Past Course Offerings

Spring 2025 | 5785

BIB 101 Introduction to Bible – 2 Separate Sessions
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser and Dr. Job Jindo
This course will introduce the student to modern critical studies of the Bible. Selected texts of the Bible will be studied in-depth while broader thematic issues will be surveyed. Various methodologies used by biblical scholars will be introduced to the students. The many meanings of the text and the centrality of the Bible in the Jewish world will be emphasized through careful study.
This course is a prerequisite for all Bible study at AJR. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above.
2 credits
Required Texts – Dr. Job Jindo:
1. The Hebrew Bible [any edition will do—be sure to have a hardcopy with you when attending each class] 2. Berlin, Adele and Brettler, Marc Zvi The Jewish Study Bible, Second Edition Amazon $35.99 ISBN: 0199978468
3. Fishbane, Michael, The JPS Bible Commentary: Haftarot: (English and Hebrew Edition Amazon $68.41 ISBN 0827606915

BIB 420 Parshanut: Introduction to Medieval Biblical Exegesis
Dr. Job Jindo
This course introduces students to the rich world of medieval Jewish biblical exegesis. Selections, mostly from the Torah (esp., Genesis), will be examined to compare and contrast opinions of major commentators, such as Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, and Ramban. By the conclusion of this course, the student will also be able to demonstrate: (1) a mastery of the essential skills in reading medieval commentaries; (2) an informed understanding of the methodologies and exegetical goals of each exegete; and (3) a deeper appreciation of the commentators in their own historical and theological contexts. Students will also become familiar with other features and interpretive tools found on the pages of rabbinic Bibles (Mikra’ot Gedolot)—for example, the interpretive value of the cantillation notes (Ta’amei Hamikra)—as well as what they should be mindful of, when using online sources (e.g., Sefaria).
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. The Hebrew Bible [any edition will do] 2. Mikra’ot Gedolot. [This will be explained during the first session] 3. Artscroll Sapirstein Edition Rashi: Vols. 1-5 [Note that there are two sizes: large and small] The Standard Edition(Large):
Amazon $148.20 ISBN 1578191149
The Student Edition (Small):
Amazon $134.99 isbn 1578193303

CAN 201 Jewish Music in the Diaspora
Dr. Samuel Torjman-Thomas
The purpose of this course is to explore Jewish music as an expression of diaspora identity. To understand Jewish musical expressions, this course examines Jewish culture and identity as inherently diasporic. This course analyzes different types of Jewish musical expressions, including liturgical, para-liturgical, and non-liturgical spheres of musical production.
This course fulfills the Music History requirement.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Regev, Motti & Seroussi, . 2004. Popular Music and National Culture in Israel
Amazon $34.95 ISBN 0520236548
2. Shelemay, Kay Kaufman. 1998. Let Jasmine Rain Down Song and Remembrance among Syrian Jews (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology) Amazon $42.40 ISBN 0226752127. Univ. Chicago Press.
3. Slobin, Mark. 1996. Tenement Songs: The Popular Music of the Jewish Immigrants (Music in American Life) Amazon $29 ISBN 025206562X. Univ. Illinois Press.

CAN 437 Advanced Nusah Hol
Cantors Sol Zim and Lisa Klinger-Kantor
In this course, students will learn and develop a deep understanding of the vast components of various Motifs, Nushaot, Prayer Modes and Misinai tunes for Y’mot Hahol – Shaharit, Minhah and Ma’ariv services. Students will learn, demonstrate and master how to lead all the weekday services from the siddur by utilizing the correct motifs and the richness of the various Nushaot blending them with contemporary sounds and various niggunim, thereby creating a bridge between traditional and new sounds. Each student will be required to master the Nusah motifs of the following parts of the weekday service: Birkhot Hashahar, P’sukei D’zimrah, Shaharit (including the Amidah), Tahanun, Torah Service, and the concluding service.
Both sections (second and third period) are required.
4 credits
Required Texts:
1. Book of Musical Manuscripts will be provided by Cantor Sol Zim
2. Siddur Sim Shalom for WEEKDAYS (Old, New versions) Amazon $34.95 ISBN 0916219143
3. Frishman, Rabbi Elyse D. Mishkan T’filah Amazon $35 ISBN 0881231185
4. United Synagogue of America’s Weekday Prayer Book
5. Birnbaum, Philip Ha-Siddur Hashalem Daily Prayer Book Amazon $50.20 ISBN 0884820459

HAL 373 Critical Issues in Jewish Law and Science: AI and Emerging Technologies
Dr. David Zvi Kalman
This is the online Intersession course May 5 – 8, 2025, see course schedule.
This course will count as Critical Issues Halakhah or as the Science requirement.
2 credits
Required Texts: TBD

HAL 460 Intermediate Codes
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
This course will focus on Joseph Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, the major medieval code of Jewish law that continues to inform contemporary practice. We will study many of the most important laws related to the observance of Shabbat and holidays with secondary readings that offer more diverse perspectives for modern forms of observance and celebration.
Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes
2 credits
Required Texts: None

HEB 251 Hebrew IB
Ilana Davidov
This course will bring students to Chapter 8 of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מן ההתחלה ב’). The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes Pi’el, Hitpa’el in all tenses, passive verbs in Pa’al, and more prepositions. Written and oral assignments will enhance communicative skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IA or equivalent
4 credits
Required Texts:
1. Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition, Amazon, $65 ISBN: 084000849X
2. Simmons, Esti and Weinberg, Noa, From Here to There II (מפה לשם ב’) ISBN 9653501935
3. Hebrew Language site: www.pealim.com (dictionary; verb tables; prepositions; quizzes & more)
4. Multi Dictionary Bilingual Learners Dictionary Hebrew-Hebrew-English English-Hebrew (English and Hebrew Edition) Amazon $32.99 ISBN 965390003X
5. Rav Milim רב מילים (online dictionary), or its free version Morfix (morfix.co.il)

HEB 400 Hebrew IIIA
Ilana Davidov
The purpose of this course is to transition students from intermediate to advanced level of Hebrew. The course will focus on vocabulary expansion and reading comprehension and will provide training in speaking and listening. Students will develop their productive language skills via class discussions, presentations and listening practice, and via reading and writing assignments. The course will include a review of the verb system.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIB or equivalent
4 credits
Required Texts:
1. Reading for a book report: ,סביון ליברכט, חגיגת האירוסין של חיותה Gesher edition. https://hebrewisus.com/books/gesher-series/shloshah-sipurim.html מתוך “שלושה סיפורים”))
2. Multi Dictionary Bilingual Learners Dictionary Hebrew-Hebrew-English English-Hebrew (English and Hebrew Edition) Amazon $32.99 ISBN 965390003X
3. Rav Milim רב מילים (online dictionary), or its free version Morfix (morfix.co.il)

HIS 401 Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History II
Rabbi David Fine, PhD
The second part of this two-trimester course will examine the new ideas and the great debates that affected Jewish belief, culture and society from the Early Middle Ages up through Early Modern Times. This trimester will focus on the new ideas, perspectives, innovations, and debates of the Babylonian Jewish community under Islamic rule, followed by the growth of the Spanish Jewish community and the exciting developments created in that context. The development of the Ashkenazi Jewish community, as well as its unique understanding of Torah, will be explored, along with the influences and cultural exchange between Judaism and the Medieval Christian World, leading into the period of European Enlightenment and the Early Modern World.
Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History II may be taken before Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History I.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Seth Schwartz, The Ancient Jews from Alexander to Muhammad
2. Marina Rustow, Heresy and the Politics of Community: The Jews of the Fatimid Caliphate
3. Jonathan Ray, Jewish Life in Medieval Spain: A New History
4. Moshe Halbertal, Maimonides: Life and Thought
5. David Biale, ed., Cultures of the Jews: A New History
6. Avraham Grossman Rashi
7. Robert Chazen, In the Year 1096: The First Crusade and the Jews
8. Gavin Langmuir, History, Religion and Antisemitism
9. Ivan G. Marcus, Rituals of Childhood: Jewish Acculturation in Medieval Europe
10. Israel Jacob Yuval, Two Nations in Your Womb: Perceptions of Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages
11. Ben-Zion Netanyahu, The Origins of the Inquisition in Fifteenth Century Spain
12. Cohen, Joshua, The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Ultimately Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family [a novel] Amazon $9.94 ISBN: 1681376075
13. Gershom Scholem, Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism
14. Singer, Isaac Bashevis, Satan in Goray [a novel] Amazon $17.50 ISBN 1632922347 ($17.50 on Amazon)
15. Michael A. Meyer, The Origins of the Modern Jew: Jewish Identity and European Culture in Germany, 1749-1824

LIT 101 Introduction to Liturgy
Rabbi Rob Scheinberg, PhD
What are the words associated with Jewish prayer, and how and why have they changed over time? In this course we will closely examine the Jewish liturgy for weekdays, addressing the structure, history, and theological implications of texts of the Siddur including the Shema, Amidah, Torah service, Kaddish, Berakhot associated with food, and more. We will also explore questions of prayer’s personal meaning and spiritual significance in contemporary Jewish life, as well as the role of a religious leader in thoughtfully designing worship experiences.
Prerequisite: Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above.
Required Texts:
1. Jonathan Sacks, Koren Shalem Siddur, Ashkenaz (English and Hebrew Edition) Amazon $34.95 ISBN 9653019309
2. Hammer, Reuven, Entering Jewish Prayer: A Guide to Personal Devotion and the Worship Service Amazon $16.95 ISBN 0805210229
3. Levine, Lee, The Ancient Synagogue: The First Thousand Amazon $89.89 ISBN 0300074751
4. Elbogen, Ismar, Jewish Liturgy: A Comprehensive History Amazon $57.34 ISBN 0827604459

LIT 271 Tefillah and Seminar
Cantor Michael Kasper
This is the onsite Intersession course at AJR in Yonkers May 5 – 8, 2025, see course schedule.
The ability to lead public prayer can be a complicated and meaningful experience for the shaliah/shlihat tsibbur as well as the kehillah. Effective davening is dependent on a variety of factors, one of which is the leader’s personal relationship to prayer. Is it individually meaningful, do the words have resonance beyond the ability to read fluently, does the prayer leader maintain a personal prayer practice? Ultimately, a large part of the answer depends on what the prayer leader wants to get out of a communal prayer experience when they are not the leader. What moves you toward the experience you hope to have? This class will ask participants to explore these questions and make public prayer leading decisions based on the answers.
There are no prerequisites for this class.
2 credits

