BIBL 101XPARSHA JOURNEYS

In-depth study of Sefer Bereishis with Rashi’s commentary. Students will study the entire Sefer Bereishis with selected comments from Rashi. Additionally, students will analyze the various anecdotes in Sefer Bereishis along with themes and personalities within the sefer.

BIBL 202ADVANCED GENESIS: INTENSIVE ANALYSIS

The course covers the entire text of the Book of Genesis (Creation, Man in the Garden, Genealogy of Mankind, Tower of Babel, Ten Trials of Avraham, Covenant, Sodom, Eliezer & Rivka, Laban, Avraham vs Isaac, Jacob’s deception, Leah and Rachel, Laban, Eisav, Shechem, Yosef and the brothers, Yosef in Egypt, Persecution of brothers, Jacob’s blessing) with a range of well-known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries.

BIBL 300XCHUMASH IN DEPTH

Study of Sefer Shemos in an in-depth, commentary-based format. Students will be required to develop themes, research commentaries, and provide various perspectives on the major issues developed in the text.

BIBL 310CHASSIDUT ON THE PARSHA

This course is centered on the weekly Torah portion. Within each Torah portion, one or two topics are analyzed and discussed based on the book of Chassidic discourses, Shem MiShmuel, authored between the years 1910-1926, by Rabbi Shmuel Bornsztain, the second Sochatchover Rebbe. This course attempts to deepen the student’s understanding of some of the themes presented in the books of Genesis and Exodus. This goal is achieved by discussing the narratives presented in this book, and synthesizing them with the comments of the Midrash, the Talmud, and Hasidic thought. The concepts presented are then connected to contemporary life, and the students are able to apply the lessons of the Bible to modern issues and challenges.

BIBL 210YECHEZKEL

Students study the first half of the book of Yechezkel, Ezekiel. The instructor explains the pshat, or basic meaning of the text, utilizing classical commentaries such as Rashi. Additionally, the instructor delves into the deeper meaning and messages of the text, applying its messages to life.

BIBL 311YIRMIYAHU I: RELUCTANT PROPHET

Students study the themes inherent in the first half of the Book of Yirmiyahu. The course focuses on both the structure and beauty of the text, the historical background to the prophecies studied, as well as on the inspiration and spiritual impact that the timeless words of Yirmiyahu have on our lives today.

Diaspora New Era

BIBL 221THE BOOKS OF DANIEL AND TREI ASAR

The book of Daniel is a unique part of the Written Torah. It is mainly written in Aramaic and describes the fascinating and inspirational life of the prophet Daniel. Students will study Daniel, focusing on timeless messages, many of which relate to the Exile and its eventual end. In the second part of the course, the instructor explores Trei Asar, the shorter prophesies of the late Era of Prophecy. These prophecies speak of fundamental concepts such as sin, retribution, repentance, forgiveness, and redemption.

BIBL 222XMEGILLOS

In-depth study of Megillos Esther and Rus with Rashi’s commentary. Students will study the entirety of Esther and Rus with selected comments from Rashi. Additionally, students will analyze the various anecdotes in both Megillos along with themes and personalities within the sefer.

BIBL 230EARLY PROPHETS

Students learn the first two books of the “Early Prophets:” Yehoshua, and Shoftim. Students will attain a good survey knowledge of the two books. This will be accomplished by reading through the material, to attain basic familiarity with the history, personalities, etc. Students will learn particular themes in greater depth. These will involve the interpretations of the classical commentators over the centuries, regarding different topics.

BIBL 402XBOOK OF YONA

An analysis of the entire book of Yona, its main themes, and the overall purpose of prophecy and prophets.

BIBL 412TEHILLIM

Students analyze selected chapters in the book of Tehillim (Psalms). A superficial reading of the text will not reveal the uniqueness of each chapter of Psalms, as praise and pleading seemingly repeat themselves again and again.

Through the use of many commentaries, the instructor breaks down every chapter into its components and clarifies the distinctions between them. What emerges is a new understanding and appreciation of the precision and pathos contained in Tehillim.

