Midreshet Moriah
Browse through a sampling of the shiurim Midreshet has offered recently, organized by topic:
Parshat Ha-Shavu’a
We will focus on one aspect of Parshat Ha-Shavu’a – an exciting story, an intriguing conversation, a fascinating halakhah – and examine it in depth. You will never lack a Devar Torah again!
Parshah “To Say Over”
We will use the Parshah as a springboard to explore key issues in hashkafah which relate to how we live our lives and react to situations we face every day. You will walk out each week prepared for the Shabbat table with a Devar Torah relevant to life today.
Sefer Bereshit: From Adam to Avraham
We will first learn about the creation of the world, understanding the philosophical basis of these perakim in terms of emunah; we will then continue to the creation of humanity, following the spiritual transitions of the world in the generations from Adam to Avraham. What great changes did Avraham introduce into the spiritual world of humanity? We will explore Avraham’s tests as we examine his relationships with his children, his wives, and the world around him, and how the patterns of his life foretell the future of Am Yisrael as Ma’aseh Avot Siman La-Banim.
Ya’akov & Esav
From kindergarten on, we are raised on the stories of the Avot and Imahot and taught to look at them as the highest role models. Our picture of these towering figures, however, is heavily colored by Midrashim, which tend to depict the Avot as flawless, and portray their enemies, such as Esav, Yishmael, and Lavan, as evil personified. But the Torah itself tells a somewhat different, more complex story. Who are the Avot and Imahot of peshat, the great figures which the Torah itself describes? How do they differ from the figures described in the Midrashim so often cited by Rashi? What makes them great, and what are the critical lessons they teach us to incorporate in our own lives? Join us for an eye-opening exploration focusing on the life of Ya’akov Avinu.
Yosef Ve-Echav
Have you ever sold a sibling into slavery, or at least considered it? Just kidding… but what could possibly explain how Yosef’s brothers sold him in real life? Once he rose to power in
Sefer Shemot
In this shiur, we will study the beginning of Sefer Shemot in depth, emphasizing Midrashim and medieval Parshanim, as well as modern commentators. One of our primary goals will be to develop textual and analytical skills by devoting time to chavruta as well as classroom discussions. We will study the methodology of different Parshanim as we deepen our understanding of both peshat and derash.
Sefer BeMidbar
It was the best of times, then the worst of times: Hashem is in the midst of the Jewish people, and they are fully prepared to enter the Promised Land. But the worst of the people comes out in one sin after another, demolishing all that potential. We will study this tragic story, using both chavruta and shiur, with the help of classical and modern mefarshim.
Sefer Devarim
Sefer Devarim is divided into sections of farewell addresses by Moshe Rabbenu to Am Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael. We will understand the structure of the sefer, the division of these addresses into topics, explore the meaning of each individual address, and seek out what each address reveals to us about Moshe Rabbenu himself. We will pay special attention to the address in which Moshe reviews various mitzvot mentioned previously in the Torah, seeking meaning by comparing mefarshim and searching for the thread which runs through the mitzvot and unites them thematically.
Sketchy Women in Tanakh (SWIT)
Tanakh focuses less on individual women than on men, so when a women is mentioned, it must signify something unique about her. Often, however, we have little information about these women; sometimes even their names are not recorded. In these shiurim, we will explore some of the more obscure female personalities in Tanakh (such as
Women in Tanakh
For the most part, women don't get too much "face time" in Tanakh, so when a woman does catch the limelight, we always ask why: What makes this woman unique? What is it about her story that the Tanakh seeks to emphasize for posterity? We will focus on a wide range of women, such as Chavah, Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, Leah, Miryam, and Chanah, among others. With a heavy emphasis on the text, together with classical and contemporary mefarshim, we will seek to understand these women's stories and the lessons they impart for all time.
Sefer Kohelet
Kohelet proposes that life is evanescent and meaningless – so what can be man’s purpose in living? As we probe this work of religious philosophy, we will study four basic personalities and approaches and their respective developments. We will undergo a textual and religious search for what man gains from this world.
Shir Ha-Shirim
Shir Ha-Shirim is filled with many highly provocative images of love and romance – so what is it doing in our Tanakh?! We will learn carefully through the ôùè to understand the literal meaning of the sefer, as we explore the depths of the derash: Why was it necessary to portray the relationship between Hashem and Am Yisrael by using the mashal of a man and a woman in love? We will find meaning in Shir Ha-Shirim which is relevant for us today, both as individual servants of Hashem and as a nation devoted to Him.
