Course Descriptions

TANACH

» Themes in Sefer Bereishit

Rav Dov Lipman

This course will take us on an exciting journey back to the times when the Jewish nation was in its formative stage. We will examine the different events and episodes in the lives of the Avot and Imahot which shaped them as individuals and as the patriarchs and matriarchs of an entire people. We will especially focus on the issues and elements which are most relevant in today's contemporary discussion and dialogue. Light use of text inside.

» Themes in Sefer Shemot

Rav Dov Lipman

This book really captures the emergence of the Jewish people as a nation. We will use the primary commentaries, and our own minds, to understand the path from slaves in Egypt to becoming a nation with God dwelling in its midst. Light use of texts inside.

» Themes in Sefer Bamidbar [Advanced]

Rav Dov Lipman

All of us complain. No worries, we can claim that it's part of our genetic makeup. Our forefathers complained repeatedly throughout their sojourn through the desert. This course will delve into the underlying issues in each of these stories of complaints through the study of the classic and more modern commentaries inside the texts, themselves. We will apply the lessons of those stories to our lives and conflicts.

» Parsha Chabura [Advanced]

Rav Ben Tzion Goldfischer

Interested in giving shiurim on the weekly parsha? In this chabura, students will analyze a topic from the weekly parsha using various medieval and modern mefarshim. After developing a familiarity with these commentaries, students will be expected to prepare topics of their own and present them to the chabura.

» Parshat HaShavua

Rav Ari Cutler

We will use the parsha as a springboard to explore key issues in hashkafa which relate to how we live our lives and react to situations we face every day. You will walk out each week prepared for the Shabbat table with a devar Torah relevant to life today.

» Torah Touring: Journey Through the Beit Midrash [Beginners]

Rav Ben Tzion Goldfischer

The Beit Midrash might seem intimidating at first, with so many books such as the Tanach, Mishnah, Gemara, Shulchan Aruch - not to mention the thousands of commentaries- where does one begin? Torah Touring will introduce and help you navigate through classical sefarim and commentaries while learning various topics to assist you in your journey through the Beit Midrash. Rashi, Ramban, Tosafot, Rambam and scores of other great Jewish personalities will come to life as we learn their styles and methodologies and understand their roles in the latticework of rabbinic literature. Most importantly, essential tools will be taught that will help students feel comfortable preparing their own shiurim!

» Fine Art

Shuly Baruch

Our goal is to nurture and deepen our connection with Hashem through understanding Biblical texts while developing their visual interpretation. We will explore the deeper meaning of the various texts, at which point the students will conceptualize their own visual interpretation of the texts and their meanings. Students will work in mixed media, using canvas or paper, acrylics, pastels, collage, photography.

» Netivot Shalom

Dina Etigson

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.

» David Hamelech - The Jewish People's Greatest King [Advanced]

Ruthie Lerer

From shepherd to king, this course traces Kind David's life as he matures into one of the most important and influential characters in the Tanach. Using the teachings of our Rabbis, students will gain an understanding of this colorful character, his background and his achievements (and setbacks) in his personal and political life.

» Sefer Yirmiyahu [Advanced]

Dr. Avigail Rock

We will study Yirmiyahu as a person and the message of his book in light of the social-historical background of pre-Churban Bayit Rishon, focusing on the book's literary structure, chronology and content. We will discuss the relevancy of Yirmiyahu's prophecy to the 21st century reader.

» Shir HaShirim [Advanced]

Rav Ari Cutler

In this course, each student will be challenged to read the beautiful and poetic megilla of Shlomo Hamelech and analyze the megilla on many levels. We will study based on a pshat - literal level of a lover and his beloved, a midrashic and historic level. Each student will be asked to do real cheshbon hanefesh - inner work in her own relationships within herself, her relationship to Hashem and her relationship to the state of Israel etc. I"YH (please God) we will finish the sefer over the year.

» From Despair to Hope: The Book of Yoel

Dr. Dodi Tobin

In 586 BCE, the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed and the Jewish people exiled from the Land of Israel. The Jewish people were disheartened and hopeless, convinced that G-d had forsaken them. What was the role of the prophet during this painful time? In this course, we will study the book of Yoel, gaining insight into the power and efficacy of his prophecies, and their relevance for our lives.

