This seminar, consisting of four meetings, is intended to introduce the student to the life and work of Gershom Scholem, born Gerhard (1897-1982). 

Class meeting times. 8:00 PM to 9:15, on Wednesday evenings: April 29, May 6th, 13th and 20th.
Place: Riverdale Temple. 4545 Independence Ave., Bronx, NY 10471 Tel. (718) 548-3800

Course outline by meeting:

1. From Berlin to Jerusalem: General outline of his career until arrival in Jerusalem, and basic bibliography. Assignment: Read Scholem's "Jews and Germans," On Jews and Judaism in Crisis (New York: Schocken Books, 1976), pp. 71-78, to "and which stimulated us to resistance."

2. Scholem's friends and acquaintances: Walter Benjamin, Franz Kafka. Discussion of reading. Reading assignment, ibid, 78-85 to "semites themselves were unable to bring about."

3. Scholem and Zionism. Discussion of reading. Reading assignment, ibid., 85-92 (end).

4. Scholem as historian of Jewish mysticism: a seeker of historical and transcendent truth? Discussion of reading assignment. Conclusions.

The essay "Jews and Germans" (21 pages) will be available for $1.00 dollar to help defray xeroxing costs at the office of Riverdale Temple (see secretary Helene during opening hours after February 14) as well as at the first meeting.