Love and Marriage: Relationships in Tanakh
Our Tanakh is filled with many examples of relationships – some great, some not so great. What are the different kinds of love we find in Tanakh? What can we learn about our own relationships from these stories? Each week, we will turn our attention to a different relationship: David and Batsheva, Yehuda and Tamar, Achav and Izevel, the lovers of Shir Ha-Shirim, Shimshon and Delilah, Naval and Avigayil, Achashveirosh and Vashti, and others, as we deepen our understanding of all that makes a marriage tick.
Topics in Ramban
Ramban was not only the author of one of the most famous and important pirushim on the Torah; he was also a great philosopher. In these shiurim, we will study various topics in the pirush of the Ramban, including: The significance of Eretz Yisrael; the meaning of the mitzvot; God’s testing man; and later generations being punished for the sins of their ancestors. We will examine how Ramban’s background affected his pirush as we explore his methodology and engage in an in-depth comparative study of Ramban in contrast to other medieval mefarshim.
Sefer Shoftim
Some of the stories of the Shoftim might be familiar to us, but since Tanakh includes only messages that are relevant for future generations, how do these stories relate to our lives? We will explore the text and mefarshim of Sefer Shoftim and uncover the messages that lie beneath its collection of intriguing and sometimes perplexing stories, allowing the prophecies and experiences of thousands of years ago to come alive for us today.
Sefer Melakhim
In these shiurim, we will examine the period of Bayyit Rishon and the split of the kingdom after the reign of Shlomo Ha-Melekh. In addition to Sefer Melakhim, we will learn parts of Divrei Ha-Yamim. This period of Jewish history is most relevant to our current reality in the independent State of Israel, where we grapple with the question of the religious character of the state and the role of spirituality within a modern democracy.
Eliyahu and Elisha
We all know the name Eliyahu from the Seder and from Havdalah. But who was he – what kind of prophet and leader? How did he so capture the imagination of the Jewish people for all time? And Elisha – why was he chosen as Eliyahu’s major disciple and successor? What is the point of all the miracles that he performs? We will be studying the dramatic Eliyahu and Elisha stories to understand their characters and the messages the Tanakh is trying to transmit.
Sefer Yirmiyahu
We will study the prophecies of this fascinating Navi as we understand Yirmiyahu – the person, the prophet, and his people. Through appreciating the pre-churban Bayyit Rishon historical background, the prophecies of Yirmiyahu will come alive for then and now. The achronology of the sefer will serve to enlighten Yirmiyahu’s chaotic times and enhance our learning of this dynamic sefer.
Sefer Yeshayahu
For those who always thought Nevi’im Achronim would be boring, you're about to encounter a surprise, as we learn the prophecies of Yeshayahu together. The principal of the largest Navi-training school in history will sensitize us to the beauty and content of his words. By incorporating poetic devices and personal drama, Yeshayahu enlivens the religious issues of his time as he rebukes and comforts the leaders of Am Yisrael. We will compare the style and themes of Yeshayahu with those of his contemporaries as we appreciate the everlasting teachings and influence of his school of prophets on generations to come.
Trei Asar
Although often referred to as the “Minor Prophets,” Trei Asar come will alive for us in these shiurim as anything but minor! Hoshe’a, Yo’el, Amos, and more... These seferim, though brief and sometimes overlooked, contain important messages for our time. We will study Trei Asar using classical and modern mefarshim to answer key questions and discover the lasting messages of these seferim for us today.
Sefer Tehillim
Psalms familiar and perhaps unfamiliar to you will be studied through poetic and exegetical devices. We will try to understand the message of the poet, and more importantly, attempt to feel the emotions he wants to elicit. As we pursue the path of our ancient poets, we will appreciate the relevance of these songs in our daily lives.
Chamesh Megillot
We will focus on the Megillot as a springboard for developing methodological tools for learning biblical narrative. We will work on Parshanut skills and understanding rabbinic texts (Midrash Aggada), as well as discussing the application of literary techniques, such as structure and parallel stories, to biblical narratives. Independent thought and active discussion, based on the chavruta which precedes the shiur, will be key components. The second zeman will focus on Eichah and Shir Ha-Shirim as a springboard for developing methodological tools for learning biblical poetry. Alongside the text learning, we will discuss why and how poetry utilizes certain techniques to achieve its end.
The Wisdom of Mishlei
Mishlei turns to us with advice on morality and ethics. But is this morality connected with God and religion, or is it a universal, even “secular” morality? Given the many contradictions the sefer contains, how could it be included in Tanakh? Who is the intended audience of this sefer, and what kind of personality is the sefer trying to develop in the reader?
