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Part-Time Learning Programs for Women
Bible
Beginners' Parshanut
This class is designed to introduce students to the study of parshanut (biblical commentaries) while strengthening skills in reading and comprehending biblical texts and commentaries in the original Hebrew. We will explore the historical development of biblical exegesis focusing on midrash and medieval commentators such as Rashi, Ramban, and others. This class is intended for students with knowledge of biblical Hebrew, but no previous experience studying biblical texts and commentaries in Hebrew. Please bring a Torat Hayyim, Sefer Bereishit, Volume I. Note: This course is a continuation from the fall semester; new students are welcome.
Jesse Abelman
Thursdays, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Course Dates: January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 1, 15, 22, 29, April 19, 26, May 3, 10.
Tuition: $350
Parshanut I - A Program of Intensive Bible Study: How Biblical Commentators Deal With Law and Narrative
Through the study of selected Torah texts and commentaries we will explore the approaches of classical exegetes to the interpretation of law and narrative. Each class will consist of guided, independent preparation of biblical texts and commentaries (havruta), followed by analysis and class discussions (shiur). This class is intended for students with knowl¬edge of biblical Hebrew and previous experience studying biblical text and commentaries in Hebrew. Please bring a Torat Hayyim, Sefer Shemot, Volume II.
Rachel Friedman
Thursdays, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Course Dates: February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 1, 15, 22, 29, April 19, 26, May 3, 10.
Tuition: $350
Parshanut II - A Program of Intensive Bible Study: Topics in Text and Interpretation
Through an in-depth study of selected biblical texts and commentaries, we will explore topics related to the religion of Israel. Each class will consist of guided, independent preparation of texts and commentaries (havruta), followed by analysis and class discussions (shiur). This class is intended for students with knowledge of biblical Hebrew and previous experience studying biblical text and commentaries in Hebrew. Our primary text will be the Torat Hayyim Chumash. Please bring a Torat Hayyim, Sefer Shemot, Volume II.
Rachel Friedman
Mondays Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Course Dates: January 30, February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 27, 29, March 5, 7, 12, 14, 21, 26, 28, April 2, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7, 9.
Tuition: $700
The Book of Samuel through the Lens of the Book of Judges
We will gain new insight into the Book of Samuel as we examine it through the lens of the Book of Judges.
David Silber
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Course Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 24, May 1, 8.
Tuition: $300
Parashat HaShavua- The Red Sea and Beyond
Through the lens of the weekly Torah readings, we will explore the journey of the Nation of Israel from the Red Sea through the Sinai wilderness. We will draw upon classical and modern sources to enhance our Torah study.
Rachel Friedman
Tuesdays, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
Course Dates: January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27.
Tuition: $225
Parashat HaShavua
We will engage in a careful study of one or two key issues in the weekly parasha (Torah portion), focusing on the literary-theological message that emerges from the text. In addition, we will make use of the best insights from both classical and modern exegesis (biblical commentary) of the Torah.
Nathaniel Helfgot
Tuesdays, 11:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Course Dates: April 24, May 1, 8.
Tuition: $75
Discovering the "Unknown" Prophets: Studies in the Books of Habbakuk, Zephaniah, and Malachi
We will engage in a close literary-theological study of a number of smaller prophetic books from the Twelve Prophets that are not generally part of the curriculum of most schools or personal study. We will make use of classical and modern studies of these works.
Nathaniel Helfgot
Tuesdays, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Course Dates: January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27.
Tuition: $250
Nachmanides' Commentary on the Torah
We will look at major themes and motifs of Ramban’s classical commentaries on Torah.
David Silber
Thursdays, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Course Dates: February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 1, 15, 22, April 19, 26, May 3, 10.
Tuition: $275
Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew: Level I (Beginner)
In a supportive and encouraging environment, students will develop the ability to read biblical texts by learning biblical grammar and vocabulary. We will use the First Hebrew Primer as our main biblical Hebrew grammar book. We will explore how and why the rules of biblical grammar developed. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Hebrew print and vowels. Note: This course is a continuation from the fall semester; new students are welcome.