» Drama and Tanach

Devorah Starr

This class will be an exploration and analysis of the narrative portions of Tanach from a dramatic perspective. Students will use theater arts as a way to increase their understanding of various Biblical personalities and pesukim in the Torah. This "hands on" approach to Torah learning is challenging and exciting. The performance of this class will serve a form of expression as well as a way to understand and identify with the stories and personalities being explored.

» Inspirational Women In Tanach

Ruthie Lerer

Discover the personalities who influenced and motivated generations of Jewish women. The course analyses their actions, aspirations and prayers, in order to better understand our connection to these biblical role models.

» Sefer Mishlei [Advanced]

Esther Grossman

An in depth study of Shlomo HaMelech's wisdom, imparted to us primarily through parable. The sefer will be learned by topic and will culminate with Mishlei's final chapter of Eishet Chayil, A Woman of Valor. Some topics to be covered include anger, laziness, the relationship with one's parents, friendship and speech. With each section one will be provided with tools to improve their character, expand their knowledge of Biblical Hebrew, and sharpen their analysis of text. A mikraot gedolot on Sefer Mishlei is required.

» Women in the Bible

Pesha Fischer

This class will comprise of 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.

» Women in the Bible [Advanced]

Esther Grossman

An exploration of women in Tanach beginning with Chava, working our way through the Imahot and Shiva Neviot, with various other women relevant to the Jewish Calendar. Through study of Biblical text, complimented by classic and modern commentators, one will have the opportunity to become more knowledgeable of these great women while simultaneously learning life lessons and building one's textual analysis. A complete Tanach is required.

HALACHA

» Minhagim [Advanced]

Rav Ben Tzion Goldfischer

Did you ever wonder where all of our many minhagim originate? Why do Ashkenazim 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.

» 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.

» Hilchot Brachot

Rav Daniel Hartstein

Hilchot Brachot will focus on the practical answers to all your brachot questions like: Why make brachot? The segulah of 100 brachot a day! What bracha to a make on cereals? Do I make a bracha on dessert? The secret of saying amein! Are there really mezonot rolls? If I have 3 types of food in front of me which bracha do I make first? Do I recite a bracha on medicine? Do I make a bracha on ice cream, the cone, the sprinkles? We will also explore non-food related brachot.

This course will focus on an in-depth analysis of the laws of brachot, tracing the halacha from Talmud through the Shulchan Aruch, its commentaries and modern response. The course will analyze the many different brachot we make each day. The objective of this course is to better understand the reason for each bracha we recite and to clarify doubts of what brachot are made in different situations.

» Contemporary Halacha

Rav Michael 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.

» Practical Hilchot Shabbat

Rav Ben Tzion Goldfischer [Advanced]

Rav Michael Bramson [Intermediate]

Rav Dov Lipman [Advanced Beginners]

Rav Josh Kantor [Beginners]

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 questions that present themselves in the kitchen, dorm, and home.

Four types of courses will be offered:

The Advanced Track - 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 some 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.
The Intermediate and Advanced Beginners Tracks - A survey of specific melachot and their application to practical halacha. The intermediate track will present and quote more sources.
The Beginners Track – Basic analysis of the themes, topics, questions and approaches in the laws of Shabbat that relate to the kitchen, dorm and home.

» Know What to Answer

Rav Michael Bramson

Is the Jewish view on intermarriage racist? Why should I be interested in religion if religion is the cause of so much war? What is the significance to tying my shoes in a certain order? How do I answer my relative who wants to know why she can not be cremated? These are just some of the questions we will be dealing with in this new and exciting course. We are faced with these very real issues in our daily lives and at times we are lost for a proper approach to answering these questions. Included in this class will be explanations to mitzvot and customs that seem very strange or confusing to us.

» Laws of Kashrut/Practical Daily Living

Rav Michael Bramson

Laws of Kashrut

Can you eat vegetables that were cooked in a dairy pan with your hamburger? What should I do if my oven is not kosher? Can I use my microwave for milk and meat? Can I use my sink for kosher and not kosher? These are just some of the questions we will be dealing with in Laws of Kashrut. We will not only try to find out answers to all of our questions but we will try to understand the rules that govern these laws in the hope that we can understand the underlying concepts for all of our questions.

