My classes are on a block schedule. Classes start at 8:30am and go until... Different days, different endings. This is my fall schedule.
2019-2020 School Year Classes
Fall
MISHNA/TALMUD LEVEL: INTRO. +
RAHEL BERKOVITS
Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:30
(switches to S/T/Th in the Spring)
In this course students will be introduced to the world of the Ta’anaitic Sages through an in-depth study of their most famous and important text – the Mishnah, which became the basis for all Jewish Law. In this class students will develop skills and analytical tools to decipher the conceptual categories and legal reasoning of the Mishna. The course aims to train the student to comprehend and question the text independently, through critical analysis of language and structure. In-depth attention will be paid to the specifics of the law as well as the overarching meta-
Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:30
(switches to S/T/Th in the Spring)
In this course students will be introduced to the world of the Ta’anaitic Sages through an in-depth study of their most famous and important text – the Mishnah, which became the basis for all Jewish Law. In this class students will develop skills and analytical tools to decipher the conceptual categories and legal reasoning of the Mishna. The course aims to train the student to comprehend and question the text independently, through critical analysis of language and structure. In-depth attention will be paid to the specifics of the law as well as the overarching meta-
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legal concepts and theological and philosophical messages the Sages are trying to
convey in their discussions. In the second half of the year we will begin learning
the Gemara on one of the chapters of Mishnah which we have studied.
FIVE MEGILLOT
MICHAEL HATTIN
Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00
LEVEL: INTERM/ ADV.
FALL
This course will consider some concise books in Tanakh that, besides being
Biblical texts, also serve a public liturgical purpose. That is to say that they are
read in Beit Knesset as part of the prayer service, each one in its appropriate
season. We will begin by studying Sefer Yonah and then go on to consider the five
Megillot: Shir HaShirim, Ruth, Eichah, Kohelet and Esther.
We will carefully analyze the narratives of these books, approaching them as literary documents as well as considering them from the perspective of the Rabbinic Midrash, the medieval commentaries and modern scholarship. Occasionally, we will diverge to consider a specific topic in greater detail, examining other Biblical texts and materials that shed light on the matter. Our goals are to build skills and confidence, to familiarize ourselves with the commentaries and their methodology, and to appreciate the self-referential and cross-referential qualities of the Tanakh.
Required texts: good “Mikraot Gedolot” editions of Trei Asar (for Sefer Yonah) and Chamesh Megillot (for the rest) as well as a Hebrew Tanakh. Handouts will be provided.
We will carefully analyze the narratives of these books, approaching them as literary documents as well as considering them from the perspective of the Rabbinic Midrash, the medieval commentaries and modern scholarship. Occasionally, we will diverge to consider a specific topic in greater detail, examining other Biblical texts and materials that shed light on the matter. Our goals are to build skills and confidence, to familiarize ourselves with the commentaries and their methodology, and to appreciate the self-referential and cross-referential qualities of the Tanakh.
Required texts: good “Mikraot Gedolot” editions of Trei Asar (for Sefer Yonah) and Chamesh Megillot (for the rest) as well as a Hebrew Tanakh. Handouts will be provided.
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STRIVING FOR THE DIVINE LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
MIKE FEUER FALL
Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00
Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00
Whether one looks without or within, seeking the absolute is an act of avodah,
Divine service. In this class we will explore the book of Genesis and other classical
texts in order to develop a language which can make such service relevant to our
lives and communities. Together with the text, we will engage our own dreams and
desires as we ask the question, what does it mean to strive for the Divine?
Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00
Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00
GREATEST SUGIYOT OF THE TALMUD LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
TALMUD SKILLS INTENSIVE LEVEL: INTERM./ADV.
DANIEL REIFMAN
Mon., Wed. 5:15-7:15 pm
This course is designed for students who want to develop textual proficiency in Talmud and basic rishonim. We will concentrate on techniques for parsing the Talmud text and constructing the logical flow of the sugya, with the goal of allowing students to read an average sugya independently by the end of the course. Additionally, we will discuss the way different rishonim comment on and seek to resolve problems in the Talmud text.
