2014-15 Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions for 2014-2015 (5774-5775) (Please note: unless otherwise noted, classes continue in the Spring)

Table of Contents 8:30-11:45 Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday ................................................................. 1 8:30-11:45 Monday/Wednesday ........................................................................... 5 12:00-1:00-Sunday/Thursday ............................................................................... 7 12:00-1:00 Monday/Wednesday ......................................................................... 10 1:30-2:25 Monday ............................................................................................... 12 2:30-5:00 Sunday/Tuesday ................................................................................. 12 2:30-5:00 Monday/Wednesday ........................................................................... 16 Evening Classes ................................................................................................. 17

8:30-11:45 Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday HUMASH /TANACH

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY - ALEF

TOVAH LEAH NACHMANI Sun., Tues., Thurs. 8:30-11:45 In the early stories of Genesis: the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel, critical choices of personal and societal development breed disaster as well as self discovery.

Conflicts of egotism and compliance; competition and collaboration; corruption and sensitivity to ethical detail emerge as ancient Biblical themes with modern reverberations.

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In the subsequent narratives of Genesis – Abraham and Sara struggle with the particular and the universal aspects of early Jewish existence, which continue to inspire our own relationship with ourselves and the nations with whom we comprise the world.

Students will: 1. Significantly increase their Hebrew vocabulary and grammar skills, refining their understanding of an original Biblical text 2. Acquire skills to examine the gaps and difficulties in a Biblical text: tools of traditional interpretation and modern literary tools.

3. Understand the Biblical text in a broader context of ancient historical times.

4. Discover personal relevance in dilemmas woven deep in the text, through written reflections and discussions.

HUMASH

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY - BET

MEIR SCHWEIGER Sun., Tues., Thurs. 8:30-11:45 The goal of this course is to give students the ability to analyze a section of Chumash with an introduction to the classic medieval commentaries. For this class, students are expected to have a very basic knowledge of Hebrew and some formal training in the study of Biblical texts. The focus of the class will be two-fold: 1) To develop the student’s skills in reading a biblical text. Special emphasis will be placed on familiarizing students with Biblical grammar, nuances of Biblical Hebrew, literary patterns of paragraphs and chapters, sensitivity to “key” words, and crossreferencing. Students will be expected to work extensively with a dictionary and concordance. We will examine the classic medieval commentaries in a graduated manner; the focus of the class will shift from Biblical text to commentaries during the course of the year.

2) To deal with the concepts and issues that are raised by whatever text we study.

Although students will be encouraged to examine the deeper meaning of text and how it affects their lives, this pursuit will be the outgrowth of a very careful reading of the text rather than a replacement of it.

We will study Chapters 12-27 of Bereishit, which focus on the lives of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rivkah. Our general theme will be "The Founders of Our Nation”.

In Elul, we will do a survey of Chapters 1-11 of Bereishit.

Required texts (to be purchased and brought to class): 1) Bereishit - Torat Chayim edition, volume 1 2) Hebrew-English Tanakh – JPS or Keter 3) Hebrew-English Dictionary (preferably Alkalay or Morfix)

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MISHNA/TALMUD

LEVEL: INTERM. - GIMMEL

MEESH HAMMER-KOSSOY Sun., Tues., Thurs. 8:30-11:45 This class is designed to get you reading Talmud! That is something you need, if you want to be part of nearly any Jewish debate of importance. We will focus on basic skills—understanding the structure of the Talmudic passage and how to follow its complex arguments, acquiring key terms and basic vocabulary, and gaining a sense of how to think about a page of Talmud.

Through an in-depth study of Tractate Berachot, we will learn how to approach the study of the Mishnah, the first collection of Oral Law, and the Talmud, the “commentary” on the Mishnah. We will examine both the Mishnah and the Talmud as independent literary texts open to interpretation, as well as cornerstones of halakhah as it develops. We will seek to grasp the literary power of the Talmud and why it occupies pride of place on the Jewish bookshelf. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to examine a number of existential and halakhic questions that preoccupied the Sages from 0-600 CE and are still relevant to us today. On the assumption that answers are always buried within questions themselves, an emphasis will be placed on asking good questions, over and above getting “the right answer.”

The third chapter of Berachot deals with the ways our physicality, mortality and sexuality interfere with our ability to encounter the Divine. After the first semester of study, we will probably switch tractates. The goal of our class is two-fold. On the one hand we will explore the Jewish conceptions of holiness, physicality and rules of prayer. On the other hand, we will gain skills for approaching the Mishnah and Talmud on any topic.

MISHNA/TALMUD

LEVEL: INTERM. - DALET

LEAH ROSENTHAL Sun., Tues., Thurs. 8:30-11:45 Introduction to the intricacies of the Talmudic discourse. Careful attention is paid to the Talmud’s language, terminology and structure as we attempt to follow the discussions of the Talmud. The ultimate goal of this course is to bring students as close to independence as possible in their ability to study a page of Gemara. We will be studying the 8th chapter of Masechet Bava Kama. In Elul, we will be studying the 8th Chapter of Masechet Yoma.