Ezra & Nechemyah
“Thousands of Jews returning together from galut to Eretz Yisrael” – it sounds like another Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah flight, but it happened 2,000 years ago! The period of "Shivat Tziyyon," the massive return of Jews to Eretz Yisrael after exile in Bavel, is directly relevant to our own time, with the renewal of aliyah and talk about living in an era which heralds “the footsteps of Mashiach.” In addition to Ezra and Nechemyah, we will also learn sections of Chaggai and Malakhi, the Nevi’im who lived through this time. Is history repeating itself? Are we destined to build the third Bet Ha-Mikdash in our times, as they returned and built the second Mikdash? Join us to learn more about our past and future.
Machshavah in Tanakh
In these shiurim, we will explore fundamental issues in Jewish thought from the most basic book of Jewish philosophy, the Tanakh. Through a careful and comparative reading of various sources within Tanakh, we will examine classic topics in Machshevet Yisrael from the perspective of Tanakh itself. Among other topics, we will discuss: prophets and prophecy; achieving closeness to Hashem through the physical world; korbanot; Eretz Yisrael; and the problematic notion of challenging Hashem.
Bekiut Be-Nakh
We will concentrate on Nevi’im Rishonim, adopting a “bekuit” approach. Each perek will be examined schematically to elicit its central theme and find literary connections to other Sifrei Tanakh and passages. Our ultimate goal is to examine the overarching religious messages of Tanakh, which can only be seen by viewing Tanakh from a broader perspective. We will discover a fresh new viewpoint on stories which are already familiar, as we develop skills to read Tanakh sensitively to mine it for its deeper theological message. Students will be encouraged to be creative and involved in class, and will be expected to do a project (with their chavruta) which they can present orally or as a written assignment. May include a morning tour of
Nevi’im Rishonim
In these shiurim, we will explore Nevi’im Rishonim, first appreciating the various characteristics which make them a unit and then proceeding more deeply into the sefarim themselves. The main goals of these shiurim will be to become well acquainted with these sefarim and to build tools and approaches for iyyun in Tanakh. The learning of each sefer will take place on three parallel levels: learning the sefer as a total unit; in-depth learning of selected perakim (ex: the conquest of Eretz Yisrael , the personality of David Ha-Melekh, the stories of Eliyahu and Elisha); and examination of general Tanakh themes which find expression here. Each session will consist of preparation time (chavruta) and a shiur; the goal of the chavruta time is to allow students to prepare, as well as to encourage them to be active participants during the shiur portion.
The Life of Avraham Avinu
We will examine the life of Avraham Avinu, tracing the development of our first role model from the avodah zarah of his hometown to the Akedah at the top of Har Ha-Moriah.
Halakhah
Hilkhot Shabbat
How do I navigate the kitchen on Shabbat – preparing salad, making tea, and warming up food – without running into trouble? What happens if I’m tying my shoes and I accidentally make a knot? If all the food is in the fridge, but I forgot to unscrew the light, am I facing a hungry Shabbat, or is there an alternative? How do I open packages in a permitted manner? When can I ask a non-Jew to do melakhah for me – and do I need to hint? How do I light candles in a hotel or dorm? What is considered proper dress for Shabbat? Through chavruta and shiur on the topics above, we will arrive at clear bottom-line halakhic conclusions, sharpen our textual skills in halakhic sources, and achieve an understanding of how halakhic decisions are made.
Hilkhot Berakhot
What is the basic structure of a berakhah? When is a berakhah considered a berakhah le-vatalah? What are the conditions for "shome’a ke-oneh" (making a berakhah which fulfills another’s obligation)? When one is eating several foods, what is the proper sequence of berakhot? If one is eating a food which is a combination of other foods, what berakhah does one make ("ikkar ve-tafel")? What is the proper berakhah for pizza, pretzels, and crackers (“pat ha-ba’ah be-kisnin)? In addition, we will study the rules of berakhah achronah and Amen. As we answer these questions and more, we will develop our skills in understanding halakhic texts.
Hilkhot Berakhot
This shiur is designed to build basic skills in learning halakhah. Tracking the sources from the Gemara to the Shulchan Arukh and Mishnah Berurah, we will explore one of the most relevant areas of practical halakhah: The berakhot we make on the food we eat every day. If you are eating several foods, what is the correct order of berakhot? What is the correct berakhah for vegetable soup? When one makes Ha-Motzi, does that cover all foods and drinks? If you make a berakhah on a food but then leave the room, do you need to make a new berakhah? We will learn the answers to these questions and more, while we also learn how to find answers to basic halakhic questions in the sources.
