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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.
