Teaching Shemot: The Birth of the Jewish Nation

Practical strategies and conceptual approaches for classroom teaching.
Using intertextual skills to present the fundamental themes of the Exodus story in a compelling manner in the high school classroom.

About the course

We are sorry but this course is full and closed to new registrations.

This course will: 

  • Help teachers explore the fundamental themes of the seminal story of slavery and Exodus from Egypt. 
  • Offer teachers intertextual skills and help them develop a broader view of the story of the Exodus and how it fits within the Tanakh. 
  • Examine some rabbinic and medieval exegetical texts and illustrate how best to use these texts in a useful and compelling manner in the classroom. 
  • Offer teachers a deeper understanding of Ancient Egypt as a realistic and meaningful background for the Tanakh stories and themes. 
  • Consider the goals of Tanakh study and offer tools for making the study of Tanakh narratives come alive in a high school classroom.  
  • Explore various pedagogical methods and goals, with an eye toward developing practical strategies and conceptual approaches for classroom teaching. 

Click here to download the Course Outline PDF

About the Instructor

Dr. Yael Ziegler is a Senior Lecturer in Tanakh at Herzog College and the Rosh Batei Midrash and Academic Director of Matan. She received her BA from Stern College and an MA and Ph.D. in Bible at Bar Ilan University. Dr. Ziegler has lectured widely on various Tanakh topics in Israel, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. Dr. Ziegler is the author of "Promises to Keep: The Oath in Biblical Narrative" and "Ruth: From Alienation to Monarchy", which has been translated into Hebrew. Her latest book: "Lamentations: Faith in a Turbulent World" was released in June, 2021 and is currently being translated into Hebrew. She is currently working on a book on Exodus.

COURSE features

Audience : High School Limmudei Kodesh Teachers
Course Structure : 10 self-guided lessons & 2 Zoom meetings
Language : English
Course fee : $75

Out of stock