Among the most remarkable gems of the entire Jewish liturgical cycle is a genre of epic poetry that recounts in vivid detail the service performed by the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. Together we will explore the origins and development of this unique piyyut tradition, discuss its connection to tractate Yoma, and consider some of its central themes.

This class will be taught by Prof. Arnold Franklin. Arnold Franklin teaches Jewish history at Queens College, CUNY, where he also serves as director of the Jewish Studies Program.