
The Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus School
for Continuing Education
Parshanut II – From Covenant to Calendar, From Sinai to Sanctuary: A Program of Intensive Bible Study
Through an in-depth study of selected Torah texts and commentaries, we will explore how the historical experiences of the ancient Israelites in Egypt and the wilderness form the basis of the nation’s religious calendar and way of life. Topics will include the biblical festivals and the establishment of the Sanctuary. Each class will consist of guided, independent preparation of biblical texts and commentaries (havruta), followed by analysis and class discussion (shiur). This class is intended for students with knowledge of biblical Hebrew and previous experience studying biblical texts and commentaries in Hebrew. Please bring a Torat Hayyim, Sefer Shemot, volume II.
Rachel Friedman
Monday, Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
11-week course: September 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, October 27, 29, November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
Tuition: $900
Covenants in The Book of Genesis: Are they “One-sided” or “Two-sided”, and why it matters.
Our study will begin by tracing the concept of 'covenant' in Sefer Breishit from Noah to Abraham, noting their textual and thematic parallels. Afterward, with a little help from The Book of Psalms, we will search for the 'other-side' of the 'Covenant of the Parts' ("brit bein ha'btarim" / Breishit chapter 15). Our study will not only demonstrate how certain Psalms can serve as a commentary to Chumash, but it will also help us appreciate our daily prayers (especially Psukei d'Zimra).
Menachem Leibtag
Monday, November 10, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Tuition: $45 (includes lunch)
Pre-registration for lunch required by Thursday, November 6 at noon.

Before There Was a King In Israel
We will engage in an in-depth study of the Book of Judges. We will analyze the broad themes of the book as well as close readings of individual episodes and narratives in the book. Both traditional and modern studies will be utilized.
Nathaniel Helfgot
Monday, 6:00 7:30 p.m.
8-week course: October 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15
Tuition: $300

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 of both classical and modern exegesis of the Torah.
Nathaniel Helfgot
Tuesday, 9:45 – 11:00 a.m.
11-week course: September 9, 16, 23, October 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16
Tuition: $400
Succession and Struggle: David the King
We will conduct a close reading of the second book of Samuel beginning with chapter 6, focusing on the attempt to find a successor for King David and thereby establish the monarchy.
David Silber
Tuesday, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
11-week course: September 9, 16, 23, October 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16
Tuition: $400
Choosing Jacob: A Story of Isaac and Rebecca
Rachel Friedman
Tuesday, November 18, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Tuition: $45 (includes lunch)
Pre-registration for lunch required by Friday, November 14 at noon.

“And he did not know…”: A Story of Jacob and Rachel
Rachel Friedman
Tuesday, December 9, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Tuition: $45 (includes lunch)
Pre-registration for lunch required by Friday, December 5 at noon.

A Match Made in Heaven
We will explore the marital relationships of our early ancestors- Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob, Leah and Rachel- from a psychological perspective. At the beginning of the Jewish people there were many sacrifices made by our foremothers and forefathers to secure the future for their progeny. We will discuss these sacrifices in light of their relationships and how they impacted the future of the Jewish people.
Shuli Sandler
Tuesday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
3-week course: December 2, 9, 16
Tuition: $200

The Wings of the Dove: Noah and Jonah in Flight from Self
Two prophets are called upon to save doomed populations: one complies; the other refuses. One prophet self-destructs; the other has a chance for transformation and salvation. We will examine the dynamics of their narratives, and the remarkable potential for change in the prophet, among the threatened populace, and in God's reactions to evil.
Judy Klitsner
Wednesday, October 29, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuition: $40

David and Solomon: Establishing the Monarchy
The accession of Solomon to the throne establishes the line of David. We will conduct a comparative study of the Books of Samuel and Kings and the David and Solomon narrative in the Book of Chronicles.
David Silber
Wednesday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
7-week course: October 29, November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17
Tuition: $300

The Book of Numbers, Chapters 1-10
We will conduct a careful reading of the first 10 chapters of Sefer Bamidbar. Topics to be studied include the census, establishing the community, the sotah, and the Nazarite.
David Silber
Thursday, 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
10-week course: September 11, 18, 25, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 11, 18
Tuition: $350
Beginner’s Parshanut:
The Sale of Joseph
This class is designed to introduce students to the study of parshanut (exegesis). Through close study of the biblical texts dealing with the family relationships that culminated in the sale of Joseph, we will work to strengthen skills in reading, translating, and analyzing commentaries. We will explore various interpretations offered by commentators such as Rashi, Ramban, and others, in seeking to enhance our understanding of this pivotal period. This class is intended for students with some knowledge of Hebrew, but no previous experience studying biblical texts or commentaries in Hebrew. Please bring a Torat Hayyim, Sefer Bereishit, volume II.volume I.
Sarah Rudolph
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
10-week course: September 11, 18, 25, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 11, 18
Tuition: $350
Parshanut I
- The Ten Commandments and Beyond: A Program of Intensive Bible Study
Through an in-depth study of Torah texts and commentary, we will explore how the Ten Commandments form the core of God’s covenant with the nation of Israel. Each class will consist of guided, independent preparation of biblical texts and commentaries (havruta), followed by analysis and class discussion (shiur). This class is intended for students with knowledge of biblical Hebrew and previous experience studying biblical text and commentaries in Hebrew. Please bring a Torat Hayyim, Sefer Shemot, volume I.
Rachel Friedman
Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
10-week course: September 11, 18, 25, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 11, 18
Tuition: $350
Women of the Bible
We will study women in the Bible, including Rebecca, Miriam, and Ruth.
David Silber
Friday, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
10-week course: September 12, 19, 26, October 31, November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12, 19
Tuition: $350