Yitzhak Berger
Mondays Wednesdays, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Course Dates: January 23, 25, 30, February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 27, 29, March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, April 2, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7, 9.
Tuition: $675
Biblical Hebrew: Level II (Intermediate)
This course is intended to develop students’ ability to read and understand the Bible in its original language. The semester will be divided between review of grammatical forms and readings in biblical texts. Intended for students who have completed a year of biblical Hebrew or who have some proficiency in reading and translation. Note: This course is a continuation from the fall semester; new students are welcome.
Yitzhak Berger
Mondays Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Course Dates: January 23, 26, 30, February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 27, 29, March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, April 2, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7, 9.
Tuition: $675
Jewish Law
Introduction to Halakha: Shabbat and Holidays
We will explore the question of how halakha marks, sanctifies, and celebrates important occasions in the Jewish calendar through discussions of texts from the Torah, Talmud, and beyond. We will use the cycles of Shabbat and holidays as a lens through which to understand the development of halakha, while building textual skills and gaining a greater appreciation for some of the laws and customs we see and practice today. This course is geared for students with little or no background working with these texts. Note: This course is a continuation from the fall semester; new students are welcome.
Miriam Gedwiser,Talia Cottrell Furleiter
Mondays Wednesdays, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Course Dates: January 23, 25, 30, February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 27, 29, March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, April 2, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7, 9.
Tuition: $700
Liturgy
In Anticipation of the Sublime: The Prayers of Kabbalat Shabbat
Prayer is a central feature of Jewish life and is the focal point for the development of our own personal spiritual life. We will focus on Kabbalat Shabbat as a model of what tefillah can be. All texts will be available in the original and with a translation. Note: This course is a continuation from the fall semester; new students are welcome.
Jeffrey Fox
Fridays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Course Dates: January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 20, 27, May 4, 11.
Tuition: $400
Prayer for the Heart and Soul
a class for Bat Mitzvah girls and their mothers/learning partners
In this class the Bat Mitzvah girl (age 11-13) and her mother or learning partner will study biblical and rabbinic texts related to the development of prayer and trace the evolution of prayer from our ancestors through contemporary practice. We will look at the communal, organized, prepared prayer of the Rabbis versus the more spontaneous, passionate, emotional forms of prayer in Tanakh. We will use these sources as a springboard to discuss how students’ conceptions of prayer have evolved throughout their lives and ways in which they personally relate to God and make prayers meaningful. The class will focus on infusing the Bat Mitzvah girl with a sense of spirituality as she matures.
Regular price: $360. Special spring price: $180 per pair.
Shuli Sandler
Sundays, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Course Dates: April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20.
Tuition: $180
Talmud & Rabbinics
Introduction to Talmudic Literature
This course will introduce students to the world of Talmudic literature. By studying selected sections from the Mishnah and Gemara, students will acquire the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to progress on the path towards independent learning. This course is geared for students with little or no background working with these texts. Note: This course is a continuation from the fall semester; new students are welcome.
Class meets Tuesdays, 1:45-5:00pm and Thursdays, 2:30-5:00pm.
Jon Kelsen
Tuesdays Thursdays, 1:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Course Dates: January 24, 26, 31, February 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, March 1, 6, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, April 3, 19, 24, 26, May 1, 3, 8, 10.
Tuition: $700
Intermediate Gemara: But Only My Brother Saw...: The Third Chapter of Sanhedrin
Who can be an appropriate judge? What makes someone a kosher witness? If I have a gambling problem, am I to be trusted? The Jewish justice system has many disqualifying rules and caveats, but it is also full of reflections on what makes someone a worthy part of the justice system. Through a study of Zeh Borer, we will explore questions about ethical courtroom behavior. Class time will be split between havruta and shiur; the ability to read unvocalized Hebrew is highly recommended.
Rachel Rosenthal
Wednesdays, 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Course Dates: January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 18, 25, May 2, 9.
Tuition: $400