MISHNA/TALMUD

LEVEL: ADVANCED - HEH

ZVI HIRSCHFIELD Sun., Tues., Thurs. 8:30-11:45 This course is intended for those who have experience with Talmud study and want to increase their knowledge and skill level. We will be studying Tractate Shabbat. Our goal will be to become more familiar with the structure and ideas present in talmudic discourse, and begin to develop ideas about Halakha and how it operates. We will attempt to incorporate both traditional and modern approaches to Talmud study.

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KOLLEL TALMUD

LEVEL: KOLLEL DANNY LANDES Sun., Tues., Thurs. 8:30-1:00PM (Note special end time) Directed and taught by Rabbi Daniel Landes, the Kollel is the highest learning level at Pardes and is a unique framework through which advanced students address and struggle with fundamental issues in Judaism, philosophy and modern life. This specialized learning environment is both demanding and rewarding as it requires students to bring all of their knowledge and passion to the table and to be open to challenges presented by Jewish texts, by their teachers and by their peers. The Pardes Kollel is very much an open and creative learning environment politically, socially and religiously. Current Kollel students represent an impressive cross-section of highly educated learners, current and future teachers, activists, leaders and creative producers of ideas and initiatives that are changing the Jewish world and the world-at-large.

Participants include lawyers, policy analysts, Talmud scholars, social activists, entrepreneurs and scholars.

This year’s learning will use a close reading of several sugyot whose central locus is Messekhet Sanhedrin, informed by a few rishonim (OtzarHaGeonim, Rashi, Tosafot, Rosh,Rif, Nemukai Yosef, Yad Ramah and especially the Rambam) and selected aharonim (mostly from the school of Brisk). We shall locate ourselves within this reality to consider strategic hermeneutical and legal decisions that have been made and those that could still be considered. The goal is for one to begin to become a ba’al shita who is ready to take a stance within learning, life and law; and figure out what that means in a world in which taking a stance is often understood as potentially invasive and assaultive.

The sugyot to be studied will reflect issues of sovereignty and authority, sexuality/gender and family life, and community creation. Parallel readings from a variety of postmodern thinkers will be part of our learning with a focus on how we can reclaim / transform premodern thinking without being caught within modernity’s false choices of rejection or apologia. To do so, we will address cases of halakhic problematics (e.g. as to family life regarding what happens when a couple has different takes on niddah or navigating kashrut in an extended family).

ITT (INTENSIVE TANAKH TRACK) THE 5 MEGILLOT MICHAEL HATTIN LEVEL: INTERM/ADV. Sun., Tues., 8:30-11:45 (Note this class does not meet on Thurs.)

This course will consider a number of concise books in Tanakh that, besides being Biblical texts, also serve a public liturgical purpose. That is to say that they are read in Beit Knesset as part of the prayer service, each one in its appropriate season. We will begin by studying Sefer Yonah and then go on to consider the five Megillot: Shir HaShirim, Ruth, Eichah, Kohelet and Esther.

We will carefully analyze the narratives of these books, approaching them as literary documents as well as considering them from the perspective of the Rabbinic Midrash, the medieval commentaries and modern scholarship. Occasionally, we will diverge to consider a specific topic in greater detail, examining other Biblical texts and materials that shed light on the matter. Our goals are to build skills and confidence, to familiarize

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ourselves with the commentaries and their methodology, and to appreciate the selfreferential and cross-referential qualities of the Tanakh.

Required texts: good “Mikraot Gedolot” editions of Trei Asar (for Sefer Yonah) and Chamesh Megillot (for the rest) as well as a Hebrew Tanakh. Handouts will be provided.

MISHNAH FOR MAJORS AND MINORS (ITT) ZVI GRUMET Thursdays only 8:30-11:45

LEVEL: INTERM/ADV.

What questions should we be asking when we learn Mishnah? What questions does the Mishnah raise for us? How do we translate these questions, and the learning into content that is teachable in schools? In this class we will focus on mishnayot relating to the hagim, along with other relevant texts, to explore the question of teaching hagim and the beginnings of Torah She-be-al peh. Students should have available a Kehati Mishnayot on Seder Moed.

8:30-11:45 Monday/Wednesday MISHNA LEVEL ALEF (FALL) TALMUD LEVEL ALEF (SPRING)

LEVEL: INTRO.- ALEF

NECHAMA GOLDMAN BARASH Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:45 We will look at the mishna as a whole with its own coherence examining it both as a literary text and also as the basis of Jewish law. The main focus of the class will be to develop skills including discovering the contextual understanding of the text, understanding basic terms, and using analytical tools. Perhaps most importantly, we will explore the relevance of the Oral Law to our lives. We will be studying sections from the tractates of Rosh Hashana, Suka and Berachot. In the second semester we will study selections from the Babylonian Talmud.