Hilkhot Kashrut
What does “nat bar nat” mean, and what does it have to do with my kitchen sink? If I made a pot or a knife treif, how do I kasher it? What do I need to do to avoid problems on the stovetop and in the oven and sink? What do "Glatt Kosher" and "Mehadrin" mean? Through our discussions of the basic halakhic principles of Kashrut and their practical ramifications, we will arrive at clear bottom-line halakhic conclusions for application throughout life.
The Kosher Kitchen
Do I need two ovens, or can I get along with just one? When I put dairy food in a meat microwave, do I need to cover it or wrap it? Can I use the same dishwasher for both dairy and meat dishes? We will learn about these and many other questions in these shiurim, clarifying the halakhah by starting from sources and proceeding to practical halakhah. For each case, we will learn what the ideal practice is, as well as the absolute minimum one can rely on in special cases. The Advanced section will include a chavruta component to provide time to prepare sources before the shiur.
Halakhah in Your Life
Practical, relevant topics, like: How many days of Yom Tov to keep in Israel if you live in Chutz La-Aretz; halakhic topics connected to each specific Yom Tov; practical halakhot of Yichud (avoiding seclusion with a member of the opposite sex); halakhot relating to boundaries between the sexes: co-ed schools, camps, and youth groups; in what situations one needs a mechitzah; “platonic friendships” or other relationships between men and women which aren’t meant to lead to marriage; kol ishah (several women singing together; microphones; recorded singing; zemirot); boundaries with relatives of the opposite sex; shaking hands with members of the opposite sex; halakhot related to proper speech (modest speech, cursing, improper jokes); halakhot of respect for teachers, for Talmidei Chakhamim, for a Bet Midrash and Bet Knesset; for one’s parents; selected practical halakhot of Tefilah: what to skip if you’re late; how you can make up in the next Tefilah if you missed this one; times for Tefilah; selected practical halakhot related to produce of Eretz Yisrael.
Interpersonal Halakhah
Want to help rebuild the Bet Ha-Mikdash? In this shiur, we will focus on a wide range of halakhic ben adam la-chavero topics, such as kibud av va-em, shemirat ha-lashon, (not) embarrassing others, hachnasat orchim, and judging others favorably. We will seek to gain a deeper understanding of these topics by examining the pertinent halakhic sources, leading to heightened sensitivity in our daily lives and relationships.
Interpersonal Halakhah
When you hear about a shiur in halakhah, you usually assume it's about "religious" mitzvot. But this shiur will deal exclusively with what the Torah teaches us about how we relate to each other. Can I break a promise? Can I call my friend a jerk in jest? How should I borrow / lend money? Can I walk into a store just to take a look around? What does halakhah say about paying a worker on time? Building a Bet Ha-Knesset that has no wheelchair access? These and many other topics will be discussed.
Halakhic Life: Halakhic Issues in Midrashah, College, and Beyond
What if I call a cab and a different one comes by first – may I take it? Am I allowed to use someone else’s sefer without permission? What if I see someone cheating in college – must I report her? Under what conditions (and where exactly) do I need a mezuzah in my college dorm, and in my home one day? We will learn sources ý and discuss these and other halakhic issues and dilemmas that are relevant to you while you are at Midreshet Moriah, in college, and beyond.
Taharat Ha-Mishpachah
In this shiur, we will learn the halakhot of Taharat Ha-Mishpachah, beginning with an understanding of the reasons for this mitzvah and continuing with the halakhah, based on the mekorot. In addition to the basic topics of Taharat Ha-Mishpachah, we will also cover the preparations a kallah makes before her wedding and minhagim of the wedding.
Jewish Medical Ethics
Is abortion ever permitted – for example, in cases of rape, a diseased or disabled fetus, or severe financial difficulty – or is it like murder and always forbidden? According to halakhah, when is the precise moment of death, after which organs may be removed for donation? Can a doctor ever help a suffering patient to die more quickly? Is it permitted to take advantage of modern techniques to choose your baby’s sex (or eye color, height, or intelligence)? When one woman provides the egg but another woman carries the fetus to delivery, who is the real mother? We will explore cutting-edge topics as we achieve an understanding of how halakhic decisions are made in today’s world.
Contemporary Halakhic Issues
What changes and changes, but always stays the same? If you said halakhah, you're right! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how halakhah responds to changes in our understanding of the world, whether the issues relate to health, society, technology, and current trends: Does smoking violate a biblical prohibition? Do you really need separate plates for fish and meat? Can you invite people if you know they'll drive on Shabbat? What’s the deal with piercings? Is it okay or even preferable for women to take on chumrot such as lighting their own Menorah, saying kiddush levanah, or drinking on Purim? Through shiurim on these and other issues that you request, you'll get an impressive view of the genius of halakhic change.
