In the third to first centuries BCE, Jews wrote a number of books that, although in a biblical style, did not make it into our Bible. Many of these are preserved in what is known as the Apocrypha, including 1 and 2 Maccabees; Tobit; Judith; and Susanna. These books, and others, captured the imagination of artists and writers throughout history. In this course we will read and discuss them, and explore how they might still be relevant to Jews today.
This course will be taught by Michael Satlow, professor of Religious Studies and Judaic Studies at Brown University. All classes will take place on Zoom. Zoom link will be provided to those who register.