| TALMUD |
Journeying from
Parashat Mishpatim to Masekhet Bava Kamma
Course V An investigation of
featured sugyot from various chapters of Masekhet Bava Kamma. This
shiur will illustrate how Amoraim and Rishonim derive
their various positions from meticulous scrutiny of the Biblical text.
We will also aim to impart a conceptual approach to analyzing the underpinnings
of the Talmudic sugyah. Students are strongly encouraged to participate
in the preparatory chevrutah session preceding the shiur.
text
Mikra'ot Gedolot Sefer
Shemot, Masekhet Bava Kamma, Rambam: Sefer Nezikin..
instructor Hillel Novetsky.
time Tuesday evenings, 8:30-9:45
p.m. Chevrutah: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
calendar Five sessions. June
30 - July 28.
place Young Israel of Brookline,
62 Green St.
tuition $50. |
|
Introduction to
Talmud: Masekhet Chulin
Course VI Grasping the complexities
and nuances of Talmudic thought is a challenging life-long enterprise,
and it is never too late to acquire the skills necessary to decode the
text. This course, focusing on the eighth chapter of Masekhet Chulin, known
as Kol Habassar, will expose the participants to some of the most significant
principles of keeping kosher. Comprehension of basic rabbinic terms and
the fundamentals of talmudic logic will be addressed. We will learn basic
Aramaic as the class progresses. The class is suited for those with little
or no previous background in Talmud, but who have some Hebrew reading skills.
text
Masekhet Chulin,
standard or Steinsalz ed.
instructor Rabbi David
Ehrenkranz.
time Tuesday evenings,
8:30-9:45 p.m.
calendar Five sessions.
June 30 - July 28.
place Young Israel of
Sharon (Dunbar and Bradford Streets, Sharon)
tuition $50. |
| MISHNAH |
Setting the Table:
From the Mishnah t the Shulhan Arukh
Course VII How did the fundamental
concepts of the Mishnah evolve into the intricacies of the laws of the
Shulhan Arukh? This course will introduce the student to the texts
and personalities that form the basis of the halakhic process. We will
survey selected passages from the Mishnah and the Talmud, medieval commentators
and modern day halakhic authorities to better appreciate our traditions
and heritage.
text Translated sources
will be provided. No Hebrew language skills required
instructor Neima Novetsky.
time Thursday evenings,
9:15-10:30 p.m.
calendar Five sessions.
July 2 - July 30.
place Young Israel of
Brookline, 62 Green St.
tuition $50. |
| CHUMASH |
Standing on the
Shoulders of our Predecessors: Part 2
Course II Traditional parashanut
is often lumped together in one mass, without careful regard for the styles,
methods and background of each individual exegete. Last summer we explored
the methods of the leading figures in the Northern French school of Biblical
exegesis; this summer we will focus on representatives of the Spanish and
Provencal traditions.
We will analyze passages from the Biblical commentaries of Ibn Ezra,
Radak and Rambanin an attempt to identify their distinguishing characteristics
and define their enduring contributions to the study of Tanakh.
We will also demonstrate the form and extent to which each commentary
is built upon the foundation of its predecessors. Participation in last
year's course is not a prerequisite.
texts One volume Torah
Mikra'ot Gedolot.
instructors Hillel and
Neima Novetsky.
time Mon. evenings, 8:00-9:15
PM.
calendar Five sessions,
June 29-July 27.
place Young Israel of
Brookline, 62 Green St.
tuition $50.00 |
|
Tanakh in its Time:
Israel and her Neighbors
Course III This course will examine
selections from the historical, prophetic and legal portions of Tanakh
with the aid of ancient Near Eastern materials. These sources will enable
us to reconstruct the historical and cultural background of the texts,
thereby giving us an enhanced appreciation and comprehension of Tanakh.