MISHNA/TALMUD

LEVEL:INTRODUCTORY- BET

RAHEL BERKOVITS Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:45 In this course students will be introduced to the world of the Ta’anaitic Sages through an in depth study of their most famous and important text – the Mishnah, which became the basis for all Jewish Law. In this class students will develop skills and analytical tools to decipher the conceptual categories and legal reasoning of the Mishnah. The course aims to train the student to comprehend and question the text independently, through critical analysis of language and structure. During the year we will focus on the Tractate of Berakhot, which deals with recitation of the shema, prayer, and blessings. In-depth attention will be paid to the specifics of ritual law as well as the overarching metahalahkic concepts and theological and philosophical messages the Sages are trying to convey in their discussions. In the second half of the year we will begin learning Gemara.

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HUMASH

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE FALL SEMESTER ONLY

JUDY KLITSNER Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:45

This is a skills-based class, designed to empower students to become careful and precise-- and ultimately independent and creative-- readers of the biblical text. The vehicle for our exploration will be the first half of the book of Bereishit. In approaching each narrative, we will conduct close readings, utilizing the tools of literary analysis.

These readings will then act as building blocks in reaching a deep understanding of the motives and actions of the biblical characters, as well as moral and theological messages contained in the book.

In our exegetical efforts, we will place an emphasis on intertextual readings, both within the book of Bereishit and between Bereishit and other books of the Bible. In addition, we will consult many commentaries: ancient and modern, traditional and non-traditional. An added goal of this class is to promote proficiency in reading biblical commentary, and to recognize the methods and styles of various commentators.

Course requirements: Regular, punctual attendance twice weekly Independent preparation and class presentation at the end of the semester Recommended reading: 1. Tanakh, as much as possible 2. Robert Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative, Basic Books, Inc., NY, 1981.

3. J. Weingreen, A Practical Grammar for Classical Hebrew, Second Editoin, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1959.

HUMASH

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

ALEX ISRAEL Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:45

Sefer Bereishit (Int). Isaac and Jacob We shall study Bereishit ch. 23-36 with commentaries, discussing the lives of Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel and Leah, and the birth of the twelve tribes. Our studies will cover the mid-section of Bereishit, and will study episodes such as the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca, the rivalry and animosity between Jacob and Esau, Jacob's deception of his father, the love between Rachel and Jacob, the rape of Dinah and much more.

Our study shall pay special attention to the biblical text and its literary structure. Central medieval commentaries such as Rashi, Rashbam, Ibn Ezra and Ramban, and some more modern works will be regularly referenced and studied.

Required Texts: Tanakh, Mikraot Gedolot/Torat Chayim Bereishit vol 1 and 2.

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HUMASH

LEVEL: ADVANCED

HOWARD MARKOSE Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:45 An introduction to the study of biblical exegesis. This text-based class is designed to provide for the seasoned Tanach student a glimpse at the Book of Breisheet from various angles including: • Through the eyes of Medieval and Modern parshanim, from Rashi to Nehama Leibowitz and beyond via an in-depth study of the Bible as a self-interpreting text, with emphasis on intertextual readings • Through the use of literary and critical approaches to interpretation • Through an understanding of the Ancient Near East in the era of the Patriarchs and before Course Requirements: 1.Some fluency in reading biblical text and commentary, as well as a good working knowledge of Hebrew grammar, including all of the binyanim.

2. Toward the end of the semester, students will be required to offer class presentations demonstrating principles learned in class.

Required Texts (to be purchased): 1. ‫ שני כרכים‬,‫תורת חיים – בראשית‬, 1993, Mossad Harav Kook; Two volumes of Torat Hayyim – Breisheet.

2. A Bible with English translation: Tanakh, Jewish Publication Society or The Jerusalem Bible, Koren Publishers.

ITT (INTENSIVETANAKH TRACK) TORAH CLASSICS NEIMA NOVETSKY Mon., Wed. 8:30-11:45

LEVEL: INTERM/ADV.

This course will take an in-depth look at a selection of the most fundamental, intriguing, and vexing stories from throughout Torah. We will delve into both narrative and legal material, wrestle with philosophical issues, engage in character analysis and study ancient Near Eastern parallels. Throughout our studies, we will turn to both classical commentators and modern scholarship to help guide our learning. Students will be encouraged to question, explore and share areas of personal interests as well. By year's end, students should have a strong understanding of the central stories/passages of Torah and the tools and skills to study more on their own.

12:00-1:00-Sunday/Thursday BEKIUT NEVI’IM RISHONIM

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

MICHAEL HATTIN Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00 NAVIGATING THE BIBLE The books of the Prophets or “Nevi’im” that comprise the second (and largest) section of the Tanakh are terra incognita to many of us. Aside from some celebrated passages,

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much of the material that constitutes the prophetic works – including their historical setting, primary themes, and literary techniques – is, to quote Isaiah, “like the words of a sealed book”.