Torah in the Headlines
These shiurim will focus on halakhic and hashkafic questions arising from each week’s news and current events. A timely example: What is the halakhic approach to ransoming captives? How would halakhah and Jewish moral thinking approach the issue of captured Israeli soldiers? (Hopefully, most of the questions we’ll explore will concern happier issues and good news.) We will use mekorot from the full spectrum of Jewish literature: Tanakh, the Gemara, the midrash, the Rambam, Jewish philosophy, and Chasidut.
Women & Jewish Law
Why do some women wear kerchiefs practically to their eyebrows, while others show much of their hair? Why do some teach women Gemara, while others hesitate over Rashi? How do prenuptial agreements deal with the problem of agunah? How does halakhah view women's obligation in mitzvot differently than men’s, and why? Are there mitzvot women are not permitted to perform? Is there more to tzniut than elbows and knees? What are the mitzvot that are especially for women? How does learning halakhah help us strengthen our relationship with Ha-Kadosh Barukh Hu? Through guided, in-depth learning of the sources, we will explore the development of halakhah through the Rishonim and Achronim, to modern-day Poskim. We will develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of areas of halakhah pertaining to women.
Torah Skills Seminar
We will develop and fine-tune skills for choosing and researching a topic, preparing a Devar Torah, shiur, and sourcesheet. We will practice these skills with feedback from our fellow students.
Emunah & Jewish Thought
Am Segulah
These shiurim will engage the major issues facing the Jewish people today. Serious students will develop the tools needed to take an active role in the conversations going on in the Jewish community about "hot-button" issues facing the chosen people in the 21st century: the role of women in Judaism today; the differences between Reform, Conservative, and Orthodoxy; coping with university campus life; archeology and Tanakh; and more.
Tefilah
Most of us feel that Tefilah is important, but we often find it difficult to achieve a level of Tefilah which is truly meaningful to us. In this shiur, we will learn concrete steps we can take to make Tefilah more central and more meaningful in our lives. We'll address various halakhot and work on understanding what different Tefilot mean and why we say them. Learning will be assessed in writing and through oral presentations to the class. An important piece of this shiur will be personal introspection: Spending time thinking about what we need to invest in our Tefilah; what we hope to accomplish through Tefilah; and how we are progressing as we work on this important area of our lives.
Tefilah
In these shiurim, we will explore and appreciate the importance of Tefilah in our daily lives. As we examine the many diverse forms of Tefilah and trace them from Torah She-Bichtav through Divrei Chazal, we will also emphasize practical application and advice on improving one's personal Tefilah. Some of the topics we will discuss: Why do we daven? What are our goals when we daven? Why must we verbalize our Tefilot? How do our Tefilot “work”? How can we improve our kavanah when davening? As a base, we will use Rav Pinkus’s "She’arim Ba-Tefilah" as we also explore various Tefilot and Berakhot directly from the Siddur and learn various halakhot of Tefilah which apply on a daily basis.
The Siddur
These shiurim will examine the Siddur, the halakhot of Tefilah, their function, and their meaning. We will go through all of the most important and fundamental Tefilot, systematically understanding the meaning of each and every word, while trying to understand the relevance of the Siddur and its contents to young Jews in the 21st century.
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Must-Read Contemporary Articles in Machshavah & Hashkafah
What are the ideal roles for men and women in Judaism? Is Modern Orthodoxy a legitimate path to Avodat Hashem ý , or is it just another name for big compromises in shemirat ha-mitzvot ý ? In order to be a good Jew, is it enough to just keep the mitzvot ý , or are the mitzvot ý alone not enough? Is Orthodoxy “shifting to the right,” and if so, why? We will prepare beforehand by reading and then meet together to discuss articles by Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, and others, to understand their thought and how their ideas relate to us personally and as a community. Articles will be given out at least a week in advance so that students can come to the shiur ý ready to discuss their thoughts and questions.
The Kuzari
How do we know that Judaism is true and that the Torah is really from Hashem? Is there only one way to keep the Torah and serve Hashem, or are there many paths in Torah? To be a good Jew, why can’t I keep just the "main" things and skip all the little details? What is emunah, and where do we get it? We will explore and clarify these questions and others through Rabbi Yehuda Ha-Levi's "Sefer Ha-Kuzari" and parallel sources from other thinkers.