Practical Daily Living

Are there laws in connection to what I do when I wake up in the morning? Do I have a special prayer to say when I go on a trip? What do I do if I forgot to make a bracha before eating my food? Are some places better for praying than others? Halacha (Jewish law) has what to say about very aspect of our lives. From the time we wake up in the morning, until we go to bed. When I want to just stay home for the day or I want to go on a trip. We will have the opportunity to explore all the different aspects of daily living to not only found out what we are supposed to do but to try to give some meaning to it as well. Included in this class will be the basic laws of each holiday as it approaches.

» The Jewish Woman in the Modern World

Dina Etigson

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 to modernity.

» Gemara [Beginners]

Rav Aharon Wexler

This class will be a textual study of Tractate Brachot of the Babylonian Talmud. The student will learn the history, background, and foundation of one of the most influential areas of Jewish scholarship. Brachot deals with the laws of prayer and the student will learn the skills and language necessary to read and understand a page of Talmud by herself in the original Aramaic.

JEWISH THOUGHT

» Derech Hashem

Rav Kosowsky

Derech Hashem, by Rav Moshe Chayim Luzzato, is probably one of the most important works on Jewish philosophy ever written. It expounds upon some of the most basic questions in life such as: What is the purpose of creation? Do we have a specific mission in this world? If so, how do we figure it out? What are the 5 levels of the soul? What can I contribute to the world? What is the purpose of mitzvot? You will discover the tremendous power and responsibility each Jew has to make a difference not only in our own lives but within our community.

» Living Loving and Learning

Meryl-Lee Abraham

This course will be a journey of exploration, beginning with a voyage of self discovery, charting through the web of interpersonal relationships, dating, intimacy and how we lay the foundations for a successful marriage. We will utilize many Torah sources, however all sources will be given with English translations.

» Derech Hashem

Rav Etigson

Do you want to understand yourself better, and unlock your personal potential? This is an experiential course focused on learning to really live life with greater self-awareness, well-being, and true simcha. Learn what really motivates you. Discover your blocks (insecurity, anger, competitiveness, worrying ...etc.) and learn how to overcome and transform them. Learn to understand and accept other people's differences. Learn to live your life to the fullest!

» Kabbala and Jewish Metaphysics

Rav Deutsch

This series of weekly meetings will explore fundamental aspects of kabbalah such as the ten sefirot, the Male and Female, the Astrological Signs, and lurianic kabbalah. In addition to lectures, Kabbalistic texts will be studied in class where the student will gain insight into the experiences and beliefs of the ancient kabbalists. By the end of the course, the student should have a sound understanding of key issues and concepts of Jewish mysticism and the worldview of the Jewish mystics.

Sources include Ramchal, Maharal, Rabbi Chaim Vital, Baal HaSulam, Bnei Yissoschar, Leshem, Arvei Nachal, Nefesh HaChaim, Zohar, Rabbi Nachman of Breslev, Rabbi Nosson of Breslev, Netivot Shalom, Beit Avraham of Slonim, Rabbenu Bachya, Sfat Emet, Chattam Sofer, Sefer Yetzira.

» Derech Hashem

Rav Etigson

» Philosophy of the Rambam

Daphna Fishman

Perhaps the greatest Jewish thinker of all time, Rambam has served to shape contemporary Jewish thought in many ways. In this course we will sketch Rambam's biography and illustrate the historical and cultural setting within which he flourished as both a Talmudist and Jewish philosopher. We will delve into Rambam's conception of spirituality by studying his approach toward themes including love and fear of God, Jewish ethics, human perfection, yimot HaMoshiach, and the afterlife. We will also study the elements of his philosophy which deemed him as controversial and set the stage for the burning of his works in the year 1232.

» 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 are 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?

» The Amida

Rav Kosowsky

Do you find if difficult to daven the same amida every day 3 times a day? Are our dreams, aspirations, thoughts found within the words of our sages? What if you could see the amida in a more personal, meaningful and relevant manner? Is it possible to say the same words and mean something different each time? Our journey will allow us to analyze each beracha of the amida. We will see the process and development of how each beracha links into the next until you have a complete picture of meaning and purpose in Judaism. I can guarantee you that if you join us davening will never be the same!

» 13 Principles of Faith

Dina Etigson

What do Jews believe? This is probably the most basic and most obvious, yet the most ignored question. The core and structure of Jewish Belief is as relevant today as it was during the time of the Rambam. In order to respond to a weakening of Jewish belief and practice in his day, and to persuade the Jews not to subscribe to the popular Karaite brand of Judaism, the Rambam authored the "13 Principles of Faith – Ani Ma'amin". These are some of the questions the Rambam tried to address: How can we understand G-d? What does the existence of G-d mean for us? What is the Torah? How does G-d communicate with the Jewish people? Why was Moshe different? What is the destiny and mission of Jewish history?

