Course Catalog. מדרשה תורנית גבוהה לבנות Midreshet HaRova. Advanced Torah Academy for Women In the name of André Veres ע"ש צבי בן אלכסנדר ורס

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1 Course Catalog תשע"ו מדרשה תורנית גבוהה לבנות Midreshet HaRova Advanced Torah Academy for Women In the name of André Veres ע"ש צבי בן אלכסנדר ורס

2 Introduction Since its inception in 1990, Midreshet HaRova has provided a unique Israel study experience for hundreds of young women from all over the world. With the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem s Old City as a backdrop, students at the Midrasha enjoy an unparalleled setting in which to develop spiritually and intellectually, thus preparing themselves to make an impact as educated Jewish women in both Israel and the Diaspora. History From a small program with a handful of students from the Southern Hemisphere, Midreshet HaRova has developed into one of Israel s leading seminaries. Midreshet HaRova currently sponsors more than half a dozen programs, serving over four hundred women from Israel and from around the globe. From a single building, the Midrasha now comprises a multi-building campus in the Old City, as well as several off site locations both within and outside of Jerusalem. With the addition of the Betty and Joseph Kopelowitz Study Hall, the Midrasha now boasts a modern Beit Midrash with seating for 150 students. In 2009 the school was officially renamed Midreshet HaRova, Advanced Torah Academy for Women in the name of Andre Veres in recognition of a major gift from the Veres family. The student body at Midreshet HaRova is a mosaic of the Jewish world, with women hailing from Israel, North America, Great Britain, Continental Europe, South Africa and Australia. United by their motivation to learn and their thirst for spiritual growth, they live and study together, learn from and about each other, and coalesce into a single unit. The singular nature of this group gives the Midrasha its unique, unmatched character. The Overseas Program at Midreshet HaRova The Overseas Program at Midreshet HaRova is an intensive program designed for the highly motivated student who wishes to accomplish the maximum during her time at the Midrasha. Classes begin at 8:30 AM and continue until 10:00 PM, with many students staying in the Beit Midrash past that time. Overseas students also benefit from the close relationship with the Midrasha s program for young Israeli women who have completed their Sherut Leumi service. Overseas students have the option to maintain at least one weekly Chavruta with their Israeli counterparts. Socially, participants on the two programs interact freely, sharing rooms, spending ot together and enjoying joint tiyulim. Educational Philosophy It is a basic tenet of the educational philosophy of the Midrasha that Torah study should not be viewed as merely an academic and intellectual pursuit but should, first and foremost, help shape one s personality. With this in mind, each student at the Midrasha is encouraged to maximize her personal growth according to her individual needs and interests. The educational program at the Midrasha emphasizes independence in learning through Chavruta study, while at the same time offering an extraordinary array of courses designed to allow each student the opportunity to delve into areas of personal interest. Classes are small, averaging only twelve to fifteen students per class, facilitating a high degree of student faculty interaction. The educational philosophy that drives the Midrasha views the Overseas Program as a holistic experience, neither limited to the classroom nor bound by the traditional academic calendar. The Midrasha never closes its doors, even during times that classes are not in session, so students are never at a loss for activities during vacation time. During their time in Israel, Midrasha students tour extensively, participate in enriching seminar programs, and are introduced to a wide swath of Israeli society, all the while deepening their attachment to the people and the land of Israel. Faculty The Overseas Program is directed by Rabbi David Milston. Originally from London, Rav Milston was ordained by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel after many years of study at Yeshivat Har Etzion, where he studied under Rabbis Yehuda Amital, zt l, and Aharon Lichtenstein. Prior to that, he earned his bachelor s degree at Jews College in England, where he was a Talmid Muvhak of Rabbi Isaac Bernstein, zt l. With an ideal blend of youth and experience, the faculty provides the intellectual spark which illuminates the Midrasha. Their varied educational backgrounds provide a broad canvas for students seeking direction and searching for answers. Through the warmth of their personalities, women coming to the Midrasha find a group of role models to whom they can relate and who they can strive to emulate. Student Life Students are housed in either the Midrasha dormitory or in local apartments, all located a short walk from the main building. With airy public spaces, balconies and landscaped courtyards, the Midrasha housing facilities provide an ideal atmosphere for students to relax during their free time. becomes a singular experience when spent in the Old City. Whether singing and dancing at the Kotel on Friday night, or enjoying meals and programs in the company of friends and visiting faculty members, students infuse the spiritual setting of the Rova with the ruach of the Midrasha. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in a weekly volunteer program, travelling to area hospitals, schools, clinics, and homes, lending a hand to less fortunate individuals. The Midrasha views these and other acts of chesed organized independently by the student body as inseparable parts of the program. The Midrasha provides three nutritious meals daily. Constant supervision is provided by experienced madrichot, who are overseen by on-campus house parents. 2 3

