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Winter 2002 SCHEDULE
All courses are for women only unless otherwise noted. Suggested course levels (n.b., these are
not exclusionary) HEBREW LANGUAGE/TANACH | TANACH| | TANACH/LITURGY |MISHNAH | AGGADAH| RABBINIC THOUGHT | COMMUNITY LECTURES| TALMUD |
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TANACH |
Introduction
to Biblical Hebrew through study of the Book of Ruth texts The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginners Path to Biblical Hebrew, 3rd ed., by Simon, Reznikoff and Motzkin, EKS Pub.Co. instructor This course is suitable for women with minimal Hebrew literacy (basic
phonetic reading). Intermediate
Biblical Hebrew through study of Tanach texts The First Hebrew Reader: Guided Selections from the Hebrew Bible, EKS Pub. Co. instructor place Starts in the spring |
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Ein Ya'acov: Theology and
Values of Talmudic Aggada text The Art of the Rabbinic
Narrative In this
course we will explore the literary and spiritual riches of the stories of
the Talmud This semester we will
study stories which deal with the power struggles that emerged within
rabbinic circles among the generations following the destruction of the
Temple. These stories will give us insight into the Talmud’s attitudes
towards rabbinic authority, dissent, and the role of reason in halacha.
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Your Money or Your Life: The Third Chapter of Tractate Ketubot In Designed for students with a reading knowledge of Hebrew but little (beginner's class) or no exposure to Talmud study, this continuing course will emphasize structure, vocabulary-building, legal concepts, and the effective use of Rashi's commentary. In discussing the penalty for rape, the third chapter of Masekhet Ketubot considers in detail the principle of kam lei biderabba minei -the notion that one who commits a crime entailing two punishments (i.e. capital and monetary) receives only the more severe of them. The Talmud's deliberations on this principle quickly involve comparisons to other legal infractions: theft, desecration of the Sabbath, and consumption of forbidden foods. After closely reading the text together, we will analyze the logic underlying these comparisons. texts Masekhet Ketubot Masekhet
Beitzah texts Masekhet Beitzah New student are welcome in all continuing courses |
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Joseph and
His Coat of Many Meanings texts (Complete Bible) This course is offered in conjunction with the Women's
Division of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Starts in the spring Meaning
and Evil in Sefer Iyov Through imaginative narrative, poetic expression, and theological discussion, Sefer Iyov engages this oldest of questions. In our continuing studies together, we will study the biblical text, appreciating its art and ardor, as well as join in its quest for meaning. In the concluding four sessions we will consider the book's philosophical and exegetical influence. We will explore how great Jewish thinkers throughout the ages have understood and applied its theology to their overarching understanding of Torah and life. texts Tanach, Mikra'ot Gedolot Sefer Iyov instructor calendar Prophecies
of Yirmiyahu The Temple of Solomon burnt to the ground and destroyed beyond repair? A man walking around with a yoke of a donkey around his neck? A death sentence decree for stating a true prophecy? Broken bottles and linen undergarments signifying prophetic messages? Welcome to the world of Yirmiyahu in the last forty years before the destruction of the First Temple. Join us as we study these and other prophecies in the first section of Sefer Yirmiyahu as we delve into selected prophecies in chapters 1-28, and attempt to unlock what is unique to this latter prophet. texts Tanach, Mikra'ot Gedolot Sefer Yirmiyahu instructor calendar tuition |
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LITURGY |
Community
Seminar Men and women
are welcome From Text
to Tradition: Exploration
of the Hagadah texts Hagadah. Please bring Chumash to first session instructor place tuition |
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Mishnah:
Demai Mishnah
provides us with the initial recorded link in the chain of oral tradition.
The tractate of Demai, part of Seder Zera'im, deals with problems that arise
because of doubt as to whether produce was properly tithed. We will study the
Mishnah in depth from a structural point of view, with comparisons to the
Tosefta. We will also keep our eye out for an aspect of Demai that makes it
such a fascinating and timeless masechet. Explore the text for insights into
the challenges of communal co-existence when there are varying levels of
knowledge and observance. texts Mishnah Demai, any edition. Tosefta will be provided instructor calendar |
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Sefer
Ha-Hinuch The work systematically prepares students for serious study of halachic literature, introducing almost every area of halachic discourse, its genres and types of argument. Studying the author’s attempt to formulate a reason for each mitzvah, we see an ethical master at work. We will experience the personal aspect of the author’s pedagogy in passages where the author speaks directly to his son. For a student who completes Sefer HaHinuch, there is well earned pride in knowing that "I may not know a great deal about any given mitzvah, but I know something about each and every one." No area of Jewish law remains totally unfamiliar. As the author draws his son into the study of Torah, he draws us in as well. texts Chumash, and Sefer Ha-Hinuch. Recommended English translation by Charles Wengrov, Feldheim Publishers. instructor This class maintains a sustained study of Sefer HaHinuch, begun this past fall, which will continue in future semesters until we complete the work. New participants are welcome. Students will need to read the text, either in Hebrew or in English, to prepare for class. |
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Community
Seminar Men and women
are welcome
Exploration
of the Hagadah texts Hagadah. Please bring Chumash to first session instructor place tuition |
Tanach.