LIT 307 Festival Liturgy
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
A study of the liturgy of Pesah, Shavuot, and Sukkot from biblical origins to the present era. Features: Variations from the weekday liturgy, especially in the Amidot; the development of Hallel customs; the form, function and texts of principal piyyutim, e.g., Hoshanot and Akdamut; Yizkor. These will be studied from historical, literary, and theological perspectives.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Liturgy or the equivalent; Hebrew must be at least at the level of Hebrew IA
2 Credits
Required Texts:
1. Scherman, Rabbi Nosson and Zlotowitz, Rabbi Meir, The Complete Artscroll Siddur (Ashkenazic, Orthodox, $27.99 on the Artscroll website: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9780899066509.html ISBN: 0-89906-650-X
2. Waskow, Arthur, Seasons of Our Joy: A Modern Guide to the Jewish Holidays, 1982 and reprinted many times since Amazon $18.45 ISBN: 0827609302
3. Jeffrey Hoffman, Weaving Prayer: An Analytical and Spiritual Commentary on the Jewish Prayer Book, 2024. Ben Yehuda Press $27.95 ISBN: 13 978-1-953829-60-3In addition to the three books above, students are required to have available at least one of the following siddurim from the major movements in North American Judaism. Students may purchase copies from the various movements or new or used from any other source. Another possibility is borrowing a siddur from a local synagogue:
-Siddur Lev Shalem (Conservative), The Rabbinical Assembly, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-916219-64-2 $55 from The Rabbinical Assembly.
-Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Vehaggim (Reconstructing Judaism), The Reconstructionist Press, 1994 and reprinted many times since. (Note that the weekday and Days of Awe versions are also titled Kol Haneshamah; this course requires the volume with the subtitle, Shabbat Vehaggim). ISBN: 0-935457-46-1 – Available for free at this website: https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/files/kh/kh-shabbat-hagim.pdf
Available in hard copy for $65 on the website of the Reconstructionist Press: https://readandrite.com/products/shabbat-and-holidays-shabbat-vehagim
-Mishkan T’filah: A Reform Siddur, Central Conference of American Rabbis, 2007. ISBN: 0-88123-114-4, $48 on website of the CCAR Press: – https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50203
-Elbogen, Ismar and Scheindlin, Raymond P Jewish Liturgy: A comprehensive History Amazon $54.02 ISBN 0827604459
-Nulman, Macy, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer: The Ashkenazic and Sephardic Rites Amazon $37.90 ISBN 1568218850
-Reif, Stefan C., Judaism and Hebrew Prayer: New Perspectives on Jewish Liturgical History Amazon $37.50 ISBN 0521440874

MEC 140 Mechina Hebrew I
Michal Nachmany
In this course students will complete unit 1-lesson 14 of the first volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מןההתחלה א’). The lessons will include grammatical issues such the active בניינים (pa’al, pe’el, hiph’il, hit’pael), past, present and future. Weekly writing assignments will be given. The holistic approach of the class will combine all the needed skills for succeeding in Hebrew.
0 Credits
Required Texts:
1. Hebrew From Scratch Part 1 – Ivrit Min Ha’Hatchala Ha’Chadash, Amazon $61.50 ASIN B0035G8WME

MEC 155 Mechina IV
Yifat Avner
This course is a continuation of Mechina Hebrew III. It will build upon the foundational grammar covered in previous Mechina courses. The students will continue to develop their Hebrew language skills and expand their verb conjugations in past and present tense. They will also be introduced to new vocabulary and more advanced grammar topics.
0 credits
Textbooks:
1. Hebrew From Scratch Part 1 – Ivrit Min Ha’Hatchala Ha’Chadash, Amazon $61.50 ASIN B0035G8WME

PHI 301 Bioethics
Rabbi Jill Hackell, MD
Technological advancements in medicine have brought with them bioethical issues of increasing complexity. This course will examine issues pertinent to today’s bioethical dialogue from a Jewish point of view, including issues such as organ donation, end-of-life, assisted reproduction, genetic screening and gene therapy, disease prevention, physician-assisted death, and the many issues raised by COVID. How does the Jewish way of looking at these issues compare and contrast with the general societal discussion? What are the governing principles of bioethical argument in each of these across the spectrum of Jewish thought? How are ancient Jewish sources reconciled with modern technology in guiding thinking about these issues?
This course runs for the first half of the trimester.
1 credit
Required Texts:
1. Dorff, Ellior N., Matters of Life and Death: A Jewish Approach to Modern Medical Ethics Amazon $22.75 ISBN 0827607687

PHI 475 Personal Theology
Rabbi Len Levin, PhD
Through taking this course students will be able to: clarify their own theological agenda—the questions and core-concepts that are most central to their own Jewish theological vision; develop a statement of their personal theological visions, through a combination of drawing on previous paradigms and creating their own; and specifically be able to address the issues of revelation/authority/practice, God, Israel/Jewish peoplehood, suffering/evil, and eschatology in a way that will be meaningful to themselves and to their future audiences.
2 credits
Required Texts: See course syllabus.

PHI 510 Jewish Mysticism for 21st Century Jewish Leaders: Between Theory and Practice
Dr. Yakir Englander
This course seeks to bridge the rich world of Jewish mysticism with the challenges and questions facing Jewish spiritual leaders in the modern era. Rather than focusing on a historical-chronological approach, the course is structured around central themes that engage contemporary Jewish community life. Students will be exposed to diverse mystical voices while gaining practical experience in spiritual practices and critically examining their boundaries. Special emphasis will be placed on the relevance of mystical insights to modern communal life, while examining the costs and risks associated with employing mystical tools.
The course is structured in four distinct gates (she’arim), each exploring different dimensions of Jewish mysticism.
The first gate addresses fundamental questions and boundaries of mysticism, examining the possibility and propriety of knowing the Divine, investigating Divine imagery, and establishing the boundaries that Jewish mysticism sets for such knowledge.
The second gate focuses on tools and approaches for mystical encounters, exploring prayer both as dialogue with and articulation of the Divine – questioning whether Jewish prayer requires a recipient and examining its meaning in post-Death of God theology. This gate also investigates language, text, and the art of spiritual listening as pathways to Divine knowledge.
The third gate examines mystical encounters through embodiment and space, including the analysis of the Hasidic tzaddik’s embodied presence, the mystical relationships to land (“ha-makom“) and its transformations in Israeli political discourse regarding settlers, and the role of body, sexuality, and gender as spaces for Divine encounter.
The fourth gate addresses challenging aspects of Jewish mysticism, including the use of psychedelics and bodily mortification as means of hastening Divine communion, and mystical approaches to communal trauma, as exemplified in ultra-Orthodox responses to the Holocaust and Elie Wiesel’s unique Hasidic literary creation.
Throughout the course, students are not only expected to engage intellectually with these topics but are also invited into an intimate and personal experience with mystical dimensions through contemplative practices and exercises.
2 credits
Required Texts: TBD

PRO 217 Scientific Literacy
Rabbi Geoff Mitelman
From COVID-19 to climate change, genetic engineering to artificial intelligence, and exoplanets to human flourishing, we’re living through unprecedented changes in science and technology. But these questions also touch on deep theological, philosophical and existential issues. So how do we understand these questions through a Jewish perspective, Jewish tradition, and Jewish law? How can we better understand and communicate scientific findings, especially if we ourselves are not experts in the field? And how do we talk about science and technology when questions surrounding religion and science are often viewed as hot-button political issues? This course will give you an opportunity to better understand science not as a collection of facts, but as a process of discovery, and how you can share these findings with your community. With guest lecturers from across the scientific world, you’ll gain a firmer grasp on how you can integrate science and scientific knowledge into your Jewish life. This course will fulfill the Science and Judaism requirement.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Origin Story: A Big History of Everything by David Christian
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Story-Big-History-Everything/dp/0316392006 – ISBN: – ISBN: 0316392006
Available on the DTL here: https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.dtl.idm.oclc.org/lib/dtl/detail.action?docID=6925274

PRO 314 Leading Through Crisis
Rabbi David Seth Kirshner
While synagogues are communities within themselves, they are also always a part of a larger community. It’s important to know how to connect with political authorities, police and fire departments, and to be a relevant part of a larger community. Additionally, it’s important for clergy to be savvy about communication, whether through press or social media, and to recognize the kind of outreach that is not meant just to bring in new members, but to serve the functioning congregation. All of these skills become that much more important during times of communal crisis. This course will give students guidance and a toolbox in dealing with these types of external pieces in leading communities through times of crisis.
This class will count toward the entrepreneurship requirement or as an elective.
1 credit
Required Texts: TBD

PRO 341 Life Cycle I
Rabbi Jef Segelman
In this course, we will explore the Jewish perspective of life from birth until marriage. Our focus will be on three particular ideas. One: Understanding the traditional ideas, ceremonies and rituals associated with these stages of life. Two: Understanding the very practical and professional manner in which rabbis and cantors officiate at these ceremonies and rituals. Three: Considering the ways in which we may innovate these ceremonies and create new ones for special life moments not ritualized by tradition.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Milgram, Rabbi Goldie, Living Jewish Life Cycle: How to Create Meaningful jewish Rites of Passage at Every Stage of Life Amazon $15.98 ISBN 158023335X
2. Cohen, Martin S. and Katz, Michael, The Observant Life: The Wisdom of Conservative Judaism for Contemporary Jews Amazon $45.99 ISBN 0916219496
3. Geffen, Rela M., Celebration and Renewal: Rites of Passage in Judaism Amazon $18.99 ISBN 0827605102
4. Klein, Isaak, A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice Amazon $24.95 ISBN 0873341740

PRO 366 Teaching Israel
Rabbi Anat Katzir
The Israel Education course will look into some of the major questions and challenges when approaching Israel programs and curricula. We will begin with an initial understanding of why Israel education is important in spiritual communities, and include issues such as what Israel content do we introduce to our community, and how to handle challenging conversations and complex emotions when discussing Israel. This class counts toward the Education requirement.
2 credits
Required Texts:
All 3 books can be found on DTL.
1. Zakai, Dr. Sivan, My Second Favorite Country, Amazon $22.34 ISBN 1479808989
2. Sokatch, Daniel and Noxon, Christopher, Can We Talk About Israel: A Guide for the Curious, Confused and Conflicted Amazon $13.67 ISBN 1639730486
3. Goodman, Micah and Levy, Eylon, Catch 67: The Left, the Right and the Legacy of the Six-Day War Amazon $16.32 ISBN 0300148415

PRO 426 Beyond the Pulpit: Community and Organizational Life
Rabbi Robert Kaplan
In this dynamic course, we will explore the intricate tapestry of both Jewish and non-Jewish communal structures, examining how they operate and intersect in the realm of community service and organizational leadership. Participants will engage in a comprehensive analysis of the various facets of not-for-profit service delivery, funding mechanisms, and community relations and the role you as a spiritual leader can play and navigate in it.
This nonprofit management course can count toward the entrepreneurship requirement.
2 credits
Required Texts:
All readings provided through websites for free.

