Shiur Gimmel

Shiur Gimel (Advanced - level 3) offers students who are comfortable studying Chumash with commentaries the opportunity to deepen their skills and encounter challenging, new levels of learning.

Level 3 caters to a student who is proficient in reading both Torah and commentaries. Challenging material is analyzed by pairs of students during the chavruta time, and the class is build on these sources. This level is appropriate for a student who has a rich background in biblical learning, and is ready for an analytical approach to gain even greater appreciation of the material.

 A sample Shiur Gimmel  schedule can be found here.

Class Curriculum:

Chavruta

From 9 to 10:15 a.m. 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.

Insights into Tefilla

An in-depth series of lectures on Tefilla. Topics include channeling prayers towards the Beit HaMikdash, the attribute of justice versus the attribute of mercy, standing before the King, and prayer through a broken heart.

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.

Maharal

Readings from the philosophical works of the Maharal of Prague, followed by discussion and analysis.
 

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

An in-depth study of topics in Mishlei based on classic commentaries such as Rashi, the Malbim, and the Vilna Gaon. Topics include the relationship between parents and children, child-rearing, and marriage.

Parsha

A philosophical look at themes and topics from the weekly Torah reading.
 

Sichot Mussar

An in-depth study of Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz’s essays, including: All for the Best, Measure for Measure, Value of Life, Gratitude, and Light and Darkness in Man.
 

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.

Tehillim

An in-depth study of Tehillim focusing on the interpretation of the classic commentaries of Radak, Malbim, and Rabbi Hirsch. The course emphasizes how each chapter applies to our lives.

 Yehoshua

An intensive study of the conquest of the Land of Israel, utilizing classical Biblical commentators and Midrash. This provides an understanding of the political, religious, and social experience of the Jewish people during this period.

Students may move between levels as their Hebrew and text skills improve, or combine classes in different levels to form personalized schedules.