In this course, we will remedy that situation by embarking upon a broad and comprehensive survey of the first, narrative section of the Nevi’im, namely the books of Joshua/Yehoshua, Judges/Shoftim, Samuel/Shemuel and Kings/Melachim. This will necessarily entail a fair amount of weekly reading by course participants, whether in Hebrew or in translation. In class, we will construct a geographical and historical framework, explore important themes and motifs, and trace the textual continuity that underlies the Hebrew Bible as a whole. Along the way, we will cover a thousand years of Biblical history as we encounter every significant character and event in the story of the people of Israel! We will meet two times a week and instruction will be in English.

Required text: a Hebrew Tanakh with translation.

MODERN JEWISH THOUGHT ZVI HIRSCHFIELD Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL FALL SEMESTER ONLY

This course will offer an introductory exploration to the writings of the leading Jewish thinkers of the 19th and 20th century who have shaped the thinking and approaches to contemporary Judaism. These thinkers will include Martin Buber, Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Avraham Y. Kook, Eliezer Berkovits, Mordechai Kaplan and others. We will also create time and space to think about our own reactions and responses to these thinkers and foster discussions about our own theologies. Come prepared to think, ask hard questions, and challenge yourself and others about core questions facing modern Jews.

TURNING POINTS IN MODERN JEWISH HISTORY DAVID BERNSTEIN Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL FALL SEMESTER ONLY

HOW DID WE GET HERE? How did Jews become equal citizens, develop denominations, and create a Jewish State? What were the ways in which Jews coped with modernization? How is it that Germany turned on its Jews? In what ways did Jews react? These are just some of the questions that we will deal with in trying to grapple with the major turning points in modern Jewish history, from the French Revolution through the late 20th century. Each class will usually revolve around a primary historical source, which students will be assigned to read at least a day before class.

We will also set aside a small amount of time for “Israel as Laboratory,” student reflections on “the good, the bad, and the ugly” aspects of life in Israel.

Highly recommended for those joining the Pardes trip to Poland in January.

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TALMUDIC PERSONALITIES (TANNAIM) LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL LEAH ROSENTHAL Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00

FALL SEMSESTER ONLY

The class will read classic rabbinic texts focusing on different Mishnaic or Talmudic personalities. As we read, we will attempt to gain insight into the literary character and ideological representation of each great figure. The goal of the class is to create a multidimensional context which will inform our reading of rabbinic texts.

RELATIONSHIPS

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

TOVAH LEAH NACHMANI Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00

The goal of this course is to enhance our most challenging relationships in a practical way. Common points of tension and conflict - with siblings and with friends, between lovers, between parents and children, among students and teachers, and between individual and community - will open up venues of becoming more attentive and compassionate in all of our relationships.

A broad range of texts will be explored – from Torah, Mishna, and Talmud, to Medieval, Hasidic and Modern thinkers – alongside practical writing exercises with the aim of integrating our learning and our living. Prerequisites: Spiritual curiosity, an inquiring mind, and an open heart.

CONTEMPORARY ISRAEL

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

JAMIE SALTER Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00

On the one hand, the State of Israel is the culmination of a dream, or more precisely, many different dreams. On the other hand, the reality of Jewish sovereignty in its own land has led to some difficult realities. This course will examine historical, sociological, economic, religious, and political changes and challenges that have created the present Israeli reality.

Each class will also include a brief “Israel as Lab” segment, in which students will be encouraged to share aspects of their own contemporary Israel experiences – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

1. Israeli Society: The First 25 Years 2. The Six Day War - Turning Pt. In Israeli and Jewish history 3. The Shock of the Yom Kippur War, 1973 4. The End of One Party Domination in Israeli politics, 1977 5. Sadat Comes To Jerusalem, and the Egypt-Israeli Peace Accords 6. The First Lebanon War, 1982 7. One in Seven Israelis: The Massive Aliyah from the Former Soviet Union 8. Ethiopian Jewry: Operation Solomon and Operation Moses 9. The Hi Tech revolution: Start-Up Nation 10. Political Parties and the Israeli Electoral System 11. Religious-Secular Relations

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12. The First Intifada, the Oslo Peace Process, and the Peace Treaty with Jordan 13. The Second Intifada

TALMUDIC PERSONALITIES (AMORAIM) LEAH ROSENTHAL Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

The class will read classic rabbinic texts focusing on different Mishnaic or Talmudic personalities. As we read, we will attempt to gain insight into the literary character and ideological representation of each great figure. The goal of the class is to create a multidimensional context which will inform our reading of rabbinic texts.

BEKIUT NACH

LEVEL: EDUCATORS SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

NEIMA NOVETSKY Sun., Thurs. 12:00-1:00

Monarchy, Exile and Return This course is part of a two year independent study program aiming to familiarize the student with the historical narratives of Nakh and their accompanying prophetic material.

This year we will cover the period of the monarchy through to the period of the return to Zion. Most of the learning is to be done independently with class devoted to review and discussion (from the perspective of both student and future teacher.) Over the course of the year we will study 2Kings in its entirety and selections from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and Ezra-Nehemiah. Intermittently we will break to discuss connected issues such as the nature of prophecy, canonization and Biblical criticism.

Required Texts: 1 volume full Tanakh, study guides to be provided by instructor.