This course delves into the origins and meanings of each of the 13 principles, in an attempt to integrate and apply them in our daily lives. The learners will be encouraged to choose one of the Principles and independently research the topic for the group. The learners will quickly discover that Adon Olam and Yigdal (based on the 13 Principles) are not just children's songs. They are gifts for life.

» Tefillah Seminar

Meryl-Lee Avraham

Rav Hochbaum

Tefillah is our attempt to reach out to G-d as a matter of heart. As it says in the shema, we turn toward G-d and seek Him with our heart, soul and might. But, how can we accomplish this without fully understanding what the prayers mean? How can someone else's words be meaningful for me? How can we make the same words that we say everyday come alive with newness? In the tefillah workshop we will discover the essence of prayer. We will look at the texts of many tefillot to come to a deep understanding of our ancient texts that we make personal. We will learn how to use tefillah as an essential tool in building our relationship with Hashem.

» Jewish Philosophy and Spirituality for the Modern Jew

Rav Etigson

We will focus primarily on the teachings of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, the first chief rabbi of Israel, and his guidance on how to live in the modern world. Rav Kook is one of the truly great guiding lights for the Jew trying to live in the modern world.

His teachings show how it is possible 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 to "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 teshuvah, 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.

» Mesilat Yesharim

Shira Melamed

The Mesillat Yesharim (Path of the Just) is a book of mussar composed by the influential Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato (Ramchal) (1707-1746). Mesillat Yesharim is probably one of the Ramchal's most influential works, forming part of the curriculum of virtually every yeshiva and midrasha. The aim of this sefer is the perfection of character. The Ramchal builds his work on a beraita in the name of the sage Pinchas ben Yair who lists characteristic traits that lead a person to being the best Jew he can be.

Within each step the Ramchal explains the step itself, its elements, how it can be acquired, and what might distract from its attainment.

As a class, we will go through each characteristic trait together. We will give modern day examples of each trait and do our best to make it applicable to our lives.

The class will be text based with plenty of room for open thoughts and discussions.

» 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.

» 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 Chagim

Dr. Tobin

You've built a sukka, 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.

» Spiritual Growth

Dina Etigson

You will walk away from this course with answers to questions about:

God
Torah from Sinai
Oral Torah
Rabbinic Law
The purpose of creation
Suffering and tragedies
Death
Moshiach
Role of Women in Torah Judaism
Shabbat and holidays

Some texts and plenty of classroom discussion.

» Pirkei Avot

Rav Lipman

Pirkei Avot is the book of legacies that our great Sages left for us. This course will explore the practical messages which can be gleaned from each Mishna. Students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and messages as well.

» The Jewish Philosophy Book Club

Devorah Starr

We will use a book club format to learn, discuss and analyze various works. Through reading and schmoozing about ideas written by Rambam, Rav Aryeh Kaplan, Rav Soloveitchik, Rabbi Akiva Tatz, Rav Eliyahu Dessler and others, we will learn about our faith our wonderful philosophers, each other and ourselves.

» Aggadata

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.

» Purpose of Life: Diverse Jewish Approaches

Rav Etigson

We will study different Jewish views of: what is G-d's purpose in creating the world, and what should be the goal of a person's life. - This will help us understand why different Jewish groups and communities choose to live differently and focus on different goals. We will also try to understand more deeply the ideals of Modern Orthodoxy, and Religious Zionism.

» Beit Midrash

Rav Bramson

Open Beit Midrash session to learn whatever you want with Rav Bramson.

» Challenges of Modern Orthodoxy

Pesha Fischer

This course will explore the historical and sociological background of Modern Orthodoxy, through the use of articles and essays from the period of the Enlightenment. Students will participate in college style discussion of the assigned articles and well as read various excerpts from Modern Orthodox writers of today.

» The Case for Judaism

Rav Deutsch

In a world with many options, when presented with any course of action, the response will invariably be why. Why should I believe this? Why should I do this? Why should I incorporate this into my life? One would think this would have been the first and most fundamental question addressed while growing up with a rich Jewish heritage and 12 years of Jewish schooling, but, unfortunately, for many this question has been passed over.

