‫ספר שמות‬
Mrs. Simkovich
2008-2009
12H
Welcome to Shmot 101! I am thrilled (and surprised) to be your Shmot teacher for at least the next six
weeks. This course will be a fusion of literary analysis of text and the examination to medieval exegetical
methodology. “What do you mean, Mrs Simkovich?” you ask. Ah, so I’ll tell you.
We start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. When you read, you begin with – well, there will be
enough time for musical references later. Here’s a tentative outline of my goals in teaching you for six
weeks/twelve weeks/six months/the year.
I. Introduction: Outline of Sefer Shmot
1. Title each perek
2. Determine how many MAIN sections are in the sefer, and
how they interrelate. (Hint: the number is less than 8. Think
thematically)
3. How do we understand message of ‫ ספר שמות‬as a whole?
Machlokes time!!
a. Rashi, our sincere and never wacky French friend
b. Ramban, our passionate and opinionate
Kabbalist/physician/ Spanish Defender of Midrash
II. The Process of Geulah: Chapters 1-15
1.
Divide chapters into smaller sections, determine major
themes and keywords
III. Zoning in on the text: Chapters 1-2
1. In-Class Perek Preparation Sheet!!!! Find keywords,
themes, parallels, and determine their significance
2. Parshanut: Learn commentaries on these chapters by the
BIG FOUR: Rashi, Rashbam, Ibn Ezra, Ramban.
a. How do the cultural, religious, social, and
economic environment of the B.F. affect their commentaries?
Watch and be amazed as France and Spain duke it out to the final
finish! Who will reign victorious as the rabbinical interpretive
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authority and Protectors of the Tradition, rewarded with the
honor of passing on their methodology to succeeding generations??
Who?? WHO?????
IV. Chapters 4-8: Will we ever get there????!! Stay tuned!!!!
Books to bring:
All Hebrew Tanach: MANDATORY
JPS Tanach: Optional
A Mikreot Gedolot does not need to be brought to class unless I specifically request this
one class in advance.
NOTE 1: Tanach Bringing
For each class during which a student fails to bring his Tanach, one point will be
deducted from their upcoming test. No excuses are acceptable. If you lost your Tanach or
“someone stole it” from you, you must borrow one from a friend or from the library, or
contact me at least two periods before we are scheduled to meet.
NOTE 2: Test-Centric Participation
You can ask me any Shmot-related question you like in class; no question is too basic.
The only question that is absolutely forbidden to ask in my class AT ALL TIMES is,
“Will this be on the test?” because this question destroys the possibility of creating an
environment in which knowledge and growth are valued and treasured for its own
sake. As your instructor, it is my responsibility to help create such an environment. If you
make the dreadful mistake of asking this question, you will be asked to put a quarter in
the tzedakah box on my desk.
You will get review sheets well in advance of the test.
Estimated Grade Breakdown:
Attendance and Participation: 10%
Tests and Quizzes: 40%
Homework: 50%
This class has a web site: http://mrssimkovich.pbwiki.com. Check it for uploaded
homework and assignments. Also, feel free to email me at mszeiger@post.harvard.edu if
you have questions.
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