Kings, Courts, and Cultic Priests: Constructs of Power in Rabbinic Literature
Can a high priest be judged? May a king confiscate property? Does the Court have the capacity to declare war? How was power divided among the king, priest, and courts? Is there a coherent political theory implicit in rabbinic literature? We will analyze the second chapter of Mishnah Sanhedrin and its discourse on law, power and politics against the backdrop of earlier Biblical and Second Temple texts and alongside other tannaitic material in the Tosefta and Midrash Halacha. Finally, we will consider how core passages are later interpreted in the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds. 
David Flatto
Thursday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
4-session course: October 22, 29, November 5, 12.
Tuition: $200

The following Talmud classes are listed in order of increasing difficulty.

Introduction to Mishnah and Talmud
We will examine the mishnayot of Masechet Rosh haShanah and the first chapter of the Gemara of Masechet Berachot. We will study the Mishnah as a self contained document and introduce some basic issues in method of Mishnah and Talmud study. Through close readings of the Talmud, students will gain access to the way the Talmudthinks about the Mishnah, halacha and life in general.
Jeff Fox
Tuesday, Thursday, 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.
23-session course: September 15, 17, 22, 24, October 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17.
Tuition: $400
For women.

Introduction to Talmud: Kiddushin, chapter 1
We will learn the laws of marriage, discuss the responsibilities of parents and children, and study the time-bound mitzvot.
Tamar Tanner
Tuesday, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
10-session course: October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15.
Tuition: $350

Intermediate Talmud: Selected Topics in Masechet Ketubot
We will study topics such as what were the original brachot in the sheva brachot, how much credibility do women have to testify about the identity of their lover, how to compliment a bride on her wedding day, the believability of witnesses and more.
Tamar Tanner
Tuesday, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
12-session course: September 15, 22, October 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15.
Tuition: $400
For women.