Students should have strong Hebrew language skills and some prior experience studying Talmud.
Mon., Wed. 5:15-7:15 pm
This course is designed for students who want to develop textual proficiency in Talmud and basic rishonim. We will concentrate on techniques for parsing the Talmud text and constructing the logical flow of the sugya, with the goal of allowing students to read an average sugya independently by the end of the course. Additionally, we will discuss the way different rishonim comment on and seek to resolve problems in the Talmud text.
Students should have strong Hebrew language skills and some prior experience studying Talmud.
NIGHT SEDER (SEDER EREV) LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
Monday 7:30-9:30 PM
Seder Erev provides a unique opportunity for students to use the resources of the Beit Midrash at their own pace, outside the regular hours, in a relaxed atmosphere. Students can take advantage of this once-a-week opportunity to investigate a particular area of interest, strive over the year to complete a sefer, or review
Seder Erev provides a unique opportunity for students to use the resources of the Beit Midrash at their own pace, outside the regular hours, in a relaxed atmosphere. Students can take advantage of this once-a-week opportunity to investigate a particular area of interest, strive over the year to complete a sefer, or review
We will look specifically at the texts of Bereishit (The Creation) and the portion read
at Rosh Hodesh.
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material studied during the regular program. This is a sterling opportunity to fulfill
the Divine precept of Talmud Torah during the quiet hours.
Seder Erev will also provide an opportunity for first year students to study with more advanced students including Fellows and PEP. This is also a chance for people on different levels with common interests to study together. Pardes faculty will be on hand to provide guidance and to answer questions.
UNPACKING THE SAGES LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
Seder Erev will also provide an opportunity for first year students to study with more advanced students including Fellows and PEP. This is also a chance for people on different levels with common interests to study together. Pardes faculty will be on hand to provide guidance and to answer questions.
UNPACKING THE SAGES LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
ELISHA ANCSELOVITS
TUESDAYS: 5:15-7:15 pm
“You may polish up common sense, you may contradict [it] in detail, and you may surprise it. But ultimately your whole task is to satisfy it.” Alfred North Whitehead
In this course, we learn to read a traditional text, and especially religious legal texts, from the Bible through the Talmud and today by understanding what the author tried to communicate rather than reading words as self-defining. In that way, we learn to discover past people's insights on real life. We use such study, in turn, to learn how to make our own ethical/policy decisions based on inductive and intuitive insights -- rather than by pigeonholing issues into principles or values.
R. Elisha Ancselovits (Yadin Yadin), PhD
“You may polish up common sense, you may contradict [it] in detail, and you may surprise it. But ultimately your whole task is to satisfy it.” Alfred North Whitehead
In this course, we learn to read a traditional text, and especially religious legal texts, from the Bible through the Talmud and today by understanding what the author tried to communicate rather than reading words as self-defining. In that way, we learn to discover past people's insights on real life. We use such study, in turn, to learn how to make our own ethical/policy decisions based on inductive and intuitive insights -- rather than by pigeonholing issues into principles or values.
R. Elisha Ancselovits (Yadin Yadin), PhD
Spring
MEIR SCHWEIGER
Mon., Wed. 8:30- 11:30
LEVEL: INTRO +
The goal of this course is to give students the ability to analyze a section
of Chumash with the classic medieval commentaries. For this class, students are expected to have a working knowledge of Hebrew and some formal training in the study of Biblical texts.
The focus of the class will be two-fold:
of Chumash with the classic medieval commentaries. For this class, students are expected to have a working knowledge of Hebrew and some formal training in the study of Biblical texts.
The focus of the class will be two-fold:
1) To develop the student’s skills in reading and analyzing the classic
commentaries. Students will be expected to become familiarized with the
different approaches of the various commentators by carefully reading
each one and comparing/contrasting their styles and content. Students
will be encouraged to read the Biblical text carefully, to see the “gaps”
and difficulties, which generate a variety of responses by the different
commentators.