12:00-1:00 Monday/Wednesday SIDDUR- Theory and Practice

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

MICHAEL HATTIN Mon., Wed. 12:00-1:00 The Siddur is arguably the Jewish people's greatest literary creation. In it are contained not only familiar prayers but an implicit description of our people's history, culture and linguistic development over the course of more than three millennia. The siddur is, of course, also the repository of our people's unquenchable yearnings for a better world.

This course will introduce the content of the siddur as it is expressed in Shacharit or the morning service – the longest of the daily prayers. We will follow the course of this prayer as we consider its discrete elements, their overall structure, their historical context and their deeper meaning. Along the way, we will also discuss the basic framing of the service – synagogue layout, the role of the prayer leader and the "choreography" of the service. All denominations are welcome.

Required text: Koren Siddur with English translation according to the liturgy of Ashkenaz.

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WOMEN AND MITZVOT

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY FALL SEMESTER ONLY

RAHEL BERKOVITS Mon., Wed. 12:00-1:00

Women’s role in traditional practice and Jewish society will be explored through the study of classical and contemporary legal texts. We will examine women’s participation in and practice of a number of different rituals. Some of the topics we will discuss are Torah study, Shabbat/festival rituals, and prayer in the synagogue, such as reading from the Torah and counting in the minyan. Questions of custom vs. law, societal/historical influences, and future development will be addressed. The course will focus on textual analysis and interpretation.

PRACTICAL KASHRUT FROM THE SOURCES ZVI HIRSCHFIELD Mon., Wed. 12:00-1:00

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL FALL SEMESTER ONLY

The focus of this course is on learning classic halakhic texts in order to equip students with practical knowledge of kashrut. The combination of classic and modern texts will enable students to gain an understanding of the halakhic process, as well as knowledge of practical halakha.

We will also be studying the laws of relevant holidays.

There will be source booklets, which students will be expected to purchase. All sources will be provided in Hebrew and English. There is no expectation of commitment to halakhic observance.

BIBLICAL HEBREW GRAMMAR

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE FALL SEMESTER ONLY

HOWARD MARKOSE Mon., Wed. 12:00-1:00

The Tanach is a text that has been analyzed and interpreted many ways throughout its existence. This course will enable the student to read and comprehend the text through the understanding of the Hebrew grammar that is found therein. Focusing on various biblical selections, students will learn how the various verb forms are used to express specific meaning. They will learn to read the text with proper pronunciation and accent, and explore how the Trope (the cantillation marks which provide accent, punctuation and melody) serve as an aid to the reading and studying of Tanach. The fall course will be an intermediate course. A rudimentary knowledge of modern Hebrew grammar is required.

The spring course will be taught at an introductory level.

BIBLICAL HEBREW GRAMMAR HOWARD MARKOSE Mon., Wed. 12:00-1:00

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

The Tanach is a text that has been analyzed and interpreted many ways throughout its existence. This course will enable the student to read and comprehend the text through

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the understanding of the Hebrew grammar that is found therein. Focusing on various biblical selections, students will learn how the various verb forms are used to express specific meaning. They will learn to read the text with proper pronunciation and accent, and explore how the Trope (the cantillation marks which provide accent, punctuation and melody) serve as an aid to the reading and studying of Tanach. .

INTRODUCTION TO KABBALAH JAMES JACOBSON-MAISELS Mon., Wed. 12:00-1:00

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

Kabbalah was one of the most dramatic, diverse and creative products of medieval Judaism, radically rethinking every major component of Jewish thought and practice from God, creation, and the place of evil, to the mizvot, Torah, sexuality and death.

Through a close reading of a variety of Kabbalistic texts we will explore Kabbalah’s central ideas and the different approaches to the foundational elements of Judaism within the Kabbalistic tradition.

1:30-2:25 Monday MEGILLAT ESTHER

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

ELISA PEARLMAN Mon. 1:30-2:25 Learn to chant this special trope in preparation for Purim.

2:30-5:00 Sunday/Tuesday RAMBAM

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY FALL SEMESTER ONLY

LEVI COOPER Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

The fascination with Maimonides – or MYmonides, as many have claimed – transcends the divisions between different streams of Judaism. Indeed, the writings of Maimonides, or “Rambam” as he is known in Hebrew, are filled with gems in the field of Jewish law and philosophy, and it seems that every faction wants to claim him as its own. With this in mind we will study key texts from the Rambam’s magnum opus, Mishneh Torah. Texts will be prepared before class, and will be reviewed and discussed when we meet.

Parallel and complementary sources will be explored and their implication considered.

Special attention will be given not only to content of the text, but also to the personality of Maimonides, his style, contribution, and unique place in Jewish intellectual history.

This class will place emphasis on honing Hebrew skills as we will examine the sources in the original accessible Hebrew of Maimonides.

Required Text: Mishneh Torah (the one volume edition with dots is recommended) Notebook and folder for handouts Recommended: Hebrew/English dictionary

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SOCIAL JUSTICE TRACK/ JEWISH SOCIAL JUSTICE

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL FALL SEMESTER ONLY

MEESH HAMMER-KOSSOY Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

We all want to build a better world, but how should that world look? How should we get there?