3 Time Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Midreshet Harova Timetable Fall/Spring :30 9:55 am 10:05 am 1:00 pm 9:00-9:55 am Halacha Bekiut Torah Bekiut Electives 8:30-9:50 am Halacha Bekiut Torah Bekiut Rav Shames [Beg/Int] [23] Rav Berg [Beg] [7] Bet Midrash - Rav Bailey Rav Shames [Beg/Int] [23] Rav Berg [Beg] [7] Rav Susman [Int] [23] Tanya Cohen [Int] [7] Current Affairs - Rachel Himelstein [13] Rav Susman [Int] [23] Tanya Cohen [Int] [7] Rav Bailey [Adv] [23] Rav Milston [Adv-NH] [7] Maharal - Rav Berg [17] Rav Bailey [Adv] [23] Rav Milston [Adv-NH] [7] Gemara Bekiut - Rav Avigdor - Makkot [28] Rav Yonatan [Adv-SH] [7] Walking in the Garden - Shprintzee Rappaport [21] Gemara Bekiut - Rav Avigdor - Makkot [28] Rav Yonatan [Adv-SH] [7] Neviim Bekiut - Rav Yonatan [8] Ulpan - Shoshana Be'eri [11] Neviim Bekiut - Rav Yonatan [8] 8:30-9:55 Ulpan - Shoshana Beeri [11] Advanced Kashrut - Judith Fogel [22] Ulpan - Shoshana Beeri [11] Gemara Bekiut - Rav Avigdor - Makkot [28] Five Megilot/Creative Tanach - Devorah Starr [9] [11] Torah She Baal Peh Chumash BeIyun 10:00 11:10 Torah She Baal Peh Chumash BeIyun Judith Fogel [Beg] - 4th chapter Berachot [27] Breishit and Shmot Skills - Rav Berg [6] Beit Midrash - Rav Bailey Judith Fogel [Beg] - 4th chapter Berachot [27] Breishit and Shmot Skills - Rav Berg [6] Rav Susman [Int] - 7th chapter Berachot [27] From Galut to Geula - Rav Bailey [Int] [6] Tikkun Hamiddot - Rav Yonny Sack [21] Rav Susman [Int] - 7th chapter Berachot [27] From Galut to Geula - Rav Bailey [Int] [6] Rav Bailey [Int] - 1/3rd chapters Beitzah [27] Sefer Shmot - Rav Yonny Sack [Int] [6] Derech Hashem/Five Megillot - Shprintzee Rappaport [19] [9] Rav Bailey [Int] - 1/3rd chapters Beitzah [27] Sefer Shmot - Rav Yonny Sack [Int] [6] Rav Shames [Int-H] - Rosh Hashana [28] Sefer Breishit - Tami Goldman [H] [7] Drama and Tenach - Devorah Starr [12] Rav Shames [Int-Hebrew] - Rosh Hashana [28] Sefer Breishit - Tami Goldman [H] [7] Rav Avigdor [Adv-H] - Bava Metzia [25] Parshat Hashavua - Rav Avigdor [Adv] [7] Ulpan - Shoshana Be'eri [11] Rav Avigdor [Adv-H] - Bava Metzia [28] Parshat Hashavua - Rav Avigdor [Adv] [7] Into the Midbar - Rav Yonatan [Adv-H] [7] Torah She Baal Peh - Rav Avigdor [Adv-H] - Bava Metzia [28] Into the Midbar - Rav Yonatan [Adv-H] [7] Shana Bet - Rav Milston Walking Through Shas - Judith Fogel [29] Shana Bet - Rav Milston Eternity - Rav David Milston [10] Machshava Shana Bet - Sefer Yehezkel - Rav Yonatan Machshava Miriam Wolf [18] 11:20 12:30 Miriam Wolf [18] Yehudit Tamir [18] Beit Midrash Yehudit Tamir [18] Midrash and Aggadah- Rachel Himelstein [8] Advanced Hilchot - Rav Shames [22] Drama and Tenach - Devorah Starr cont'd [12] Practical Halacha - Rav Yonny Sack [24] Ulpan - Shoshana Be'eri [11] Torah She Baal Peh - Rav Avigdor [Adv-H] cont'd [28] Before There was Gemara - Rav Bailey [29] Orchot Tzaddikim/Five Megillot - Shprintzee Rappaport [20] [9] 1 pm 2:20 Shana Bet - Netivot Shalom - Rav Yonny Sack Shana Bet - Sefer Ezra - Rav Ron Electives Electives (3:00-4:00 pm) 1:30-3:30 pm Electives Electives Beit Midrash Beit Midrash Electives Beit Midrash Bet Midrash - Rav Berg 3:00 Poetry and Song in Prayer - Rav Shames [24] The Jew in the Non-Jewish World - Tanya Cohen [24] From Holocaust to Redemption - Rav Milston [14] Haftara and Parsha - Rav Susman [10] Halachic Woman - Judith Fogel [19] Gateway to Emunah - Rav Yonny Sack [16] Chovot HaTalmidim - Rav Milston [19] Siyurim - Rav Susman, Rav Yonatan (from 13:15) [14] Intro to Chassidut - Rav Yonny Sack [21] Mesilat Yesharim - Rav Milston [17] 4:15 pm Hilchot Kashrut -Rav Berg [22] Gateway to Emunah - Rav Yonny Sack [16] Sefer Daniel/Post Talmudic History - Rav Ron [10] [14] Medical Ethics - Rav Weitzman [25] Sefer Shmuel - Rav Bailey [9] Zaddik V'ra Lo - Dara Unterberg [9] Hitnadvut Option 1 Torat, Am v'medinat Yisrael - Rav Chwat [16] Sefer HaTanya - Rav Shames [20] Chassidut - Jeremy (SH) [21] Israeli Chevrutot - Rav Shames Pshat in the Parsha - Rav Uri Cohen [8] Pirkei Avot - Rav Bailey [19] Modern Orthodoxy - Rav Uri Cohen [21] Shana Bet - Tehillim - Rav Susman Art Option 1 - Rachel Himelstein (1:45-3:45 pm) [12] Discovering Texts - Rav Bailey [25] Bein Adam LeChaveiro/ By His Light- Rav Yonatan [23] [19] 4:25 5:40 pm 5:50 7:00 pm Beit Midrash - Rav Bailey 4:15-5:15 pm Beit Midrash - Rav Susman Bet Midrash - Rav Bailey Hilchot - Rav Berg [22] Beit Midrash - Rav Yonny Sack Torat, Am v'medinat Yisrael - Rav Chwat [H] [16] Kitvei Rav Kook - Rav Weitzman [16] Loving the Land - Rav Shames [25] Mitzvot - How and Why - Rav Bailey [25] Derech Hashem - Rav Ron [18] Hilchot Kashrut - Rav Berg [22] Nashim Be Tanach - Miriam Wolf [8] Strive for Truth - Rav Milston [17] 4:00-7:00 pm Shemirat Halashon - Rav Yonny Sack [23] Halachic Woman - Judith Fogel [19] Da Ma L'Hashiv - Rav Uri Cohen [26] Igrot HaRambam - Rav Susman [26] Art Option 2 - Rachel Himelstein (6:00 pm) [12] Contemporary Halacha - Rav Bailey [23] Greatest Misses Rav Uri Cohen [26] Rav Soloveitchik / Cont Jewish Thought - Rav Yonatan [18] [21] Portraits and Parshanut/Shivat Zion - Dara Unterberg [12] [10] Talmudic Misogyny in Context - Rav Uri Cohen [29] Torat HaIsha - Miriam Wolf (Machshava) [19] Meaning in Tefila - Rav Yonny Sack [15] Meaning of Mikdash - Rav Shames [H] [20] Hitnadvut Option 2 Eliyahu and Elisha - Rav Yonatan [H] [10] Beit Midrash 5:30-7:00 pm Intro to Torah She Beal Peh - Rav Susman [28] Beit Midrash Biblical Personalities - Rav Yonatan [10] Annonuncements Questions in Emunah - Rav Chwat [19] Machshevet Hatefilah - Rav Weitzman [15] Leadership Workshop - Rav Berg [13] Shiur Klali - Rav Milston Massechet Derech Eretz - Rav Ron [29] Hilchot Brachot - Judith Fogel [22] The Jewish Self - Rav Yonny Sackm [20] Midrash and Aggadah - Rav Uri Cohen [8] Personal Status in J. Law - Rav Berg [23] Contemporary Halacha - Rav Bailey [23] Tikkun Hamiddot - Rav Yonny Sack [21] Greatest Hits - Rav Uri Cohen [26] Relating to God - Rav Uri Cohen [19] Torat HaIsha - Miriam Wolf [19] Shana Bet - Chovot Hatalmidim - Rav Shames Confronting Modernity - Rav Yonatan [18] Seder Erev Seder Erev Seder Erev Seder Erev 8:00-9:00 pm Bet Midrash - Rav Bailey Bet Midrash - Judith Fogel Bet Midrash - Rav Yonatan 8:00 4 Soulmates - Rav Yonny Sack [21] Israeli Chavrutot Bet Midrash - Rav Yonatan 8:30-10:00 pm 10:00 pm 9:00-10:00 pm Israel Advocacy - "Jerusalem U" [14] 4 Growth from the Parsha - Rav Yonny Sack [7] Beit Midrash - Rav Yonatan [Numbers indicate page in catalog where course can be found] 4 5

4 Important Note: Students register for courses based on skill level. The topics covered may vary from year to year; second year students may therefore register for the same course they have taken previously. BIB Department of Bible תורה שבכתב Torah SheBichtav, Skill Development The Book of Genesis/Exodus This course is designed for students to acquire and develop their ability to confront and analyze a topic in the texts studied. The stress will be on developing textual skills using Rashi, Ramban and later meforshim. An effort is made to expose students to the works of many early and later commentators. Students in this course will study the Books of Breishit and Shmot. Issues such as Am Yisrael, the Avot, Eretz Yisrael and Emunah will be confronted. Rav David Berg Monday and Thursday 10:05 13:00 BIB Torah SheBichtav, Intermediate Level The Book of Genesis/Exodus In this class we will study the final chapters of Sefer Breishit and the first half of Sefer Shemot. Understanding that the Torah is our manual for life, it is incumbent upon us to understand its moral and ethical value system even through its characters and their stories. In this course, through the focused utilization of textual analysis along with a complement of classical commentaries, we will not only learn the skills with which to properly dissect the Torah s text, but walk away with a greater and deeper understanding of Hashem s intended messages as conveyed through the biblical narrative and enumerated mitzvot. Rav Jonathan Bailey Monday and Thursday 10:05 13:00 BIB Torah Shebichtav, Intermediate Level- Book of Exodus This course will take an in-depth look at Sefer Shemot, with the goal of drawing relevant and practical guidance for spiritual growth from the deeper messages contained within. Emphasis is placed on developing textual skills, and delving deeply into classical commentaries and such as Rashi, Malbim, Maharal, Or HaChaim, and many others, as well as later meforshim, mussar texts, chassidic thought, and gemara. Rav Yonatan Sack Monday and Thursday 10:05 13:00. BIB Torah SheBichtav, Intermediate/Advanced Level Chaburot in Parshat HaShavua The central aim of this course is to develop the ability to study and formulate a comprehensive understanding of an issue in the Parshat Shavua as learned by the mefarshim, as well as to develop ideas independently. After a brief overview of the Parsha we will analyze a chosen topic from the Parsha through the prism of both early and later commentators. As the year progresses and our learning skills develop, students will be encouraged to present their ideas either in writing or verbally to the students in the class. Rav Avigdor Meyerowitz Monday and Thursday 10:05 13:00 BIB 107a-108a Torah Shebichtav, Advanced Level The Book of Genesis This course will take an in-depth look at the episodes in Sefer Bereisht. Emphasis is placed on developing textual skills and furthering knowledge, using a variety of sources including classical commentaries as well as later mefarshim such as Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, Radak, Abrabanel and Netziv, alongside recent Jewish thinkers, highlighting topics that are relevant to our everyday lives. Tami Goldman (Hebrew) Monday and Thursday 10:05 13:00 BIB 107b 108b BIB Bekiut Torah - Survey of the Pentateuch This is a survey course designed to familiarize students with large sections of the Torah and select passages with the commentary of Rashi. Rav David Berg - Beginners Tanya Cohen - Intermediate Rav Yonatan Horovitz - Intermediate Rav David Milston - Advanced Monday and Thursday 8:30 9:55 [3 credits per semester] BIB Growth Through the Torah This class will draw out fundamental relevant, practical lessons for personal spiritual growth from the Torah Portion of the week through learning of a wide variety of commentaries. The sources brought will shed a new level of depth and wisdom to the Torah and it s eternal relevance to our daily lives. Rav Yonny Sack Sunday 21:00-22:00 Torah Shebichtav, Advanced Level Into the Desert This course will study the sections of the Torah which deal with the journey of Bnei Yisrael from the Exodus until they reach the land of Israel.. Our study will combine close textual analysis with a plethora of classical and modern commentaries. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how the various exegetes relate to text. Rav Yonatan Horovitz (Hebrew) Monday and Thursday 10:05 13:00 6 7