2) To deal with the issues and concepts raised by both the Biblical text and commentaries. Although the class will be grounded in the development of skills, it will encourage students to pursue the depth of the text and commentaries, to explore concepts and themes that impact on one’s life. Discussion of themes will be the culmination of a rigorous analysis of the text rather than a substitute for it.
2) To deal with the issues and concepts raised by both the Biblical text and commentaries. Although the class will be grounded in the development of skills, it will encourage students to pursue the depth of the text and commentaries, to explore concepts and themes that impact on one’s life. Discussion of themes will be the culmination of a rigorous analysis of the text rather than a substitute for it.
Texts - We will study Chapters 1-20 of Shmot, focusing on:
1) The enslavement of the Jewish people,
2) The Ten Plagues
3) The First Seder and the Exodus
4) The Miracle of the Reed Sea
5) The Desert Experience
6) The revelation at Sinai
7) The personal and public life of Moshe, and how it interfaces with the fate of
the nation
All students will be expected to purchase and bring to class the following books:
1) Shemot Mikraot G’dolot (preferably Mossad HaRav Kook edition- Torat Chayim) 2) Hebrew-English TaNAkh – JPS or Keter
3) Hebrew-English Dictionary (preferably Alkalay)
2018-2019 School Year Classes
2) The Ten Plagues
3) The First Seder and the Exodus
4) The Miracle of the Reed Sea
5) The Desert Experience
6) The revelation at Sinai
7) The personal and public life of Moshe, and how it interfaces with the fate of
the nation
All students will be expected to purchase and bring to class the following books:
1) Shemot Mikraot G’dolot (preferably Mossad HaRav Kook edition- Torat Chayim) 2) Hebrew-English TaNAkh – JPS or Keter
3) Hebrew-English Dictionary (preferably Alkalay)
BEKIUT NEVI’IM RISHONIM
MICHAEL HATTIN
Sun., Thurs. 11:45-1:00
Sun., Thurs. 11:45-1:00
LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
FALL/SPRING
11:45-1:00 Sunday/Thursday
Navigating the Bible
The books of the Prophets or “Nevi’im” that comprise the second (and largest) section of the Tanakh are terra incognita to many of us. Aside from some celebrated passages, much of the material that constitutes the prophetic works – including their historical setting, primary themes, and literary techniques – is, to quote Isaiah, “like the words of a sealed book”.
In this course, we will remedy that situation by embarking upon a broad and comprehensive survey of the first, narrative section of the Nevi’im, namely the books of Joshua/Yehoshua, Judges/Shoftim, Samuel/Shmuel and Kings/Melachim. This will necessarily entail a fair amount of preparatory weekly reading by course participants, whether in Hebrew or in translation. In class, we will construct a geographical and historical framework, explore important themes and motifs, and trace the textual continuity that underlies the Hebrew Bible as a whole. Along the way, we will cover a thousand years of Biblical history as we encounter every significant character and event in the story of the people of Israel! We will
The books of the Prophets or “Nevi’im” that comprise the second (and largest) section of the Tanakh are terra incognita to many of us. Aside from some celebrated passages, much of the material that constitutes the prophetic works – including their historical setting, primary themes, and literary techniques – is, to quote Isaiah, “like the words of a sealed book”.
In this course, we will remedy that situation by embarking upon a broad and comprehensive survey of the first, narrative section of the Nevi’im, namely the books of Joshua/Yehoshua, Judges/Shoftim, Samuel/Shmuel and Kings/Melachim. This will necessarily entail a fair amount of preparatory weekly reading by course participants, whether in Hebrew or in translation. In class, we will construct a geographical and historical framework, explore important themes and motifs, and trace the textual continuity that underlies the Hebrew Bible as a whole. Along the way, we will cover a thousand years of Biblical history as we encounter every significant character and event in the story of the people of Israel! We will
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meet two times a week and instruction will be in English. Required text: a Hebrew
Tanakh with translation.