This class is open to all levels. All sources will be provided in both Hebrew and English.

Because one of our major goals is to see how Jewish values are being translated into social issues in Israel today, students enrolling in this course are also committing to attend supplementary lectures and field trips, as described below.

What we hope to achieve: • To define a Jewish Vision(s) of Social Justice through Jewish text.

• To give current and future activists the tools to use Jewish text to inform and inspire their work.

• To learn about the state of the field and the specific challenges in the State of Israel with the help of supplemental guest lectures and field visits.

What we will do to get there: • A close study of Jewish texts, primarily Talmud and codes, around issues of the environment, economic justice, democracy, treatment of minority groups within and outside the Jewish community in Israel.

• Supplementary lectures by experts in the field, in both governmental and nonprofit sectors. Most of these lectures will be during lunch before the class or on Tuesday during “Critical Issues.”

• Field trips: many will be on Sunday or Tuesday afternoons (during, before and after class), with a few at other times.

• Students are strongly encouraged to take a leadership role in the community service component of the Pardes program.

• The service component of the Pardes program (Thursday afternoon volunteering) is mandatory.

PHILOSOPHY AND DEVELOPMENT OF HALAKHA MICHAEL HATTIN Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

LEVEL: INTERM./ADVANCED FALL SEMESTER ONLY

The halakha is a self-contained system that operates according to its own assumptions and principles. While many of us may be familiar with various (often disconnected) expressions of practical halakha, few of us have considered how the system works as an organic whole.

We will consider the origins and development of the halakha as we attempt to acquire an "insider's perspective" – not how the halakha is viewed from the outside, but rather how it views itself. Along the way, we will discuss significant moments in the development of the halakha and meet some of the most important contributors to halakhic discourse during a continuum that stretches from our earliest history as a people until the present day.

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Handouts will be provided as required and many (but not all) sources will be in Hebrew.

NACH

LEVEL: INTERM./ADVANCED FALL SEMESTER ONLY

ALEX ISRAEL Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

Book of Samuel Samuel is a riveting book that engages in themes of leadership. From corruption to prophecy, from the questions of the monarchy to the jealousy of leaders to their rivals, the flaws and virtues of leaders are all raised in this dramatic story. In these pages we meet the corrupt priests of Shilo, pious Hannah, the formidable prophet Samuel, the first and tragic king Saul, and the hero of the story, King David. This will be an exciting, thought-provoking and challenging study of Israel's formative period.

We will study the Biblical text along with commentaries.

Required Texts: Tanakh and Mikraot Gedolot

SEMINAR IN MODERN JEWISH THOUGHT ZVI HIRSCHFIELD Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

This course will explore how leading Jewish thinkers address the great challenges of modernity to Judaism and Jewish identity. Issues to be explored will include: Rabbinic authority, nationalism, feminism, ethics, and the goal of being a Jew. Students will be asked to formulate their own views and present them to each other in seminar style.

MIDRASH

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

LEVI COOPER Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

The course will explore different genres of Midrash, the historical and geographical background of Midrash, the relationship between Aggada and Halakha, the relationship of the rabbis towards Midrash Aggada, how the sages presented philosophical ideas, and other topics. We will develop working definitions of key terms, such as Midrash, Aggada, Aggadata, Halakha etc.

The aim of the class is to understand the genre, to facilitate engagement with different midrashic and aggadic texts, to develop an appreciation of the genre and its goals, and to empower students to be able to begin study Midrash independently.

Texts will all be in Hebrew (with a smattering of Aramaic and a dash of Greek).

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SEXUALITY

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

RAHEL BERKOVITS Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

Sexuality and Sanctity: Towards a Jewish Sexual Ethic What does Judaism have to say about issues surrounding sexuality, gender and the body? What values and challenges can the rabbinic texts impart for us living with the modern sexual norms of the twenty first century? In this class we will examine, analyze and openly discuss rabbinic texts from the Torah and Talmud through to the modern responsa on issues such as nakedness and modesty, marital sex, the laws of niddah, homosexual sex, transgender, intersex, premarital sex, masturbation and birth control.

The classroom will be a safe space for students of diverse backgrounds, orientations, and practices.

KABBALAT SHABBAT

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

RUTH GAN KAGAN Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

As a Kabbalistic ceremony developed in 16th century Tzfat, Kabbalat Shabbat took the Jewish world by a storm to become one of our favorite prayer services. At the same time, most of us know very little about the many levels of meaning encrypted in this short service. You are invited to join me in an exploration of Kabbalat Shabbat: From the p'shat meaning of the words, to a historical study of its development, through the deep mystical meaning of the ritual itself, the hymns and the Psalms into a taste of the hundreds of melodies composed for the prayers, old and new. A portion of the semester will be dedicated to an in depth study of L'cha Dodi, Yedid nefesh and Ana B'khach and to their mystical symbolism.

Sources in Hebrew and some English will be provided.