5 BIB BIB BIB 131a-132a BIB 135a The Weekly Torah Portion Nashim BeTanach - Women in the Bible This course covers portraits of the women who appear in Tanach through the eyes of Chazal. Individuals studied will include Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Tzippora, Devora, Esther and Ruth. Miriam Wolf Sunday 16:25-17:40 Sefer Shmuel - The Book of Samuel I Text needed Tanakh In this class we will learn the entire first book of Shmuel. We will begin each new chapter with a quick, independent reading of the text and answering of accompanying directive questions (provided on separate sheets); this process will help us familiarize ourselves with the chapter s general contents. We will then analyze more deeply, using only selected excerpts, specific pesukim of that chapter and cross-referenced sections throughout the rest of Tanakh, the chapter s specific themes and ideas, while also appreciating its overall place in the entire work. Along the way, we will also be building the invaluable skills of textual analysis. Some of the themes which we will be discussing are: The rise of Shmuel as Shofet and King s navi; The rise and fall of Shaul, the first King of Israel; The rise of David, from shepherd to next-in-line ; Shaul s tragic obsession for eradicating the usurper to his throne. Rav Jonathan Bailey Sunday 15:00-16:15 Tzaddik V Ra Lo Why the Righteous Suffer This course will focus on the question of why the righteous suffer as represented in the book of Iyov. Within this process we will try and understand the human motivation to do good, as understood by the Satan and by the author of Iyov. Furthermore, we will try to put ourselves in the place of Iyov s friends, and we will attempt to answer Iyov s questions. Finally, we will touch upon the connection between Iyov s questions and our questions concerning the Holocaust. Dara Unterberg Monday 15:00-16:00 (Fall semester only) Each week we examine a fascinating topic in the parsha from several pshat-based perspectives. Full disclosure many of our sources and topics are off the beaten track. Topics include: Is the akeidah a polemic against child sacrifice? Why was Moshe commanded to remove his shoes? If ayin tachat ayin means money, why doesn t it say so? Rav Uri Cohen Wednesday 15:00-16:15 BIB Survey of the Prophets (Bekiut Tanach) Students will be required to prepare five or more chapters of Tanach a week. The weekly lecture will summarize the general themes of the chapters covered together with the highlights of the stories. The aim of this course is to provide a general overview of the books of Neviim Rishonim. Rav Yonatan Horovitz Sunday 9:00 9:55, Wednesday 8:30 9:55 [3 credits per semester] BIB Midrash and Aggada Midrashei Aggada, which we first hear as stories in early childhood, are often later dismissed as silly and simplistic, or simply incomprehensible. In this course, we will delve into both the content and form of Midrashic literature. We will discover different styles of Midrash, its use of language and metaphor, its relationship to the Biblical text, and above all its meaning and purpose. A reasonable command of Hebrew text is recommended. Rachel Himelstein Tuesday 11:20 12:30 or Rav Uri Cohen Wednesday 17:50-19:00 [1.5 credit per semester] BIB The Five Megillot This course will take an in-depth look at the episodes in the five Megillot, with the goal of showing how they apply to our everyday lives. Emphasis is placed on developing textual skills, using a variety of sources including Rashi, Chazal, Metzudot, and other classical meforshim. Devorah Starr/ Fall Semester Tuesday 8:30-9:55 Shprintzee Rappaport/ Spring Semester Tuesday 11:20-12:30 8 9

6 BIB Eliyahu and Elisha We will study, in depth, the chapters of Sefer Melachim which encompass the stories of these two Neviim. Issues discussed include the role of the prophet, miracles, and their place in Tanach. Rav Yonatan Horovitz (Hebrew) Thursday 16:25-17:40 BIB Haftara and Parsha - The Weekly Torah Reading and the Additional Reading This course involves an in-depth analysis of the weekly readings from the Prophets, and its relation to the weekly Torah reading. The goal of this course is to illustrate the applicability of the words of the Prophets to modern times. A wide range of commentators, both classical and modern, will be used. Rav Michael Susman Wednesday 15:00-16:15 [1.5 credit per semester] BIB 149a BIB 153 The Book of Daniel Daniel is possibly the most mysterious book in the Tanach. Can we unravel the mysteries of Daniel s visions? Were these visions purely Messianic, or were they relevant to Daniel s own historical period? Was Daniel a prophet? We will approach the Book of Daniel as an important window into the life of the Jews in Babylonian exile, and as the historical link between the First and Second Temple periods. Rav Zvi Ron Wednesday 15:00-16:15 (Fall semester only) BIB Biblical Personalities This course will attempt to discover more about some of the less-discussed characters in Tanach. We will draw on textual analysis and comparison, Midrashic comment and metaphor and a range of commentaries in order to determine how each character affected his time period and Biblical history in general. Rav Yonatan Horovitz Sunday 17:50-19:00 BIB Drama and Tanach This class is identical to JA BIB 177A Creative Tanach This class combines the major educational elements of BIB in a single semester format Devorah Starr Tuesday 8:30-9:55 (Spring semeter only) BIB Portraits and Parshanut This class is identical to JA Department of Hebrew Language & Ulpan HEB עברית Ulpan This is an intensive one-year course focusing on Hebrew comprehension and spoken language skills. Shoshana Beeri (Hebrew) Sunday 9:00-9:55, Wednesdays 8:30-9:55 or Tuesdays 8:30-12:30 [3 credits per semester] Shivat Zion The Return to Zion in the Book of Ezra and Nechemia This course will follow the books of Ezra, Nechemia, Chagai, Zecharia, and Malachi. Topics to be discussed include: The First Aliya Zerubavel and Joshua; The Prophecies of Chagai and Zecharia The religious standing of the first aliya; The Second Aliya Ezra and Nechemia, external and internal problems; The meaning of the prophecy of Malachi; Discussion of the role of Shivat Zion and the Second Bet HaMikdash in the history of Am Yisrael. Dara Unterberg Monday 16:15-17:15 (Spring semester only) BIB Early Prophets: Eternal Messages At a first glance, much of Neviim Rishonim appears to be a collection of stories in Jewish History beginning with the people entering the land of Israel with Yehoshua, and concluding with the destruction of the first Bet HaMikdash at the end of Melachim Bet. Yet above and beyond the story of the development, progression, and ultimate demise (albeit temporarily), of Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael, each episode in Tenach has an eternal message. As we study each and every chapter of Neviim Rishonim together, we will be able to reap lessons that are of fundamental importance to us as individuals, and to the people of Israel as a nation. We will firstly learn the relevant chapter in the Bet Midrash, then we will aim to fully understand the lessons therein. Our objective is to reveal the eternal lessons of the Neviim. Rav David Milston Tuesday 10:00-11:

7 Midreshet HaRova Course Catalog Midreshet HaRova Course Catalog JED JA Department of Jewish Creative Arts Artistic Expression אומנות Students in this course choose a common theme that they then research in traditional sources while expressing the theme through a variety of artistic mediums. A full description of the Jewish Art program and its aims can be found elsewhere in this catalog. Rachel Himelstein Tuesday 13:30-15:45 (mandatory session) Tuesday 16:00-18:00 (optional session) [each session - 2 credits per semester] JA Drama and Tanach This class will explore and analyze the narrative portions of Tanach from a dramatic perspective. Student will use theater arts as a way to increase their understanding of various Biblical personalities and Pesukim in the Torah. This hands-on approach to Torah learning is challenging and exciting. The performance elements of this class will serve as a form of expression as well as an assessment of the areas of study. This course is also numbered BIB Devorah Starr Tuesday 10:00-12:30 [3 credits per semester] JA Portraits and Parshanut In this course we will broaden our perspectives on the parameters of parshanut by looking beyond the words of the commentaries. Is a picture worth a thousand words? How do the masterpieces of the world s greatest artists contribute to our appreciation of Tanach? Every session will focus on a different episode in Tanach, such as Migdal Bavel, Akeidat Yitzchak, Mechirat Yosef, David and Golyat, Eliyahu Hanavi, etc. Dara Unterberg Monday 16:15-17:15 JED Department of Jewish Education חינוך Introduction to Principles in Education - Leadership Workshop This course prepares the student for teaching in a classroom situation using group dynamics for informal education. Participants in this class are introduced to the following educational issues and needs: Preparation of group activities, plays, ceremonies and end of year events Using games and drama in the classroom A mini-course in First Aid Identifying and assisting students with learning difficulties or disabilities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the social implications for these students. Educational psychology students are introduced to concepts in child development, learning disabilities and more. Practical Training - training experience in Israeli schools, principal and teacher interviews Rav David Berg Sunday 17:50-19:00 [2 credits per semester] Current Events In this course we will discuss and debate various Israeli and international news items. We will take a look at how these issues impact our daily lives, from the perspective of religious women, and as people who are exposed to journalism outside of Israel. This class will enable you to expand your Israel experience by learning about Israeli news as it develops, and becoming acquainted with local politicians and culture. On a weekly basis, we will analyze the latest updates in Israeli local news and international journalism and learn what is going on behind the scenes. We will follow news items and watch how they develop over the weeks while familiarizing ourselves with Israeli newspapers and becoming acquainted with their particular slant. Together we will reflect on these topics and expand our understanding of our role in these changing times. Rachel Himelstein Tuesday 8:30-9:50 [This class is not for credit] 12 13