PRO 470 Chaplaincy
Rabbi Julie Schwartz
This course seeks to integrate the theoretical knowledge about the science of spiritual care with the practical application of the art of spiritual care. Students must secure an internship of at least 27 hours in a chaplaincy setting (hospital, senior housing, etc.) during which they are expected to intentionally practice the skills and approaches presented during the course. Class sessions will include regular opportunities for students to discuss and process their practical experiences in the field and to learn from the experiences of their peers. Students will continue the development of their pastoral care skills while also identifying the multiple roles that a chaplain may serve during the provision of pastoral care. Students will be introduced to methods of spiritual assessment, theological reflection, and the use of self during the pastoral encounter.
This course will meet six times over the course of the trimester on the following dates: 1/13, 2/3, 2/17, 3/3, 3/17, 3/31
1 credit
Required Texts:
1. Friedman, Rabbi Dayle A., Jewish Pastoral Care, 2nd Edition: A Practical Handbook from Traditional and Contemporary Sources. Amazon $24.91 ISBN 1580234275
2. Cadge, Wendy and Rambo, Shelly, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the Twenty-First Century, An Introduction. Amazon $26.95 ISBN 1469667606
3. Rogers, Carl R. A Way of Being. Amazon $11.99 ISBN 0395755301
4. Roberts, Stephen B. and Anderson, Rev Nancy K., Professional Spiritual and Pastoral Care: A Practical Clergy and Chaplain’s Handbook, Amazon $43.43 ISBN 1683362446

PRO 700 Field Work Support Seminar
Rabbi Jef Segelman
This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience.
All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the term by Rabbi Jef Segelman.
No credit
Recommended Texts:
1. Bloom, Jack H., The Rabbi As Symbolic Exemplar By the Power Vested in Me, Amazon $54.48 ISBN 0789018663
2. Silverstein, Rabbi Shraga, The Ways of Tzaddikim (Orchot Tzadikim Amazon $24.99 ISBN 1680253034
3. Bookman, Terry, This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There, Amazon $30 ISBN 1566993334
4. Friedman, Edwin H. Generation to Generation Family Process in Church and Synagogue (The Guilford Family Therapy Series) Amazon $26.49 ISBN

RAB 230 Introduction to Talmudic Logic
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
In this first trimester of Talmud study, the emphasis will be on learning the kind of talmudic logic employed in the legal arguments, especially the kushia-contradiction (objection) and the terutz (resolution). While the passages studied will be in parallel English/Hebrew-Aramaic columns from Sefaria, most of the passages will be studied in English in order to facilitate learning the challenging logic of talmudic discourse. Nevertheless, students will learn key technical terms in the original Aramaic. Once students learn the basics of talmudic logic in this first trimester of Introduction to Talmud, the second trimester will introduce additional elements of talmudic study and passages will be studied in their original Hebrew and Aramaic.
The Havruta session is required of all students.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mishnah
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Jastrow, Marcus Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature, Amazon $44.95 ISBN 1932443207
2. Frank, Yitzhak The Practical Talmud Dictionary, Amazon $23.49 ISBN 1592644511

RAB 330 Intermediate Talmud
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to prayer and blessings, which will give us greater insight into the origins of several dimensions of Jewish prayer and will hopefully inform our own relationship to prayer.
2 credits
Required Texts: None

SPI 370 Architecture of Ritual
Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
The Architecture of Ritual is a course that allows Jewish leaders to consciously explore, from a scholarly and experiential perspective, what ritual is, what ritual does within the life of individuals and communities, what a clergyperson’s role is in creating and performing ritual, and how ritual can be effective in the lives of modern Jews. The course will cover ritual as a phenomenon (what it is, why it exists, how it is structured) as well as explore individual ritual topics with an eye toward determining how ritual works, clarifying ritual structures, practicing ritual innovation, and considering the function of clergy as ritual leaders.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Bell, Catherine. Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions Revised Edition Amazon $26.81 ISBN 978-0199735105
2. Hoffman, Lawrence. The Art of Public Prayer (2nd Edition) Not for Clergy Only Amazon $15.23 ISBN 1893361065
3. Schildkret, Day and Brower, Elena. Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration, and Change, p. 1-6. Amazon $12.89 ISBN 978-1982170936.
Suggested Reading:
1. Driver, Tom F., Liberating Rites: Understanding the Transformative Power of Ritual Amazon $39.10 ISBN 1419642104

Fall 2024 | 5785

BIB 309 The Book of Judges
Dr. Malka Strasberg Edinger
This course explores the book of Judges, a book about Israel’s formative years as a nation learning to self-govern. The course offers an in-depth analysis of the stories, themes, and historical background of the texts, as it explores the characteristics and roles of leaders and ideological approaches to the notion of leadership in the book. Together we will examine the book of Judges in its historical, canonical, and theological contexts, using a variety of analytical approaches, including literary, exegetical, historical, historiographical, intertextual, masoretic, gender and animal studies.
This course satisfies the Leadership in the Bible: Nevi’im Rishonim requirement.
Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. The Koren Classic Tanakh Ma’alot Edition, Amazon, $24.95 ISBN: 9653011812 a different, comparable edition of the Tanakh is acceptable, as well

BIB 350 The Book of Deuteronomy: Life in the Promised Land as a Mixed Blessing
Dr. Job Jindo
This course offers a close critical reading of the book of Deuteronomy, revolving around the themes of individuality, collectivity, and humanity. By the conclusion of this course, each student will be able to: (1) explain the structure, purposes, and theological perspective of Deuteronomy; (2) provide three examples of how Deuteronomy helps us understand the human condition in our own day; and (3) teach the book of Deuteronomy to contemporary audiences, incorporating AJR values such as critical rigor, inclusivity, and a commitment to the pluralistic, contemporary Jewish and broader communities.
Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective.
2 credits
Required Texts:
Required Texts:
1. Levinson, Bernard M., Jewish Study Bible [2d edition]. New York. Oxford University Press, 2015 [2nd edition is preferable] 2. Tigay, Jeffrey H. Deuteronomy: JPS Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1996.

BIB 461 B’tzelem Elohim: Biblical Text through the Lens of Disability Studies
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
Hafokh bah v’hafokh bah d’khulei bah. Turn it over and over for everything is in it (Pirke Avot). Each time we view the Bible through a new lens, we add to our understanding of the text, we learn more about ourselves, and we widen the impact of the Bible on the Jewish community. Using close readings, we will approach the biblical text through Disability Studies. We will see how viewing certain biblical personalities through this lens provides access to new dimensions of their characters and the texts in which we encounter them. We will then consider the character of God in the Bible and how God too can be more deeply appreciated through the perspective of Disability Studies. Our exploration of this topic will be placed in the broader context of issues of disability and inclusion. This analysis challenges us to broaden our understanding of the concept of b’tzelem Elohim and will help us, in the critical work of more fully appreciating the image of God in those with physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges.
This course will count as a Bible elective or as a General Elective.
This course in an onsite Intersession course.
2 credits
Required Texts:

Prouser, Dr. Ora Horn, Esau’s Blessing How the Bible Embraces Those with Special Needs, pp. 1-19, Amazon, $13.10 ISBN 1934730351
Muffs, Dr. Yochanan and Hartman, David, Personhood of God: Biblical Theology, Human Faith and the Divine Image, pp. 55-60; 97-102, Amazon $25.99 ISBN 1580232654
Eisland, Nancy L., The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability, pp. 89-105, Amazon $15.89 ISBN 0687108015
Solomon, Far From the Tree, pp. 221-294
Prizant,PhD, Barry M. and Fields-Meyer, Tom, Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded: A Different Way of Seeing Autism, pp. 1-11, Amazon $14.99 ISBN 1982193891
Grandin, Tample and Sacks, Oliver, Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism, pp. 33-57, Amazon $10.49 ISBN 0307275655
Higashida,Naoki The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism, pp. 3-15, Amazon $11.29 ISBN 081298515X
Lorberbaum, Yair, In God’s Image: Myth, Theology and Law in Classical Judaism, p. 1-45, Amazon, $114.91 ISBN 1107063272

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.
Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Scheindlin, Raymond P. The Book of Job. New York. W. W. Norton, 1998 Amazon, $31.19 ISBN: 0393046265
2. Kushner, Harold S. The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person. (Jewish Encounters Series). New York: Schocken, 2012. Amazon, $13.90 ISBN 080524298
3. Greenstein, Edward L. Job: A New Translation. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2019. Available at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lbprkrq9m3pws7e/Greenstein_Job.pdf?dl=0
4. The following book is also strongly recommended (but not required):
Greenstein, Edward, Jewish Study Bible [2d edition]. New York. Oxford University Press, 2015. [don’t use the 1st edition, which is annotated by a different scholar]

BIB 520 The Psalms That Clergy Use
Rabbi Jef Segelman
Psalms are important element in the toolbox of the clergy. They are part of our liturgy, our life cycle rituals, and they often set the tone for moments of commemoration and introspection. In this class, we will take an in-depth look at many of the psalms that regularly find their way into our work and our prayers. Our goal will be not only to learn how to use them more effectively, but also how we may use them to further our professional and personal spiritual growth.
Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective.
2 credits
Required Texts:

Segal, Benjamin J., A New Psalm: A Guide to Psalms as Literature (BIBLE/TANACH Book 10) Amazon, $44.00 ISBN: 8370512018
Alter, Robert, The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary Amazon, $18.55 ISBN: 0393337049
Artscroll/Mesorah, The Writings: The Book of Psalms English and Hebrew 2018, ISBN: 1422620014, $33

CAN 322 Cantillation: Yammim Noraim and Eikhah
Cantor Robin Anne Joseph
This course is an in-depth study of Eastern European cantillation for Yammim Noraim and Eikhah. In addition to reviewing the history, function, and art of cantillation, participants will work to demonstrate proficiency in recognizing and chanting the various cantillation phrases for these two tropes.
This course is open to both rabbinical and cantorial students.
2 credits
Prerequisite: Introduction to Cantillation or equivalent
Required Texts:
1. Jacobson, Joshua R. Chanting the Hebrew Bible – Student Edition, Amazon $28.32 ISBN 0827608160
2. Binder, Abraham Wolf Biblical Chant, Amazon $65.00 ASIN B0006AVU80
3.Tikkun Torah LaKor’im. KTAV Publishing House, NY Amazon, $22.95 ISBN: 0870685481

4. The Koren Illustrated Five Megillot (Hebrew and English Edition), out-of-print or The Five Megilloth, Amazon $34.99 ASIN B005N6FV21

CAN 387 Shir LaShalom: Music, Process, and Peace Within and Without
Rabbi Cantor Michael McCloskey
In these sessions we will explore Jewish sources (Biblical, Classical Rabbinic, Medieval, and Modern) on the intersection of music and peace from a holistic perspective. We will engage with ideas, writings (scholarly and creative), and real-life examples of music as it relates to communication, siblinghood, cultivation of equanimity, trauma, memory, and catharsis, diversity, the particular and universal, and the building blocks of cultural change.
This course will fulfill the Peace Studies III requirement for cantorial students or serve as an elective for rabbinical students.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Ed Vulliamy, Louder than Bombs: A Life with War, Music, and Peace, Amazon $23.00 ISBN 022671540X

CAN 430 Advanced Nusah Regalim
Cantor Sol Zim and Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor
An in depth extensive study of the vast Mi-sinai tunes that make up the Regalim liturgy. Each student must develop an understanding of the various motifs and nushaot and how to use them in the course of davenning. Both sections required.
4 credits
Required Texts:
1. Cahan, Leonard S. Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat & Festivals, Amazon $34.95 ISBN 0916219133
2. Mishkan Tefillah

CAN 527 Israeli Music
Rabbi Cantor Luis Cattan
Israeli popular music can be seen as interpretive prayer, poetry that arises directly and/or creatively as a unique and extraordinary form of liturgy. In this course, we will explore, study, and get inspired by contemporary and timely expressions of prayer that can inspire us personally and be useful in various praying and teaching settings. We will cover the Israeli state’s founding poets, musical legends, and newcomers alike, who help us connect not only to the individual artists but also to liturgy in a more expansive way, and to Israel’s history (both in wartime and peacetime), her resilience, her beauty, and her personal and collective stories.
This course can count toward the Tefilah and Seminar requirement or as an elective. Open to both cantorial and rabbinical students.
1 credit
This class runs the second half of the trimester.
Required Texts:
Siddur and Tanakh

HAL 402 Introduction to Codes II
Rabbi David Almog
The purpose of this course is to instill greater proficiency, appreciation and familiarity in the study of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. Similar to the first trimester course, there will be a strong eye towards grammar, syntax, and the basic idiom of halakhic literature, but there will also be a greater emphasis on the sources and context of Rambam’s presentation of halakhah. The goal is to gain an appreciation of Maimonides’ approach to halakhah, his style of presentation, and to learn more about the topic under discussion within the broader framework of halakhic discourse.
Prerequisite: HAL 401 or equivalent
2 credits
Required Texts: None

