Click on a category below to view applicable course descriptions.
TANACH
Themes in Sefer Bereishit Rav Kosowsky
Miracles, murder, free choice, relationships, rainbows, hope, destiny, courage, clothing and leadership are just some of the topics covered through the lens of the stories in Sefer Bereishit.
Sefer Shemot- Exile to Redemption (Beginners) Meryl Lee Avraham
Journey together to unravel how we left Egypt as an enslaved people and emerged as a unified nation. Plagues, religious conviction, faith, the role of women, holiness, miracles, betrayal, family are just some of the topics we will cover through the text.
Themes in Sefer Bamidbar Dara Knapel
We will learn and explore the narratives of the fourth book of the Torah. We will discuss the controversial and fascinating events that Bnei Yisrael encountered during their years in the desert. We will analyze text with classic meforshim along with some more modern interpretations.
Parshanut Hamikra (Advanced) Tobi Einhorn
This advanced class will cover a history of Biblical exegesis. We will offer a basic understanding of the ideas inherent in interpreting the Bible, and then proceed to conduct a chronological survey of Biblical exegesis. Beginning with intra- Biblical parshanut, proceeding through ancient and medieval exegesis and ending with the famous exegetes of today, this rigorous course will give you the necessary skills to learn Tanach on your own.
Netivot Shalom Dina Etigson or Dodi Tobin
In this course, we will study the Netivot Shalom, a popular collection of essays on the parshat hashavua, written by the contemporary Chassidic master, Rav Shalom Noach Barzovsky z”l, Rebbi of Slonim. Each week we will delve into an essay connected the parsha. In each essay, the Slonimer Rebbi takes an idea from the parsha and delves into its deeper meaning, providing us with Chassidic wisdom, guidance and insight to fortify us in our own spiritual development.
Parshat Hashavua Rav Lipman or Rav Baumol
In–depth analysis of an issue or idea addressed in the portion of the week. Meaningful life lessons will emerge from every parsha.
Commentaries: The Big Picture (Advanced) Rav Prebor
No commentary was written in a vacuum. There are subtleties in the text of the Torah which led Rashi to his interpretations and Ramban to his. In this course, we will explore the textual basis for the interpretations of the classical commentaries. You will learn how to find the questions and issues in the text itself, before searching for the answers.
Controversial Personalities in Tanach Rav Baumol
How do we confront stories in the Torah which seemingly cast a shadow on Biblical personalities we have learned to idolize? How do we interpret the ’sins’ of our patriarchs and matriarchs in light of the general view to consider them the ‘greatest ever’? This class will revisit our preconceived notions on infallibility and absolute righteousness and provide new perspectives towards honoring and venerating our esteemed Biblical heroes.
Women in the Bible Pesha Fisher or Dara Knapel
An in-depth look at women in the Tanach, through a textual analysis of the specific Biblical narratives. The unique strengths and personality traits of each woman will be assessed through studying her relationships and interactions with others and attempting to place them within the larger structure of Tanach. Classical commentators will be used to enhance our understanding of the relevant text.
Five Megillot Dr. Avigail Rock
In this course we will study The Book of Esther and the Book of Ruth. The course will focus on developing skills of learning and analyzing biblical narrative. The course encourages Independent thought and active discussion. Prior to each lecture, the students will be given Bet Midrash time to learn and develop ideas towards the shiur with a chavruta.
Introduction to the Poetry of Prayer - Tehillim Rav Baumol
This class will explore the Tehillim we recite daily in our tefillot and offers each student the opportunity to analyze the psalms and learn to understand their meanings. Each psalm was chosen by chazal to elicit specific emotions and to aid each soul to commune with Hashem at different points in life. Through an appreciation of Biblical poetry and a new found understanding of how to analyze the sacred words of King David the student will have the tools to concentrate more in tefilla and rise to greater spiritual heights during times of prayer and beyond.
Tehillim & Tefilla Karen Hochhauser
Sefer Tehillim is where we traditionally turn in times of sorrow or distress. Did you know, however, that much of our daily Tefilla comes to us from Tehillim? In this course we will discuss the mizmorim found in the siddur in order to understand and appreciate their relevance to our lives today. To do so, each week we will study a new mizmor in both its original context as well as in its role as a part of the larger body of davening.
JEWISH THOUGHT
Am Segula: Chosen People: Chosen for What? Rav Wexler
This class will expose students to the different issues facing modern orthodox Jews in the 21st century and give them the tools necessary to take an active role in the conversation going on in Am Yisrael. Some of the topics include:
Why should the modern Jew maintain the traditions of her ancestors?
Should supreme devotion be exercised in fulfillment of all Mitzvot or does Judaism encourage specialization?