8 Midreshet HaRova Course Catalog Midreshet HaRova Course Catalog JHI Department of Jewish History היסטוריה History of Zionism and Israel Advocacy Recent years have seen a sharp increase in negative sentiments toward Israel on North American college campuses. This course is intended to help students confront this challenge by instilling them with a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The students will also gain leadership & activism skills to effectively make the case for Israel. The course is divided into four segments: The connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel Understanding the Arab Israel conflict The fundamentals of effective activism Leadership development & personal growth The goal of this course is not simply to leave students with a greater knowledge and understanding of Israel and the conflict, but also to provide them with the skills necessary to step up for Israel on their campuses and within their communities. To that end, a significant emphasis will be placed on developing students leadership potential and on empowering them to view themselves as actors in Jewish history with the ability to make a meaningful impact in the world. Using the latest multimedia educational resources, including film and video, this course will feature interactive workshops, guest speakers, and use current events as the backdrop for class discussion. Thursday 20:30-22:00 [2 credits per semester] JHI 111 Jerusalem through Time These walking tours will deal with different historical periods of the city of Jerusalem: the period of the First Bet HaMikdash, the Second Bet HaMikdash, Middle Ages, the Modern Era, the expansion of Jerusalem outside of the Old City, and the battles in 1948 and In addition, we will be studying secondary sources and telling stories and folklore of the various sites. We will use the tours as a springboard, not only for the study of Jerusalem, but to learn about famous personalities and events. Rav Yonatan Horovitz, Rav Michael Susman Tuesday 13:30-15:45 JHI 123 Post-Talmudic History This course covers the period from the close of the Talmud to the end of the Geonim. The focus is on why events developed the way they did and how that period of history impacts us today. Among other topics, we will learn about the first siddur, how and when the Talmud was written, the first responsa literature, the first legal codes, what brought the Geonic period to a close, and why yeshivot today study Gemara the way they do. Rav Zvi Ron Wednesday 15:00-16:15 (Spring semester only) JHI From Holocaust to Redemption The aim of this course is to follow, chronologically, the rise of Hitlerism until its eventual downfall, showing the plight of the Jewish people at each stage of these developments. We will also explore the birth of the Jewish State in the aftermath of the Holocaust. We will use audio-visual sources with much original footage as a starting point for each subject matter. The course aims to emphasize the factual side of the Holocaust. On occasion, as time permits, we will deal with certain moral or ethical issues that arise directly from our studies. Rav David Milston Tuesday 13:45-15:45 [2 credits per semester] JPH Department of Jewish Philosophy מחשבה Machshevet HaTefilla - The Philosophy of Prayer How often do you really feel the need to pray? Philosophical issues of prayer are raised as we study different sections of the siddur. Rav Gideon Weizman Thursday 17:50 19:00 JPH 103A-104A Finding Meaning in Prayer Connecting to prayer is a challenge that many face, despite it being an integral pillar of Jewish living. Learning to unlock the true power of one s Tefilla is something that takes deep understanding of the spiritual mechanics of Tefilla, both philosophical and practical. In this class we will learn sources to help us build our personal world of Tefilla, understanding of what Tefilla is, what we are saying, how to use it properly and explore practical methods of making it more meaningful, harnessing its tremendous power in our avodat Hashem and lives in general. Rav Yonny Sack Sunday 16:25-17:

9 JPH Torat Eretz Yisrael - The Philosophy of Religious Zionism This is a foundation course on the philosophy of Religious Zionism. It covers four main units. The Role of Am Yisrael - the State of Israel / the 3 vows / fixing new festivals / the Israeli Army/ the Hebrew language / relations between religious and nonreligious The Redemption - with or without repentance / Mashiach Ben Yosef / signs of Geula The Land of Israel - the center of Judaism / Torah and mitzvot / mitzvat Yishuv HaAretz / leaving Eretz Yisrael Torah VeAvoda, Yerushalayim - Temple and Kingship, seat of Hashem, of justice, and the House of David / king, prophet, sage and priest / balance and separation of power. Rav Ari Chwat Wednesday 15:00-16:15 (English) or 16:25-17:40 (Hebrew) JPH The Writings of Rav Kook Rav Kook was one of the greatest modern Jewish philosophers. He was a prolific writer who wrote on many topics. In this course we will look at a number of different articles written by Rav Kook and try to develop a perspective on his philosophy, and on what exactly it is that distinguishes his approach. Rav Gideon Weitzman (Hebrew) Thursday 16:25-17:40 JPH Thirteen Principles of Faith - Gateway to Faith What is Emunah? How do we acquire it? What effects does it have on our life? These classes will explore some of the deeper concepts and sources in Judaism by delving into the world of Emunah in general and the Rambam s 13 Principles of Faith in particular. The course will examine these foundational principles one by one, tackling the tough questions and drawing out enlightening practical insights as to how to utilize the power of Emunah to illuminate and transform our Avodat Hashem and our lives. Rav Yonny Sack Sunday 15:00-16:15 or Monday 15:00-16:00 JPH Strive For Truth This course will deal with the mussar of Rav Eliyahu Dessler through his sefer Michtav Me Eliyahu. The following topics will be discussed: truth, choice, nature, faith, and kindness. Rav David Milston Monday 16:15-17:15 JPH Messilat Yesharim - Path of the Just We will be studying this sefer from the very beginning, with an aim to complete an initial study by the yearend. The work comprises 27 chapters including the introduction. However, our real objective is more emphatically in the qualitative area. The work is a compendium of wisdom and real understanding of life. By intense study, and introspection, we hope to discover the pathway to Hashem. Rav David Milston Thursday 15:00-16:15 JPH Maharal - The Writings of Rabbi Judah Loew of Prague An in-depth study of the writings of the Maharal. We will be looking at different major works relating to the Chagim, and to understanding Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Torah in the thought of the Maharal. The course includes chavruta study on source material, and a shiur. Rav David Berg Tuesday 8:30 9:

10 JPH 125 JPH JPH 141A JPH Introduction to the Philosophy of Rav Soloveitchik We will examine some basic and recurring themes in the Rav s philosophy, using a number of texts written in English. Rav Yonatan Horovitz Sunday 16:25-17:40 (Fall semester only) JPH Confronting Modernity This is an informal course focusing on discussion of how traditional Judaism confronts modern problems. Source material will be taken from classical and modern Jewish philosophers as well as articles reflecting contemporary issues of interest. Rav Yonatan Horovitz Thursday 17:50-19:00 Machshava - Jewish Thought This foundation course discusses some of the key components of Jewish philosophy throughout the ages. Study will be done through primary sources. Topics covered include Torah and Mitzvot, the place of the individual in Klal Yisrael, Torah She Baal Peh, and others. Miriam Wolf (Intermediate) or Yehudit Tamir (Advanced) Sunday and Wednesday 10:00-13:00 JPH Derech Hashem The Path of God This course is an in-depth analysis of Derech Hashem, a presentation of the mystical approach to understanding the way God runs the world and the purpose of our existence. We will compare Derech Hashem to other works of Ramchal, and to differing approaches within the world of Jewish thought. Rav Zvi Ron Wednesday 16:25-17:40 Derech Hashem The Path of God This course is identical to in a single semester format. Shprintzee Hershkovitz Tuesday 10:00-11:10 (Fall semester only) JPH Ethics of our Fathers We will analytically study the text of the mishnayot from the tractate Avot. Using the symbolic, structured and metaphoric nature of the chosen texts, we will be able to glean the integral lessons of our ancestors as they apply to our lives as Jews. This course is also numbered TAL Rav Jonathan Bailey Thursday 15:00-16:15 JPH Relating to God With multi-page source sheets chock-full of texts (especially contemporary ones), we cover many aspects of the intriguing relationship between us and God. Topics include: God as father and mother, tzaddik vera lo, and walking in God s ways. Rav Uri Cohen Sunday 17:50-19:00 JPH 151 By His Light- The Thought of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein Rav Aharon Lichtenstein was one of the most eloquent and refined Jewish thinkers of recent times. In this course, we will gain an insight into his philosophy and ideas. We will several of his English essays which will also allow us to explore the analytical method Rav Lichtenstein employs when discussing complex concepts. Rav Yonatan Horovitz Sunday 15:00-16:15 (Spring semester only) Chovat HaTalmidim A Chassidic Approach to Moral Development and Education In this course we will study the work of Kolonomus Kalman Shapiro, known for his inspirational sermons in the final days of the Warsaw ghetto. The book focuses on a program of spiritual development geared towards the modern youth who have a unique sense of maturity and self guidance. This is a work of a Chassidic master with a phenomenal sense of his community and its challenges, that remains very relevant to the contemporary reader. Rav David Milston Monday 15:00-16:00 JPH Issues of Faith Using a variety of sources, this course will examine basic issues of faith. Both text and discussion will be utilized. Topics to be discussed include: proving the existence of God, the Chosenness of Israel, the truth of the Torah, defining emunah, man and his destiny, free choice, evil in the world, repentance, understanding mitzvot, life after death, and other topics of interest raised by the students. Rav Ari Chwat Wednesday 17:50-19:00 JPH Torat HaIsha Women in Modern Society In this course we will discuss issues pertinent to women in modern society. Special attention will be paid to the interaction between religious and modern values, as well as possible conflicts between them. This course is also numbered JUD Miriam Wolf Thursday 16:25-17:40 or 17:50-19:00 Judith Fogel Thursday 15:00-16:15 or 16:25-17:

