Sokol Hebrew High School
Meet the Prophets
David Blatt
Spring 5768


This course will introduce students to the text of the book of Prophets. We will study both the Hebrew text from the Tanakh along with the JPS Translation. We will be reading selections from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Hosea, and Jonah analyzing the role of the ancient Prophets in forming our history, our heritage and our culture.
Issues central to the focus of our studies will include:
Who were the Prophets of Israel?
What was their world like?
What is Prophecy? How did these men become Prophets?
Were their messages only concerned with Religion?
Could they be considered a moral conscience of their time?
How have their teachings impacted us as Jews living in the 21st century?
From the historical perspective we will attempt to understand the messages of the Prophets, and to determine whether or not the Prophets were successful in their goals to influence the Jewish people. We will look at their vision of the future and try to determine if their prophecy is to be realized. Taking that one step further, we will try to imagine Prophecy in our own times.
If you want to discuss this class with your children, ask them why Isaiah is quoted in Christian literature, or ask them where they might find Ezekiel, if he were living today. Or, just take out the text and explore it together.
The study of Prophets will challenge students to think creatively, to reason without cynicism and ultimately to determine their faith in G-d. In order to get the most from this class, students are expected to attend class regularly. Respect for the text, for each other and for the teacher are essential.