** Advanced Topics in Jewish Philosophy Major topics covered in the course are: the Oral Law and Rabbinical authority; analysis of critique of nontraditional trends in Judaism; immanental and eschatological aspects of Divinity and the relation of Torah to the physical world: contrasting views up until contemporary times; Jewish thought and commentary on modern anti-semitism and the Holocaust; the issue of Da as Torah in its historical and modern expressions; parameters of traditional Jewish faith in the contemporary world. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual ** Studies in the Book of Ruth Major topics covered in the course are historic referents, laws of conversion, laws of Levirate marriage, and the contemporary relevance of the themes in Ruth to Jewish belief. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Introduction to the Philosophy of Mitzvot Major topics covered in the course are the laws and customs of Shabbat, the blessings, selected prayers, and women s mitzvot. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Introduction to Topics in Jewish Philosophy Major topics covered in the course are: The philosophy of mitzvot, faith and reason, free will, the purpose of Torah study, Torah study for women in the modern world, self knowledge and character development, loving G-d and loving other human beings, honoring parents. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual ** Jewish Philosophy: Interpersonal Relationships Topics covered in the course are: examining issues of hatred, reproof, revenge, cynical and deceptive abuse, friendship, greed, and charity. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual
Jewish Philosophy: Rambam's Thirteen Principles Rambam's methodology in formulating the thirteen principles, the principles themselves, and related theological and philosophical issues. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual ** Judaism: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Issues Topics covered in this course are: The closeness of Israel; equal opportunity; racial and religious tolerance; relationship with non-jews; anti-semitism; the seven Noahide laws; suffering; theodicy. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual ** Studies in Jewish Philosophy: "Duties of the Heart" Selected topics from the following: Fundamentals and Basic Beliefs, The unity of G-d, Reflecting on G-d, Seven manifestations of the Divine Wisdom, Serving G-d, Obeying G-d's directives, Trust in G-d, Devoting one's acts to G-d alone, Humility, Repentance, Self examination and Asceticism and Loving G-d. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. ** Studies in Maimonides' Laws of Repentance Major topics covered in the course are: repentance and atonement, Divine judgment, obstacles to repentance, free will, reward and punishment, and the Afterlife and the selfless love of G-d. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Writings of Luzatto I Major topics covered in the course are the moral values of vigilance, diligence, cleanliness, self-denial, purification, piety, humility, fear of sin, and holiness. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Writings of Luzatto II Major topics covered in the course are: the systematic approach to philosophic teachings, the Creator, the purpose of creation, man, free will, the commandments, the essence of
sin, and the spiritual realm. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual ** Studies in the Writings of the Maharal of Prague Topics covered in the course depend on the specific text which will be studied comprehensively. Text selection will vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual ** Studies in the Book of Leviticus Major topics covered in the course are the division of the Book of Leviticus into the themes of sacrifices and ritual purity and impurity; laws and procedures of sacrifices; inauguration of the Tabernacle; concept of ritual purity and impurity; the childbearing woman and the leper; laws of nega im; the Yom Kippur service; forbidden conjugal relationships; sanctity and principles of everyday Jewish life; interpersonal relationships; laws reflecting on sanctity of priests and sacrifices; sanctity of time; the blasphemer; the Sabbatical Year and the Jubilee Year. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual ** Advanced Topics in Bible Topics covered in the course are selected theological, philosophical & legal themes from the five Books of the Pentateuch along with relevant commentaries, sources and works of Jewish philosophy. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Advanced Topics in Prophets: Judges Major topics covered in the course: Relationship between the sins of the Jewish people, the nations who subjugated them, and the judges who redeemed them; the major Biblical personalities and events in the book and their symbolic significance for religion and history. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in Jewish Law: Blessings Major topics covered in the course are: general principles of blessings, formal structures of blessings, biblical and talmudic sources of blessings, sequence of blessings, diverse types of blessings, and blessings for life cycle events. Recitation of blessings in various
situations, e.g. for another person, in vain, having forgotten to bless, change of place whilst eating. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual ** Studies in Jewish Law: Dietary Law Major topics covered in the course are classical laws of kashrut with particular emphasis on the modern technological impact on kashrut, Special Dietary Law in the Land of Israel. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in Jewish Law: Economics and Business Major topics covered in the course are Judaic business ethics, mediation and arbitration, the courts, advertising and promotional activity, usury prohibitions and their contemporary applications, employer-employee relations, and copyright. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in Jewish Law: Interpersonal Communication Topics covered in the course are: biblical and rabbinic sources on verbal abuse and laws of slander, gossip, and the private and public exchange of information in Jewish Law. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. ** Studies in Jewish Law: Interpersonal Relationships Major topics covered in the course are: respect in family relationships, adoption, love for fellow humans, care for the ill, and labor relations. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Studies in Jewish Law: Laws of Shabbat I Major topics covered in the course are: a selection of the 39 categories of melachah, their definition and contemporary applications. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion.