HAL 480 Responsa
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
In this course we will conduct a close reading of rabbinic responsa from a variety of historic periods, and become familiar with some their authors, tracing the responsa literature from its earliest origins to its 21st century expression. Selected responsa will cover a range of topics and areas of Jewish life. Contemporary responsa studied will reflect a wide spectrum of perspectives and denominational origins. As part of our investigation, we will examine the nature of halakha in light of various theories as to how the halakhic process works.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIA
2 credits
Required Texts: TBD

HEB 250 Hebrew IA
Michal Nachmany
Using the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (‘עברית מן ההתחלה ב), students will read and listen to texts of different genres – informative, literary and narrative – and different historical registers. A vocabulary of about 500 additional words will be presented and practiced; special attention will be given to dictionary look-up skills. Grammatical topics include nominal and possessive sentences in the future, relative and conditional clauses, the future tense of Pa’al, and declensions of various prepositions.
Prerequisite: Mechina 150 or equivalent
4 credits
Required Texts:

Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition, Amazon, $65 ISBN: 084000849X

HEB 351 Hebrew IIB
Ilana Davidov
In the beginning of this course students will complete the last four lessons of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch עברית מן ההתחלה ב . It will include an intensive review of the verb system in the active בניינים and their gerunds, and a
brief introduction to the passive בניינים (פועל), הופעל, real and unreal condition, comparative and superlative sentences.
Depending on the class progress, students may work towards the end of the trimester with more advanced material.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIA or equivalent
4 credits
Required Texts:

Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition, Amazon, $65 ISBN: 084000849X
Cohen, Mazal, Agadah Shel Saah, Sifrutake $45.00 Item No: EB107
Recommended for additional in-home exercises:
1. From Here to There II (מפה לשם ב’) by Esti Simons and Noa Weinberg, Academon PH
2. Hebrew Language site: www.pealim.com (dictionary; verb tables; prepositions; quizzes & more)
“תפוחים מן המדבר” – סביון ליברכט (מתוך שלושה סיפורים בעברית קלה) https://hebrewisus.com/books/gesher-series/shloshah-sipurim.htmlסיפור לילה (instructor will provide MP3 of stories)
Recommended dictionaries:
1. Multi Dictionary: A Bilingual Learners Dictionary (רב מילון) – Lauden & Weinbach
2. Rav Milim רב מילים (online dictionary), or its free version Morfix (morfix.co.il).

HEB 401 Hebrew IIIB
Ilana Davidov
The focus of this course will be on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew as well as listening comprehension and speaking. Written, oral and aural assignments will enhance communicative and comprehension skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar. This course will also include a review of the verb system. The listening assignments will include videos which depict religious and secular life in Israel.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIIA or the equivalent
4 credits
Required Texts: TBD

HIS 350 American Jewish History and Culture
Rabbi David Fine
What has it meant to be Jewish in America in the modern era? It is a provocative question, and one that has many different answers depending on the time period, region and perspective. This course will explore some of these answers and the debates surrounding them by examining the history and culture of the Jewish community in North America, starting with the first Jewish immigrants in the seventeenth century, and working our way to the present day. Among the topics covered will be the different waves of Jewish immigration, the evolving role of women within American Judaism, relations with other immigrant and minority communities, and the complex relationship of the various denominations and the Zionist movement. Looking at these and other subjects will help us to understand how the community has arrived at the place it is today.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. Sarna, Jonathan D., American Judaism: A History, second edition (2019), Amazon $21.77 ISBN 0300190395
2. Meyer, Michael A., Response to Modernity: A History of the Reform Movement in Judaism, Amazon $28.15 ASIN ‏B008YWVYGK
3. Novick, Peter, The Holocaust in American Life, Amazon $16.45 ISBN 0618082328
4. Staub Michael E., Torn at the Roots: The Crisis of Jewish Liberalism, Amazon $35.62 ISBN 0231123744
5. Koffman,David S., The Jews’ Indian: Colonialism, Pluralism, and Belonging in America , Amazon $41.95 ISBN 197880086X
6. Roth, Philip, “Eli the Fanatic” in Goodbye Columbus and Five Short Stories, Amazon $16.00 ISBN 0679748261
7. Wertheimer, Jack ed., The Seminary at 100 I COULDN’T FIND THIS BOOK
8. Heilman, Samuel C., Sliding to the Right: The Contest for the Future of American Jewish Orthodoxy, Amazon, $34.95 ISBN 0520231368
9. Gurock, Jeffery S., Orthodox Jews in America, Amazon $26.00 ISBN 0253220602

HIS 400 Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History I
Dr. Alan Levenson
This course will examine the ideas and debates that affected Jewish belief, culture, and society throughout the ages, from the late biblical period up through the classical rabbinic era (also called Late Antiquity). We will explore internal arguments within Judean society, the developing concepts of Jewish identity, the similarities and differences between Jews in Eretz Yisrael and in the Diaspora, Jewish interactions with pagan and early Christian society, and above all, the rise of rabbinic culture and its consolidation of post-70 CE Judaism.
2 credits
Required Texts: (See recommended reading on syllabus.)
1. Levenson, Jon, Sinai and Zion, Amazon $25.40 ISBN 006254828X
2. Shaye J.D. Cohen, From the Maccabees to the Mishnah, 3rd edition (Westminster / John Knox, 2014) Amazon $25.99 ISBN 9780664239046

LIT 305 Shabbat Liturgy
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
A study of the development of the major prayers that make up all four of the Shabbat worship services. Special emphasis will be placed on the influence of the mystical tradition on Kabbalat Shabbat. Texts of central prayers will be analyzed from a historical, literary, and spiritual perspective. Attention will be paid to a survey of practices of various contemporary communities representing various streams of Jewish practice as well as to congregational dynamics and effective strategies for developing effective and compelling Shabbat liturgy.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. Rabbi Nosson Scherman, Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz, eds., The Complete Artscroll Siddur. Full-Size. Ashkenaz. Note: This is the standard text, not the interlinear edition. Amazon $20.99 ISBN 0899066550
2. Jeffrey Hoffman, Weaving Prayer: An Analytical and Spiritual Commentary on the Jewish Prayer Book. Available through: https://www.benyehudapress.com/ $27.95
3. Lawrence A. Hoffman, My People’s Prayer Book: Vol. 8, Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat in the Synagogue) Amazon $13.93 ISBN 1683362063

MEC 140 Mechina I
Michal Nachmany
In this course students will complete unit 1-lesson 14 of the first volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מןההתחלה א’). The lessons will include grammatical issues such the active בניינים (pa’al, pe’el, hiph’il, hit’pael), past, present and future. Weekly writing assignments will be given. The holistic approach of the class will combine all the needed skills for succeeding in Hebrew.
0 credits
Textbooks:
Hebrew From Scratch Part 1 – Ivrit Min Ha’Hatchala Ha’Chadash, Amazon $61.50 ASIN B0035G8WME

MEC 150 Mechina III
Yifat Avner
This course covers the second half of Hebrew from Scratch 1 (עברית מן ההתחלה א). It takes the students from learning the mechanics of reading and writing unvoweled Hebrew to active mastery of 1200 words, knowledge of the past tense in all of the גזרות of Pa’al as well as the past tense of regular verbs in Pi’el, Hif’il and Hitpa’el reading comprehension of dialogues relating to everyday life, as well as descriptive, narrative and informative texts on Jewish and Israeli cultural topics.
Prerequisite: Mechina II or the equivalent
No credit
Required Texts:

Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part I (English and Hebrew Edition) 2019 Edition. Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Shlomit Chayat. Amazon $64.42 ISBN 9653501127
Mi-Po Le-Sham Part 1: A Companion Text for “Hebrew from Scratch Part 1”. Ester Simons, Magnes Press $21 ISBN: 978-965-350-151-5

PHI 312 Modern Philosophy – 2 sessions, see course schedule
Rabbi Len Levin, PhD
Issues of modern Jewish thought will be studied through familiarization with principal works of the major modern Jewish philosophers—including Spinoza, Mendelssohn, Buber, Rosenzweig, Kaplan, Heschel, and Soloveitchik—as well as representative thinkers of the 5 major modern and contemporary movements. The focus will be on how all of these thinkers and movements adapted Jewish tradition—each in their own way—to the intellectual, cultural and political challenges of modernity.
2 credits
Required Texts:

I and Thou, Martin Buber and Walter Kaufmann, Amazon $14.19 ISBN 0684717255
God In Search of Man, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Amazon $16.99 ISBN 0374513317

Optional Books:

1. Franz Rosenzweig, The Star of Redemption and On Jewish Learning, Amazon $17.48 ISBN 0274724065
2. Franz Rosenzweig and Nahum Glatzer, His Life and Thought, Amazon $19.00 ISBN 0872204286.
3. Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan,Judaism As A Civilization : Toward a Reconstruction of American Jewish Life, Amazon $35.49 ISBN 0827609183
4. Joseph Soloveitchik, Halakhic Man: The Lonely Man of Faith, Amazon $17.99 ISBN 0827603975
5. Eugene Borowitz, Choices in Modern Jewish Thought: A Partisan Guide, Amazon $16.40 ISBN 0874415810

PRO 300 Who Are Our Adult Learners and How Do We Engage?
Susan Werk and Leah Kahn, 2 separate sessions
Adults bring independence, self-direction, life experiences, readiness, and motivation to their learning. In this course we will better understand the unique opportunities and challenges that synagogue educators face when teaching the different stages of adult learners. At the end of the course, in addition to analyzing and preparing for adult education, AJR students might understand their own learning style better.
This is an intersession course, online only.
2 credits
Required Texts Kahn:

Parker, Priya, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, Amazon $12.00 ISBN 1594634939
Berger, Warren, A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas, Amazon $10.99 ISBN 1632861054
Schulman, Lee S., Signature Pedagogies in the Professions, available for free in PDF through MIT Press Direct

Required Texts Werk:
Purchase from Amazon:
Tickton Schuster, Diane, Jewish Lives Jewish Learning, Amazon $11.67 ISBN 0807407887

PRO 431 Digital Innovation in Jewish Life
Rabbi David Paskin
This course explores the transformative impact of technology on Jewish community, education, ritual life and spiritual practices. Over 11 sessions, students will delve into the ways digital tools and platforms are reshaping Jewish life, from online learning environments and virtual communities to digital spirituality and ethics. The course will feature case studies, practical applications, and discussions on the future of Judaism in a digital age. Participants will gain hands-on experience with various technologies, learn strategies for effective integration, and critically assess the implications of a tech-enhanced Jewish experience.
This course will count toward the Entrepreneurship requirement.
1 credit
Required Texts: None

PRO 560 Counseling II
Cantor Michael Kasper
This course will build on the foundations of Counseling I, exploring in greater depth the various roles and opportunities for counseling that are afforded to clergy, and the various skills needed to provide appropriate help. Ways to effectively listen, communicate, and understand issues likely to be encountered will be reviewed and practiced, with emphasis on developing a repertoire of psychologically sound interventions that relate to Jewish tradition and values, spirituality and healing. In addition, we will review methods of needs assessment, and the role of clergy in making appropriate referrals to other professionals.