ENCOUNTERING THE DIVINE PRESENCE WITHIN
YISCAH SMITH
Sun., Thurs., 11:45-1:00 pm
YISCAH SMITH
Sun., Thurs., 11:45-1:00 pm
LEVEL:OPEN TO ALL
SPRING
Rabbi Akiva would say, “How beloved it is that the human being was created in the
image of G-d; how even more beloved it is that one knows that one was created in
the Image.” Pirkei Avot 3, 14
This class will explore the teachings of R. Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira, the Piaseczna Rebbe, the Aish Kodesh. We shall examine texts that describe Jewish living and tradition as the cultivation of a spiritual practice. His inspiring and progressive ideas discuss the spiritual nature of our body, mind and heart, how we awaken to the Divine presence within us, and how we can integrate these components and expressions of the Jewish experience into one whole healthy being.
This class will explore the teachings of R. Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira, the Piaseczna Rebbe, the Aish Kodesh. We shall examine texts that describe Jewish living and tradition as the cultivation of a spiritual practice. His inspiring and progressive ideas discuss the spiritual nature of our body, mind and heart, how we awaken to the Divine presence within us, and how we can integrate these components and expressions of the Jewish experience into one whole healthy being.
TALMUDIC HEROINES LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
GILA FINE SPRING
Mon., Wed. 11:45-1:00
The female characters of the Talmud often come across as anti-feminine
stereotypes, disparaging descriptions of bad women: the shrew, the femme fatale,
the prima donna, and the whore. Yet a careful reading of their stories reveals that
there’s a lot more to them than initially meets the eye; that the women are far more
complex than they first appear; and that the rabbis had rather surprising – so as
not to say proto-feminist – views of marriage, childbirth, female power, and sex. In
working to unmask the heroines of the Talmud, there’s a great deal we can learn –
about how to read the characters of a text and, ultimately, how to treat the
characters in our lives.
This course serves as an introduction to Aggada (Talmudic stories) and requires no prior knowledge.
This course serves as an introduction to Aggada (Talmudic stories) and requires no prior knowledge.
JUDIASM AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
DANIEL SILVERSTEIN
Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00
Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00
LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
SPRING
SPRING
What is the legacy of Jewish wisdom and spiritual technology that we can harness
to live the best possible life? In this course we will touch the depth and breadth of
Judaism's profound spiritual and mystical conversations, which span millennia and
which shed a fascinating light on many of our contemporary individual and societal
challenges.
We will study text, learn some of its historical and spiritual context, and experience
for ourselves many of the spiritual practices suggested by our some of our greatest
teachers. The course will include a built-in spiritual havruta (partner/buddy)
component and will offer two simultaneous structural approaches to Jewish
spirituality: living deeply with the calendar and the development of the Jewish
spiritual conversation over millennia. Each class will also have a practice
component.
RAV KOOK: SONG OF THE SOUL LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
MIKE FEUER SPRING
Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00
Rav Kook is called one of the spiritual giants of the 20th century. In this class we will explore his approach to Divine service and his thoughts on fundamental questions which arise from learning Torah in a post-modern world. Our focus will be on unpacking these texts in their intellectual and cultural context, but we will also engage them as examples of a life lived in intimacy with the Divine.
Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00
Rav Kook is called one of the spiritual giants of the 20th century. In this class we will explore his approach to Divine service and his thoughts on fundamental questions which arise from learning Torah in a post-modern world. Our focus will be on unpacking these texts in their intellectual and cultural context, but we will also engage them as examples of a life lived in intimacy with the Divine.
NIGHT SEDER (SEDER EREV) LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
Monday 7:30-9:30 PM
Seder Erev provides a unique opportunity for students to use the resources of the Beit Midrash at their own pace, outside the regular hours, in a relaxed atmosphere. Students can take advantage of this once-a-week opportunity to investigate a particular area of interest, strive over the year to complete a sefer, or review
Seder Erev provides a unique opportunity for students to use the resources of the Beit Midrash at their own pace, outside the regular hours, in a relaxed atmosphere. Students can take advantage of this once-a-week opportunity to investigate a particular area of interest, strive over the year to complete a sefer, or review
We will look specifically at the texts of Bereishit (The Creation) and the portion read
at Rosh Hodesh.