Other religions claim to possess the truth about G-d or life- Is it possible for there to be more than one truth?
What are the arguments for the Divine Authorship of the Torah? What is Biblical Criticism?
What is Conservative and Reform Judaism and what are the Orthodox responses to these movements?
What is Judaism’s approach to the age of the world, dinosaurs, evolution and cloning?
Foundations in Faith Tobi Einhorn
An in-depth philosophical and textual analysis of the foundations of faith in Judaism. What is the nature of faith? Is there place for doubt in Judaism? What is the nature of dogma in the Jewish religion? We will tackle the greatest obstacle to faith, namely, the existence of evil in the world and try to provide answers to the great question of ‘why bad things happen to good people’. We will also explore the paradox of G-d’s predetermination versus man’s free will.
13 Principles of Faith Karen Hochhauser
Did you ever worry that maybe G-d doesn’t exist?
Did you every worry about the fact that you were worried?
Did you ever worry that you weren’t worried?
This class will deal with the philosophical fundamentals of Judaism, as presented in the Rambam’s 13 principles of faith. Some other topics will include: Free Will, prophecy and Judaism versus the other religions of the world.
The Philosophy of the Ramban Dr. Avigail Rock
Exploring Ramban’s exegetic style and methodology and distinctions with other exegetes – we will delve into famous issues such as: Eretrz Yisrael, miracles, G-d testing man, the reasons for the mitzvoth, karbanot, Christianity and the sins of the Avot.
The Amida Rav Kosowsky
The Amida is a personal prayer. With a deeper understanding of the words and themes of each beracha you will discover how each beracha can reflect our thoughts, ideas, challenges and dreams.
Tefilla Seminar Rav Ari Cutler
Do you find yourself having a hard time connecting to Tefilla? Do you feel that it is a burden sometimes? Do you want to understand what you are saying a little bit more? Do you what to understand the relevancy of prayer to your daily thoughts? The course will assist you in some strategies and the understanding of many facets of prayer. If you are ready to open your heart and mind- this course might be for you.
The Writings of Rav Kook Rav Etigson
Rav Kook is one of the truly great guiding lights for the Jew trying to live in the modern world. His teachings show how to integrate life, science, atheism, secular Jews, and Zionism together with the depth of Jewish philosophy and the inspiration of Chassidic and Kabbalistic teachings. We will try and ‘meet’ the first Chief Rabbi of Israel, become infused with his love for every Jew, whether atheist or Chareidi, and be inspired by his deep appreciation of every aspect of G-d’s world. We will delve into his deep teachings about teshuva, free choice, G-d, prayer, and the Land of Israel and gain insight into the process of redemption and the current situation in the State of Israel.
The Philosophy of Modern Orthodoxy Pesha Fisher
This course is a first semester introduction to the texts of modern orthodoxy. Through reading various texts we will explore the history of different movements that led up to the modern orthodoxy of today. Each class will use an article as a springboard for discussion. This class is a pre-requisite for the second semester texts of Rav Soloveitchik.
Living, Loving & Learning Meryl Lee Avraham
This course will be a journey of exploration, beginning with a voyage of self discovery, charting through the web of interpersonal relationships, and embarking upon how we lay the foundations for a successful marriage. We will utilize many Torah sources, however the course will be primarily discussion based.
Oral Law Under Attack Dina Blank
If you’re somewhat unsettled about the role of rabbis, about rabbinic law and why we need it, about what is rabbinic and what is Divine in the first place, and all of that, then this is the course for you. We’re going to grapple with lots of sticky questions and then take a look at how some of the greats of the nineteenth century grappled with some of these very issues when they were first raised by the Reform Movement.
The Philosophy of Rav Soloveitchik Rav Baumol
Exploring the thought of Rabbi Joseph B Soloveitchik, the pre-eminent leader of Modern Orthodoxy in the 20th century. His views on Repentance, Yamim Noraim, Halakhic Man, The Woman’s Role in Judaism, Confrontation with Other Faiths, The Majesty of Torah, The Secret of the Miracle of Chanuka, and other topics. Most articles will be in English, some will be read together in Hebrew.
Spiritual Growth Dina Etigson
We will explore a wide range of ideas and dilemmas in basic Jewish thought. Our goal is to enrich our Jewish spiritual lives by making these concepts relevant. Topics include: The true nature of the yetzer hara, holiness vs. natural morality, how to elevate the physical world, the process of teshuva, building a relationship with G-d…
The Inner Dimension of the Chaggim Dodi Tobin
You’ve built a sukkah, you know how to light Chanuka candles, and you like to eat chicken soup and chulent on Shabbat. But, did you know that each holiday has its own unique role in your spiritual growth? In this course, we will delve into the works of Chassidic masters and modern Torah scholars, to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and beauty of each holiday and its rituals.
