Memoir Literature as a Source of Jewish History: 16th-20th Century

Catalog description

The course explores different forms of Jewish self-writing from the middle ages to the modern period. We will read letters, diaries and autobiographical texts from both Western and Eastern Europe. The Jewish works will be analyzed within their wider social and cultural context. Readings include letters of Rabbi Yom Tov Lippman Heller, the autobiography of Leon of Modena, writings of 16th century mystics, diaries of R. Chaim Yosef David Azulai and Rabbi Moshe Sofer.