Page 12 of 13
material studied during the regular program. This is a sterling opportunity to fulfill
the Divine precept of Talmud Torah during the quiet hours.
Seder Erev will also provide an opportunity for first year students to study with more advanced students including Fellows and PEP. This is also a chance for people on different levels with common interests to study together. Pardes faculty will be on hand to provide guidance and to answer questions.
UNPACKING THE SAGES LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
Seder Erev will also provide an opportunity for first year students to study with more advanced students including Fellows and PEP. This is also a chance for people on different levels with common interests to study together. Pardes faculty will be on hand to provide guidance and to answer questions.
UNPACKING THE SAGES LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
ELISHA ANCSELOVITS
TUESDAYS: 5:15-7:15 pm
“You may polish up common sense, you may contradict [it] in detail, and you may surprise it. But ultimately your whole task is to satisfy it.” Alfred North Whitehead
In this course, we learn to read a traditional text, and especially religious legal texts, from the Bible through the Talmud and today by understanding what the author tried to communicate rather than reading words as self-defining. In that way, we learn to discover past people's insights on real life. We use such study, in turn, to learn how to make our own ethical/policy decisions based on inductive and intuitive insights -- rather than by pigeonholing issues into principles or values.
R. Elisha Ancselovits (Yadin Yadin), PhD
“You may polish up common sense, you may contradict [it] in detail, and you may surprise it. But ultimately your whole task is to satisfy it.” Alfred North Whitehead
In this course, we learn to read a traditional text, and especially religious legal texts, from the Bible through the Talmud and today by understanding what the author tried to communicate rather than reading words as self-defining. In that way, we learn to discover past people's insights on real life. We use such study, in turn, to learn how to make our own ethical/policy decisions based on inductive and intuitive insights -- rather than by pigeonholing issues into principles or values.
R. Elisha Ancselovits (Yadin Yadin), PhD
2018-2019 School Year Classes
8:30-11:30
Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday
HUMASH /TANACH LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY TOVAH LEAH NACHMANI
In the early stories of Genesis: the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel, critical choices of personal and societal development breed disaster as well as self discovery.
Conflicts of egotism and compliance; competition and collaboration; corruption and sensitivity to ethical detail emerge as ancient Biblical themes with modern reverberations.
In the subsequent narratives of Genesis – Abraham and Sara struggle with the particular and the universal aspects of early Jewish existence, which continue to inspire our own relationships with our nation and with the nations with whom we comprise the world.
Required books: First Hebrew Primer
Text:
A Tanakh with English translation (I’m using Jewish Publication Society)
8:30-11:30
Monday/Wednesday
MISHNA/TALMUD LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY MEESH HAMMER-KOSSOY
In this course students will be introduced to the world of the Ta’anaitic Sages through an in-depth study of their most famous and important text – the Mishna, which became the basis for all Jewish Law. During the first semester, we will focus on the Tractate of Berakhot, which treats laws of prayer, recitation of the Shema, and blessing for food and special occasions. Through this masterful text, students will meet basic Jewish concepts especially pertaining to our relationship with the Divine as well as develop skills and analytical tools to translate and decipher the conceptual categories and legal reasoning of the Mishna. The course aims to train the student to comprehend and question the text independently, through critical analysis of language and structure.
Text: Mishnah Bahira Berakhot
11:45-1:00
Sunday/Thursday
RELATIONSHIP INTIMACY:TOVAH LEAH NACHMANI
This seminar style course combines Jewish text study in havruta, experiential exercises and class discussion to actively address the hottest topics and challenges in our most important life long relationships.
Every class will empower us to enhance the intimacy in our relationships - with ourselves, with our parents, with siblings and other difficult people, with friends and with lovers.
