Mishlei teaches us the steps for perfecting ourselves and rising spiritually. Come and join us on this journey. Although this is a continuation from a previous semester, new students are encouraged to join. read more

Why does Avraham leave his birthplace before the divine command to do so? Is the akedah a story about Avraham or Yitzchak? What is Yitzchak's unique role among the patriarchs? How do we understand Yaakov's response to Rachel's frustration with her lack of children? In this six-part series, we will utilize classical commentaries to gain insight into the character of our three patriarchs. read more

This class will meet three times a week to learn an in-depth analysis of the Gemara. This semester we will learn the section of Tractate Shabbat: Kol HaKeilim. read more

Chovot Halevavot is the oldest systematic book on ethics that we have. It was written By Rabbeinu Bachya in the 11th century. read more

Learn the story of Samson in depth with commentaries with an emphasis on textual skill development for beginners. read more

This class will study Maimonides' major philosophical work, The Guide for the Perplexed. Although it is a continuation from previous semesters, new students are encouraged to join. read more

Chassidic perceptions of "Penimiyut shel Torah". Explore the journey between the plain meaning of a verse from Torah and the Chassidic insistence that there is always more to the verse than meets the eye. What is the difference between "reading into something" and "reading inside"? read more

When we check food for the "kosher" label, what are we really looking at? In this course we will learn about what factors go in to determining whether chickens are kosher and why some people might label something as kosher that others would say is not. read more

This class will study Korach and his rebellion with the commentaries of Rashi, Ibn - Ezra, Ramban, the Netziv and additional Rishonim to explore the story of Korach, why did he rebel, and what were the consequences. read more

This course will deal with one of the deepest, longest-lasting and explosive tensions within historical Judaism, that between the mystical and the rational. Maimonides was highly critical of the proto-Kabalistic elements of the Judaism of his day, which he saw as corrupted and paganized, and he responded by rethinking Judaism as a universal and naturalistic system designed to lead the Jew towards God through a practical system of psychological read more

S.Y. Agnon's novella "In the Prime of Her Life" (Bidmei Yameha) is a tale of love lost and found, and the profound way the older generation shapes the life of its children, as told through the perspective of a young female narrator. This biblical and lyrical weaving of a modern and complex Hebrew love story will be explored in our 3-part mini-series on the Nobel laureate's novella with Rabbi read more

Values that are considered quintessentially Jewish have their roots in Torah, and particularly from the Talmud. This course will examine how mitzvot such as Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming guests), Ona'at Devarim (grieving someone with language), Tochehcah (rebuking bad behavior) and what it means to love your neighbor, and what is the difference between Tikkun Olam, Tikkun Ha'olam, and Darchei Shalom (ways of peace). These, and time permitting, other curiosities will read more

Learn Parashat Hashavua with the Divrei Torah of Reb Shlomo Carlebach zts". This course will be broadcast live from Rabbi Shlomo Katz's home in Neve Daniel. read more

Pirkei Avot (The Ethics of Our Fathers) is one of the best known and most cited of Jewish texts. This beloved tractate of the Mishna composed of ethical maxims of the Rabbis is familiar for such maxims as "If I am only for myself, who am I?" (1:14) and "Say little and do much" (1:15). read more

In this class we will learn about the lives, history, philosophy and teachings of Rabbi Akiva and five of his students; Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Yehuda, Rabbi Yossei, Rabbi Shimon, and Rabbi Elazar ben Shamua. We will have two classes on Bar Kochba and the possible connection to the deaths of Rabbi Akiva's students mourned durint the counting of the Omer between Passover and Shavuot. Additionally, we will learn about read more

A survey of Jewish prayer as discussed in Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's thought and religious philosophy. All are welcome to join. read more

A basic-level gemara course that aims primarily to improve the student's ability to logically parse a gemara sugya. Later on in the semester, the shiur will begin to focus more on understanding Rashi's approach as a commentator and innovator. Some of the comments and innovations of Tosafot will also be included as time goes on. The shiur is appropriate for students with a range of backgrounds who want to read more

In this course we will explore the story of creation as retold in the second chapter of Genesis, with a focus on the Garden of Eden and creation of Man. read more

This course will focus on the Tehillim (psalms) that we use in our prayers. What is behind them? How do they affect our prayers? read more

This class will draw from across the '8 Gates' of the Ari'zal'. Each week we will explore a text that presents the ideas that have shaped our world. Not for the weak of heart or faith. read more

When the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy are read in synagogue every year, many of us are on summer vacation and tend to be out of the loop. This class will help bring us back into that loop. In this survey of some of the fundamental themes of Jewish life, thought and law, we analyze highlights from the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy as a framework and jumping off read more

Everyone wants to perform the mitzva of tzedaka (charity) correctly. This requires deciding whom we should support. We will survey the approaches of the great rabbis and draw practical conclusions. Sources for this course will be presented in Hebrew and then translated and analyzed in class. read more

Is it proper for yeshiva or kolel students to accept financial support to enable them to study Torah? We will survey the opinions of the great authorities on this controversial subject. Sources for this course will be presented in Hebrew and then translated and analyzed during the classes. read more

The Torah requires us to fulfull any vows or oaths we make. In this course we will learn what consitutes a binding vow or oath. We will survey the opinions of the great rabbis and draw practical conclusions. Sources are in Hebrew and will be translated and analyzed in class. read more

Learn the weekly Torah portion with a focus on the commentary of Rashi. read more