All sessions are on Zoom. Please note that times indicated below are ET.
9:15 – 10:30 am – 3 course options
- Introduction to Codes – Rabbi David Almog
- Homiletics – Rabbi Jef Segelman
- Truth, Authority, and Action – Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
10:45 – 11:50 am
Informational FAQs
Learn more about our programs of study, curriculum, distance learning, and the AJR application process.
Getting to Know AJR / Meeting with Students
Meet with current students.
12:55 – 2:00 pm – 3 course options
- Life Cycle I – Rabbi Jef Segelman
- Parshanut – Rabbi Lexie Botzum
- Jewish Prayers for Healing – Rabbi Rob Scheinberg, PhD
2:10 – 3:20 pm
Pluralism at AJR and Pluralistic Leadership in Today’s Jewish Community
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
Minhah
Experience our spirited tefillot.
- Book of Job – Dr. Job Jindo
- Introductory Talmud – Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
- Voice Training for All – Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor
- Questions About Taking Classes This Fall? Rabbinic, MA, and Kol-Bo – Dr. Ora Horn Prouser, Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
- AJR’s Cantorial Program and Your Place In It – Cantorial and Kol-Bo – Cantor Michael Kasper
Have a great day!
Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
HAL 401 Introduction to Codes
Rabbi David Almog
This course will introduce students to the literature of the halakhic codes, with a focus on Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah. We will explore several facets of the text: its internal dynamics and unique features; the way in which it sets the standard for Jewish legal codification, and the ways in which it is faithful to its earlier sources and how it reshapes them. Emphasis will be placed on precise and accurate reading of the text, with commentaries consulted as necessary.
PRO 310 Homiletics – Life Cycle and High Holidays
Rabbi Jef Segelman
In this class we will focus on speaking in the context of life cycle events and special occasions, as well as for the High Holidays. We will learn the ways in which clergy formulate and express the wisdom of Judaism in the context of birth, B/Mitzvah, weddings and funerals. We will also discuss the short D’var Torah that often sets the tone for meetings and special events in community life. There is always a great deal of pressure about High Holiday sermons and Divrei Torah. In this class, we will discuss the process by which we decide our topics. And then, through study of the Tanakh and Machzor texts, we will share different approaches to presenting some of our most important ideas in an effective and meaningful way.
Truth, Authority, and Action
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
What does rabbinic tradition teach us about the relationship between truth, authority, and action? What should we do when those in power tell us something that conflicts with our experience of truth or reality?
PRO 341 Life Cycle 1
Rabbi Jef Segelman
In this class, we will explore the ways in which Jewish practice informs and elevates the meaning of life from birth through marriage. Students will learn both the meaning and the practical role of clergy in the traditional rituals and ceremonies. We will also focus on how new ideas shape these ceremonies for our own time and our own communities. Finally, we will discuss how we might create new rituals to bring greater spiritual meaning to such important moments as first steps, eating solid food, receiving a drivers license, leaving home, etc.
BIB 420 Parshanut
Rabbi Lexie Botzum
This course introduces students to the world of medieval and early modern Jewish biblical exegesis. Students will dive deeply into selections from Humash, comparing and contrasting the analysis of major commentators, with a particular focus on Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Ramban, and Rashbam. The course will examine these commentators’ methodologies and assumptions, situating them within larger historical and theological contexts. In learning to interpret both what commentators are saying and why they’re saying it, students will not only develop an understanding of the commentators’ exegetical approaches, but hone the ability to do their own close and critical reading of the biblical text.
Jewish Prayers for Healing: History, Language, and Theology
Rabbi Rob Scheinberg, PhD
We will explore Jewish prayers for healing as found in the Tanakh, the Talmud, and the Siddur (with a special focus on the Mi Sheberakh le-holim). What are our theological assumptions when we pray for healing? How have Jewish approaches to prayers for healing changed over time?
BIB 511 Studies in the Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to a Good Person
Dr. Job Jindo
How should we approach the question of why bad things happen to good people? How shouldn’t we? And why? Where can we find resources to cope with evil? This course will explore these and other related issues of human suffering through a critical reading of the book of Job. By the conclusion of this course, students will be able to: (1) explain the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of Job; (2) discuss biblical theologies of evil and tragedy; and (3) provide examples from the book of Job to understand the human condition in today’s world.
Introductory Talmud
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
In this lesson we will explore a sugya (passage) in the Talmud that derives the order of the blessings in the Amidah (the silent prayer). We will pay attention to some technical Talmudic terminology as well as the assumptions that the rabbis make about how we can interpret the Bible.
PRO 165 Voice Training for All
Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor
This class will concentrate on teaching students to use their voices correctly and effectively. Each student comes to this class with unique strengths, experiences, and areas for growth. Our approach is to meet you where you are, offering guidance and instruction that supports your individual vocal development. Whether you are an experienced cantorial student or new to voice training this class is designed to help you progress at your own pace while building confidence and skill. We will explore how simple tools can empower us to sing with authority.
