Skip to main content

Individual Course

Judaism Through Its Scriptures

Course Length

4 weeks

5-10 hours a week

Featuring faculty from:

Harvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences LogoHarvard Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Enroll as Individual

Certificate Price:

$ 149

Enroll as Individual

Certificate Price:

$ 149

Join Harvard University faculty to learn about the key beliefs and practices of Judaism through an examination of its sacred texts and their interpretation.

For over two millennia, Jews throughout the entire world have been committed to reading, interpreting, and living their scriptures. But what are the Jewish scriptures? When were they written? And why are they relevant in the 21st century?

This religion course introduces students to the diversity of the ever-expanding Jewish canon and the equally diverse ways of reading it. It will examine how Jews, ancient and modern, drew inspiration and guidance from the traditional texts while simultaneously reinterpreting their contents in light of new circumstances. The religion we call “Judaism” emerges at the nexus of text, interpretation, and lived tradition.

Whether you are a long-time student of the Jewish scriptures or a complete newcomer, this course will give you a new understanding of the fascinating roles that sacred texts have played in the rich history of Judaism.

Self-Guided

edX

  • Learn from Harvard faculty
  • Do it on your own time
  • Get a certificate, add it to your resume
  • Be part of the Harvard Community
Data Science for Business values

Faculty

Your Instructor

Matthew Hass

Matthew Hass is a Ph.D candidate in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations

Instructor of Judaism Through Its Scriptures Harvard X Read full bio.

Your Instructor

Shaye Cohen

Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophyin the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizationsat Harvard University Read full bio.

Complete your journey with this XSeries

These courses can be bundled together to receive a professional certificate at a discounted price.

Learn More
  • 7 Courses
  • 7 Months
  • Earn Your Certificate
An example HarvardX certificate

Ways to take this course

Audit or Pursue a Verified Certificate

A Verified Certificate costs $149 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums. At the end of the course, learners who earn a passing grade can receive a certificate.

⁠Alternatively, learners can Audit the course for free and have access to select course material, activities, tests, and forums. Please note that this track does not offer a certificate for learners who earn a passing grade.

Stay tuned for more

Don’t miss a thing. Subscribe to our newsletter and get updates on exclusive content for Harvard Online learners.