This course will trace the path of Jewish history during the transition period from antiquity to the Middle Ages, beginning with the destruction of the Second Temple and the start of the exile – the dispersion of the Jewish people to various countries in Europe and North Africa.

Within this framework, we will examine the growth of Rabbinic Judaism and the attempt to preserve Jewish community life through the writing of the Oral Torah and the editing of the Talmud.

We will learn about the emergence of Islam in the 7th century and the relative status enjoyed by Jews in Islamic countries as "dhimmi" or "protected people" in exchange for paying a special tax.

We will become acquainted with the thriving Jewish communities in Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo, the role of the Geonim and community leadership, and learn about the important discoveries from the Cairo Geniza and the glimpse they provide into Jewish daily life in the 10th century, alongside a study of responsa written by the Geonim.

In the second part of the course, we will expand the discussion to the life of Sephardic Jewry between the 10th and 12th centuries, examine the social structure that allowed Andalusian communities to thrive, and get to know exemplary figures such as Maimonides, the poets Yehuda Halevi, Moses ibn Ezra and Solomon ibn Gabirol, as well as Hasdai ibn Shaprut – advisor and physician to King Abd al-Rahman III.

Special emphasis will be placed on the role of Jewish philosophers as a bridge between Christian and Muslim communities, who transferred and disseminated ancient knowledge through Arabic translations of ancient texts, in addition to monumental commentary for generations like Abraham ibn Ezra, Ralbag, and Samuel ibn Tibbon.

In parallel, we will learn about the Radhanites – networks of Jewish merchants who connected Europe, North Africa, and China.

Towards its end, the course will focus on the historical turning point of the Christian reconquest of Spain and its implications for Jewish communities, including the meaning of the "Reconquista" and the final expulsion of Spanish Jews in 1492 by the regime of Ferdinand and Isabella.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.