Parshanut II – 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 sanctification of time and space forms the basis of the Israelite nation’s religious life. Topics will include the biblical festivals and the establishment of the Tabernacle. 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.
23-session course: September 14, 16, 21, 23, October 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, November 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, December 2, 7, 9, 14, 16.
Tuition: $800
For women.

What Do Historians Say About the Bible?
The Bible is replete with stories that sound like history. For centuries these were the ultimate source of historical information, however, recently historians have referenced  other sources to arrive at their reconstructions of history. The Bible then becomes not the source of history, but a text to be checked against the canonical history. We will investigate what historians say about the past and how this impacts various parts of the Bible and its study. We will use case studies from the beginnings of history through the late biblical stories of Esther and Daniel to see how biblical studies are affected by such knowledge. Important issues explored will include the value of genres other than history and what these stories might be if they are not history but still sacred scripture.
Aaron Koller
Monday, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
9-session course: October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14.
Tuition: $350

Elijah and Elisha in Jewish Tradition
The prophets Elijah and Elisha are central characters in the Book of Kings. We will analyze their significance in this book and examine their role in rabbinic and folk traditions.
David Silber
Tuesday, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
12-session course: September 15, 22, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15.
Tuition: $400
For women.

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
Tuesday, 11:10 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
10-session course: October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15.
Tuition: $350
For women.

How the Bible Judges Leaders: The Sin of Moses
Rachel Friedman
Tuesday, November 3, 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40 (includes lunch)
Paid pre-registration for lunch required by Monday, November 2 at noon.

Moral Ambiguity in Sefer Bereshit: The Story of Dinah and Shechem
Rachel Friedman
Tuesday, December 1. 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Tuition: $40 (includes lunch)
Paid Pre-registration for lunch required by Monday, November 30 at noon.

Kohelet: Entering a World Full of Contradictions
We will conduct an in-depth study of one of the more challenging books of the Bible. We will explore the meaning and message of the Book as a whole as well as a close reading of many passages in the individual chapters. We will make use of the entire range of commentary throughout the ages including classical rabbinic midrash through modern scholarly and literary writings of the last few years.
Nathaniel Helfgot
Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
9-session course: October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9, 16.
Tuition: $350

Beginners’ Parshanut: The Adventures of Joseph in Egypt
This class is designed to introduce students to the study of parshanut (biblical exegesis). Using the Joseph narratives as our text, we will engage with biblical commentators such as Rashi, Ramban, and others in seeking to uncover layers of meaning within the stories. We will focus on strengthening skills in reading, translating, and analyzing the biblical text and commentaries. This class is intended for students with some knowledge of Hebrew (reading, navigating a dictionary) but no previous experience studying biblical texts or commentaries in the original Hebrew. Please bring a Torat Hayyim, Sefer Bereishit, Volume II.
Sarah Rudolph
Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
11-session course: September 17, 24, October 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17.
Tuition: $400
For women.

Parshanut I – Commandments Between Human Beings: A Program of Intensive Bible Study
Through an in-depth study of Torah texts and commentary, we will explore the interpersonal commandments given at Mt. Sinai. 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.
11-session course: September 17, 24, October 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17.
Tuition: $400
For women.

Isaac and Ishmael, Abraham and Job: God-Fearing Heroes and the Sacrifice of Their Children
Before the Akeida, Abraham "sacrifices" another child, Ishmael. We will compare Genesis 21 and 22, highlighting Abraham's development in the process of relinquishing his children. We will then explore how the Book of Job plays on themes from both of these disturbing stories.
Judy Klitsner
Thursday, November 5, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Tuition: $40

The Book of Genesis
We will conduct an in-depth analysis of the creation narratives in the Book of Genesis.
David Silber
Sunday, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
8-session course: October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22, December 6, 13.
Tuition: $300