Jewish Pastoral Care A Practical Handbook from Traditional & Contemporary Sources, 2nd edition, Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman Amazon $36.08 ISBN 1580234275
A Practical Guide to Rabbinic Counseling: A Jewish Lights Classic Reprint, Feldheim Publishers, Rabbi Yisrael N. Levitz and Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski MD, Amazon $22.99 ISBN 1681629658
How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies, Theresa A. Rando, Amazon $15.99 ISBN‎ 0553352695

PRO 700 Field Work Support Seminar
Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer and Rabbi Jef Segelman, 2 sessions, see course schedule
This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience.
All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the term by Rabbi Jef Segelman.
No credit
Recommended Texts:
1. Sweitzer, H. Frederick and King, Mary A., The Successful Internship: Personal, Professional, and Civic Development, 3rd Edition, Amazon $45.87 ISBN 1285077199
2. Bloom, Jack, The Rabbi As Symbolic Exemplar, By the Power Vested in me, Amazon $68.53 ISBN 0789018659
3. Bookman, Terry, This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There, Amazon $28.16 ISBN 1566993334
4. Fisher, Roger and Ury, Wiliam L, Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, Amazon $10.79 ISBN 1844131467
5. Friedman, Edwin H., Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue The Guilford Family Therapy Series, Amazon $26.82 ISBN 1609182366
6. Friedman, Michelle and Yehuda, Rachel, The Art of Jewish Pastoral Counseling: A Guide For All Faiths, Amazon $24.01 ISBN 1138690233

RAB 101 Introduction to Mishnah
Rabbi Joshua Cahan
This course will introduce students to the study of Mishnah, its historical context, and its place in rabbinic literature. Over the course of the trimester, students will gain greater familiarity with the Rabbinic Hebrew of the Mishnah and its idiom, as well the style and structure of the text. Additionally, we will explore the background for the development of the Mishnah, and its reception history as part of the classical rabbinic corpus.
Prerequisite: Students in this course must be at the level of HEB 350 (Hebrew 2A) or above.
2 credits
Required Texts:
Hermann L Strack & Gunter Stemberger, Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash, Amazon $23.71 ISBN 0800625242.

RAB 231 Introduction to Talmud II
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
In this second half of the two-trimester Introduction to Talmud course, students will continue to develop their skills in decoding the dialectic of the talmudic discourse. This term, the text will be studied in its original languages. Students will prepare the Steinsaltz commentary (Hebrew) with the help of vocabulary sheets provided by the instructor. Modern critical methodologies of Talmud study – identifying the three layers of Tannaitic, Amoraic, and Stam material – will be introduced. Study of basic Aramaic terms and Talmudic organic logic will resume. The content will be the various halakhic and theological approaches to the Amidah found in Tractate Berakhot, chapter 4.
The Havruta session is required of all students.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Talmud I or equivalent
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. Steinsaltz, Adin Even-Israel Talmud, volume 1, Berakhot. This is the original all-Hebrew edition of the Steinsaltz Talmud. While it is out of print, students should write to Rabbi Yossi Pollak at Koren Publishers, tell him that they are students of Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, and that they want to order the slightly imperfect remaining copies of the original, large size, Steinsaltz Talmud edition of Tractate Berakhot. Rabbi Pollak is available via [email protected]
2. Jastrow, Marcus Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature, Amazon $44.95 ISBN 1932443207
3. Frank, Yitzhak The Practical Talmud Dictionary, Amazon $23.49 ISBN 1592644511

RAB 362 Widening the Tent: Women in the Torah Explored through Midrash
Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
Although many biblical women have only a few scenes, the unfolding of rabbinic midrash fills out these characters in wonderful ways. In this class, we will explore women in the Torah through close readings of biblical text and a variety of midrashic interpretations. We’ll consider the role of modern creative interpretation in widening these stories even further, and try our hand at expanding the midrashic tradition ourselves.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Midrash and Hebrew 251 (HEB 1B) or equivalent
2 credits
Required Texts: Bible

Summer 2024 / 5784

BIB 348 Leadership Lessons in Numbers: Holiness, Soulcraft, and Transformation of Peoplehood
Dr. Job Jindo
This course entails a critical examination of the book of Numbers, focusing on themes of leadership (and its failures), holiness, soulcraft, and peoplehood. By the end of the course, students will gain an understanding of: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of Numbers; (2) the intricate nature of leadership responsibilities, holiness, community dynamics, peoplehood, and soulcraft as depicted in Numbers; and (3) effective strategies for teaching the book of Numbers to contemporary audiences with AJR values, including critical rigor, inclusivity, and a commitment to the pluralistic nature of the contemporary Jewish and broader communities.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. The Hebrew Bible [any edition will do]
2. Jewish Study Bible [2d edition]. New York. Oxford University Press, 2015 [The book of Numbers is annotated by Nili Fox; the 1 st edition is also fine], ISBN: 9780199978465 $39.99
3. Milgrom, Jacob. Numbers: JPS Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1990. ISBN: 9780827603295 $64.99

CAN 308 Introduction to Cantillation
Cantor Rena Shapiro
This course will serve as an introduction to Ta’amei Hamikra. Students will demonstrate smooth and accurate chanting of Torah and Haftarah and show understanding of grammatical issues, origins of cantillation, and the functions of trope.
2 credits
Suggested Texts (not required)

1. Biblical Chant, A.W. Binder, Sacred Music Press, NY, 1959. ISBN: 9333681353 $140
2. The Glory of Torah Reading, Gellis and Gribetz, M.P. Press, Jersey City, 1983. ASIN: B002P3HY4A $65
3. Chanting the Hebrew Bible, Student Edition, Joshua R. Jacobson, Jewish Publication Society, 2005. ISBN: 0827608160 $30.63
4. Tikkun LaKor’im Kolel Chamisha Chumshei Torah Im haHaftorot in Ketav Ashurit Opposite Vocalized Text. ASIN: B000H8AQO0 $30 or any Tikkun Korim
5. Etz Hayim Torah and Commentary, David L. Lieber, editor, 2001. ISBN: 0827607121 $99.99
6. Sefer Haftarot: The Book of Haftarot, Shilo. ISBN: 0881259292 $9.58

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.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mishnah and Hebrew IIA or the equivalent
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. Hebrew-English dictionary

HEB 350 Hebrew IIA
Ilana Davidov
This course will bring students to Chapter 12-13 of Hebrew from Scratch. The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes future tense of Hif’il, Binyan Nif’al, noun declension, prepositions, concessive clauses. Written and oral assignments will enhance communicative skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IB or the equivalent
4 credits
Required Texts:

1. Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition. Amazon $80.93 ISBN 9653501270
2. Recommended textbook: From Here to There (מפה לשם) Vol. 2 by Esti Simons and Noa Weinberg, Academon Publishing House. $25 ISBN: 978-965-350-193-5

HEB 400 Hebrew IIIA
Ilana Davidov
The purpose of this course is to transition students from intermediate to advanced level of Hebrew. The course will focus on vocabulary expansion and reading comprehension and will provide training in speaking and listening. Students will develop their productive language skills via class discussions, presentations and listening practice, and via reading and writing assignments.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIB or the equivalent
4 credits
Required Texts:

1. מזל כהן, אגדה של שפה, Akademon publishing, $26

HIS 355 Israel Post 10/7
Dr. Yakir Englander
In the aftermath of October 7th, this course aims to examine the diverse reactions and transformations within Israeli society and their implications for American Jewish life, focusing on leadership, ethical, cultural, and societal changes. The exploration will be conducted through an in-depth acquaintance with the questions and challenges arising from the conflict, engaging in dialogue with leaders featured in the course. Furthermore, participants will acquire leadership tools essential for Jewish-American leaders in the aftermath of the war. By addressing a broad spectrum of topics—from the ethical dilemmas of warfare and power dynamics, to sharing complex narratives and combating Antisemitism—participants will gain a deep understanding of the contemporary Israeli and Jewish American contexts.
Additionally, in each session, participants will be introduced to a project created in response to the war, examining the understanding of the need for the project, getting acquainted with the initiators, and how it operated.
The course does not require prior knowledge of Israeli culture or the Hebrew language. However, students will engage with Israeli videos, podcasts, and literature (with English translations provided), and learn about various initiatives throughout the course.
This course will fulfill the Israeli History and Culture requirement.
2 Credits
Required Texts: TBD

INT 368 V’Ahavta: Divine and Human Love in Jewish Tradition
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
What does Jewish tradition say about love in its many manifestations? In this course, we will delve into many sources that describe, celebrate, and teach about love between people and God as well as between people. We will examine the implications for the modern notion of romantic love, the mandate to work for justice, and the meaning of the Chosen People, among other ideas. We will deepen our appreciation for how traditional Jewish sources can surprise and inform as we study teachings about love from the Bible – along with its commentaries – and from Talmud, Midrash, Halakhah and Jewish mysticism.
2 credits
Prerequisites: None
Students should bring to each class session:

1. 1. A Hebrew-English Tanakh. The New JPS edition is recommended.
  2. A traditional complete siddur. Recommended: The Koren Siddur edited by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks or The Complete Artscroll Siddur edited by Rabbi Nosson Scherman.
  3. Articles and book chapters posted on Populi assigned for each class session.
    Recommended Texts:
    1. Held, Shai, Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York, 2024. ISBN: 9780374192440 $35

LIT 101 Introduction to Liturgy
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
Foundations in the academic study of Jewish liturgy including questions of history, textual sources, and literary meaning. Added to that will be inquiries into spiritual meaning for today’s Jews. Portions of the weekday service will be used as examples for developing an understanding of the basic liturgical units: Birkhot HaShahar, Pesukei DeZimrah, Keri’at Shema U’Virkhoteha, Amidah, Tahanun, and the Torah Service. Approaches of the varied streams of contemporary Judaism will be taken into consideration.
Prerequisite: Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. Rabbi Nosson Scherman, Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz, eds., The Complete Artscroll Siddur, 1984 (and reprinted many times since). ISBN: 0899066550 $20.99 Students are required to bring this Siddur to each session. Page
  numbers listed next to the names of prayers in this syllabus always refer to this edition of the
  Siddur.
2. Jeffrey Hoffman, Weaving Prayer: An Analytical and Spiritual Commentary on the Jewish
  Prayerbook, 2024.
  Other helpful texts, worth owning, (but not required), are:
  1. Reuven Hammer, Entering Jewish Prayer.
  2. Macy Nulman, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer.
  3. Ismar Elbogen, Jewish Liturgy: A Comprehensive History (translated by Raymond Scheindlin).
  4. Lawrence A. Hoffman, editor, My People’s Prayer Book (out of the ten volumes in this series, several address the weekday liturgy including the volumes on Birkhot HaShahar, Pesukei DeZimra, Shema and Its Blessings, the Amidah, Tahanun and Welcoming the Night (Minhah/Ma’ariv).

LIT 620 Liturgy of the Yammim Noraim (High Holy Days)
Rabbi Rob Scheinberg, PhD
This course focuses on the liturgy for the High Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, with an emphasis on the portions of the liturgy that are most likely to be included by non-Orthodox communities. We will explore the history and theology of the liturgy for these days, including the earlier Biblical and Rabbinic material that is incorporated into the liturgy. We will gain facility with a range of High Holy Day prayerbooks as we spark creative thinking on how to use the liturgy and its themes to help Jewish communities to experience the Yamim Nora’im in a meaningful way.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. Koren-Sacks Mahzor (2 volumes). ISBN: 9653013408 $69.90. Also possible to use is the Birnbaum Mahzor (1 volume; free download at https://opensiddur.org/compilations/liturgical/mahzorim/rosh-hashanah-mahzorim/mahzor-ha-sh alem-lrosh-ha-shanah-vyom-kippur-by-paltiel-birnbaum)
2. Birnbaum, Philip, High Holiday Prayer Book, or Sacks, Jonathan, OU Mahzor (2 volumes)
3. Hammer, Reuven, Entering the High Holy Days (JPS, 1998). ISBN: 0827608217 $13.65 (available as e-book).
4. Hoffman, Lawrence, We Have Sinned: Sin and Confession in Judaism—Ashamnu and Al Chet (Prayers of Awe). ISBN: 1580236126 $22.49
5. All Our Vows: Kol Nidrei; Who By Fire, Who By Water: Unetaneh Tokef; May God Remember: Yizkor.

