Like religious studies, Jewish studies is an academic exploration of literature, ritual, history, philosophy, and experience across disciplinary boundaries. As with all area studies, Jewish studies balances itself--often precariously--as a bridge across that range of methodological options. The breadth of theories employed by each has complicated…

Maintains that a difficulty in teaching humanities survey courses is coordinating data from the various disciplines of cultural history. Recommends the use of creation stories as "windows" on the cultures of the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and the Hebrews. Provides an overview of each culture's creation stories and a bibliography of…

Provides a personal perspective on the three-year Catholic-Jewish Colloquium through anecdotes of sharing and personal growth. Discusses this process in terms of a constant attempt to fit together the pieces of a puzzle. Includes a copy of a poem by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner. (MJP)