Topics to be covered include the uniqueness of the Torah's laws, the setting
of the patriarchal narratives, and the foreign policies of Ahab, Yehu and
the last kings of Judea.
texts
Tanakh.
instructor Neima Novetsky.
time Tues. mornings, 9:15
a.m.-10:30 a.m.
calendar Five sessions,
June 30-July 28.
place Young Israel of
Brookline, 62 Green St.
tuition $50.00 |
|
Sefer Devarim:
An Imparting Before Parting
Course VIII What is the purpose
of Sefer Devarim? How do the challenges and charges to the generation entering
the land compare with those of the exodus generation? In this advanced
seminar we will illuminate the meta-messages of Moshe's lengthy farewell
address through the use of literary techniques and traditional exegesis.
Individual sessions will focus on the resolution of apparent contradictions
between parallel accounts in the Torah, the integration of narrative and
halakhic material, and an appreciation of the beauty and subtlety of Moshe's
oration.
texts
Mikra'ot Gedolot
Sefer Devarimand a Tanakh
instructor Hillel Novetsky.
time Thurs. mornings,
10:45 a.m.-Noon.
calendar Five sessions,
July 2-30.
place Young Israel of
Brookline, 62 Green St.
tuition $50.00 |
| LAW
& PHILOSOPHY |
The Mishneh Torah:
A User's Guide
Course IV Maimonides created
the Mishneh Torah in order to provide students with a systematic, comprehensive,
yet accessible code of law. His work conveys the details of the entire
Oral Law while simultaneously putting each law in its proper legal and
philosophical context. In order to achieve his goal Maimonides wrote in
a concise and coherent form, and succeeded so well that his work still
serves not only as an indispensable source for scholars, but as an invaluable
entry point for new students of the Oral Law. This course will introduce
students to the structure, method, and goals of the Mishneh Torah, and
will provide samples of the treasures to be found within the text. Knowledge
of Hebrew not required.
text Sources to be provided
in English.
instructor Rabbi Moshe
Simkovich
time Tues. morning, 10:45-noon
calendar Five sessions.
June 30-July 28.
place Young Israel of Brookline,
62 Green St.
tuition $50.00 |
|
History of Halakhah:
Hilkhot Shabbat
Course IX If Rabbi Akiva was
our Shabbat guest, would he recognize our observance of Shabbat? What about
Moshe Rabbenu? In these sessions we will trace the halakhic development
of various aspects of our Shabbat rituals, emphasizing variations between
eras and locales. Topics will include what beverages we use for kiddush,
how many Shabbat candles we light and what we eat at our Shabbat meals.
text Sources will be provided.
instructor Hillel Novetsky.
time Fri. mornings, 9:15-10:00
a.m.
calendar Four sessions.
July 10-31.
place Young Israel of Brookline,
62 Green St.
tuition $40. |
| PRAYER |
The Power of Prayer:
the Shabbat and Yom Tov Liturgy
Course I How do the tefillot
of Shabbat and Yom Tov differ from those of everyday? What are the various
factors motivating the additions, omissions and substitutions? In this
series we will use the tools of literary and historical analysis to examine
the structure, style, and substance of these prayers. Each session will
relate to a unique tefillah of Shabbat including Kabbalat Shabbat, Pesukei
D'Zimrah, Nishmat Kol Chai, and the Amidah.
text
Siddur.
instructor Hillel Novetsky.
time Mon. afternoons 12:15-1:30
p.m.
calendar Five sessions,
June 29-July 27
place Young Israel of
Brookline, 62 Green St.
tuition $50.00 |
| SEMINAR |
Reflections on the
Rav
Community Seminar for Men and
Women
This seminar is designed to serve as a gateway to the philosophical,
halakhic and exegetical thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt'l.
We will discuss passages from rabbinic literature as well as from writings
and unpublished lectures of the Rav, endeavoring to appreciate his singular
techniques. The seminar will be geared toward accommodating participants
of diverse educational backgrounds. Men and women are welcome.
text
Reflections on
the Rav, vol. 1.
instructor Hillel Novetsky.
time Wed. evenings, 8:30-9:45
p.m.
calendar Five sessions,
July 1-29
place Young Israel of
Brookline, 62 Green St.
tuition $50.00 |