Or
11:45-1:00
Monday/Wednesday
SIDDUR- Theory and Practice: MICHAEL HATTIN - Fall
The siddur is arguably the Jewish people's greatest literary creation. In it are contained not only familiar prayers but an implicit description of our people's history, culture and linguistic development over the course of more than three millennia. The siddur is of course also the repository of our people's unquenchable yearnings for a better world.
This course will introduce the content of the Shacharit or the morning service – the longest of the daily prayers. We will follow the course of Shacharit through its
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discrete elements, their overall structure, their historical context and their deeper meaning. Along the way, we will also discuss the basic framing of the service – synagogue layout, the role of the prayer leader and the "choreography" of the service. All denominations are welcome.
Text: Koren Siddur with English translation according to the liturgy of Ashkenaz.
2:30-5:00
Sunday/Tuesday
RAMBAM: LEVI COOPER
Maimonides may be the single most influential Jewish scholar of all time. The fascination with Maimonides – or MYmonides, as many have claimed – transcends the divisions between different streams of Judaism. Indeed, the writings of Maimonides, or “Rambam” as he is known in Hebrew, are filled with gems in an array of fields: Jewish law, philosophy, communal leadership, social activism. It is not wonder that every contemporary faction wants to claim him as their own.
With this in mind we will study key texts from the Rambam’s magnum opus, Mishneh Torah. Texts will be prepared before class, and then reviewed and discussed when we meet. Parallel and complementary sources will be explored and their implication considered. Special attention will be given not only to the content of the text, but also to Maimonides the person, his style, contribution, and unique place in Jewish intellectual history.
This class will emphasise honing Hebrew skills as we will examine the sources in the original – and truly accessible – Hebrew of Maimonides (who was not a native Hebrew speaker).
Text: Mishneh Torah (the one volume edition with dots is recommended)
2:30-5:00
Monday/Wednesday
STRIVING FOR THE DIVINE: MIKE FEUER
Whether one looks without or within, seeking the absolute is an act of avodah, Divine service. In this class we will explore the book of Genesis and other classical texts in order to develop a language which can make such service relevant to our lives and communities. Together with the text, we will engage our own dreams and desires as we ask the question, what does it mean to strive for the Divine?
17:15- 19:00
Sunday/Tuesday
HASIDUT LEVI COOPER
Hasidut – or Chassidus – is a movement that continues to provide inspiration, fascination, and at times revulsion.
In this course we will walk the spiritual path of Hasidut, meeting central personalities, becoming familiar with key ideas, and developing an appreciation for the historical and social evolution of a movement that has given so much to Judaism.
Approximately half the classes will be dedicated to passages found in a foundational Hasidic text. In the other classes we will learn about the history, thought, and development of the movement. Hasidic songs – niggunim – will also be introduced, discussed, explored, and sung. Sections of the course will be dedicated to contemporary Hasidic phenomena. Each week, participants will be assigned tasks – “spiritual homework” – connected to the passages discussed. The spiritual homework will be completed outside class and then discussed in havruta at the beginning of the next class.
Text: Maor VaShamesh (Warsaw 1877 in “Rashi” script)
17:15-18:15
Monday/Wednesday
HEBREW STUDY: DANIEL SHIBLEY
Work in small group setting to go back over First Hebrew Primer
18:00-19:00
Monday
HASIDIC MEDITATION: MIRA NICULESCU
How to live a more peaceful, mindful and meaningful life? For the Piezcesner rebb, the late rabbi of the Warsaw Ghetto, it is all about becoming clearer within. This is why in the early 20th century, he taught “Ynian Hashkata”, "the subject of quieting". In this Chassidic meditation class, we will read and implement together his teaching, going from silence to an inner conversation with God, and concluding with a niggun, a melody.
