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COURSES OFFERED:
Textual Tanach
Studies
Courses include
a chevruta period and class discussion of the text with commentaries
from the Hebrew sources. Students will be trained to gain
the skills necessary to master the reading and comprehension
of advanced texts.
The Mystery of
Beginning:
This course offers an in-depth study of Parashat Bereishit
focusing on the topics: "The Order of Creation",
"The Creation of Man and Woman" and "Eating
from the Tree and its Effect on Human Consciousness".
Selected classical commentaries such as Ramban and Ohr Hachaim
will be included as well as Zohar, R. Chaim Vital and various
Chassidic sources.
What's Bothering Rashi?: Learning
the principles that govern Rashi's interpretations, including
commentaries on Rashi such as Mizrachi, the Maharal, and the
Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Women in the Bible:
An in-depth analysis of significant female Biblical personalities,
both the well-known such as Chava, Sarah, and Rachel and the
lesser-known such as Zerach, Avigail and Chulda. The course
will include selected texts from the entire Tanach, accompanied
by source sheets with readings from Midrash and Zohar, as
well as classical commentaries.
Song of Songs with
Malbim: Malbim's
commentary understands the metaphor of the pure love between
man and woman as an in-depth analysis of the soul's yearning
for prophesy. Through learning his commentary on Song of Songs,
we tune into our own yearning for connecting with G-d in the
highest way.
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Chassidic Studies
Courses include
a chevruta period and class discussion of the text with commentaries
from Hebrew sources. In addition to gaining textual skills,
students will become familiar with primary Chassidic concepts.
Tanya: The Heart
of Chabad:
Tanya is unique among Chassidic writings in that it presents
the world view of Chassidism in a systematic way. Additionally,
it offers extremely practical teachings about how to proceed
through the difficulties and resistance one encounters on
a spiritual path. The course will present the student with
an in-depth interpretation of the text together with guidance
in applying the concepts of Tanya to the challenges of one's
life.
Likutei Moharan: The Teachings
of Rebbi Nachman of Breslev: We will address the following
questions relating to our spiritual journey: "What should
we do to make our prayers acceptable?" "What is
the way to come to perfect repentance?" "How can
one accept that everything that happens is for good?"
"How can one taste the Inner Light of the Torah?"
and "What is the pathway to inner peace and Universal
Peace?"
Rav Kook:
This course will give a glimpse of Rav Kook's all-encompassing
universal approach. Themes explored will include: "The
Inner Connection Between the Jewish People and the Land of
Israel", The Vision of Vegetarianism", "Art
& Aesthetics", "Relationship between Jew and
Non-Jew", "Lower & Higher Tshuva". Reading
will be selected mainly from Orot, Orot Hatshuva, and Orot
Hakodesh.
Ein Yaacov (Agadah):
Selected passages will be discussed and analyzed according
to classical commentaries as well as the Maharal, Ben Ish
Chai and Rav Kook. Emphasis will be on uncovering the many
layers of the Talmudic text and delving into its mystical
depths. Students will acquire a basic Aramaic vocabulary.
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Halacha
This course will
familiarize students with halachic terminology and provide
training for how to ask an educated "shaalah" (halachic
question). Moreover, students will practice reading the sources
and acquire skills in understanding the underlying halachic
principles of the various texts. Texts include: Shulchan Aruch,
Mishna Berura, and Shmirat Shabbat K'hilchata.
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Creativity and Self-Discovery
(Joint program for Beginners and Advanced
levels)
Jewish Meditation:
Based on techniques rooted in our own Jewish tradition, this
course may seem a more viable alternative for one who is already
familiar with Eastern and Western meditative traditions. Guided
by a well-qualified instructor, the student is encouraged
to enter upon the path of the inner spiritual experience.
The goal for both beginning and seasoned meditators alike
is to be ever mindful of how all the teachings of Torah, mitzvot
and prayers connect us directly to G-d.
Meditative Movement:
We develop flexibility and strength, health and awareness
through exercises focusing on the harmony and unity of body,
breath, and mind. We learn about the sephirot to know ourselves
made in G-d's image as vessels for light and knowledge. We
connect heaven and earth, the neshima (breath) and the neshama
(soul). Through this connection we grow in tefila (prayer)
and mitzvot, clinging to the Tree of Life, growing in peace
and joy.
Spiritual Writing
Workshop:
Creative writing is a tool for connecting to one's self, to
one's world and to our Creator. The workshop combines techniques
such as mind maps, brainstorming, meditation, memory scanning
and opening the heart in order to develop one's creative,
spiritual and perceptual abilities. Each class combines segments
of theory, practice, and analysis of our works in a warm,
encouraging and non-competitive atmosphere. The students are
guided to explore and accept their inner thoughts and feelings
and transform them into creative writing.
Wisdom of the Hebrew
Alphabet:
The 22 sacred letters are the raw material of Creation. They
are primal spiritual forces that combine endlessly just as
the elements of chemistry. We study the form, name, numerical
value, and dimensions hidden beneath the surface of the letters.
As building blocks of holiness in the world, their study returns
us to the roots of Torah. We also learn the technique of how
to hold a calligraphy pen and form the letters properly, deepening
our connection with the beauty of the art of writing Hebrew
letters.
Inner Song Workshop:
Music meditation is a technique based on ancient Jewish tradition.
It promotes deep integration of sacred texts, inspires avodah
(spiritual service), and generates a heightened sense of well-being
and connection to G-d. Using sources from Chumash, Tehillim,
Talmud, Chassidut and Kabbalah, students are encouraged to
create their own melodies in a supportive setting.
Agricultural Workshop:
Long ago, travelers to the Land of Israel willingly endangered
their lives just to be able to step foot on the Holy Land.
They would bow down and kiss its very ground. Through working
the land, a Jew is able to connect with the Creator, and work
as a partner with G-d in transforming thorns and thistles
into a paradise of lush greenery, bountiful with flowers,
fruits, vegetables and all kinds of herbs. A unique spiritual
force enters one's body and soul while out in the fields of
the Judean Hills. Here our Patriarchs lived, traveled, experienced
joys and hardships, and had visions and insights into the
future. We, too, can attain higher awareness by simply reaching
out to the earth.
Herbal Workshop: The purpose
of this workshop is to integrate Eastern, Western and Native
American herbology with the ancient wisdom of the Torah. The
course includes textual learning of Jewish sources on herbs
and healing, as well as general knowledge of the use of herbs.
Moreover, the workshop includes practice in the growing and
gathering of herbs, and in preparation of infusions, oils
and tinctures.
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Commitment to Torah observance.