11 JPH The Book of Tanya The Book of Tanya, written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic dynasty, is recognized as one of the basic guides to the philosophy of Chassidut in general and to the philosophy of Chassidut Lubavitch in particular. In this course we will try and understand the Torah of the Soul of Lubavitch, as well as examine the path of a loyal Jew and his inner conflicts as seen by this sect of Chassidim. Rav Ari Shames Thursday 15:00-16:15 JPH The Meaning of the Mikdash This course will focus on the study of the service in the Mikdash. We will familiarize ourselves with the everyday running of the Temple and, in addition, the special elements of the holidays. We will attempt to draw a complete picture of the philosophy of the service of the Mikdash by studying its details, and will demonstrate how the lessons that we learn from the Mikdash express themselves in other aspects of our religious lives.. Rav Ari Shames Monday 16:15-17:15 JPH 175 Orchot Tzadikim The Ways of the Righteous We will study this classic work of Mussar, authored anonymously in the Middle Ages, and search for the applicability of its lesson to modern life. Shprintzee Rappaport Tuesday 11:20-12:30 (Fall semester only) JPH The Jewish Self This class will build a deeply spiritual yet practical guide to genuine connection in avodat Hashem through delving into a wide range of sources from the Mussar classics to Chassidut. Through the course we will learn to understand the deeper psychological and spiritual mechanics of the Jewish Self and how to use this selfknowledge to attain and reveal holiness, purity and sincerity in all aspects of life. Rav Yonny Sack Sunday 17:50-19:00 JPH Chassidic Thought Chassidic Torah is known to inspire, revive and inflame Jewish souls with passion, joy and deep devotion. As the modern Jew searches for meaningful connection to Torah, Chassidut provides a profoundly deep, practical authentic spiritual system of Torah thought. This course will enable students to taste of the warmth, joy, passion, and intellectual and spiritual depth of Chassidic Torah thought, opening the door to new dimensions of understanding and connection. Rav Yonny Sack Wednesday 15:00-16:15 JPH Soul Mates: A Deeper look at Men and Women This class will build a clear and profound understanding of the spiritual root of gender and then work to apply this knowledge to the practical Jewish pathway to relationships and marriage. Topics such as what is love, platonic relationships, dating, soul mates, and marriage will all be dealt with in depth as a means of gaining great insight into this critical subject. This class was formerly called Blind Date Rav Yonny Sack Sunday 20:00-21:00 [This class is not for credit] JPH The Thought of Rav Nachman of Breslov In this course, we analyze the teachings of R. Nachman of Breslov on such topics as Emuna, Prayer, Education and Marriage, as understood by his follower, Rav Shalom Arush. Emphasis will be placed on the works The Garden of Emuna, In Forest Fields, The Garden of Education and Women s Wisdom. Shprintzee Rappaport Tuesday 8:30-9:50 JPH Modern Orthodoxy What does it mean to be Modern Orthodox? What do we believe and why? To answer these questions, we explore articles (mostly in English) that address issues of concern from Modern Orthodox points of view. These include past and present writers (such as Rav Moshe Amiel and Dr. Erica Brown) and past and present movements (such as Religious Zionism and Neo-Orthodoxy). Rav Uri Cohen Sunday 15:00-16:15 JPH Tikkun HaMiddot In this class, students will discover an organised practical approach and guide to working on one s inner self. The course will systematically work through a wide range of the fundamental Midot (character traits) which guide our thoughts, actions, speech and avodat Hashem in every aspect of our lives. A wide range of classical Torah, Mussar and Chassidic sources will be studied in depth with emphasis placed on drawing out a relevant and very practical working guide to personal spiritual growth. Rav Yonatan Sack Tuesday 10:00-11:10 or Wednesday 17:50-19:00 [This class is not for credit] JPH Contemporary Jewish Thought In this course we will be introduced to various issues in Jewish philosophy through the eyes of great Jewish thinkers of our generation. Subjects which will be covered include human and Divine morality, the parameters of biblical interpretation, social effects on halakha and others. Students should expect to do preparatory reading out of class time. Rav Yonatan Horovitz Sunday 16:25-17:40 (Spring semester only) 20 21

12 JUD Hilchot Laws of the Sabbath This is a thorough and intensive course in which all aspects of are studied in-depth. Together with texts, we explore all the positive and negative mitzvot of. Our aim is to cover all Halakhik aspects of in a complete manner as well as delving into Chassidic insights to the holiness of. Rav David Berg Sunday 16:25-17:40 JUD Department of Jewish Studies הלכה Hilchot - Laws of the Sabbath (Advanced Level) This course offers an in-depth study of hilchot, firmly based in the primary sources, and their application to present day issues. The course requires an ability to read the Shulchan Aruch with the Mishna Brura. Rav Ari Shames (Hebrew) Tuesday 11:20-12:30 JUD Hilchot Kashrut - Dietary Laws This is a thorough course covering all aspects of kashrut. We explore important issues such as hechsherim, halakhik problems with milk and meat in the kitchen, food prepared by non-jews, bugs in food, and general kashrut issues. Upon completing the course one should know how to keep kosher in the best possible way. Rav David Berg Sunday 15:00-16:15 or Thursday 16:25-17:40 JUD Hilchot Kashrut - Dietary Laws Advanced Level This course offers an in-depth study of hilchot Kashrut. We will learn the major topics in Kashrut from the Gemara through the rishonim and Shulchan Aruch focusing on halakha lemaaseh. Judith Fogel Tuesday 8:30-9:50 JUD Hilchot Brachot - Laws of Blessings This course deals with the laws of blessings. Subjects that will be covered include: The order of brachot, Ikar Vetafel, Pat Habaa Bikisnim, dessert, various brachot on food -- such as granola, cranberries, papaya, chocolate covered raisins; Shehechiyanu, besamim and more. Judith Fogel Thursday 17:50-19:00 JUD Personal Status in Jewish Law This course deals with areas that affect the personal status of a Jew. The aim of the course is to develop a deep halakhik understanding of the issues of marriage, conversion, adoption and many other interpersonal issues. Rav David Berg Thursday 17:50-19:00 JUD Laws of Slander (Shemirat HaLashon) This course will delve into the Halakhot and the deeper spiritual mechanics of the words we speak. We will learn in depth the halakhik work Chafetz Chayim and its Mussar accompaniment Sefer Shemirat HaLashon by Rav Yisrael Meir Ha Kohen Kagan Zt l as well as other Torah sources on this topic. The course will give the students the Halakhik know-how and the inspiration to work to completely refine their speech, focusing also on the motivations behind how we communicate and the true power of words. Rav Yonatan Sack Wednesday 16:25-17:15 JUD 121 Ben Adam LeChavero - Laws of Interpersonal Behavior This course will survey the laws governing social interaction. The topics covered will include areas of civil law, honoring other people, revenge, and interaction with non-jews. Rav Yonatan Horovitz Sunday 15:00-16:15 (Fall semester only) JUD Contemporary Issues in Jewish Law In this class we will follow the path of the modern-day posek and discover, through the texts that he would have used, the modern application of our previously established halakhik rulings. Averaging a new question every two classes, we will learn through the relevant texts, understand the principle to be gleaned from each of them and then apply them, step-by-step, to our halakhik query. Issues to be addressed will include: Can a kohen who caused a fatal driving accident join in blessing the congregation? Are dolls idolatrous? Can one join a minyan over the internet? Is an electric blanket prohibited on? Rav Jonathan Bailey Sunday 17:50-19:00 or Wednesday 16:25-17:40 JUD Torat HaIsha, Women in Modern Society This course is identical to JPH JUD Bekiut Halakha - Survey of Basic Concepts in Jewish Law This class, which focuses on independent Beit Midrash study, is designed to give participants a wide breadth of knowledge of Jewish Law, as well as to teach skills required for independent study of the Mishna Berura. The first section begins with study of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, and shifts to Mishna Berura over the course of the year. The other two sections begin their study using the Mishna Berura. Rav Ari Shames (Basic/Intermediate) Rav Michael Susman (Intermediate) Rav Jonathan Bailey (Advanced) Sunday 9:00-9:55, Wednesday 8:30-9:55 [3 credits per semester] 22 23