HISTORY

HIS420RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP AND HEROISM IN THE HOLOCAUST

This course examines the survival of Jewish religious life in the Holocaust. Learn how, despite the countless horrors committed against them, many Jews observed the commandments and preserved their faith. Discover the profound moral and Halachic dilemmas they faced in ghettos and concentration camps or on the run. Be inspired by the courage of ordinary people and those who led them, preserving their deep Emunah in the face of untold suffering and tragedy.

HEBREW

HEB 101XHEBREW I

Rigorous study of Modern-Hebrew language. Students will learn the sufficient vocabulary necessary to become conversant in Hebrew, as well as to read and write in Hebrew. Additionally, the students will learn the rules of the grammar needed to conjugate words properly and formulate sentences.

HEB 201HEBREW II

Pre-requisites: HEB 101

The course continues to expand the students’ knowledge and understanding of written and spoken Hebrew, including comprehension of complex sentences, the ability to converse for longer periods of time regarding a variety of topics; work out the meaning of longer utterances; and answer aural questions in Hebrew after listening to an intermediate level Hebrew story. Students will learn how to consistently identify the Who, What, When and Where in short connected texts on basic subjects; work out the meaning of longer passages using textual cues, identify most past, present, and future tense forms of frequent verbs in all Hebrew verb patterns, thereby grasping the chronological sequence of events, meet practical and social writing needs on topics related to the writer’s immediate environment, such as biographical details, school and work, take brief notes on familiar topics and respond in writing to personal questions, write in somewhat descriptive paragraphs, demonstrating full control of simple sentences and use of more complex sentences linked by conjunctions, and translate an intermediate level Hebrew text into English, translate an intermediate level English text into Hebrew.

HEB 202BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE HEBREW

The course provides an intensive dive into Modern Hebrew. The course reviews the basics of the Hebrew Language and discusses the different forms of speech. Active binyanim as well as passive binyanim are reviewed at length. The course focuses on the grammar and writing rules of the Hebrew language. Students will conjugate verbs, associate nouns appropriately, as well as many other aspects of complex sentence structure.

JHIS 101SURVEY OF JEWISH HISTORY

This course covers the history of the Jewish people from the destruction of the second temple until the 16th century; post destruction existence in Israel, settlement in Babylon, development of the Talmud, influences of Rome, Christianity and Islam, and the transition to Spain and Europe. The course focuses on major population movements, economic and religious survival, influences of the host nations, chronology and basic geography, development of the Talmud and it commentaries and major figures during these eras.

JHIS 200A SURVEY OF MODERN JEWISH

This course covers the history of the Jewish people from the 16th century until the establishment of the State of Israel; Initial Jewish Return to Israel, Religious Renaissance in Tzfat, the Pale of Settlement, Chassidic movement, reformation, Zionism, etc . The course focuses on major population movements, economic and religious survival, influences of the host nations, chronology and basic geography, and events leading up to the modern-day State of Israel.

TALMUD

TALM 110XBEGINNER TALMUD

In-depth study of Talmud at the introductory level: Students will analyze the text of Talmud line by line in the original Aramaic. They will focus on the grammar and structure of the Talmud while building skills to read, translate and punctuate the text of the Talmud.

TALM 210XLEARNING THE TALMUD

Skill-based study of Talmud at the beginner level: The beginner level incorporates the introductory course and expands on it with adding more skills and greater analysis of the text and commentaries. Students will analyze the text of Talmud line by line in the original Aramaic, developing their Talmud skills. Students will study pages of a Tractate in depth, through a combination of structured preparation time in a Beit Midrash setting and lecture.

TALM 310XINTERMEDIATE TALMUD

Pre-requisite: TALM 110 or TALM 210

In‐depth study of Talmud at the intermediate level. Students will read and analyze the text of Talmud and study it using Rashi and Tosfot, medieval commentators on the Talmud. The focus of the course is gaining a proficiency in reading, analyzing and summarizing Rashi and Tosfot. Students will study 3‐10 pages of a Tractate.

