Tanach Studies

The Tanach Studies program at JETS is a structured three-year course designed to build deep familiarity with the foundational texts of Jewish tradition. Through guided study of selections from Chumash, Nevi’im Rishonim, Nevi’im Acharonim, and Ketuvim, students develop skills in close reading, interpretation, and thematic analysis.

This three-year Tanach program utilizes carefully selected texts from across the breadth of Tanach, exposing students to multiple literary genres, historical periods, and theological themes. By studying narrative, law, prophecy, poetry, and wisdom literature, students gain a holistic understanding of how Tanach speaks to personal character, national destiny, and the human relationship with G-D.

The curriculum is designed to move students from basic textual literacy to increasingly sophisticated interpretation. Students learn to read the text carefully, attend to language and structure, engage classical commentaries, and explore the ethical and philosophical messages embedded within the text. Emphasis is placed on understanding Tanach on its own terms while appreciating how Chazal and later commentators understood and transmitted its meaning.

Year I: Chumash — Foundations of Torah Text and Meaning

The first year focuses on selected passages from the Chumash, introducing students to the core narratives, laws, and themes that form the foundation of Torah thought. Students learn the basic tools of peshat reading, sensitivity to language, and awareness of literary structure.

Key areas of study include creation and covenant, the lives of the Avot and Imahot, themes of leadership and responsibility, the emergence of the Jewish people, and foundational mitzvot. Students are introduced to classical commentators such as Rashi, Ramban, and Ibn Ezra, learning how to compare interpretations and identify underlying questions within the text.

By the end of the year, students are able to read Chumash with confidence, articulate the main ideas of a passage, and explain how textual details inform meaning.

Year II: Nevi’im Rishonim — History, Leadership, and National Destiny

The second year turns to Nevi’im Rishonim, examining selected narratives from books such as Yehoshua, Shoftim, Shmuel, and Melachim. Through these texts, students explore the transition from desert nation to settled society and monarchy, grappling with questions of leadership, faithfulness, success, and failure.

Students analyze biblical narrative as both history and moral instruction, studying how choices made by individuals and leaders shape the destiny of the nation. Emphasis is placed on identifying recurring themes, character development, and the role of Divine providence in historical events.

This year strengthens students’ ability to synthesize narrative, ethical reflection, and theological insight, while deepening their appreciation of Tanach as a guide for communal and personal leadership.

Year III: Nevi’im Acharonim and Ketuvim — Prophecy, Ethics, and Inner Life

The third year explores selected texts from Nevi’im Acharonim and Ketuvim, focusing on prophetic vision, moral critique, hope, and spiritual introspection. Students study passages from prophets such as Yeshayahu, Yirmiyahu, and selected Trei Asar, alongside writings from Tehillim, Mishlei, Iyov, and Megillot.

Major themes include social justice, teshuvah, emunah, suffering, prayer, wisdom, and the enduring relationship between G-D and the Jewish people. Students learn to appreciate the distinct voices and styles of prophetic and poetic literature while identifying their timeless relevance.

This year challenges students to integrate textual analysis with ethical and philosophical reflection, encouraging mature engagement with faith, struggle, and meaning.

Integrated Skills and Methodology

Across all three years, students develop:

• Close reading and textual analysis skills
• Familiarity with classical commentaries
• Sensitivity to language, structure, and genre
• Ability to articulate themes and ideas orally and in writing
• Thoughtful engagement with ethical and theological questions

Instruction combines guided reading, discussion, comparative commentary analysis, and reflective writing.

Assessment and Growth

Student progress is evaluated through:

• Textual comprehension assessments
• Written reflections and source-based analysis
• Oral presentations and class participation
• Thematic projects connecting text to values and life

Assessment emphasizes clarity of understanding, interpretive growth, and thoughtful engagement rather than rote memorization.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Tanach Studies program will:

✔ Read and analyze Tanach texts with confidence
✔ Understand major themes across Chumash, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim
✔ Engage classical commentaries thoughtfully
✔ Articulate ethical and theological insights rooted in text
✔ Apply Tanach values to personal growth and leadership
✔ Possess a coherent, integrated view of Tanach as a living foundation of Jewish life

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