13 JUD 129a-130a Practical Halakha/Survey of Basic Concepts in Jewish Law This course will work though a wide range of relevant, practical Halachic topics, learning from the primary sources down to the practical halachic conclusions with an emphasis on clarity and understanding in daily observance. Students will also learn sources that reveal some of the depth behind the halachic practice learned, building a meaningful connection to observance. Rav Yonny Sack Tuesday 11:20-12:30 JUD The Jew in a Non-Jewish World This course will study the halakhot associated with the relationships between Jews and non-jews, and the halakhot that are related to the non-jewish world. Specific topics include the kashrut of food prepared by non-jews; gentile practices; Shabbas Goyim; the prohibition of stealing from a non-jew; the obligation of the non-jew in the Seven Noahide Laws; entering a church and a mosque. This course will also address the attitude of the Jewish philosophers toward non-jews, such as their attitude towards Christianity and Islam. Tanya Cohen Monday 15:00-16:00 JUD Poetry and Song in Prayer The course will study the text of the various poems used in our tefilot and the zemirot of. Before each holiday, we will study a specific work related to the holiday (eg. Avinu Malkanu or Maoz Tzur), and for the sessions in the middle of the year we will concentrate on. We will learn about the authorship of each work and study the text itself in detail in order to track the sources that inspired the poem. Each session will focus on a separate poem. Rav Ari Shames Sunday 15:00-16:15 JUD Mitzvot: How and Why? As a special amalgamation of practical halacha and meaningful symbolism, this class will explore the mitzvot of our chagim along with a collection of the mitzvot we commonly observe. The learning of each mitzvah will include the practical, relevant step-by-step process of how to perform these mitzvot correctly, along with an elucidation of the mitzvah s symbolic significance based on the Torah s descriptions. Note: Halachik practices to be discussed will generally reflect Ashkenazi tradition. Rav Jonathan Bailey Monday 16:15-17:15 JUD 151 Discovering Texts In this course we have a unique opportunity to explore and elucidate some of Judaism s fundamental concepts through Torah texts and World Literature. Employing poems from poets such as Wordsworth, Donne and Blake, excerpts from Shakespeare s plays, a variety of short stories along with many other samplings of great literature, the precepts of our faith, religion, philosophy and thought will be more deeply understood and appreciated. This class involves a heavy focus on textual analysis of all the texts we will study. Rav Jonathan Bailey Wednesday 15:00-16:15 (This is a single semester course) JUD Medical Ethics When does life begin? When and how does it end? Can one donate a kidney while still alive? What about terminating a pregnancy? We will study the classic and modern sources that answer these and many more questions in the fascinating and relevant area of medicine and halakhah and discover an exciting interface between ancient texts and the most modern medical treatments. Rav Gideon Weitzman Thursday 15:00-16:15 JUD Chibat HaAretz - Love of the Land of Israel The course is designed to familiarize the students with the actual physical land of Israel. We will study general issues including: Geography, Topography, Water Resources, Flora and Fauna. In addition we will examine various specific areas of the country in order to better understand the events of the Tanach and history that unfolded in those areas. Rav Ari Shames Sunday 16:25-17:

14 JUD JUD TAL 103A-104A Igrot HaRambam - Maimonides Epistles In addition to his many legal and philosophical writings, Rambam penned many letters in direct correspondence with both individuals and communities. These letters reflect a fusion of the legal and philosophical aspects of Rambam s thought. In this course we will study the three most prominent letters, Igeret Teman, Igeret Techiyat Hameitim and Igeret HaShmad. Through our study we will discover much about Rambam s historical milieu and glean insight into how he translated his philosophical and legal ethos into reality. Rav Michael Susman Monday 16:15-17:15 JUD Topics in Jewish Studies Do you have any favorite shiurim? Why yes, actually a whole bunch. Each week, the students vote on which of two offered topics the class will cover. With topics ranging from Halakha to Machshava to Moadim to Parsha, this course is like a box of chocolates you never know what you re gonna get. Until the vote is over, that is. Rav Uri Cohen Thursday 17:50-19:00 Topics in Jewish Studies The Torah is vast. While many, many topics are covered over the year in Midrasha, invariably some are missed. This course is your chance to bring up and discuss those topics that are not otherwise being addressed. Rav Uri Cohen Thursday 16:25-17:40 JUD Know How to Answer This course tackles some of the questions that really bother people about traditional Judaism. The problems can be intellectual (Evolution, Sacrafices), moral (Amalek, the Holocaust), or emotional (Homosexuality, Negiah). With extensive sourcesheets, we examine a range of answers from classic and contemporary sources. Da Ma L Hashiv means Know what to answer to challenges to the Torah -- whether the challenger is your college roommate or the person in the mirror. Rav Uri Cohen Sunday 16:25-17:40 Department of Talmud תורה שבעל פה Important Note: Students register for courses based on skill level. The topics covered may vary from year to year; second year students may therefore register for the same course they have taken previously. TAL Torah SheBeal Peh, Intensive Talmud - Beginner Level This course will introduce the uninitiated into the world of Gemara. Gemara is primarily a sophisticated study of Mishna by Amoraim. Gemara analyzes Mishna and its relationship with Braita. It then engages in halakhik analytic discussion based upon the earlier sources. Therefore the course will begin with the in-depth study of Mishna. We will focus upon certain basic skills: understanding mishnayot, identifying the structure of a mishna and its central arguments, tracing wider transperek and masechet themes. Our Gemara study will aim to familiarize students with the page of the Gemara, its language, and style. Emphasis will be placed on both understanding the text and the halakhik process. Judith Fogel Sunday and Wednesday 10:05 13:00 Torah SheBeal Peh, Intensive Talmud - Beginner Level This course is identical to TAL except that it follows the Southern Hemisphere schedule. This means that the less advanced portion commences in the Spring and continues with the more advanced portion in the Fall. Rav Michael Susman Sunday and Wednesday 10:05 13:00 TAL Torah SheBeal Peh, Intensive Talmud - Intermediate Level Tractate Beitza This class will have two basic goals: the development of the student s ability to independently read Gemara (every word, start to finish) and the intensive and careful learning of the text of the Gemara itself. The former will be achieved through a system that focuses on the repeated structures, words and phrases of all Gemara, therein giving the student the ability to recognize and punctuate any gemara she may see in the course of her study; the latter will train the student in her ability to truly recognize the motivation, meaning and direction of the Gemara s complex arguments. While Rishonim will be used throughout the course of the year, the main focus will be the intense study of the Gemara text, with a compliment of Rashi and Tosfot. Some of the themes which we will be addressing are: The origin, concept, approaches and halakhot regarding muktzah; The history behind one vs. two days of Yom Tov and why we can t fix it today; Application of several melakhot of, including squeezing and picking fruit; The intricate concepts of nullification of prohibited objects ( issur ve heter ); Why we have two days of Rosh Hashanah even in Israel. Rav Jonathan Bailey Sunday and Wednesday 10:05 13:

15 TAL 105a-106a TAL TAL TAL Torah SheBeal Peh, Intensive Talmud - Upper Intermediate Level This class focuses on the development of skills in the study of Gemara and analysis of Talmudic language. The thrust of the course is based on self-study with lectures devoted to reinforcing independently prepared material while more thoroughly developing the topics encountered. The year plan is to study, in-depth, the tractate of Rosh HaShana. Students are expected to devote time independent of official class hours in order to cover all assigned material. Rav Ari Shames (Hebrew) Sunday and Wednesday 10:05 13:00 TAL Torah SheBeal Peh, Intensive Talmud - Advanced level This course is designed for students who are interested in devoting a substantial part of their year to developing their Talmudic skills far beyond their present state. The aim of this course is to reach a high level of learning independence through the mastery of Talmudic texts. The bulk of the course will be devoted to self-(chavruta) study of the Gemara text with Rashi and Tosafot. The class time will supplement self-study by assuring a thorough understanding of what was learned and through the introduction of additional material. Emphasis will be placed on constant revision (chazara) as a tool for retaining material and developing independent study skills. Rav Avigdor Meyerowitz (Hebrew) Sunday and Wednesday 10:05 13:00, Tuesday 8:30-11:10 [6 credits per semester] Authenticating Orthodoxy- Intro to the Oral Tradition More than any other issue, one s position regarding the validity and authority of the Oral Law has defined different sects within Judaism. In this course we will examine the basis of Torah She Be Al Peh (the Oral Tradition) and try to understand its continuing validity and authority over our lives. Rav Michael Susman Wednesday 17:50-19:00 TAL Bekiut Gemara (Talmud Survey) Students in this course will study selected chapters of the Talmud covering a variety of subject matter in order to acquire a wider perspective of Talmudic concepts and methodology. We will be starting with Masechet Megilah with the goal being to complete two masechtot by the end of the year. Rav Avigdor Meyerowitz Sunday 9:00-9:55, Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30-9:55 Bekiut Mishna Walking Through Shas/ Survey of Mishna This course is designed to give students a familiarity with basic Rabbinic concepts. Students spend the year doing a survey of selected Mishnayot in Seder Moed, focusing on the principles that each Mishna contains. Judith Fogel Tuesday 10:00-11:10 TAL Derech Eretz Zuta In this course we will study Masechet Derech Eretz Zuta, one of the small tractates found at the end of Nezikin. The Masechet deals with the proper way of life for a Jew, covering everything from ethical behavior to eating habits. It collects the major mussar selections from the entire Talmud as well as much material that is not found anywhere else. Rav Zvi Ron Wednesday 17:50-19:00 TAL Ethics of Our Fathers This course is identical to JPH Talmudic Misogyny in Context At first glance, many statements in the Talmud seem to reflect misogyny, hatred of women. Well-meaning Orthodox Jews often compound the problem by suggesting apologetic (defensive) explanations which do violence to the texts. Is there a better way? This course attempts to resolve these issues by viewing each text in context. Whether this involves examining the Talmud s words before and after the statement in question, parallel discussions elsewhere, or historical perspective, the context can reveal Pshat (the straightforward reading) and shed new light on the supposedly misogynistic statements. Topics include Shelo Asani Ishah; the tragedy of Beruriah; and Nashim Da atan Kalot. Rav Uri Cohen Wednesday 16:25-17:40 TAL Before There Was Gemara - Recreating Talmudic Methodology We will strive to create our own gemara, thinking like the Amoraim thought, as they elucidated the mishnayot. This will not be an exercise in recreating a gemara, but rather, by employing similar thought-processes, allow for a deeper understanding of the truncated language of the mishnayot. Rav Jonathan Bailey Tuesday 11:20-12:

