Last Offered: August 21-25 2004

Course Description

Have you ever wondered what everyday life was like for Yeshua, his early followers, and the individuals we encounter on the pages of the New Covenant? Many introductions to this period of time are concerned primarily with well-known events, groups, or discoveries, such as the destruction of the Temple, the Pharisees, or the Dead Sea Scrolls. However, focusing solely on catastrophes, or select segments of the populace, can result in oversimplifications and generalizations. Rather than bringing us closer to Yeshua’s world, such approaches oftentimes actually distance us from the real world of antiquity.

But, what was real life like for ordinary people? This is the primary question the course will seek to answer. In doing so, here are some of the topics to be explored:

• How archaeology helps us understand everyday life, such as the family unit, clothing, literacy, architecture, spoken and written languages, and burial customs
• Interaction between Jews and non-Jews
• City life and country life
• The shape of daily, Sabbath, and Festival worship in the home, synagogue, and Temple
• Ancient and modern sources to aid further study

In addition to learning how to engage in sound socio-historical study, addressing these questions will illuminate the pages of the New Covenant. For example, as we explore geography, demographics, and agricultural existence in the Galilee, many of Yeshua’s parables assume deeper and richer meaning. Hence, students will become equipped both to better understand the New Covenant and to answer those who would oversimplify and generalize the fascinating and complex nature of Yeshua’s world. Hopefully, studying Yeshua’s world will provide further knowledge, tools, and inspiration for bringing each participant closer to Messiah himself.

Audio CDs, Audio tapes and Video tapes of the 21 - 25 August 2004 presentation are available.

Go to the general information page for Yeshivat Baruch HaShem .