Participants will be encouraged to visit different shuls and different edot for Kabbalat Shabbat and to expand their musical Kabbalat Shabbat repertoire through online explorations of websites like Piyyut, Nava Tehila and YouTube playlists.

PEACE & CONFLICT TRACK/ INTRO. TO JUDAISM AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION DANIEL ROTH Sun., Tues. 2:30-5:00

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

The Track seeks to challenge and inspire participants into being knowledgeable and active rodfei shalom (Jewish pursuers of peace) between individuals, families, communities and nations. We will attempt to do this through the study of classic Jewish rabbinic texts, conflict resolution theories, newspapers articles, group discussions, guest speakers and field trips. Track topics include "The Identity and Methods of the Rodef Shalom;" "Forgiveness and Its Limits;" "Narrative Mediation and Reconciling IsraeliteAmalekite Narratives;" "Ethical Dilemmas of War and Peace in Judaism and Israel." In addition to participating in the bi-weekly second semester classes, participants will be required to attend occasional guest speaker lectures (Tuesday 12-1), a class trip, at

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least two "peace and conflict" activities outside of class time and to occasionally share and post comments on processing questions.

The Track is open to students of all levels and backgrounds and is one of the programs of the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution.

2:30-5:00 Monday/Wednesday HALAKHA

LEVEL: INTRO/INTERMEDIATE

MIKE FEUER Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00 Join us as we unpack the classic works of halakha (Jewish Law) from the Talmud down to modern texts, seeking knowledge and developing the skills for independent learning.

The laws of Shabbat, the cycle of the holy days and the coming shemitta (sabbatical) year will be our focus as we explore the process and values which underlie practice.

There is no expectation of commitment to halakhic observance, only to an aspiration for learning, challenge and growth.

There will be source booklets, which students will be expected to purchase. All sources will be provided in Hebrew and English.

GREAT TALMUDIC SUGIYOT

LEVEL: INTERM./ADVANCED

MEIR SCHWEIGER Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00 This class will examine a wide range of the some of the most famous sections in the Talmud, with the purpose of broadening one's exposure to both content and skills.

Among the topics that will be studied are: teshuva (repentance), honoring one’s parents, women’s obligation in mitzvot, self-defense, martyrdom, retrieving a lost object, “eye for an eye”, lashon hara (evil speech), etc. We will examine the sugiyot (topics) with an eye to building a solid Talmudic foundation for future study. In addition to focusing on finetuning skills, such as Talmudic terminology and methodology, we will also explore the conceptual framework of each and every topic and, in some cases, the practical legal ramifications as well.

There will be a source booklet that everyone will be required to purchase.

BIBLICAL MEDIATION

LEVEL: INTERM./ADVANCED FALL SEMESTER ONLY

DANIEL ROTH Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00

The Bible is full of conflict narratives that have been subject to a vast range of contradictory interpretations over the past two thousand years. This course will study the many of the key conflict narratives found throughout the Bible. Each conflict narrative will be analyzed through the combination of the study of Biblical interpretations from as early as the Pseudepigrapha (200 BCE), through medieval Jewish interpretations, up to modern Biblical scholarship, together with contemporary narrative conflict resolution

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theories. The goals of the course are to both provoke new possibilities of Biblical interpretation through the employment of narrative conflict resolution theories, as well as to empower students with the tools needed to transform interpersonal, communal and interreligious conflicts in society today.

SELF, SOUL AND TEXT

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

JAMES JACOBSON-MAISELS Mon., Wed. 2:30-5:00

SPIRITUAL TEXTS AND PRACTICES IN JUDAISM In this course we will study a range of Jewish spiritual practices through the close reading of a series of texts describing these practices and their theological and philosophical context. Through this reading we will gain religious, philosophical, historical and terminological depth in the nature of Jewish spiritual practice, particularly from the mystical tradition. We will then perform together the practices themselves, both as a way to deepen our own spiritual lives and provide us with spiritual tools (and options), and as a way to more fully understand the texts and practitioners we are studying. (In each class we will spend forty-five minutes in hevrutah studying texts, an hour in shiur exploring these texts together, a half hour performing the practice, and fifteen minutes processing the experience of the practice and its relation to the text.)This course will involve intellect, soul, heart and body and so participants are asked to come with intellectual, emotional, and spiritual openness and the willingness to experiment.

Evening Classes HASIDUT

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

LEVI COOPER Sun., Tues. 5:15-6:45 In this course we will walk the spiritual path of Chassidus, meeting central personalities, becoming familiar with key ideas and having an appreciation for the historical and social development of the movement that has given so much to Judaism. Approximately half the classes will be dedicated to passages found in a foundational text. This year we have selected Kedushat Levi by Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev as our focal text. In the other classes we will learn about the history, thought, and development of the movement. Hasidic songs (niggunim)will also be introduced, explored, and sung (beginning October). The final section of the course will detail contemporary Hasidic phenomena (after Pesah). Each week, participants will be assigned tasks – “spiritual homework” – connected to the passages discussed. The spiritual homework will be completed outside class and then discussed in havruta at the beginning of the next class.