TALM 320XTALMUD WITH RISHONIM

In‐depth study of Talmud at the intermediate level: Students will analyze the text of Talmud and study it using Rashi and Tosfot, medieval commentators on the Talmud. They will study 3‐10 pages of a Tractate. The course will include later commentaries and require to apply the information learned to other contexts and tractates

TALM 420XADVANCED TALMUD

This is an advanced course in Talmud. This course focuses on learning the content of the Talmud, specifically in Masechet Gittin. The student will become familiar with the give and take in the Talmud and the interpretation of the commentaries on the Talmud.

JEWISH LAW

JLAW 101CHAFETZ CHAYIM: THE LAWS OF PROPER SPEECH

The Laws of Proper Speech, as codified in the book, Chafetz Chaim, are the foundation of many of the laws governing human interaction. Every class begins with a textual analysis, and then proceeds on to a discussion of real-life examples and ways to apply the principles discussed to daily living. The ultimate goal of the course is to encourage self-awareness and self-improvement in the areas of mitzvot bein adam l’chavero (human relations).

JLAW 301XHILCHOS SHABBOS

An in-depth look at the essence of melachos, or prohibited activities on Shabbos. Using Biblical verses as our starting point, we will follow the halachic discussion in the Talmud, and then go on to the halachic rulings of the medieval and contemporary commentaries, ending with the final halacha as it applies today. The main topics covered are cooking and reheating food on Shabbos; benefitting from a prohibited activity on Shabbos; and the melachos of dosh (grinding), memachek (erasing), sechita (wringing), melaben (washing), and kotev (writing).

JLAW 331LAWS OF DAILY LIVING

Students will study a halachic text such as Shulchan Aruch and a commentary on it, such as Mishneh Berurah or Aruch Hashulchan. Students will study the first section of Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim which discusses a person’s morning rituals and routine. The student will cover many simanim, discussing Tefillin, Tzitzis and davening.

JLAW 332LAWS OF FESTIVALS

Study of Halacha, Jewish law, pertaining to holy days and festivals. Students will study a halachic text such as Shulchan Aruch and a commentary on it, such as Mishneh Berurah or Aruch Hashulchan. Students will study the third section of Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim. Laws pertaining to festivals and holy days that students will study include bedikat chametz, chol hamoed, shofar, Ten Days of Repentance, Yom Kippur, Chanuka, and Purim

JEWISH PHILOSOPHY

JPHL 101XFUNDAMENTALS OF JEWISH THOUGHT

An introduction to the basics of Jewish philosophy. Fundamentals of Jewish Thought analyzes the tenets of Jewish faith and belief, including Maimonides’s thirteen principles of faith. Other central elements to the Jewish religion are explored as well, including the purpose of mitzvos, prayer, interpersonal relationships, and bitachon.

JPHL102XFOUNDATIONS OF JEWISH ETHICS

This course examines the fundamentals of Jewish ethics by addressing three interconnected questions: What exactly is Jewish ethics? What exactly is the purpose of Jewish ethics? Lastly, how does one apply Jewish ethics in their daily life? Throughout the course, using Orchos Tzaddikim as our guide and additional explanatory multimedia, with Halachic, Mussar, or Chassidic sources, we examine how one’s role in the world in relation to other people is inseparable from one’s duties to Hashem in terms of thought, speech, and action (Tzelem Elokim). And, we gain that understanding by examining key concepts and characteristics, such as, shalom, anavah, ahavah, emes, or chessed, or the importance of tzedakah and the main principles of business ethics.

JPHL 121XTISHREI TO SHVAT

In-depth study of the Jewish calendar from the month of Tishrei until Shevat. The course will survey the various holidays and important calendar dates throughout these months, highlighting philosophical ideas, laws, and customs that apply during these times of the year.