The purpose of this course is to fill in the gap – to address such questions as, How do we know there's a G-d? Why should I believe G-d gave the Torah? Why accept Rabbinic Law? This class assumes that it is illogical to expect people to accept a system of living without putting forth good rationale for it being truth. Therefore, it is my intent with this course, to equip the serious student with the tools to build and present the case for Judaism as being beyond a reasonable doubt.

» Foundations in Faith

Daphna Secunda

In this course we will explore the varied approaches of medieval Jewish philosophers to a number of topics central to Jewish faith. We will first offer historical & biographical background to better understand each philosopher's place within the context of machshevet yisrael. Then, through textual study and class discussion we will analyze each of their unique approaches to the essentials of Jewish faith.

» Mashiach, Resurrection and the World to Come

Rav Etigson

Who can become Mashiach? Will it be miraculous? What is going to change? What role can we play? What happens to souls after this world? Is there a Heaven & a Hell? Do people come back again? Why is resurrection from the dead a major principal of our religion? All of this and much, much more...

» Michtav M'Eliyahu

Shuly Baruch

Is love something that just happens to you, or can you choose to love? Do we have free will on every choice, or are some things too difficult for us to overcome? How can we use mussar not only to be inspired for the moment, but to actually refine our character in the long term? Is there such a thing as nature, or does Hashem make everything in the world happen directly, as a kind of miracle – and how does this affect the choices we make in our lives? We will learn the popular and inspiring Sefer Mussar, Michtav Me-Eliyahu, by Mussar Master Rav Eliyahu Dessler (1892-1954). Rav Dessler's writings combine Torah, philosophy and psychology to provide a spiritual path for growth for our generation.

JEWISH HISTORY

» Survey of Jewish History

Rav Aharon 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

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 Chassidic masters.

» Holocaust Studies

Rav Aharon Wexler

What were the thousand years of Yiddish culture that was destroyed by the Holocaust? Who exactly were the six million men, women, and children slaughtered by their neighbors? What was the nature of the world they lived in? How did it happen? The purpose of this class is: To develop an understanding of the world of East-European Jewry; To understand what Nazism was; To learn about life in the Ghetto; To learn the extant of the Nazi atrocities; To understand the history of Christian Anti-Semitism; To explore different types of resistance, Spiritual vs. Physical; To explore the connection between the Holocaust and being Stateless; To understand the connection between Israel and the Holocaust

ISRAEL STUDIES AND LEADERSHIP

» Torah Today

Rav Ben Tzion Goldfischer

War, Post – Disengagement, Terror, Right of Return, Refugees, Settlements, Borders, Water, Chamas, Fatah, Likud, Labor, Shas, Kadima, 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.

» Israel Advocacy

Zev Ben Shachar

Yavneh Olami and the David Project: Center for Jewish Leadership will provide a comprehensive 25 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

» Zionism

Rav Aharon Wexler

This class will include an intensive study of the modern political phenomena that has brought about a Jewish State in Eretz Yisrael. Who were these secular and Religious Jews who brought about a complete change in Jewish affairs after a 2000 year galut? What is Zionism? What happened in the 19th century to bring Zionism into the hearts and minds of the people? How does Israel today function as a Jewish state while also acting as a vibrant democracy? What happens when these ideals come in to conflict?

This class will introduce the student to the "movers and shakers" who shaped Zionist thinking. It will also expose the student to the issues and problems of a modern Jewish State that also functions as a democracy. Lastly, the student will learn to be familiar with the history of modern Israel.

ULPAN

» Hebrew [Advanced]

Starting with a reasonable vocabulary of every – day Hebrew, the focus will be on developing a more sophisticated conversational ability. More focus on media, including newspapers, TV and radio, which means you're developing some ability to understand spoken Hebrew at the regular speed.

» Hebrew [Intermediate]

This class will start with a vocabulary of several hundred words, but very basic communication skills. Students at this point may be introduced to the 'Easy Hebrew' newspaper, radio and television. The main focus will be on conversational skills, comprehension and building a larger vocabulary for practical, everyday Hebrew.

» Hebrew [Beginners] - Two Levels

Starting with no Hebrew skills through limited reading ability with no comprehension. Students will learn a very basic vocabulary with an emphasis on what you really need to get around.