MEC 145 Mechina II
Yifat Avner
This course is a continuation of Mechina Hebrew I. This course will build upon the foundational grammar covered in the last semester. The students will continue to work on developing communication skills in Modern Hebrew. They will be introduced to more advanced grammatical patterns, and new vocabulary and continue to improve their writing, reading, and conversational skills.
No credit
Required Texts:

1. Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part I (English and Hebrew Edition) 2019 Edition; ISBN: 9653501127 $64.42

MEC 150 Mechina III
Michal Nachmany
This course covers the second half of Hebrew from Scratch 1 (עברית מן ההתחלה א’). It takes the students from learning the mechanics of reading and writing unvoweled Hebrew to active mastery of 1200 words, knowledge of the past tense in all of the גזרות of Pa’al as well as the past tense of regular verbs in Pi’el, Hif’il and Hitpa’el reading comprehension of dialogues relating to everyday life, as well as descriptive, narrative and informative texts on Jewish and Israeli cultural topics.
Prerequisite: Mechina II or the equivalent
No Credit
Required Texts:

1. Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part I (English and Hebrew Edition) 2019 Edition. Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Shlomit Chayat. $64.42 ISBN 9653501127
2. Mi-Po Le-Sham Part 1: A Companion Text for “Hebrew from Scratch Part 1”. Ester Simons, Magnes Press $21 ISBN: 978-965-350-151-5

PHI 300 Judaism, Science, and Ethics
Rabbi Jonathan Crane, PhD
The relationship between Judaism and science has received much attention, especially in the last century or so. Embedded in these discussions are concerns about values and ethics: what constitute the good life, who or what is a human, what is the nature and extent of our responsibilities, which excellences should we pursue, and more. This short course investigates some of these ongoing deliberations, including discussions about personhood, disease, “unwanted life” and environmentalism through diverse Judaic sources. This course will cover different material than our Bioethics class and counts towards the science requirement.
Intersession online
1 credit

PHI 311 Medieval Philosophy
Rabbi Len Levin, PhD
The classics of medieval Jewish philosophy will be considered as efforts in the ongoing project to articulate a coherent Jewish world-outlook. How did they seek to integrate the value-orientation of the Bible with the best (Greek) “science” of their age? How might their attempts at integration serve as models for us? Texts to be studied will include: Bible, Plato, Aristotle, Philo, Saadia, Halevi, and Maimonides (with intensive attention devoted to the Guide for the Perplexed).
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. 3 Jewish Philosophers: Philo Of Alexandria, Saadya Gaon, Yehuda Halevi, ISBN 9781592641475; $14.95
2. Guide for the Perplexed, Moses Maimonides, Trans. M. Friedlander, ISBN 9780760757574; $22.99

PRO 003 and 005 Core Concepts III and V
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
Core Concepts III
This is a multi-year sequence of seminars. The seminars cover some of the fundamental values, concepts and vocabulary of Jewish tradition. Students are expected to first gain a basic acquaintance with these terms and to then delve more deeply into them so as to appreciate their range of significance. The goal of the seminars is not simply to gather information, but to develop an integrated way of thinking about and expressing these value concepts, so that students may grow from having an appreciation of the tradition to actively and creatively participating in the discourse of Torah. Every student is required to take four trimesters of the seminars given in the sequence, but they need not be taken in order. Core Concepts III begins with the term ahavah. No tuition is charged for this course. This course is only open to matriculated students who are also registering for other courses.
No credit
(first half of term)
Required Texts: Course Packet provided by instructor

Core Concepts V
This is a multi-year sequence of seminars. The seminars cover some of the fundamental values, concepts and vocabulary of Jewish tradition. Students are expected to first gain a basic acquaintance with these terms and to then delve more deeply into them so as to appreciate their range of significance. The goal of the seminars is not simply to gather information, but to develop an integrated way of thinking about and expressing these value concepts, so that students may grow from having an appreciation of the tradition to actively and creatively participating in the discourse of Torah. Every student is required to take four trimesters of the seminars given in the sequence, but they need not be taken in order. Core Concepts V begins with ‘ot. No tuition is charged for this course. This course is only open to matriculated students who are also registering for other courses.
No credit
(second half of term)
Required Texts: Course Packet provided by instructor

PRO 312 Homiletics
Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner
Clergy have always been looked to as important communicators. In congregational settings, the weekly sermon is a valuable tool to share values, teaching important lessons and setting a general tone for the congregation community. Other lifecycle mile markers from birth to grave require a rabbinic lessons, inspiration and crafted words, most often spoken.
In this homiletics course we will focus on the uniqueness of this role and how to take a shy and less comfortable speaker and hone this skill set individually based on traits and comfort, while leveraging the skills of a gifted orator and writer and making them better.
Each week we will focus on a different environment including but not limited to wedding, funeral, invocation, sermon, D’var Torah. Each student will be randomly assigned specific scenarios that you will be required to address for different life cycle and rabbinic moments and with different vehicles of communication.
(first half of term)
1 credit
Required Texts and *Suggested Texts

1. Tanakh
2. Periodicals (NYT, WSJ, The Atlantic, People, 60 Minutes, Time or your news source of choice)
3. *Wolpe, David, Floating Takes Faith, Behrman House: NJ, 2004; ISBN: 9780874417333; $14
4. *Wohlberg, Mitchell, Pulpit Power , EMEK Publishing: OR, 2008; OCLC: 1311038574; Available on archive.org
5. *Feinstein, Edward, Capturing the Moon, Behrman House: NJ, 2008; ISBN: 9780874418408; $20
6. *Weiss, Abner, Death and Bereavement, Ktav Pub. House: NJ, 1991; ISBN: 9780881251272; $10

PRO 315 Counseling I
Cantor Michael Kasper
This course is an introduction to the practice of pastoral counseling, offering the philosophical / religious / psychological underpinnings as well as developing actual practical skills. Emphasis is on acquiring the ability to actively listen and assess situations, and then respond appropriately, knowing when to offer various kinds of help, and when to recommend appropriate referrals.
Specific issues in this course involve counseling for life cycle events, pre-marital meetings, helping people cope with illness, losses and grief/bereavement, as well as crisis situations and the stresses of life. We explore ways to use Jewish texts, song, prayer and ritual for healing. Classes often have an experiential component.
2 credits
Required Texts:

1. Jewish Pastoral Care – A Practical Handbook , Jewish Pastoral Care – A Practical Handbook, ISBN 1580234275; $24.95
2. The Good Listener, James E. Sullivan, ISBN 0877939438; $36.61
3. Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal, Rachel Naomi, Remen, ISBN 9781594482090; $10.31

PRO 344 Life Cycle – C2R
Rabbi Jef Segelman
In this class, students in the Cantors to Rabbis program will engage in a very particular type of exploration into life cycle rituals and experiences. As AJR is dedicated to pluralism, the goal of the course is to broaden students’ knowledge base and perspective beyond their denominational training. The presentations and conversations with regard to birth, marriage/divorce, and death will not only expand their “clergy toolbox” but may also deepen the meaning of their current denominational practice. This course is only open to students in the Cantors to Rabbis program, and fulfills a requirement for that program.
1 credit
(second half of term)
Required Texts: TBD

PRO 349 Cancer in the Community
Melissa Rosen, Sharsheret
This course will provide rabbis, cantors, and other Jewish professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide much needed psychosocial spiritual support to community members facing cancer or other illness.
The training covers topics such as introduction to understanding cancer, where being Jewish may intersect with a cancer experience, how cultural nuances can impact diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, spiritual concerns, and the creation of caring community and how that impacts both healing and the community-at-large. This course will include a variety of traditional learning and interactive modalities.
1 credit, Intersession course
Required Texts:
All required reading will be provided by instructor (online and shipped resource binder).

PRO 470 Chaplaincy
Rabbi Julie Schwartz
This course seeks to integrate the theoretical knowledge about the science of spiritual care with the practical application of the art of spiritual care. Students must secure an internship of at least 27 hours in a chaplaincy setting (hospital, senior housing, etc.) during which they are expected to intentionally practice the skills and approaches presented during the course. Class sessions will include regular opportunities for students to discuss and process their practical experiences in the field and to learn from the experiences of their peers. Students will continue the development of their pastoral care skills while also identifying the multiple roles that a chaplain may serve during the provision of pastoral care. Students will be introduced to methods of spiritual assessment, theological reflection, and the use of self during the pastoral encounter.
This course will meet six times over the course of the trimester – May 21 & 28, June 25, July 2, 9 & 23.
1 credit
Required Texts:
1. Jewish Pastoral Care, 2nd Edition: A Practical Handbook from Traditional and Contemporary Sources. Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, ed. Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2010. ISBN: 1580234275 $24.99
2. Cadge, Wendy. Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the Twenty-First Century, An Introduction. UNC Press, 2022. ISBN: 1469667606 $24.95
3. Rogers, Carl R. A Way of Being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1980. ISBN: 0395755301 $7.99
4. Professional Spiritual and Pastoral Care: A Practical Clergy and Chaplain’s Handbook.” Rabbi Stephen B. Roberts, ed. Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2012. ASIN: B00FFBE54Q $55.37

PRO 700 FWSS
Rabbi Jef Segelman
This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the semester by Rabbi Jef Segelman.
No credit
Required Texts: None

RAB 110 Intro to Midrash
Dr. Ryan Dulkin
In this introductory class, we will examine the forms, techniques and vocabulary of rabbinic Midrash and explore the function that Midrash plays in rabbinic interpretation of Torah. We will study fundamental Midrashic reading strategies, and become familiar with a variety of midrashic collections that date from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages. We will pay particular attention to the development of rabbinic hermeneutics and exegetical strategies as they evolved in particular historical contexts. This is a text-based class and we will spend time during each session reading Midrashim in Hebrew to improve our fluency.
2 credits
Required Texts:
1. The Hebrew Bible [any edition will do]

RAB 430 Intermediate /Advanced Talmud
Rabbi Will Friedman
This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to Shabbat practices and prohibitions, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary Shabbat observances. Prerequisite: Three trimesters of Talmud.
2 credits
Required Texts: None

SPI 325 The Spiritual Dialogue: Our Prayer and Our Learning
Rabbi Jef Segelman
In this course we will explore the meaning of prayer as an expression of ourselves to God and our learning as an act of embracing God’s expressing God’s self to us.
Most importantly, we will focus on how we create meaningful prayer services and learning experiences for others and ways that we can make sure that this holy work does not come at the expensive of our own spiritual growth.This course will count as one credit of Parashat Hashavua and one credit of Tefillah and Seminar, or as a Spirituality elective.
2 credits
Required Texts: TBD
Intersession onsite at AJR

SPI 385 Jewish Text & Art
Rabbi Peter Stein
Art can be a powerful tool for uncovering new layers of meaning in Jewish texts and ideas. In this class, students will use art to respond to Jewish texts, expressing their own insights and original interpretations through a variety of visual media. Through this process, students will gain new tools for studying and teaching Torah while nurturing their own connection to art as a spiritual practice.