Mashiach, Ressurection & The World To Come Rav Uri Etigson
What happens after we die? What is a soul? What are Heaven and Hell? Is there reincarnation? What is the goal of life… and death… and the resurrection of the dead? What will happen when Mashiach comes and what will change in the world? Who will be Mashiach? When will he come? How do we prepare? What is Judaism's vision for the future of the world? Where are we heading? We will search for answers to all of these questions and many more, in many of the major sources of Jewish philosophy, including: Talmud, Rambam, Ramban, kabbalah, Chassidut, and Rav Kook.
Media/Literature & Torah Ahron Glazer
Come learn important Jewish values and lessons from the world around us. In this class, we will explore different media venues such as the newspaper, poetry and literature, tv shows and movies and more to understand the greater Jewish messages that lie within. In an exciting new way, we will better appreciate ourselves and our Judaism as we see learn where and how they fit into our world around us.
Gems From The Giants Rav Hartstein
This course will inspire and enlighten listeners with messages from leading Torah sages of the present and past. The course will give a brief biography on each leader and inspiring essay the Torah giant penned. The course will focus on a wide array of thought provoking topics including: How to Love Torah, Secular Studies for the Torah Jew, Danger in Halacha, The Truth Behind the Blessing of ‘Thanks For Not Making Me a Women’, Faith in God, Man and Israel, Do Miracles Happen Today?
JEWISH LAW
The Rationale of Mitzvot Dina Blank
How many commandments are there? How do we know? How can we find the intricacies of our mitzva observance in the Torah? What are the laws and obligations governing each of the different mitzvot? In this course we will explore a select number of mitzvot, beginning with the obligation in the Chumash and traveling through a variety of early rabbinic and other sources. In doing so, we will examine the laws governing the different mitzvot and investigate many implications of our mitzvot in our daily life.
Contemporary Halacha Rav Bramson
Take a behind the scenes look at how halacha responds to changes in our understanding of our world. Astrology, cloning, vegetarianism, smoking are just some of the topics in which we will see how our ancient law books are very much in tune with modern day issues.
The Jewish Woman in the Modern World Dina Etigson, Tobi Einhorn, or Pesha Fischer
In this course we will examine the state of the Jewish woman as she confronts the modern world. We will conduct a halachic and hashkafic analysis of the Jewish women’s life cycle and attempt to reconcile strict adherence to the orthodox Jewish approach with an eye to modernity.
On Shabbat- Can I add water to a burning chulent? Can I heat food on a timer? If all the food is in the fridge but I forgot to unscrew the light – can I still open the fridge? Is there a specific way to make salad or tea? Can I reheat cold chicken on a hot plate? How do you deal with an embarrassing stain on your jacket or dress? How can I open a package in a permitted manner? We will try and answer the many practical question that present themselves in the kitchen, dorm, and home. Two types of courses will be offered:
An in-depth analysis of the laws of Shabbat, tracing the halacha from the Torah and the Talmud through the Shulchan Aruch and modern response. The course will analyze many of the 39 types of prohibitive work. The goal is to penetrate the logical definition of each melacha and to apply this to practical halacha.
A survey of specific melachot and their application to practical halacha.
Minhagim Rav Goldfischer
Did you ever wonder where all of our many Minhagim originate? Why do Askenazim and Sephardim differ so much in practice? Most importantly, what is a minhag? This shiur will trace the evolution of many different minhagim and their reasons – from the Gemara (where possible) to the Rishonim and Achronim. Special attention will be placed on the minhagim associated with the Chagim and the life cycle.
MISHNA/TALMUD
Aggadata Rav Bramson or Rav Goldfischer
Why were we created? What is our purpose in the world? What does G-d want from us? How do we repent? How does G-d reward and punish us? What does it mean to be holy? What will happen when Moshiach comes? The Gemara constantly deals with these issues; however, it speaks in subtle ways, in mystery-filled language, known as Aggadata. These teachings are veiled within a protective layer of legends, riddles, parables, and cryptic debates. Together we will unravel the mysterious teachings of Chazal and derive the knowledge and inspiration on how to conduct our lives.
Pirkei Avot Rav Lipman
The book of Mishna is full of lessons and values that can be applied to daily life in all generations. This class will generate discussions about the meaning and applications of these teachings through the medium of classical commentaries.
JEWISH HISTORY
Survey of Jewish History Rav Wexler
This class will survey Jewish history from the Biblical period until today. You will gain a deeper understanding of the ideas and movements that have shaped the Jewish people from a group of slaves to the modern State of Israel.
