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The Gwendolyn and Joseph Straus School
for Continuing Education


Fall 2008 Semester

   YESODOT SKILL-BUILDING PROGRAM


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 also explore how and why the rules of biblical grammar developed. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Hebrew print, script and vowels.
Yitzhak Berger
Monday, Wednesday, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
11-week course: September 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, October 27, 29, November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
Tuition: $900

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, December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17

Biblical Hebrew: Level II (intermediate)
This course is intended to develop students’ ability to study and understand the Bible in its original language. The semester will be divided between review of important 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.
Yitzhak Berger
Monday, Wednesday, 11:00 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, December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
Tuition: $900

Intermediate Talmud: All About Weddings: Ketubot, Chapter 1
When is the best time of the week to get married? How much credibility does a woman have to testify about her relationships? What are the obligations of a husband and wife? We will study the first chapter of Ketubot and explore these issues as well as other issues related to the wedding ceremony and marriage.
Tamar Tanner
Monday, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
11-week course: September 8, 15, 22, October 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15
Tuition: $400

Introduction to Halakha: Holidays and Shabbat
In this introductory halakha class, we will build textual skills through an exploration of various halakhot related to upcoming holidays and Shabbat. We will look at how they build on each other, gaining an appreciation for the development of halakha.
Please contact Jordana Golden at jgolden@drisha.org or 212.595.0307 to register.
Sarah Rudolph
Monday, Wednesday, 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.
11-week course: September 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, October 27, 29, November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
Tuition: $900

Biblical Hebrew for Beginners
Students will learn the fundamentals of biblical Hebrew in a warm and understanding environment. We will use the First Hebrew Primer as our main biblical Hebrew grammar book. We will also explore how and why the rules of biblical grammar developed.
Prerequisite: some knowledge of biblical Hebrew
Aaron Koller
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 – 12:30 p.m.
11-week course: September 9, 16, 23, October 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16
Tuition: $400

Introduction to Rabbinic Literature

This course will introduce students to the world of Talmudic literature. By studying selected texts, students with little or no background in classical Jewish texts will become familiar with Talmudic vocabulary and ideas. Moreover, students will gain an understanding of the cultural, literary, and historical contexts of these texts.
Please contact Jordana Golden at jgolden@drisha.org or 212.595.0307 to register.
Jenny Labendz
Tuesday, Thursday, 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.
11-week course: September 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, October 28, 30, November 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, December 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18
Tuition: $900

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.
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

 
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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Biblical Hebrew
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Philosophy
Talmud & Rabbinics
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