Students with all levels of textual and artistic background are welcome. No prior experience in either is required.
This class satisfies the Sacred Arts requirement.
2 credits

Spring 2024

BIB 101 Introduction to Bible
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
This course will introduce the student to modern critical studies of the Bible. Selected texts of the Bible will be studied in-depth while broader thematic issues will be surveyed. Various methodologies used by biblical scholars will be introduced to the students. The many meanings of the text and the centrality of the Bible in the Jewish world will be emphasized through careful study.
This course is a prerequisite for all Bible study at AJR. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above.
2 credits
Textbooks:

- Frederick Greenspahn, ed. The Hebrew Bible: New Insights and Scholarship ISBN: 814731880, $11.57
- Elliott Rabin. Understanding the Hebrew Bible: A Reader’s Guide ISBN: 0881258717, $21.33
- Marc Zvi Brettler. How to Read the Bible ISBN: 0195325222, $19.71

BIB 337 The Mysterious Lives of Eliyahu HaNavi – Lessons in Spiritual Leadership
Rabbi Jef Segelman
We will study the life and work of the Prophet Elijah from the perspective of understanding the making of a spiritual leader. We will use both biblical and rabbinic texts, artistic images, and more in seeing how we can use the life of this prophet in understanding and working on clergy formation and spiritual leadership.
This class will count as a Bible text class.
2 credits
Textbooks: TBD

BIB 347 Leviticus Reconsidered: The Reality of the Holy and the Choreography of the Sacred
Dr. Job Jindo
Many find the book of Leviticus too difficult to understand. Its cultic concerns seem obsolete and boring, and its rules of sacrifices and ritual purity appear to have no relevance to the social, existential, and normative issues of our time. And yet, we live in the “Golden Age of Parashat Hashavua (Weekly Torah portion),” and Jewish clergies are expected to know how to draw insight from this seemingly outmoded and arcane book. This course is a close critical reading of Leviticus, revolving around the contemporary relevance of this text. By the conclusion of this course, the student will learn: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of Leviticus; (2) the theology of holiness and the idea of biblical ecology as reflected in Leviticus; and (3) how to teach the book of Leviticus to the contemporaries with AJR values (i.e., critical rigor, inclusivity, commitment to the pluralistic, contemporary Jewish and broader communities).
This course will count as a Bible text class or as fulfilling the Parashat Hashavua requirement.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible
2 credits
Textbooks:

- Jewish Study Bible [2d edition]. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015 [The book of Leviticus is annotated by Baruch J. Schwartz; the 1st edition is also fine] ISBN: 019026389X, $28.99
- Jacob Milgrom. Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004. ISBN: 0800695143, $53.81
- Baruch A. Levine. Leviticus: JPS Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1989. ISBN: 0827603282, $20.89

BIB 421 Religion, Politics, and Leadership Failure in the Bible: Studies in the Book of Samuel
Dr. Job Jindo
This course will be a critical reading of the book of Samuel, revolving around two axes: (1) religion and politics and (2) leadership and the human condition (or human fallibility). By the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to articulate: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of the book of Samuel; (2) biblical insight into the relationships among politics, religion, and leadership; and (3) three examples where the book of Samuel is a source for understanding the human condition in our own day. We will also explore existential issues embodied in the text that are relevant to contemporary concerns, such as “problems of power,” “leadership and accountability,” “family and loyalty,” “gender and sexuality,” “divine and human law,” “agency and responsibility,” “cultivation of mindfulness,” “transformation of self,” and “the Other.” This course fulfills the Leadership in the Bible rabbinical school requirement.
Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective.
2 credits
Textbooks:

- Adele Berlin and Marc Zvi Brettler. The Jewish Study Bible. 2d ed. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2014. ISBN: 0199978468, $39.41
- Moshe Halbertal and Stephen Holmes. The Beginning of Politics: Power in the Biblical Book of Samuel. Princeton/Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2017. ISBN: 0691191689, $18.99
- Robert Alter’s Translation of Samuel—one of the following versions will do: (a) Robert Alter. The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary. New York: Norton, 2019. ISBN: 0393292495, $75.99 OR: (b) Ancient Israel: The Former Prophets: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. New York: Norton, 2013 ISBN: 0393348767, $20.42. OR: (c) Robert Alter. The David Story. New York: Norton, 1999. ISBN: 0393320774, $18.62

CAN 106 Jewish Choral Music
Teacher TBA
Jewish music is oftentimes the heartbeat of public prayer. It holds us, comforts us, excites and fortifies our powerful reactions in times of need, want, crisis, and joy. Choral music has a special place in the Jewish songbook as voices in harmony work to bring depth and beauty to every moment. This intersession choral experience is open to all interested students, rabbis and cantors alike. It satisfies 2 elective credits and, for students interested in learning to conduct a choir, can be counted as fulfilling the conducting requirement for cantorial students.
This Intersession course is taught onsite at AJR.
2 credits
Textbooks: TBD

CAN 395 Exploring Piyyut: Liturgical and Paraliturgical Practice in Hebrew Text and Song
Dr. Samuel Torjman-Thomas
The piyyut has long been a post-biblical vehicle for expressing a high-register Hebraic response to Jewish life in Diaspora. Often ensconced in localized trends, be they linguistic and/or musical, piyyutim involve the interaction between text, sound, thought, and historical memory. In contemporary Jewish life, piyyutim have also moved beyond the liturgical and paraliturgical function, to navigate modern Hebraic culture in Israel as part of a globalized context of popular music. This course examines different themes, settings, and impacts of piyyutim practice in Jewish history and culture. This course fulfills the Piyyutim requirement for cantorial students.
2 credits
Textbooks:

- Raymond P. Scheindlin. The Gazelle: Medieval Hebrew Poems on God, Israel, and the Soul, (JPS) ISBN: 978-0827603844
- Raymond P. Scheindlin. Wine Women and Death: Medieval Hebrew Poems on the Good Life (Oxford University Press), ISBN: ‎ 978-0195129878
- T. Carmi. The Penguin Book of Hebrew Verse, ISBN: 978-0140424676

CAN 441 Advanced Nusah – Yammim Noraim II
Cantor Sol Zim and Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor
An in-depth extensive study of the vast Misinai tunes that make up the Yom Kippur liturgy. Each student must develop an understanding of the various motifs and nushaot and how to use them in the course of davening. Both sections required.
4 credits
Textbooks:

- Sol Zim. Yom Kippur Anthology. New York: Cantor’s Assembly, 2008. ISBN: 9781928918516, $69.95
  Choose one of the following High Holiday Mahzorim:
- Morris Silverman. – מחזור לראש השנה וליום הכפורים [High Holiday Prayer Book], Hartford: Prayer Book Press, 1951. $34.95
- Jules Harlow, ed. Mahzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. New York: Rabbinical Assembly, 1972. ISBN: 978-0-87441-148-5, $49.95
- Sidney Greenberg and Jonathan D. Levine ed. Mahzor Hadash: The New Mahzor for Rosh Hahanah and Yom Kippur. Bridgeport, CT: Prayer Book Press, 1978 ISBN: 9780876770757, $43.95
- Chaim Stern ed. Gates of Repentance: The New Union Prayerbook for the Days of Awe, New York: Central Conference of American Rabbis, 1978. $24.95
- Ed Feld, ed. Mahzor Lev Shalem: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. New York: Rabbinical Assembly. ISBN: 9780916219468, $49

HAL 510 Advanced Halakhah
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
This course will focus on Joseph Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, the major medieval code of Jewish law that continues to inform contemporary practice. We will study many of the most important laws related to the observance of laws of mourning and dietary practices with secondary readings that offer more diverse perspectives on a variety of related issues.
Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes and Intermediate Codes or the equivalent
2 credits
Textbooks: None

HEB 251 Hebrew 1B
Ilana Davidov
This course will bring students to Chapter 8-9 of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מן ההתחלה ב’). The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes Pi’el, Hitpa’el in all tenses, passive verbs in Pa’al, and more prepositions. Written and oral assignments will enhance communication skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IA or the equivalent
4 credits
Textbooks:

- Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner. Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 2001 Edition, ISBN: 9653501275, $80.93
- Recommended: Esti Simons and Noa Wienberg. From Here to There (מפה לשם) for Hebrew from Scratch Part 2, Jerusalem: Magnes Press, ISBN: 978-965-350-193-5, $22

HEB 320 Biblical Hebrew – 2 sessions offered for this course, see schedule
Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew: examination of and exercise in the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew, for the development of competence in understanding and translating the classical Biblical texts (with some attention to major differences between BH, Rabbinic and Modern Hebrew). Objectives: by the end of this course, students will be able to identify all parts of speech, including all the major binyanim in all their forms as they occur in prose passages of the Tanakh. They will be able to use BDB efficiently and accurately to find unfamiliar vocabulary by applying information learned about the forms and structures of different parts of speech. Students will learn to use a biblical concordance and Sefaria.com to produce a word study. They will be able to translate connected biblical prose passages accurately with the help of BDB and give analyses of specified words and constructions. Students will be able to use major conjunctive and disjunctive cantillation signs to aid in correct phrasing of syntactic units of the texts examined. And, if all goes according to plan, will even enjoy the process!
2 credits
Textbook will be provided by instructor:

- R. Bryan Widbin & Peg Kershenbaum. A Guidebook for Learning Biblical Hebrew

HEB 351 – Hebrew IIB
Ilana Davidov
In the beginning of this course students will complete the last four lessons of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מן ההתחלה ב’). It will include an intensive review of the verb system in the active בניינים and their gerunds, and a brief introduction to the passive הופעל ,פועל) בניינים) real and unreal condition, comparative and superlative sentences.
Depending on the class progress, students may work towards the end of the trimester with more advanced material.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIA or the equivalent
4 credits
Textbooks:

- Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner. Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition), Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 2001 Edition, ISBN: 9653501275, $80.93

HIS 401 Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History II
Rabbi David Fine, PhD
This course examines the new ideas and the great debates that affected Jewish belief, culture and society throughout the ages. This second part of the two-trimester course will examine the new ideas and the great debates that affected the Jewish people from the Early Middle Ages up through Early Modern Times. This trimester will focus on the new ideas, perspectives, innovations, and debates of the Babylonian Jewish community under Islamic rule, followed by the growth of the Spanish Jewish community and the exciting developments created in that context. The development of the Ashkenazi Jewish community, as well as its unique understanding of Torah, will be explored, along with the influences and cultural exchange between Judaism and the Medieval Christian World, leading into the period of European Enlightenment and the Early Modern World. Ideas and Debates 1 is not a prerequisite for this course.
2 credits
Textbooks:

- John Efron, Steven Weitzman, and Matthias Lehmann. The Jews: A History (New York: Routledge, 2019, Third edition). ISBN: 1138298441, $89.30

LIT 271 Tefillah and Seminar
Cantor Michael Kasper
During times of crisis or trauma, communities seek to find comfort in tefillah, whether in synagogues, havurot, in person, or on Zoom. In this class we will work together on clarifying tools and steps in creating prayer services that speak to difficult times. We will learn from guests with a variety of approaches, and develop our own techniques.
1 credit
This course will run the last six weeks of the term.
Textbooks: TBD

MEC 140 Mechina I
Yifat Avner
Introduction to modern Hebrew, level one of the three part Mechina sequence.
Textbooks: TBD

MEC 145 Mechina II
Michal Nachmany
This course is a continuation of Mechina Hebrew (MEC 140) taught in the fall. It will cover a good part of Hebrew From Scratch Part I beginning around unit four.
0 credits
Textbooks:

- Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli. Hebrew from Scratch Textbook Part 1, ISBN: 9653501127, $60

