Shiur Bet (intermediate)

Shiur Bet (intermediate) is appropriate for students who are more advanced in Torah learning and wish to develop their learning skills and broaden their philosophical knowledge, particularly through the study of Chumash with Ramban's commentary.

Class Curriculum

· Chavruta - From 9 to 10:15 am 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.
· Halacha (Jewish Law) - A clear, concise presentation of practical Jewish Law, along with an explanation of the background and the reasons for the observance.
· Hashkafa - 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.
· 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.
· Machzor for the Yamim Noraim - The study of prayers in the machzor, looking at the theological and halachic aspects of prayer, as well as tactics for improving prayer.
· Magnificent Middos… - Each week a different positive character trait will be delved into to provide an understanding of that particular trait and assist in its attainment.
· Megillot - In-depth study of the books of Esther, Song of Songs and Ruth, incorporating literary analysis and intensive study of the commentaries. Each Megillah is presented as a unique work with its own structure and themes.
· Midrash - Analysis and discussion of major philosophical themes found in the Midrash, based on the teachings of Rav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht of blessed memory.
· Mishlei - A study of the Book of Mishlei (Proverbs) with the interpretations of the classic commentators.
· Parsha ( Weekly Torah Portion) - A philosophical look at themes and topics from the weekly Torah reading.
· Rambam - The Philosophy of Maimonides - An exploration of the philosophy of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides). Selections from his works will be read.
· Studies in Bereishit - Students will study the life story of Abraham in depth, as it is presented in Genesis. Basic study skills and the analysis of the commentary of the Ramban (Rabbi Moses ben Nachman) are taught in this class.
· Studies in Exodus - Intensive study of the book of Exodus, utilizing the traditional literary analytical approach to the text, with emphasis on developing the skills to study Rashi's commentary.
· Studies in the Prophets – An intensive study of the Early Prophets, using the classical commentaries. The historical background of the narratives is explored along with the literary features of the text and the philosophical implications of the stories.
· 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.
· Tefilla - The purpose of prayer and ways to acquire the “art of tefilla” are studied in-depth. A detailed explanation of the structure and words of prayer is provided in order to integrate the course’s philosophical ideas into daily prayer.