Explore the profound questions of our beginnings in this engaging course focused on the first eleven chapters of the Bible. These remarkable texts do not start with the story of a single people but instead present universal themes—creation, humanity, and the origins of the world. Drawing parallels to the earliest recorded reflections from ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, this course dives into humanity’s timeless quest to understand where we come from and what it means. From the poetic rhythm of Genesis 1 to the dual creation accounts that set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, discover how these seminal stories echo shared human curiosity about our identity and place in the cosmos. Perfect for anyone intrigued by the intersection of history, faith, and the universal search for meaning.

This course delves into the biblical story of Abraham (Genesis 11:27-25:31) and aims to reconstruct the socio-historical contexts in which various texts about Judaism's founding ancestor were created. Drawing on ongoing research, the course will explore why Abraham became the quintessential ancestor of the three monotheistic religions. The narratives in Genesis portray him as an ecumenical figure whose significance has been interpreted differently over time and according to diverse religious sensibilities. This course will analyze these stories to understand the multifaceted legacy of Abraham and his enduring influence on monotheistic traditions.