Villains in Tanakh

Catalog description

Students will analyze Biblical villains in two parts: The first is a source in Bavli Sotah 9B that lists 11 Biblical characters who "desired what was not worthy for them, and what they sought was not given to them, and even what they had, was taken from them." Students will delve into these characters and discuss why some others did not make this list. The second source is the first Mishna in the last Perek of Masechet Sanhedrin, that lists 7 Biblical characters who have forfeited their share in the Afterlife. Here too, students will discuss what they have in common, and why some others did not make this list. (There is overlap between the 2 lists). Students will also discuss what makes a nation more villainous than others, especially using contrasts found in Devarim 23-25.