JPHL 200XINTRODUCTION TO THE ORAL TRADITION

An evaluation of the Oral Law transmission, starting with Moshe and continuing until the current era. In assessing the dissemination of the Oral Law throughout Jewish history, the course analyzes relevant personalities, time periods, Torah works, and locations.

JPHL 222PESACH AND SHAVUOS

This course analyzes the sanctity, significance, and characteristics inherent in the festivals of Pesach and Shavuos It also takes a profound multifaceted look at the period between these two festivals known as sefiras ha’omer (the counting of the omer).

JPHL 301JEWISH PHILOSOPHY AND THE INDIVIDUAL'S SEARCH FOR MEANING

This course will examine how Jewish Philosophy views life’s meaning and purpose and how this view affects the way a person relates to their own sense of meaning and purpose on an individual level. We will uncover a foundational theme of Jewish philosophy and demonstrate how it is found in every facet of life. In addition, we will also demonstrate why education has been the primary focus of the Jewish people since their inception. The course will analyze the classic texts of Judaism using the major philosophical works produced between the 16th and 18th Centuries. We will investigate these texts in their original language accompanied by a line by line translation thereby enabling the student to draw their own conclusions.

JPHL 310CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

This course studies selections from the classical ethical works, Chovot HaLevavot by Rabbenu Bachya ibn Pekuda, Tomer Devora by Rabbi Moshe Cordevoro, and Mesilat Yesharim by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato. Chovot HaLevavot discusses Man’s purpose in the world and his obligations to G-d in belief, behavior and character. Tomer Devora describes how Man should adapt and adopt G-d’s Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, transforming himself from a mere human to a G-dly individual. Mesilat Yesharim follows a step by step plan of ascension to spiritual perfection, based on a Gemara which lists 15 steps to reach Ruach Hakodesh, Divine inspiration.

The instructor explicates these fundamental works and looks at key themes found throughout the books and ways in which they can be applied to daily living.

JPHL 320DAYS OF AWE

The Days of Awe, beginning with the month of Elul and concluding with Sukkot, are days of repentance, introspection, self-definition, prayer, and ultimate joy. This course takes a comprehensive look at this emotionally charged period, particularly focusing on the Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur prayers, explaining their structure, the logical sequence of the prayers, and the meaning and symbolism of key tefillot (prayers). Students also examine Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s important work on Jewish Thought, Al HaTeshuva, which discusses repentance and self-improvement as a means to growth and ascension in service of Hashem.

JPHL 402WRITINGS OF MAHARAL

Students study the books Netivot Olam and Netzach Yisrael, by Rabbi Yehuda Loewe, the Maharal of Prague, a seventeenth century rabbi who authored many books of Jewish philosophy. Students examine the nature of the yetzer hara, the evil inclination. Students

analyze where its power stems from and how to combat it. Students focus on the causes of suffering, and how people can grow from suffering. Additionally, students examine the nature of discord, and define as well as analyze the inherent qualities of peace. Students focus on the causes for the destruction of the First and Second Temples, and the changes in perspective and behavior that must occur in order to rectify this damage.

JPHL 410XTEFILLA

An evaluation of the fundamentals of prayer, including the various forms of prayer, as well as how prayer relates to the general service of Hashem. Pesukei Dezimra, Shema, and Shemonah Esrei will be studied along with the lessons that can be learned from the different required prayers recited throughout the day.

JPHL 420REMEMBERING THE DESTRUCTION

Pre-requisites: HEB 101

Jerusalem was once a city that shone with the Divine Presence and rang with the sounds of people serving their Creator. Today, the Temple no longer stands, and our primary goal of sanctifying the name of Hashem seems to be muted. What were the causes of this destruction? What should we do to return to our former glory as G-d’s Holy people, serving Him in Jerusalem? How can we deepen our appreciation of Jewish unity in order to rectify the sin of disunity that caused the destruction? This thought-provoking course explores these questions, and other topics relating to the Three Weeks, The Ninth of Av, and the Tenth of Tevet which commemorate the destruction of the Temple.