Shiur Aleph (beginner)
Font size:
Shiur Aleph (beginner) is suited to students who have a positive identification with Judaism, who are basically committed to Shabbat and Kashrut observance, and who are ready to gain basic skills in Torah study, especially Chumash with Rashi's commentary.
Class Curriculum
· Chavruta - From 9 to 10:15am every day, our students prepare texts for a lecture and discussion that follows. This preparation is done in pairs, called chavruta, and is supervised by the course instructor. Tutors assist the study pairs and are available to answer questions during this time. Many of our other classes include a shorter chavruta time within the scheduled class period.· Hashkafa (Philosophy) - Presentation and discussion of the basic issues of Jewish faith.
· Interpersonal Relationships - In this course we discuss the philosophic understanding and practical applications of laws regulating relationships between man and man. Sources include texts from the Torah through modern-day rabbinic writings. Students are encouraged to find practical application of the concepts in their lives.
· Jewish History – This thematic view of stages in Jewish history and the challenges and contributions of each stage will reveal the unfolding of the magnificent saga of Jewish destiny, reflecting G-d’s divine plan and the awesome greatness of the Jewish people.
· Jewish Law (Halacha) - A clear, concise presentation of practical Jewish Law, along with an explanation of the background and the reasons for the observance.
· Joseph and His Brothers - Students will study the story of Joseph and his brothers in depth. In addition to understanding the straightforward meaning of the text, the story's implications and its relationship to every day life will be explored. Basic reading, translation and Rashi study skills are taught in this class.
· Parsha in Depth - An in-depth look at major topics in Jewish life and belief which arise from the weekly Torah portion.
· Parsha Overview - The contents of the weekly Torah reading are surveyed, with emphasis placed on significant topics. Students are expected to prepare for class by reading the text for the upcoming lecture, either in English or Hebrew.
· Personal Growth Through Torah - Selections from contemporary Torah giants such as Rav Wolbe and Rav Eliyahu Dessler . . . which deals with themes ranging from basic beliefs to ethics.
· Pirke Avos - The moral philosophy of Judaism; individual and social problems in light of the wisdom of the Talmudic sages as explained by the classical commentaries, including Bartenura, Rabbenu Yona, Rambam and Hirsch.
· Prayer - The structure and content of the prayer book is studied, with special emphasis on understanding philosophical concepts contained in the prayers.
· Rambam - The Philosophy of Maimonides - An exploration of the philosophy of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides). Selections from his works will be read.
·Survey of the Prophets - A detailed review of the prophetic books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. Students are expected to prepare for class by reading the text for the upcoming lecture, either in English or Hebrew.
· Women in Tanach – A textual analysis of the biblical account of the lives of great women in Jewish history. Using rabbinic literature, Jewish philosophical texts, and ethical treatises we explore the lives of seven women, searching for the universal values and lessons which we can use to enrich our own lives.