19:30-21:30
Monday
NIGHT SEDER (learning in the Beit Madrash)
Seder Erev provides a unique opportunity for students to use the resources of the Beit Midrash at their own pace, outside the regular hours, in a relaxed atmosphere. Students can take advantage of this once-a-week opportunity to investigate a particular area of interest, strive over the year to complete a sefer, or review material studied during the regular program. This is a sterling opportunity to fulfill the Divine precept of Talmud Torah during the quiet hours.
Seder Erev will also provide an opportunity for first year students to study with more advanced students including Fellows and PEP. This is also a chance for people on different levels with common interests to study together. Pardes faculty will be on hand to provide guidance and to answer questions.
Spring 2019
|
HUMASH /TANACH LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY
TOVAH LEAH NACHMANI
Sun., Tues., Thurs. 8:30-11:30 In the early stories of Genesis: the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel, critical choices of personal and societal development breed disaster as well as self discovery. Conflicts of egotism and compliance; competition and collaboration; corruption and sensitivity to ethical detail emerge as ancient Biblical themes with modern reverberations. In the subsequent narratives of Genesis – Abraham and Sara struggle with the particular and the universal aspects of early Jewish existence, which continue to inspire our own relationships with our nation and with the nations with whom we comprise the world. |
|
Students will:
1. Significantly increase their Hebrew vocabulary and grammar skills, facilitating understanding of an original Biblical text 2. Acquire skills to examine the gaps and difficulties in a Biblical text: tools of traditional interpretation and modern literary tools. 3. Understand the Biblical text in a broader context of ancient historical times. 4. Discover personal relevance in dilemmas woven deep in the text, through written reflections and discussions. |
MISHNA/TALMUD LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY
MEESH HAMMER-KOSSOY
Mon., Wed. 8:30- 11:30
In this course students will be introduced to the world of the Ta’anaitic Sages through an in-depth study of their most famous and important text – the Mishna, which became the basis for all Jewish Law. During the first semester, we will focus on the Tractate of Berakhot, which treats laws of prayer, recitation of the Shema, and blessing for food and special occasions. Through this masterful text, students will meet basic Jewish concepts especially pertaining to our relationship with the Divine as well as develop skills and analytical tools to translate and decipher the conceptual categories and legal reasoning of the Mishna. The course aims to train the student to comprehend and question the text independently, through critical analysis of language and structure.
Required book: Mishnah Bahira Berakhot
Mon., Wed. 8:30- 11:30
In this course students will be introduced to the world of the Ta’anaitic Sages through an in-depth study of their most famous and important text – the Mishna, which became the basis for all Jewish Law. During the first semester, we will focus on the Tractate of Berakhot, which treats laws of prayer, recitation of the Shema, and blessing for food and special occasions. Through this masterful text, students will meet basic Jewish concepts especially pertaining to our relationship with the Divine as well as develop skills and analytical tools to translate and decipher the conceptual categories and legal reasoning of the Mishna. The course aims to train the student to comprehend and question the text independently, through critical analysis of language and structure.
Required book: Mishnah Bahira Berakhot
ENCOUNTERING THE DIVINE WITHIN
YISCAH SMITH
Sun., Thurs., 11:45-1:00 pm
Sun., Thurs., 11:45-1:00 pm
LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
SPRING
|
Rabbi Akiva would say, “How beloved it is that the human being was created in the
image of G-d; how even more beloved it is that one knows that one was created in
the Image.” Pirkei Avot 3, 14
|
|
This class will explore the teachings of R. Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira, the
Piaseczna Rebbe, the Aish Kodesh. We shall examine texts that describe Jewish
living and tradition as the cultivation of a spiritual practice. His inspiring and
progressive ideas discuss the spiritual nature of our body, mind and heart, how we
awaken to the Divine presence within us, and how we can integrate these
components and expressions of the Jewish experience into one whole healthy
being.
|
Page 7 of 14
BIBLICAL HEBREW GRAMMAR LEVEL:
HOWARD MARKOSE INTRO. - SPRING
Mon., Wed. 11:45-1:00
The Tanakh is a text that has been analyzed and interpreted many ways throughout its existence. This course will enable the student to read and comprehend the text through the understanding of the Hebrew grammar that is found therein. Focusing on certain Biblical selections, primarily in the Book of Breisheet (Genesis), students will learn how the various verb forms are used to express specific meaning. They will learn to read the text with proper pronunciation and accent, and explore how the Trope (the cantillation marks which provide accent, punctuation and melody) serve as an aid to the reading and studying of Tanakh. The fall course will be an intermediate level course. Students will be required to possess a rudimentary knowledge of Hebrew grammar for this semester’s course. The spring course will be taught at an introductory level.