The Hidden Kedushah of the Mo’adim
Each special day in our calendar is both an experience of Kedushah and a chance to learn and internalize a unique set of hashkafic lessons to bring with us into every day of the year. What messages do all of these days – Shabbat, Yamim Tovim, and other occasions – share in common? On the other hand, what are the unique messages communicated by each of these days? We will develop a deeper appreciation of the Kedushah of each of the special days, a better understanding of the many basic lessons to be learned from each one, and tools to help us remember these insights throughout the year.
A Primer for Life
The year of learning in Eretz Yisrael is a special blessing, especially for those who know how to take advantage of a full year of learning and exposure to holy and learned personalities. Alas, the wise student sees before herself years of college in an environment bereft of holiness and permeated with values foreign to Torah ideology. Furthermore, an entire life lays ahead, please God, composed of marrying the appropriate man and raising a family. For the monumental decisions that lie ahead, we need to prepare with heavy doses of emunah, bitachon, and spirituality needed to choose the right path. "A Primer for Life" will offer wisdom from Chazal regarding life's skills most relevant to each and every Midreshet student.
Moreh Ha-Nevukhim: Guide to the Perplexed
You just won the final round of “American Idol!” As the paparazzi swarm, executives line up to offer you recording contracts, and your screaming fans threaten to trample the police barriers, you stop to ponder a philosophical question: “Is all this from Hashem? Is He guiding every step of my life? Or does He sometimes just watch without getting involved?” You’ve asked yourself the same question when bad things happen too: “Did this happen to punish me, or was it totally random and undeserved?” What is the ultimate purpose of your life – why are you here, anyway? Is Hashem really “here, there, and everywhere,” like the song says? What does Hashem look like? Does He have feelings like we do – anger, sadness, happiness, love? Join us to explore these questions and more through Rambam’s Moreh Ha-Nevukhim.
Taryag Mitzvot – Guided Bet Midrash
We all know that there are 613 mitzvot, but do we know what they are? As we go through the Sefer Ha-Chinukh or the Sefer Ha-Mitzvot of the Rambam, we will become familiar with the main aspects and rationales behind many of the 613 mitzvot. We will focus mostly on those which are relevant in today’s world. Guided BM implies that you will have the opportunity, together with a chavruta, to challenge yourself and sharpen your skills as you study these mitzvot and their background on your own!
Introduction to Chasidut
Chasidut continues to be a fascinating movement in Judaism, one whose personalities are intriguing and whose unique Torah is innovative and inspiring. We will focus on some of the various Rebbes and their teachings, learning the text inside as we look for answers on how to bring Heaven down to earth and create a place for kedushah in our mundane lives.
Chasidut on the Parshah
Based on the teachings of the Tolna Rebbe, this shiur is designed to challenge students on three levels: 1) on a textual level, with sources ranging from Rambam to Sefat Emet; 2) on an intellectual level, with lofty ideas stemming from the Parshah; 3 ) on a spiritual level, by applying the concepts we learn to our everyday lives in a practical sense.
Mesillat Yesharim
Every few generations, a sefer is written that transcends its generation and becomes a classic. About two hundred years ago, a unique figure in Torah history, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal), wrote such a sefer, called Mesillat Yesharim. Unique in the library of sifrei musar, Mesillat Yesharim not only points to the ultimate goals in all categories of Avodat Hashem, but then proceeds to “mark the trail” to achieving that goal, bringing us from level to level, climbing the path of becoming a person of spiritual integrity. While some Sifrei Mussar simply describe ideal traits and religious characteristics, Mesilat Yesharim does far more – it tells you how to get there from where you are, providing hints at each step to help you acquire each higher level and avoid the pitfalls in your path.
Machshevet Ha-Rav: The Thought of Rav Soloveitchik
What is the meaning of Modern Orthodoxy? Is Modern Orthodoxy a challenge or a compromise? How can we live our lives as fully committed Jews in a modern world? What are the unique problems which the modern world imposes on a religious person? How can the modern world contribute positively to our religious experience? In order to properly examine these questions, one has to understand the philosophy of Rav Soloveitchik, the leading figure at
Haggadah Shel Pesach
We will analyze the entire Haggadah shel Pesach, seeking out the deeper meaning in what we say and do at the Seder in order to bring out the underlying themes and experience a true re-enactment of Yetziat Mitzrayyim in our day. You will come to your Seder prepared to share profound Divrei Torah and insights which will bring the Haggadah to life.
