Jerusalem Study Opportunities

The theme of the book of Deuteronomy is the encounter between a group of people and God. Moses is standing on the brink of the Promised Land, forbidden to enter, but allowed to give his last Devar Torah (sermon) to the people. It is a long sermon that summarizes the history of the people with God, their behavior towards God and God’s behavior towards them.  Much is lost to many readers who have only a translation of a text at hand. How often for example have we read that Moses died in the land of Moab by “the Lord’s command” (Deut. 34.5) while the more literal and profound translation is, “by the mouth of the Lord,” that is, “by a kiss of the Lord.”  Much is also lost when the Old Testament is divorced from the People to whom it originally belonged.  Hence the need for a program of studies that contextualizes the text within the People, the Land and the Book.

Instructors at Bat Kol Summer Program are a team of Jewish professors expert in biblical studies, that is Talmud, Midrash and the Hebrew Language and Christian professors, continuing students of Jewish tradition, who, urged on by the teachings of the Church, will demonstrate the value of these studies for Christians: “Without the Old Testament, the New Testament would be an incomprehensible book, a plant deprived of its roots and destined to dry up and wither (The Jewish People #84).

Bat Kol’s academic program, which is recognized by several universities for academic credit, is primarily designed for Christian educators and others in apostolic ministries. Those who register are given preparatory material to ready them for this unique encounter with the People, the Land and the Book. The program is also open to qualified applicants who wish to deepen their understanding of the biblical text and to enter more deeply into life.  “Choose life,” is the command to all. But the more literal translation is the invitation, “Choose into life (Deut. 30.19),” which involves a journey, a walking into the unknown. In the context of the centuries old Jewish/Christian struggle, a deeper academic and spiritual understanding of the sacred texts was never more timely. Through the BAT KOL Program you would have an opportunity now to enter into the Promised Land. Click here for the application form.