The Tanakh is a text that has been analyzed and interpreted many ways throughout its existence. This course will enable the student to read and comprehend the text through the understanding of the Hebrew grammar that is found therein. Focusing on certain Biblical selections, primarily in the Book of Breisheet (Genesis), students will learn how the various verb forms are used to express specific meaning. They will learn to read the text with proper pronunciation and accent, and explore how the Trope (the cantillation marks which provide accent, punctuation and melody) serve as an aid to the reading and studying of Tanakh. The fall course will be an intermediate level course. Students will be required to possess a rudimentary knowledge of Hebrew grammar for this semester’s course. The spring course will be taught at an introductory level.
JUDAISM AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
DANIEL ROTH SPRING
Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00
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The Track seeks to challenge and inspire participants into being knowledgeable
and active rodfei shalom (Jewish pursuers of peace) between individuals, families,
communities and nations. We will attempt to do this through the study of classic
Jewish rabbinic texts, conflict resolution theories, newspapers articles, group
discussions, guest speakers and field trips. Track topics include "The Identity and
Methods of the Rodef Shalom;" "Forgiveness and Its Limits;" "Narrative Mediation
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and Reconciling Israelite-Amalekite Narratives;" "Ethical Dilemmas of War and
Peace in Judaism and Israel." In addition to participating in the bi-weekly second
semester classes, participants will be required to attend occasional guest speaker
lectures (Tuesdays, 11:45-1), a class trip, at least two "peace and conflict"
activities outside of class time and to occasionally share and post comments on
processing questions.
The Track is open to students of all levels and backgrounds and is one of the programs of the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution. |
SEXUALITY AND SANCTITY
RAHEL BERKOVITS
Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00
Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00
LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL
SPRING
SPRING
Sexuality and Sanctity: Towards a Jewish Sexual Ethic
What does Judaism have to say about issues surrounding sexuality? What values and challenges can the rabbinic texts impart for us living with the modern sexual norms of the twenty-first century? In this class we will examine, analyze and openly discuss rabbinic texts from the Torah and Talmud through to the modern responsa and different Jewish denominational responses on topics connected to sexual conduct such as marital sex, pleasure and positions, consent, the laws of niddah, Gay sex, premarital/Non-marital sex, masturbation and birth control. We will also examine the topics of transgender and intersex individuals in rabbinic literature (even though those topics are not related to issues of sex- they nonetheless interest students.) The classroom will be a safe space for students of diverse backgrounds, orientations, and practices. All sources are provided in both Hebrew and English and the course is open to all levels and genders.
What does Judaism have to say about issues surrounding sexuality? What values and challenges can the rabbinic texts impart for us living with the modern sexual norms of the twenty-first century? In this class we will examine, analyze and openly discuss rabbinic texts from the Torah and Talmud through to the modern responsa and different Jewish denominational responses on topics connected to sexual conduct such as marital sex, pleasure and positions, consent, the laws of niddah, Gay sex, premarital/Non-marital sex, masturbation and birth control. We will also examine the topics of transgender and intersex individuals in rabbinic literature (even though those topics are not related to issues of sex- they nonetheless interest students.) The classroom will be a safe space for students of diverse backgrounds, orientations, and practices. All sources are provided in both Hebrew and English and the course is open to all levels and genders.
Any one of these courses would be a full schedule for me! Your brain must be exploding. That's a good thing.
ReplyDeletexo,
Carol M