Va’ad Mussar
How do you take Ahavah, Yirah, and Emunat Hashem and place them into your heart as opposed to just keeping them in your head? We all know that mitzvot shouldn't be done by rote, but rather should become the most meaningful part of our lives in connecting with G-d – but how do we do that? How do the influences around us affect our Avodat Hashem? In this Va’ad, we will be concentrating on these subjects by tackling them “head-on.” We will deal with subjects like boyfriends, sitcoms and all your favorite movies – all will be discussed, “no holds barred!” We will be seeing texts by the Mussar giants of the last generations, including Rav Shlomo Volbe, Rav Elchonon Wasserman, Rav Chaim Shmuellevitz, and Rav Eliyau Dessler.
Mikhtav Me-Eliyahu
Is love something that just happens to you, or can you choose to love? Do we have free will on every choice, or are some things too difficult for us to overcome? How can we use mussar not only to be inspired for the moment, but to actually refine our character in the long term? Is there such a thing as nature, or does Hashem make everything in the world happen directly, as a kind of miracle – and how does this affect the choices we make in our lives? We will learn the popular and inspiring Sefer Mussar, Michtav Me-Eliyahu, by Mussar Master Rav Eliyahu Dessler (1892-1954). Rav Dessler’s writings combine Torah, philosophy and psychology to provide a spiritual path for growth for our generation.
Netivot Shalom
Netivot Shalom is a contemporary chassidic work written by Rabbi Shalom Noach Brozovsky, the Slonimer Rebbi. This course will explore ideas ranging from belief in God to self improvement. We will gain insight into the weekly Parshah and Chagim and try to take personal lessons from his work.
Derekh Hashem
In these shiurim, we will explore the philosophy of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal), who represents the mainstream kabbalistic approach, through his sefer, entitled Derekh Hashem. We will cover all the main issues of Jewish philosophy: How Tefilah works; the meaning and effects of the mitzvot; the unique nature of Talmud Torah; the definition of mazal; the question of free will; the sin of Adam Ha-Roshon; the nature of nevu’ah; the afterlife; moshiach; magic; reincarnation; and more, to comprise a comprehensive approach to Judaism. We will also study the approaches of those Jewish thinkers who disagreed with Ramchal.
Em Ha-Banim Semeikhah
In these shiurim, we will explore the hashkafic foundations of Religious Zionism, the problems which arise from it, and how these issues impact Jewish and Israeli life today. Concepts to be examined include: The importance of settling and living in Eretz Yisrael; our perspective on the Zionist pioneers; our attitude toward work in general (and agricultural work in particular); the unity of Klal Yisrael; collaborating with secular Jews; whether one ought to serve in the IDF; the concept and practical details of ge’ulah; and more. We will use " Em Ha-Banim Semeikhah" as a jumping-off point for our discussions.
Em Ha-Banim Semeikhah
We will be studying the mitzvah of yishuv Eretz Yisrael from " Em Ha-Banim Semeikhah", which was written in
“Sichot Mussar” of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz
The “mussar shmuessen” of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, illustrious Rosh Yeshivah of Mir, were originally delivered to hundreds of students, and have been treasured in print by thousands more. The sichot relate to our daily behavior and are presented in a style that inspires the reader to internalize and implement them. Topics will include the joy inherent in life; the value of gratitude; the dignity of humanity; the values of decency, respect, and obedience; overcoming one’s faults, such as laziness, anger, prejudices, and preconceptions; and the necessity for constant growth.
“Alei Shur”
We will study the inspiring mussar teachings of one of the greatest mussar giants of our generation, Rav Shlomo Wolbe. Rav Wolbe was renowned for being able to encourage and inspire Bnei Torah to grow spiritually by first recognizing the reality of living in a material world and by then providing them with advice and a roadmap on the journey of elevating themselves.
Torah and Modernity
Of course we go to college, get a job, support
Shemirat Ha-Lashon
We will explore the basic halakhot of Shemirat Ha-Lashon using the classic work of the Chofetz Chaim, using practical scenarios to familiarize ourselves with practical applications.
The Monthly Middah
Often, we hear that one of the most important things in life, especially Jewish life, is to have good midot. In these shiurim, we will examine these midot, traits and characteristics. We will strive to differentiate the good from the bad and then learn how to strive for mastery of all our midot so that they will be at our command and not command us.
Chosenness & Redemption
In these shiurim, we will explore topics in emunah by focusing on both prepared topics and those suggested by students. Prepared topics will include: How do we understand the spiritual and historical significance of Am Yisrael's return to its Land in the modern era? Are we close to the arrival of Moshiach? How should these developments affect us personally in how we lead our lives? What is special about Eretz Yisrael which makes it the place chosen for Am Yisrael? What does it mean that Am Yisrael is the "chosen nation" – in what ways are we different than other people, and what difference should this awareness make to us in practice? What is Ahavat Yisrael, and why is it so important?