Chassidut Dina Etigson or Rav Hochbaum
We will study the foundations of Chassidic thought. Various topics will be covered, such as: emotion vs. intellect, Mitzva performance- individual vs. national, Torah and nature, Divine providence, the oral law, teshuva, service of G-d through fear and joy, and more. In addition, we will study the history of the Chassidic movement and become acquainted with the Chasidic masters.
The Holocaust Rav Wexler
The purpose of the class is to
Develop an understanding of the world of East European Jewry.
Learn about life in the ghetto, concentration camps and the extent of Nazi atrocities.
Understand the history of Christian Anti-Semitism.
Explore the different types of resistance: Spiritual/Physical.
Explore the connection between the Holocaust and the foundation of the state of Israel.
ISRAEL STUDIES & LEADERSHIP
Torat Eretz Yisrael Rav Prebor
The establishment of the State of Israel and the reunification of Yerushalayim were events of incredible significance to the Jewish people. In the areas of Jewish law and Jewish thought, issues which lay dormant for two millennia were propelled to the forefront of discussion by teachers and students of Judaism. In this course we will take an in depth look at Zionism and Israel through the prism of Rabbinic literature.
Israel Advocacy Zev Ben Shachar and Ze'ev Orenstein
The David Project: Center for Jewish Leadership will provide a comprehensive 20 session course which will focus on the following:
Understanding the Arab- Israeli Conflict: From Understanding to Advocacy
Jewish Leadership Development
Inspired Activism: The Jewish connection to the Land of Israel
Israel Today Rav Goldfischer
War, Post – Disengagement, Terror, Right of Return, Refugees, Settlements, Borders, Water, Abbas, Olmert, the Knesset, the Government, Likud, Kadima, Shas, Elections, the Security Fence, Religious and Secular dynamics, Aliyah, and more… Hold on for a whirlwind ride as we analyze the hottest current issues brewing in the modern State of Israel and around the world.
Shivat Tzion Rav Hochbaum
An in depth study of the Jewish People's return to the Land of Israel pre-First Temple and Second Temple Era. Parelleling to our current day return to Israel - 1948. Texts include: The Books of Joshua, Ezra & Nechemia and Chaggai. Sources include: Gaon of Vilna, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook, and various Talmudic and Midrashic texts on the unique holiness and spirituality of the Land of Israel.
Hadracha: Dynamic Leadership Workshop or Step-Up Anton Goodman or Ahron Glazer
Hadracha means "the way". It is a way to view society and your impact upon it, a way to analyse and direct human behaviour, and a way for you to fulfil your leadership potential.
This course is a series of exciting workshops which will challenge and invigorate! The course is based on sociological and educational theories which are studied and then discussed, simulated, analysed and critiqued. Much of the course is practically based, with role-plays, simulation activities and games used to stimulate debate and understanding. Participants will complete the course not only with a firm understanding of leadership techniques suited to different scenarios, but also, with a better perception of their own abilities and a desire to be socially active.
Ulpan (Beginners or Advanced)
Hebrew Language Skills
שעורים בעברית
האם קורה לנו שאנו מתפללים פרקי תהילים אך אין אנו מבינים את המילים? האם קורה לנו שאנו שרים שירים שיש בהם פסוקים מתהילים, אך בעצם איננו יודעים מה אנו שרים?
בקורס זה נרצה ללמוד ולהבין מזמורי תהילים הנמצאים בתפילה, ולהבין את התוכן של שירים רבים הלקוחים מספר תהילים, וכמובן ללמוד את השירים עצמם, ולהיפגש עם היופי שבמזמורים
תהילים בצלילים טלי סובול
מי אמר שהדת שלנו היא אמיתית?
מדוע לעבוד את ה' זה אומר שצריך לקיים מצוות?
האם יש רק דרך אחת לעבוד את ה'?
האם עם ישראל שונה מהגויים?
למה תמיד עם ישראל נבדל משאר האנושות?
מי שמחפשת תשובות עמוקות לשאלות אלו ולעוד שאלות רבות, ומוכנה להשקיע מאמץ לשם כך, מוזמנת להיכנס לעולמו של ספר הכוזרי
כוזרי טלי סובול
האם מותר להשתמש במיקרוגל גם לבשרי וגם לחלבי? האם חייבים לטבול כלים מפלסטיק? מה עושים אם מוצאים דם בביצה? אלו דגים כשרים לאכילה?מה זה חלב עכו"ם? על שאלות אלו ועל עוד שאלות רבות נלמד בקורס , "הכשרות במטבח המודרני". נברר את הדברים מהמקורות ועד ההלכה למעשהץ נלמד מהו המנהג הטוב ביותר שכדאי לעשותו, ומהו המינימום שניתן לסמוך עליו בשעת הצורך
