The Song of Songs: The Bible’s Timeless Vision of Love

What does the Bible have to say about love? More than two thousand years ago, the Song of Songs offered a lyrical and deeply human answer that continues to inspire readers today. Together, we will explore this remarkable biblical book, beginning with an overview of its interpretation through the centuries. We will then examine its central themes: the poem’s unity, the equality and mutual devotion of the lovers, the exclusivity of their bond, and their shared hope for the future. Our final session will consider how these themes shaped Jewish and later religious understandings of the love between God and humanity. Only a small amount of reading will be assigned before each session. Rabbi Benjamin Segal is an author and lecturer living in Jerusalem. He is past president both of the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies and of Melitz, the Centers for Jewish and Zionist Education. His books include: A New Psalm: The Psalms as Literature; Kohelet’s Pursuit of Truth: A New Reading of Ecclesiastes; The Song of Songs: A Woman in Love; Returning: The Land of Israel as Focus in Jewish History; Midrash: The Search for a Contemporary Past; The Book of Esther. His newest work is Lamentations: Doorways to Darkness. Tuition: NIS 390 (US$130*) per course 10% discount price for 2 series of classes, 15% discount price for 3 series of classes or more *dollar price dependent upon exchange rate on date of payment Cancellation Policy: Prior to start of course – 100% refund or 100% credit for another course. Following one class – 90% refund or 100% credit for another course. No cancellation after 2 classes (in special cases, e.g. illness, a credit will be given for another course). Details of zoom meeting will be sent before the start of classes.