Studies in Jewish Law: Laws of Shabbat II Major topics covered in the course are: The laws of Muktzeh, a selection of the 39 categories of melachah, their sources, definition and contemporary application, candle lighting, kiddush and havdalah. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Studies in Jewish Law: Prayer Major topics covered in the course are the prayer obligation, specific laws of prayer, the timing and setting of daily prayers and preparation for prayers. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Studies in Mussar Topics covered in the course are purpose of creation, judgment, gratitude, anger and tolerance, suffering, faith, Torah learning, character traits, and moral lessons of the festivals. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Book of Daniel In-depth examination of the Book of Daniel in the original Hebrew and Aramaic with the classic commentaries. Major topics discussed are cycles of destruction and redemption, forbidden foods, the Aramaic language in Jewish sources, kingship, the prophetic dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel, the Fiery Furnace, desecration and sanctification of G-d s Name; the Lions Den, the power and role of joy; the unique power of Ishmael, and the Messianic era. Studies in the Book of Deuteronomy Major topics covered in the course are: Introduction to the Book of Deuteronomy and major philosophical, theological, historical and legal themes in the Book of Deuteronomy. Topic may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Book of Ecclesiastes Major topics include wisdom, optimism and pessimism, justice and injustice, effort and the pursuit of wealth, joy and grief, youth and old age, Divine intervention, the suffering
of the righteous and the flourishing of the wicked, and the purpose of life. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Esther Topics covered in the course include a close reading of the Book of Esther with focus on its homiletic interpretation and theological implications. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Studies in the Book of Exodus Major topics covered in the course are enslavement and the redemption, Revelation, the Tabernacle, and laws of the Festivals. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Ezra Major topics covered in the course: Overview of the Book of Ezra; Cycles of Exile and Redemption; Causes of Destruction; The Sabbatical Year; Cyrus Permits Reconstruction; The Exodus from Egypt and the Return with Ezra; For Lack of Repentance; Remaining in the Diaspora; Reconstruction of the Altar; Sanctity of the Temple Mount; The First and Second Temples; The Commandment to Build the Temple; The Samaritans in Judea; Non-Jewish Participation in the Construction of the Temple; Hebrew and Assyrian Script; Significance of the Temple; Prophecy and Idol Worship; The Divine Presence Dwells Among Man; Dedication of the Second Temple; The Hebrew Months; Ten Tribes and Twelve Tribes; The Jewish People as One; Ezra the Scribe; The Men of the Great Assembly; Lineage; Intermarriage and Jewish Education. Studies in the Book of Genesis Topics covered in the course are the Tree of Knowledge and the fall of man; Cain and Abel; the Tower of Babel; Sarah and Hagar; Sodom; Jacob and Esau: the birth of the twins, the sale of the birthright, Isaac s blessings, and Jacob s encounter with the angel; and Joseph and his Brothers. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Jeremiah Topics covered in the course: historical and geopolitical context, Jeremiah's biography, false prophecy, prophecies required for subsequent generations, symbolic prophecy,
rebuke and repentance, exile and redemption, and consolation. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Book of Jonah Major topics covered in the course are the historical Jonah, literary structure, the prophet s mission, and universal message found in Jonah. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Studies in the Book of Joshua Topics covered in the course are conquest of the Land of Israel, division of land, tribal boundaries, the charge to Joshua and a review of the laws governing cities of refuge. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Judges The entire Book of Judges is studied. Major emphasis is placed on covered the role of the judge and the king, the judgeship and Song of Deborah, Gideon s test of G-d, Jephtha s vow, the personality of Samson and the Nazarite laws, and the idol of Micha. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Kings I and II Major topics covered in the course are biographies of the kings of Judah and Israel, the split in the kingdoms, the personalities of Elijah and Elisha, the exile of ten tribes, and the building and destruction of the first Temple. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Numbers: Texts Major topics covered in the course: In-depth analysis of particular passages in the Book of Numbers and meticulous examination of a variety of exegetical approaches to the text, with an emphasis on Rashi, the supra-commentaries of Rashi and other classical commentaries. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual
Studies in the Book of Numbers: Topics Major topics covered in the course: Camp and flags of Israel in the desert; Nazirite vow; Priestly blessing; complaint of Israel in the desert and joy in the service of G-d; the manna; Korach; the red Heifer; waters of dispute; Balak and Balaam: prophecy; the daughters of Tzelafchad; commandment to settle the Land of Israel. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Proverbs Topics covered in the course: Mockery and Rebuke; Love and Hate; The Righteous and the Wicked; Worry and Coping; Acquiring Wisdom; Friendship and Brotherhood; Silence; Desire; Superficiality; Integrity and Evasion; Generosity and a Good Eye ; Faith; Involving G-d in Every Aspect of Man s Life; G-d s Rest and Man s Rest; Excessive Confidence. Topic and verse selection may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Book of Psalms Major topics covered in the course are analysis of the various Psalms in historical context and themes and explications of selected Psalms in light of classical commentaries and rabbinic sources. Psalms may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Book of Samuel I Major topics covered in the course: Elkana's pilgrimages to Shiloh; Chana and Penina; prayer; the birth of Samuel; Eli and his sons; Samuel as a prophet and leader; monarchy in Israel; Saul; mercy and cruelty: Agag and Nob; the relationship between David and Saul; David and Jonathan; major events in David's early career; Saul and the medium; and Saul's death. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Studies in the Book of Samuel II Major topics covered in the course are a short review of Samuel I and an in-depth study of the narrative of Samuel II; the personalities of David and other biblical figures; and moral and religious teachings implicit in the biblical text. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual
Studies in the Megillot II: Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations Major topics include Song of Songs - issues of authorship, literary issues (allegorical interpretation, structure and style); Ecclesiastes - authorship, canonical issues, wisdom, wisdom literature, pessimism, and optimism; Lamentations - historical context, the role of Jerusalem, and Theodicy. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Studies in the Writings of Rav Dessler Major topics covered in the course include: Free will; Effects of Faith on worldly pursuits; Analysis of natural and supernatural phenomena; Influence of surroundings on morality; Ethics of individual, gratitude; depth and superficiality of man. Survey of Biblical Themes Major topics covered in the course are selected ethical, moral and theological themes from the Books of Genesis and Exodus according to the weekly Torah portion. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion. Biblical Exegesis Classroom based learning includes lecture, discussion, and textual Text selection may vary. Pre- or co-requisite includes at least two course in Bible and Prophets. Issues in Contemporary Halachic Literature Topics covered in the course are general principles of inter-relationships between the sexes, synagogue worship, morality in financial dealings, and ritual purity. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and Textual Jewish Holidays in Biblical and Talmudic Literature Topics covered include: The Concept of Moadim; Elul; Rosh Hashana and Judgment; The Shofar; The Rosh Hashana Prayers; Yom Kippur and the Golden Calf; Repentance; The Spiritual Gains of Yom Kippur; The Gift of Shabbat; The Holiness of Shabbat; Non- Jews and Shabbat; Shabbat and the People of Israel; Shabbat and Faith; Remembering Shabbat Throughout the Week; Chanuka; Simon the Righteous; Torah Worldview vs.
Natural Worldview; The Miracle of the Oil; A Base for Blessing; The Three Festivals; Forefathers and Festivals; Purim; The Feast in Shushan; Divine Providence in the Purim Story; The Emergence of Haman; Hallel and the Megilla; G-d s Name in the Megilla; Passover: Gratitude and Faith; Tefillin as a Reminder; The Plagues as an Avenue to Faith; Faith in Adversity. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Midrashic and Aggadic Literature Major topics covered in the course are attitudes toward midrashic and aggadic literature, literary forms in aggadic literature, rabbinic theology as reflected in the Midrash, esotericism and exotericism in aggadic literature, and a survey of major works of literature. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Topics from the Haftarot Major topics covered in the course are selected theological, philosophical & legal themes from the selected Haftara readings. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Philosophical and Theological Foundations of Jewish Prayer Major topics covered in the course are careful examinations of the texts of prayers; the purpose of prayer; intention and devotion during prayer; the Morning Prayer: its components, themes and laws. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Philosophical Insights into Song of Songs Major topics covered in the course: Introduction to the Song of Songs; metaphor in Torah literature; the metaphor of bride and groom; Peace as a name of G-d; the nature of relationship; the Festivals and the nation's relationship with G-d; Oral Torah; women and Oral Torah; exile: its causes, significance, purpose and outcome and the responses to exile; Revelation; and imbuing the world with G-d's Presence. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion.
Principles of Jewish Belief: Contemporary Polemics Major topics covered in the course are arguments for the belief in G-d and arguments for Divine origin of Torah. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Science, Philosophy, and Judaism Topics covered in this course are: how recent developments in science cohere with basic tenets of Judaism; presuppositions of scientific methodology; the limits of science; conflict resolution within science and between science and Judaism; scientific presuppositions of Judaism. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual Ethics of the Fathers Major topics covered in the course are charity, altruism and selfishness, humility, asceticism, spirituality, judicial ethics, theodicy, and eschatology. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion.