernity - halacha and medicine; 20th century Jewish law authorities.
Sample of research topics: Development of Halakha regarding Bishul Akum (food cooked by non-Jews) in 13th century Spain; the High Priest's service on Yom Kippur in Tannaitic sources; comprehensive editions and commentary on the chapter "Elu Ne'emarin": Babylonian Talmud Sotah Chapter Seven; the story in the Midrashim from the school of Rabbi Ishmael; Rabbi Yitzchak of Dura and the Sha'arei Dura: His approach to Halakha and the editing of his book.
The department offers innovative and unique programs, such as: Bachelor's degree for those with background in Talmudic studies, for rabbis, graduates of yeshivot and women's seminaries, where recognition of prior learning allows completion of the degree in two years or, in some cases, even one year; extended Bachelor's degree in Talmud; combined Bachelor's degree with other university fields; special Master's program without thesis, particularly suitable for teachers.
Bachelor's degree graduates serve as teachers and educators in educational systems in Israel and worldwide, while those who continue to Master's and Doctoral degrees go on to become program coordinators and school principals and engage in research and teaching in academia worldwide.