16 Academic Opportunities Bekiut Program Judaism Through the Creative Arts Ulpan Tiyulim As a cornerstone of the study program at the Midrasha, a strong emphasis is placed on developing a wide breadth of knowledge and skills in basic areas of Jewish Studies. All students, other than those registered for Ulpan, are required to register for a section of Bekiut Halakha (JUD ), Bekiut Gemara (TAL ) or Bekiut Nach (BIB ) every Sunday and Wednesday, and Bekiut Torah (BIB ) every Monday and Thursday. In addition, students may take an optional course in Bekiut Mishna (TAL ). These survey courses all emphasize mastery of a wide range of material in each of these topics, as well as the development of skills for independent study of basic texts in each area. Seder Erev Seder Erev offers a range of study options designed to appeal to the varied interests of our students. Consult the course listings for further information. Seder Erev runs from 20:00-22:00, Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday evenings. Faculty members Judith Fogel, Rav Jonathan Bailey and Rav Yonatan Horovitz supervise the Seder Erev program. Attendance is mandatory. Israeli Chavrutot At various times over the course of the week, students on the Overseas Program study a topic of their choice with a chavruta from the Israeli program. Students should register for this Chavruta as part of the overall course registration process. This program was created in response to the growing number of creatively-talented young women who join the Midrasha every year. The Midrasha offers interested students the opportunity to continue developing their artistic and drama skills within the structure of their studies at the Midrasha. Each week the students participate in a shiur that deals with a topic relating to visual arts or to drama. In the art classes, emphasis is placed on the halakhik issues that arise for the religious art student. Participants in the program aim to produce a combination exhibit or production that has a shared theme, also reflecting each student s unique creative explorations and abilities. In addition, they are guided to work independently on personal projects that build up their own private porfolio. Students are expected to research their subject in preparation for their individual efforts. Attention will be paid to the Jewish calendar year, with related art projects that will reflect the nature of the Chagim. In the drama classes, the focus is placed on deepening one s appreciation for the text of Tanach and creating greater understanding of the personalities who are central to our study of Tanach. This is accomplished by approaching Tanach from a dramatic perspective. The inspiring location of the Midrasha allows our work to be influenced on a spiritual level that only the Old City of Jerusalem can provide. We are privileged to be studying and participating in creative endeavors at this historic time and the program aims to reflect this. The Midrasha offers an intensive Ulpan for students interested in developing their Hebrew language skills in a formal classroom setting. Guest Speakers Throughout the year, guest speakers are regularly invited to address the entire student body. The speakers include rabbanim, educators, as well as leaders and scholars from a wide variety of areas. This part of the schedule provides the students with an excellent opportunity to meet, talk to and interact with prominent personalities from Israel and the Diaspora. Shiur Klali Shiur Klali takes place on Mondays from 17:50-19:00. The shiur, generally given by Rav Milston, focuses on Parshat Hashavua. Attendance is mandatory for all students. Hitnadvut - Voluntary Work An integral part of the educational program at the Midrasha consists of volunteer work. Hitnadvut opportunities include assisting the aged, assisting sick or handicapped children and their parents, and tutoring in English. All placement is done through the Hadracha staff. While not mandatory, participation in the Hitnadvut program is strongly recommended. Students register for the program as part of the overall registration process. The educational philosophy of Midreshet Harova stresses the link between Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael. In order to strengthen this link, there are a number of one, two and three-day tiyulim over the course of the year. Tiyulim span the length and breadth of the country and have been organized both in terms of educational structure, as well as seasonal and agricultural stages of the year. Participation in all tiyulim is mandatory. Poland Trip The Midrasha conducts two yearly trips to Poland, one in the winter or spring for Northern Hemisphere students and the second during the summer, in conjuction with the MTA program, for Southern Hemisphere students. The trip focuses on both the beauty and legacy of the Jewish community of Eastern Europe, as well as on the destruction of that community at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators. Trip participants are required to dedicate several hours to special preparatory lectures prior to their departure, as well as prepare ceremonies and presentations which are given in Poland. The cost of the trip is not included in tuition. (There is no additional charge for MTA participants.) 30 31

17 Special Study Options In addition to the standard timetable, women on the Overseas Program can take advantage of additional study options. Participation on these tracks is contingent upon approval of the program director. Beit Midrash Option /Independent study Students may choose this option for any time other than Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings from 10:05-13:00. Participation in this option involves mentored independent study. Participating students may be required to submit a project or paper on the topic studied. Credits will be granted either in parallel to existing courses or, in the case of students who are taking that course, as increased credit for the course. Thus it is possible for a student to earn an extra credit and a half beyond the stated credit value of a given course if she submits additional work done independent of the required course work. Tochnit Chayil - Education Leadership Program This program seeks to enable students with leadership potential to acquire necessary skills in formal and informal education. The program exposes students to a wide range of methodologies and materials, enabling them to develop their leadership skills. Students who successfully complete the program receive a certificate from the Midrasha. While the certificate has no legal standing it attests to the students participation in and completion of all the requirements of the program. Second Year Program The second year program is designed to allow students who wish to dedicate another year to learning, the opportunity to develop to the utmost. Each second year student personally designs a program of study with the program director in order to ensure that she meets her personal goals. Second year students may take advantage of a series of courses designed especially for them, or enter any first year class of their choice. Second year classes are numbered 200 and above, and registration in these classes is limited to second year students only. Seminars In addition to the regular schedule of shiurim, Midreshet Harova sponsors a number of annual seminars. Past seminar topics have included: Zionism, the Holocaust, Yerushalayim, the Evolving Role of Women in Judaism, Jewish Business Ethics, and the Jew in the Modern World. All seminars involve Midrasha staff, experts in relevant fields and renowned Torah personalities. Participation in these seminars is mandatory, unless otherwise noted. The Program is comprised of the following modules: A. Educational methodology B. Educational theory C. Field work Students in the program must take JED As part of JED students are required to prepare educational programs on each of the chagim and present educational material to their peers. Students are also taught how to prepare for an interview and to create a CV. All inquiries should be directed to the program director, Rav David Berg

18 General Information ot Bein HaZmanim Security Dress and Behavior at the Midrasha is an unforgettable experience. The seudot, combined with tefilla at the Kotel, create a truly spiritual atmosphere, unique to the Midrasha. is shared with faculty members and their families who spend with the students, giving shiurim and leading discussions and activities. ot spent outside the Old City provide our students with the opportunity to encounter different segments of Israeli society and experience Israel in an exciting, yet very real fashion. The Hadracha team supplements these ot with varied educational activities. There is generally a Midrasha shabbat once every three weeks. Students are expected to attend all of these ot. In the case of a conflict with a family simcha, or other event, permission may be received to miss a maximum of three shabbatot. The dates of Midrasha ot can be found in the annual schedule printed in this guide. At the Midrasha, it is our belief that a year in Israel should be more than just nine months of study. We therefore provide our students with the opportunity to participate in enriching seminar and tiyul experiences. All students are encouraged to spend the time when classes are not in session in one of these frameworks. In this way, students can enjoy as much of the Israel experience as possible, from the moment they arrive until the time they must leave. Living Arrangements The Midrasha provides three meals daily. Meals are served only at the times indicated on the schedule. Students are required to participate in various toranuyot. Please remember that the Midrasha is your home. Students are expected to keep both their rooms and all public areas neat and clean. For security reasons the doors of all Midrasha buildings are locked at all times. Students will be given the code necessary to enter the buildings. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THESE CODES BE GIVEN TO ANYONE OUTSIDE THE MIDRASHA. There is a daily curfew of 12:15 am which is strictly enforced. Students must be in any one of the Midrasha buildings by the designated time. At the time of curfew, the Madrichot check that all students are in. It is each student s responsibility to ensure that she has been checked in. In case of breach of this critical security regulation, the program director will, in the company of the offending student, contact that student s parents and inform them that if the situation recurs, the Midrasha will have no option other than to ask the student to leave. Students who are travelling for, must note this on the list before 13:00 on Wednesday afternoon. Students must leave a phone number at which they can be reached (a cellphone number is insufficient) before they leave for. Please note that these rules are purely a security matter and are for your own safety. The Midrasha believes that Tzniyut is a central value in Judaism, for both men and women. The educational philosophy of the Midrasha views modesty in dress and behavior as a reflection of internalized values and not of an imposed code. Nonetheless, students often find general guidelines helpful. Students at the Midrasha are required to wear skirts that cover the knee, even when seated. Tight skirts, or skirts with excessive slits (ie. slits above the knee) are unacceptable. All shirts should have sleeves reaching the elbow, and appropriate necklines. Shirts should not rise above the top of the skirt at any time. Tight shirts of any kind are inappropriate, and necklines should minimally come near the collarbone. If clothing is layered, there should be no gap between the layers of clothing. Excessive ear piercings, as well as all other body piercings, are considered inappropriate for Midrasha students. Visiting pubs, smoking, drinking, and use of any controlled substance are strictly forbidden and are grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. It goes without saying that students are expected to adhere to these norms at all times, whether the Midrasha is in session or not. Guests on The Midrasha is always happy to enable its students to invite guests for. However, space limitations require that this be coordinated with the Av and Eim Bayit. Guests may only be invited for scheduled in- ot. Telephones / Faxes / There is a phone system in the Midrasha, which is available for student use. The list of numbers is updated each year. Upon arrival, students are provided with the relevant numbers. The office phone number is , and should only be used in the case of emergency. Boys are not allowed either inside or in front of the Midrasha, or the Midrasha dormitories or apartments, at any time. Security regulations are continually reviewed and updated in light of the security situation in Israel. Any changes to the regulations will be communicated to both students and their parents in a clear and timely fashion. Students who fail to adhere to posted regulations are subject to action, up to and including suspension from the program. Faxes can be received at Students may access their web-based accounts via enabled devices. Wifi service is available in both the dormitory and all apartments

