Biblical Stories, Ancient Contexts
Stories about ancient Israel are told in the Bible, by archaeology, and in later literature. Sometimes archaeology uncovers texts that almost speak for themselves, but often the remains have to be interpreted. In this class we will explore various stories about Israel, such as the Exodus, the time of the kings of Judah, the exile to Babylonia, and the beginning of the Second Temple, as told by these various sources. We will try to see how each type of source has to be read, when approached as historical sources, and when approached on their own terms.
Aaron Koller
Monday, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
13-week course: January 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10.
Tuition: $325

On the Cusp of Destruction: The Book of Jeremiah: Chapters 1-29
We will engage in an in-depth literary-theological study of selected portions of the first half of the Book of Jeremiah, focus­ing on the historical settings, the personal narratives and life of Jeremiah as well as some of the key messages spelled out in his central prophecies.
Nathaniel Helfgot
Wednesday, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
9-week course: January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24
Tuition: $225

The 10 Commandments in Pshat, Drash and Sectarian Literature
As we make our way to the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, we will examine the central motifs of the 10 Commandments from different perspectives. We will also examine the place that this central passage occupies in the liturgy and history of polemics of rabbinic Judaism.
Nathaniel Helfgot
Wednesday, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
5-week course: April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12.
Tuition: $125

Biblical Hebrew for Beginners
Students will learn the fundamentals of biblical Hebrew in a warm and supportive environment. Working with user-friendly materials and the original biblical text, we will explore the rules of biblical grammar and see first-hand how they allow us to understand the biblical text in the original. Note: This course is a continua­tion from the fall semester. Students with some prior experience studying Hebrew may start with the second semester; if you are unsure, please consult with the instructor prior to registration.
Aaron Koller
Monday, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
13-week course: January 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10.
Tuition: $325

See also lunchtime and one-time classes.

Passover Haggadah
We will conduct a careful study of some of the essential ele­ments of the traditional Passover Haggadah.
David Silber
Tuesday, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
4-week course: February 16, 23, March 2, 9.
Tuition: $100

Laws of Kesui Rosh (covering hair)
We will examine the laws of kesui rosh for women by analyzing Talmudic and rabbinic texts. Issues to be addressed include the parameters and halachic sources for hair covering and the impact of the modern social reality of women’s dress on halacha.
Moshe Kahn
Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
14-week course: January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11.
Tuition: $350

Sameach TeSamach Re’im Ahuvim: Let the Loving Couple Rejoice
Attention chatanim and kallot: Study together the laws of taharat hamishpacha in preparation for your marriage. This unique class will combine the traditional study of the laws of niddah with a posi­tive approach to marital relations. Source material from Tanach, Gemara, and Shulchan Aruch will be provided. Additional topics include: developing good communication skills during and outside of niddah, family planning and birth control, and interactive discus­sions about how to give and get the most from married life. One session, facilitated by psychologist Dr. Esther Altmann, will include role playing and concrete ideas for positive communication with your spouse. Translations will be provided for all Hebrew texts.
Shuli and Ben Sandler
Sunday, 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
6-week course: March 21, April 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9.
Tuition: $360 per couple

Wrestling with God: Theology in the Ghettos
How can we think about suffering while in its midst? We will ex­plore the writings of Holocaust-era rabbis to discover how they reckoned with their circumstances. Thinkers to be explored will include: Rabbis Yisachar Shlomo Teichtal, Elchanan Wasserman, Aharon Rokeach, and Shlomo Zalman Unsdorfer.
Erin Leib Smokler
Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
9-session course: January 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24.
Tuition: $225

Building a Self, Building a Community: The Early Writings of the Piaceszna Rebbe
Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto, is best known for his Holocaust-era work, Esh Kodesh. But before the war he wrote educational and spiritual treatises on how to cultivate a self in community through mindfulness and disciplined practice. We will explore his insights in Chovat HaTalmidim (A Student’s Obligation) and Bnai Machshavah Tovah (Conscious Community).
Erin Leib Smokler
Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
5-session course: April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12.
Tuition: $125