Finding a Spiritual Path in the Era of Complexity
We live today in a unique generation, one gifted with many positive qualities, but also mixed with a great deal of spiritual darkness. How do we relate to events and people in a complex context like ours? How does this complex picture impact each and every one of us personally? In order to examine these questions, we will make use of the works of two great leaders and thinkers: Rabbi Nachman of Breslav and Rav A.Y. Kook. With their help, we will seek to understand the spiritual processes each of us is going through in life, as well as the process our entire nation and world are experiencing at this time.
Topics in Rav Kook, Rav Soloveitchik, & Maharal
In these shiurim, we will explore topics in Jewish thought which are relevant to each of us personally. Before the Yamim Nora’im, we will explore the Teshuvah personality in the thought of Rav Kook and Rav Soloveitchik, as well as the Netiv Ha-Teshuvah of the Maharal. After the Chagm, we will focus on topics including Emunat Chakhamim (Can Gedolim be wrong? What is the basis for the rabbis' authority to institute new halakhot? How do we know that Chazal's interpretations of the Torah are correct?); the rebuilding of Eretz Yisrael in the modern era and reactions in the Torah world; and how one develops a Torah personality according to Rav Kook and modern Torah thinkers.
Emunah Survey
In these shiurim, we'll cover a very wide range of topics which have always made you wonder: Moshiach, the "End of Days," Techiyyat Ha-Meitim, Olam Ha-Ba, Torah Mi-Sinai, reward and punishment, faith after the Holocaust, Religious Zionism after the withdrawal from
Midrash and Gemara
Introduction to Gemara
We will learn the eighth perek of Yoma, exploring halakhic concepts such as teshuvah, shiurim, and piku’ach nefesh, while developing analytical and textual skills in the beginning student.
Advanced Gemara: Ketubot
Anyone seeking to truly understand halakhah needs background in the world of Gemara and its ways of thinking. Join us for an exciting intellectual challenge, entering the minds of Chazal, allowing us to understand how Torah developed from the pesukim of the Chumash to the halakhot of the Shulchan Arukh. We will learn Ketubot.
Ha-Mo’adim Ba-Halakhah
We will learn about the halakhic themes and mitzvot of the Yamim Nora’im, the 39 melakhot of Yom Tov, eruv Tavshilin, and Chanukkah.
Talmudic Personalities
We will study the personalities and philosophies of some of the major Talmudic figures, taking into account the extraordinary times in which they lived. Hillel, Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai, R. Akiva, R. Meir and Bruriah, and others will come to life before our eyes.
The Art of Aggadah
If the halakhic part of Gemara is the body of Torah She-Be-Al Peh, then the aggadic part is its heart and soul. Moral issues, values and struggles are expressed by Chazal through stories and sayings which are often cryptic. We will explore fascinating subjects such as the renegade rabbi Elisha ben Avuya; the tragic followup to the “Not in Heaven” story; and why Rav Shimon bar Yochai needed to go back to his cave. Unlock the secrets of Aggadah, where timeless wisdom awaits you.
Jewish History
The Development of Torah She-Be-Al Peh
In studying the process of the development of Torah She-Be-Al Peh, we will examine such issues as the limits of rabbinic authority in halakhic legislation and interpretation (how were Chazal different from Reform Judaism? Why do we need to accept their authority? Is a pesak of a rabbi binding?); we will describe and learn to use rabbinic and halakhic literature from different historical periods, and learn the process of pesak halakhah; and we will understand the contributions of the great halakhic authorities. Sample sugyot will be followed through from the pesukim to the final halakhah.
Faith and the Holocaust
A study of the Sho’ah through diaries written at the time, and a study of the religious response to the Sho’ah through shiurim given in the Warsaw Ghetto by the Esh Kodesh (Rav Kalman Schapiro).
Zionism
An intensive study of the political phenomena that brought about a Jewish State in Eretz Yisrael. Who were these secular and religious men and women who, with the help of God, brought about a complete change in Jewish affairs after a 2000-year galut? What happened in the 19th century to bring Zionism into the hearts and minds of the people? This course will also study the concept of Eretz Yisrael as a central theme in Jewish thought and practice throughout the ages and today.
Current Events
What’s going on and why? What’s behind the Arab-Israeli conflict? Charedi-Dati-Chiloni tensions? The crisis of faith today among the Religious Zionists? Off the derekh? Flipping out? Hold on for a whirlwind ride as we analyze the hottest current issues, both ongoing and ripped from that day’s headlines. This course will keep you up to date on the Jewish community in Chutz La-Aretz as well as give you glimpses of