19 Midreshet Harova Faculty HaRav David Milston HaRav Ari Chwat HaRav Zvi Ron Dara Unterberg Director, Overseas Program Semicha, Rabbanut HaRashit L Yisrael; Yeshivat Har Etzion; BA, Jewish Studies, Jews College; Teachers Certificate, Machon Herzog HaRav Jonathan Bailey Semicha, HaRav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg and The Joseph Straus Rabbinical Seminary; Yeshivat Hamivtar-Orot Lev; Yeshivat Shaarei Mevasseret Zion; BA, English Literature, Yeshiva University Shoshana Beeri Gateshead Seminary; Teacher s Certification, Cambridge University, BEd, David Yellin Institute of Education HaRav David Berg Semicha, Rabbanut HaRashit L Yisrael; Yeshivat Beit El; Kolel Meretz; Teachers Certificate, Lifschitz Institute Tanya Cohen Matan Midreshet HaRova; MA, Bar-Ilan University; BEd, Tanach and Toshba, Michelelet Orot; BA, Psychology and English Literature, University of South Africa Semicha, Rabbanut HaRashit L Yisrael; Yeshivat Ohr Etzion; MA equivalent, Herzog Institute Judith Fogel Yoetzet Halakha, Nishmat; MA, Jewish History, Hebrew University; Bruria Scholar, Midreshet Lindenbaum; BA, Religion, Education, Columbia University, Barnard College Tami Goldman B.ed, Master Teacher Certification, Orot College Rachel Himelstein Michlalah Yerushalayim; University of Middlesex; Teacher s Certificate, Special Education, English and Toshba, Michlalah Yerushalayim; BEd, Bible and Education, Michlelet Herzog HaRav Yonatan Horovitz Semicha, Yeshivat Har Etzion; BA, Jewish Studies, Jews College HaRav Avigdor Meyerowitz Yeshivat Beit El Semicha Rabbanut HaRashit L Yisrael; Yeshivat Shaalvim; Sha al Rabbinic and Educational Leadership Institute; Doctorate, Jewish Theology, Spertus University; BA, Counseling Psychology, Empire State College HaRav Yonatan Sack Semicha, Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg; Yeshivat HaMivtar; Yeshivat Har Etzion; Teaching Certificate, Machon Herzog; BA, Marketing, University of Technology, Sydney HaRav Ari Shames Semicha, Rabbanut HaRashit L Yisrael; Yeshivat Har Etzion; BA, Psychology, Bar-Ilan University Devorah Starr Bnot Torah Institute; MA Educational Theatre, New York University; BA, Elementary Education, Yeshiva University HaRav Michael Susman Semicha, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; Yeshivat Kerem B Yavneh; BA, Political Science, MS, Secondary Jewish Education, Yeshiva University Drisha Institute, Bruriah Scholar, Midreshet Lindenbaum, Michlalah Yerushalayim; BA, Judaic Studies, BS, Psychology, Yeshiva University Yakira Wald BEd, Orot Israel College for Women; BA Psychology, UNISA HaRav Gidon Weitzman Semicha, Rabbanut HaRashit L Yisrael; Yeshivat Beit El; Teachers Certificate, Michlelet Lifschitz Miriam Wolf MA, Jewish Studies, Touro College, Jerusalem; BA, Psychology, Northeastern Illinois University; Teachers Certificate, Orot Israel College Administration Jeremy Kurnedz Executive Director Yeshivat Har Etzion; BSc, Economics, University of London HaRav Uri Cohen Semicha, The Joseph Straus Rabbinical Seminary and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary; Yeshivat Shaalvim; ATID Fellows Program; Amiel Rabbinic Training Program; BA, Judaic Studies; MS, Medieval Jewish History; MS, Jewish Education, Yeshiva University Shprintzee Rappaport Teaching Degree Judaic Studies, Rika Breuer Teachers Seminary; BA, Economics; BS, Accounting, Hunter College Yehudit Tamir Midreshet HaRova; Midreshet Ein HaNatziv; BA, Psychology and Machshevet Yisrael, Bar-Ilan University Leiba Smith Office Manager Midreshet Lindenbaum; BA, Comparative Religion/Anthropology, University of Manitoba 36 37

20 Annual Schedule 5776 תוכנית שנתית תשע"ו MTA Mesibat Siyum December 23 י א טבת Wednesday Home Hospitality with staff and communities כ א טבת January 2 Ellul Zman Midrasha Tiyul to Eilat י ג שבט כ א כ ג שבט January 23 January 31-February 2 Sunday-Tuesday Arrival at the Midrasha Midrasha כ ז שבט ג אלול August 18 Tuesday February 6 Midrasha Zionism Seminar / Trip to Poland י ט כ ז אדר א ז אלול August 22 February 28 March 8 Sunday - Tuesday Midrasha Midrasha ט אדר ב September 12 כ ח אלול March 19 Erev Rosh Hashana - no classes Rosh Hashana Home Hospitality in Communities/ Free תענית אסתר Yom Iyun until 13:00. Regular night seder Purim י ג אדר ב י ד אדר ב כ ט אלול א תשרי-ב תשרי September 13 September Sunday Monday-Tuesday March 23 March 24 Wednesday Thursday 13:00, Yom Iyun until צום גדליה no afternoon classes. Regular night seder Purim in Yerushalayim ט ו אדר ב September 16 ג תשרי Wednesday March 25 Friday Erev Yom Kippur - No Classes Last day of classes in Choref Zman כ ח אדר ב September 22 ט תשרי Tuesday April 7 Thursday Yom Kippur in the Midrasha End of Ellul Zman (no classes that day) י תשרי י א תשרי September 23 September 24 Wednesday Thursday Kayitz Zman Choref Zman Start of Kayitz Zman Yom HaShoah כ ה ניסן כ ז ניסן May 3 May 5 Tuesday Thursday Return to Midrasha Midrasha with the Israelis כ ט ניסן October 7 כ ד תשרי Wednesday Evening May 7 Midrasha Yom Ha Zikaron ג אייר October 10 כ ז תשרי May 11 Wednesday Midrasha Yom Ha Atzmaut ד אייר October 31 י ח חשוון May 12 Thursday Midrasha in Tsfat י ג אייר November 14 ב כסלו May 21 Home Hospitality with Israeli program Yom Yerushalayim כ ח אייר November 28 ט ז כסלו June 5 Sunday Chanukah Break beginning at 1 pm December 8th / Shavuot in the Midrasha ה ו סיוון כ ו כסלו- ל כסלו December 8-12 Tuesday- June Sunday Midrasha Mesibat Siyum End of Northern Hemisphere year ח סיוון December 19 ז טבת June 14 Tuesday There will be tiyulim approximately once every three weeks Exact dates will be posted throughout the year Calendar is subject to change

21 Midreshet HaRova Course Catalog Academic Policy Courses are year long, unless otherwise noted. For credit purposes titles are split into two, i.e. BIB Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. Transcripts issued by the Midrasha come in two formats: P/F or with letter grades. The standard transcript is P/F, based upon the evaluation of the teacher. Students wishing to earn letter grades are required to submit written exams or projects. Credits are based on one classroom hour per week per semester. Semester length = 15 weeks The grading scale is as follows: A = A- = B+ = B = B- = C+ = C = C- = D = W = Withdrew from course with permission INC = Incomplete For courses graded Pass (P) or Fail (F): P is equivalent to C+ and above Students should note that universities in their home country might only grant transfer credit for graded, as opposed to Pass/Fail, courses. In general, the Midrasha can not guarantee that a student will receive transfer credit at universities in Israel or abroad. It is the individual student s responsibility to check the transfer credit policy of whichever university she plans on attending. Midreshet HaRova is a participant in the Yeshiva University Israel Program and the Hebrew Theological College/Blitstein Teacher s Institute Israel Experience Program (IEP). IEP students do not fulfill their requirements with a P/F transcript, and must earn letter grades. Students planning on attending Stern College are strongly advised to opt for graded transcripts in order to receive full credit. 40