Required Text: Kedushat Levi Sources will be read in Hebrew from the original text.

Hebrew is not a prerequisite; commitment and a willingness to be dedicated to the class is.

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TORAH TROPE

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

ELISA PEARLMAN Mondays 5:15-6:10 The word ta’am means “flavor” and the ta’amei hamikrah (“trope marks”) not only show us how to chant each word in the Tanakh, but also add “flavor”, i.e. enhance the text, too.

During this course students will acquire the tools to chant any part of Torah, while also looking at how the trope functions as an interpretation to the text.

NIGHT SEDER (SEDER EREV)

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

Teacher Guide: MIKE FEUER Mondays 6:15-8:15 pm Seder Erev provides a unique opportunity for students to use the resources of the Beit Midrash at their own pace, outside the regular hours, in a relaxed atmosphere. Students can take advantage of this once-a-week opportunity to investigate a particular area of interest, strive over the year to complete a sefer, or review material studied during the regular program. This is a sterling opportunity to fulfill the Divine precept of Talmud Torah during the quiet hours.

Seder Erev will also provide an opportunity for first year students to study with more advanced students including Fellows and PEP. This is also a chance for people on different levels with common interests to study together. Pardes faculty will be on hand to provide guidance and to answer questions.

TALMUD SKILLS INTENSIVE

LEVEL: INTERM./ADV.

DANIEL REIFMAN Mon., Wed. 6:15-8:15 pm This course is designed for students who want to develop textual proficiency in Talmud and basic rishonim. We will concentrate on techniques for parsing the Talmud text and constructing the logical flow of the sugya, with the goal of allowing students to read an average sugya independently by the end of the course. Additionally, we will discuss the way different rishonim comment on and seek to resolve problems in the Talmud text.

Students should have strong Hebrew language skills and some prior experience studying Talmud.

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THINKING LIKE A HALAKHIC SAGE: CULTIVATING PRAGMATIC INTUITION VIA HALAKHIC SOURCES LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL ELISHA ANCSELOVITS TUESDAYS: 5:15-7:15 PM “You may polish up commonsense, you may contradict [it] in detail, and you may surprise it. But ultimately your whole task is to satisfy it.� Alfred North Whitehead In this course we discover that Halakhic legal language at its best has been a shorthand language, which facilitates a discussion of the many sides of issues that have been and will continue to be rebalanced throughout the course of human history. Accordingly, we will first learn to use Halakhic terminology and categories as an aid to making wise decisions instead of erring in confusing the Halakhic terms (the symbols) for the actual discourse inherent in the terms (the objects). Second, we will learn to thinking both inductively and intuitively instead of deductively, learn to understand and incorporate the diversity of human needs found in Jewish sources in making normative and ethical decisions. The goal of this course is to learn to make wise Judaic decisions.

SCRIBAL ARTS

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL DOV LAIMON Wednesdays 5:15-6:45 pm (starts after Sukkot; there is an extra charge for this course) In this hands-on seminar, students will learn the script used in writing Sifrei Torah, tefillin, and mezuzot, how to make a quill and write on parchment. The course will provide an introduction to the many intricate halakhot determining when a letter is kosher, and how tefillin and mezuzot must be written, as well as an investigation of the deep meaning of the alef-bet in classical texts.

EISH KODESH

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

JAMES JACOBSON-MAISELS Wednesdays 5:15-6:45 pm The Piaseczner Rebbe: Transformation of Body, Heart, Mind and Soul In this course we will explore the teachings of R. Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira, the Piaseczner Rebbe and the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto. Looking at both his pre-war and wartime works we will examine what he thinks it means to be a Jew and a human being, the divine nature of our body, emotions, thoughts and spirit, and how we awaken to that divine nature. In addition we will consider a number of additional themes in his work including his teachings of spiritual resistance to Nazi oppression, his notion of a suffering God, his educational theory, and his understanding of spiritual practice. Texts will be provided in English and Hebrew and students will be expected to work in the original to the best of their ability.

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JEWISH MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

LEVEL: OPEN TO ALL

JAMES JACOBSON-MAISELS Wednesdays 6:50-8:00 pm The Psalms teach that the human soul is the light of God, illuminating our hearts and minds, our actions and relationships, for the Divine to enter. Yet too often we fail to experience the awakening and joyous presence which is our nature and instead find ourselves mired in the worries, demands and distractions of everyday life, running from home to work, from class to test, from event to event and never deeply pausing to experience our divine nature.

This class offers the opportunity for a sacred pause to open to the joy and presence which is our divine nature and take that awakening back with us into our everyday lives, to transform the sometimes muffled, tense or distracted experience of our lives into an open-hearted engagement with every moment. It offers the opportunity to touch that still, small voice within each of us and the soul-wisdom which is our birthright. It offers the opportunity to transform our Jewish practice and lives into a deep mode of spiritual awakening.

Each class will include meditation instruction, guided and solitary meditation, Jewish meditation teachings and a question and answer period. Open to all and by donation.

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