PHI 301 Bioethics
Rabbi Jill Hackell, MD
Technological advancements in medicine have brought with them bioethical issues of increasing complexity. This course will examine issues pertinent to today’s bioethical dialogue from a Jewish point of view, including issues such as organ donation, end-of-life, assisted reproduction, genetic screening and gene therapy, disease prevention, physician-assisted death, and the many issues raised by COVID. How does the Jewish way of looking at these issues compare and contrast with the general societal discussion? What are the governing principles of bioethical argument in each of these across the spectrum of Jewish thought? How are ancient Jewish sources reconciled with modern technology in guiding thinking about these issues?
1 credit
This course will run the first six weeks of the term.
Textbooks:

- Elliot N. Dorff. Matters of Life and Death: A Jewish Approach to Modern Medical Ethics, ISBN 827607687, $27

PHI 480 Pluralism
Rabbi Len Levin, PhD
What is pluralism? What are its core value commitments, and how does it differ from relativism? In this class we will endeavor to clarify our core convictions regarding truth and pluralism; to determine to what extent pluralism is an authentic Jewish value; to extend and deepen our knowledge base concerning pluralism in general and the discussion over pluralism within classical and modern Judaism; to cultivate the virtues of pluralism in dealing with each other, with Jews of persuasions different from our own, and with fellow human beings of different faith communities or no faith community. We will use Studies in Judaism and Pluralism: Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Academy for Jewish Religion as a study guide.
2 credits
Textbooks:

- Leonard Levin, ed. Studies in Judaism and Pluralism (Ben Yehuda Press, ISBN: 1934730610, $7.34 http://benyehudapress.com/books/studies-judaism-pluralism/
- Moshe Halbertal. People of the Book: Canon, Meaning, and Authority Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997. ISBN: 0674661125, $38.50
- Donniel Hartman. The Boundaries of Judaism. New York: Continuum, 2007. ISBN: 0826496644, $47.45
- Avi Sagi. The Open Canon. New York: Continuum, 2007. ISBN: 0826496709, $50

PHI 515 Sefer Yetzirah
Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
Sefer Yetzirah is one of the earliest works of Jewish mysticism. This brief and cryptic ancient book imagines letters as the building blocks of the universe, introduces us to the sefirot or divine realms, and focuses our attention on the components of space, time, and soul. Its goal is to allow adepts to contemplate, and even partake in, the Divine creative process interwoven with the details of the physical universe. We will be reading the work in its entirety, plus secondary literature, to understand the meaning of Sefer Yetzirah and its potential role in contemporary Jewish belief and contemplative practice. We will also be exploring the book’s meditative approach through our own exploration of its methods. This course will count as the Mysticism requirement.
2 credits
Textbooks:

- Jill Hammer. Return to the Place: The Magic, Meditation and Mystery of Sefer Yetzirah. New Jersey: Ben Yehuda Press, 2020. ISBN: ‎ 978-1934730065, $24.95.
- Aryeh, Kaplan. Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation. York Beach, ME: Weiser Books, 1997. ISBN: 978-0877286905, $31.49

PRO 314 Leading Through Crisis
Rabbi David Seth Kirshner
While synagogues are communities within themselves, they are also always a part of a larger community. It’s important to know how to connect with political authorities, police and fire departments, and to be a relevant part of a larger community. Additionally, it’s important for clergy to be savvy about communication, whether through press or social media, and to recognize the kind of outreach that is not meant just to bring in new members, but to serve the functioning congregation. All of these skills become that much more important during times of communal crisis. This course will give students guidance and a toolbox in dealing with these types of external pieces in leading communities through times of crisis. This class can count towards the entrepreneurship requirement.
1 credit
This course will run the first six weeks of the term.
Textbooks: TBD

PRO 342 Life Cycle II
Rabbi Daniel Pernick
This course will focus on life cycle issues and rituals beginning after the marriage ceremony and continuing through death and mourning. Topics will include: innovative rituals addressing transitions in individual adult life, milestones in marriage and parenting, and concerns regarding the end of a marriage and divorce. Also included will be the topic of bikkur holim and issues of caregiving to elderly parents, end of life concerns, and a practical and philosophical study of the laws of death and mourning. Students in this course will be able to: create innovative rituals surrounding adult life cycle events, articulate issues and guide families with regard to end of life decisions, explain and facilitate the process and ritual of the Jewish divorce. Students will also learn how to officiate at funerals, burials, and other rituals associated with Jewish practices of death and mourning. Life Cycle I is not a perquisite for this course.
2 Credits
Textbooks:

- Goldie Milgram, Living Jewish Life Cycle: How to Create Meaningful Jewish Rites of
  Passage at Every Stage of Life ISBN: 158023335X, $19.99
- Isaak Klein, A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice ISBN: 0873341740, $24.95
- L’chol Z’man v’Eit: For Sacred Moments – New Rabbi’s Manual ISBN 0881235708,
  $20 https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50337
- HaMadrich – RCA (Orthodox) Rabbi’s Manual ISBN 0899065872, $21.55

PRO 355 Conversion
Rabbi Leana Moritt
What prompts someone to convert to Judaism? How do they go about doing it? How do the different movements approach conversion? How has conversion changed throughout history? Who gets to decide “Who is Jewish?” and what are the implications? How are Judaism and the Jewish community changing in the 21st century? And what is the role of the rabbi in preparing someone for conversion? These are some of the questions we will explore in our course on conversion, exploring the historical, theological, sociological and practical elements of conversion to Judaism.
1 credit
This Intersession course will be held on Wednesday and Thursday.
Textbooks: TBD

PRO 366 Teaching Israel
Rabbi Anat Katzir
The Israel Education course will look into some of the major questions and challenges when approaching Israel programs and curricula. We will begin with an initial understanding of why Israel education is important in spiritual communities, and include issues such as what Israel content do we introduce to our community, and how to handle challenging conversations and complex emotions when discussing Israel. This class counts toward the Education requirement.
2 credits
Textbooks: TBD

PRO 422 Leading Through Innovation
Clal – The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership
Rabbi Julia Appel, Rabbi Elan Babchuck, and Rabbi Joshua Stanton
This cross-seminary course is for rabbinical, cantorial, and educational students who are preparing to take leadership roles in the rapidly changing landscape of Jewish life. The course pulls from design thinking, innovation, social entrepreneurship, and changemaking leadership. Students will learn how to develop a new offering based on community members’ real needs under the guidance of course facilitators. The course progresses through three stages of leading through innovation: The Reflect module invites students to individually reflect on their spiritual leadership journey, the shifts going on around us, and how we might adapt to the changing reality in which we lead. The Reframe module presents a human-centered methodology through which to better serve your people based on empathy interviewing. Finally, the Reimagine module engages participants in the process of innovation by design, applying the tools of design thinking to create an innovative project, initiative, ritual, or organization and to bring it to fruition in the world. For more information, contact Rabbi Julia Appel at [email protected].
2 credits
Please note dates & times of course: Wednesdays at 4:00 – 6:00 pm ET – January 31, February 7, 14, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, May 8, 15
Final paper due May 22

PRO 490 Difficult Conversations
Teacher TBA
This course will provide students with a social-emotional understanding of how to negotiate difficult conversations. Students will explore what can make social interactions uncomfortable and how to approach communication in effective and compassionate ways. The course includes opportunities for developing the skills and confidence to handle these difficult situations more comfortably. Students will learn how to manage anxiety about and avoidance of difficult dialogue, how to explore what makes these conversations personally problematic for them, and how to structure conversations that can promote shared understanding. Classes will include discussion of ideas as well as experiential practice and role-playing of real-life situations.
1 credit
This Intersession course will be held on Monday and Tuesday.
Textbooks: TBD

PRO 700 Fieldwork Support Seminar – 2 sessions offered for this course, see schedule
Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer and Rabbi Jef Segelman
This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the semester by Rabbi Jef Segelman.
0 credits
Textbooks: None

RAB 150 Pirkei Avot: Studies in Spiritual Leadership and Religious Growth
Rabbi Jef Segelman
In this class, we will explore a selection of the mishnayot in Pirkei Avot. Delving deeply into rabbinic, chassidic and modern texts and commentaries, we will focus our attention on how clergy can use this work to evolve our personal theologies and to inspire and strengthen our spiritual leadership. This class counts as an elective.
2 credits
Textbooks: TBD

RAB 230 Introduction to Talmudic Logic
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
In this first trimester of Talmud study, the emphasis will be on learning the kind of talmudic logic employed in the legal arguments, especially the kushia-contradiction (objection) and the terutz (resolution). While the passages studied will be in parallel English/Hebrew-Aramaic columns from Sefaria, most of the passages will be studied in English in order to facilitate learning the challenging logic of talmudic discourse. Nevertheless, students will learn key technical terms in the original Aramaic. Once students learn the basics of talmudic logic in this first trimester of Introduction to Talmud, the second trimester will introduce additional elements of talmudic study and passages will be studied in their original Hebrew and Aramaic. The supervised Havruta session is required of all students.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mishnah
2 credits
Textbooks:

- Marcus Jastrow. A Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature. This book is available in standard, hard-copy format. It is also available for free on the web on Sefaria, although it is easier to use in hard copy format. ISBN:1932443217, $38.50
- Yitzhak Frank. The Practical Talmud Dictionary ISBN: 1592644511, $29.95 (available on the DTL but easier to navigate in hard copy)

RAB 430 Intermediate/Advanced Talmud
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
In this course students will continue to hone their abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material. This semester will focus on sugyot that address “Big Concepts” such as the problem of evil, the value of martyrdom, and the origins of rabbinic Judaism. We will explore the ways that these sources impact us on a personal and spiritual level, as well as possible pedagogical applications for teaching these sources to others. Prerequisite: at least three terms of Talmud, or the equivalent.
2 Credits
Textbooks: None

Fall 2023

BIB 420 Parshanut
Dr. Job Jindo
This course introduces students to the treasure world of medieval Jewish biblical exegesis. Selections, mostly from the Torah, will be examined to compare and contrast opinions of major commentators, such as Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, and Ramban. By the conclusion of this course, each student will be able to demonstrate: (1) a mastery of the essential skills in reading medieval commentaries; (2) an informed understanding of the methodologies and exegetical goals of each exegete; and (3) a deeper appreciation of the commentators in their own historical and theological context. Students will also become familiar with other features and interpretive tools found on the pages of rabbinic Bibles (Mikra’ot Gedolot), as well as what they should be mindful of when using such online sources as Sefaria.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Artscroll Sapirstein Edition Rashi: Vols. 1-5 [Note that there are two sizes: large and small, pick one]: The Standard Edition (Large), ISBN: 1578191149, $142 or The Student Edition (Small), ISBN: 1578193303, $131

BIB 520 The Psalms that Clergy Use
Rabbi Jef Segelman
Psalms are important element in the toolbox of the clergy. They are part of our liturgy, our life cycle rituals, and they often set the tone for moments of commemoration and introspection. In this class, we will take an in-depth look at many of the psalms that regularly find their way into our work and our prayers. Our goal will be not only to learn how to use them more effectively, but also how we may use them to further our professional and personal spiritual growth.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible. This course will count as a Bible elective.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Segal, Benjamin J., A New Psalm: A Guide to Psalms as Literature (BIBLE/TANACH Book 10), ISBN: 965229618X, $55.00
Alter, Robert, The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary, ISBN: 0393337049, $19.95
Artscroll/Mesorah, The Writings: The Book of Psalms English and Hebrew 2018, ISBN: 1422620014, $33

CAN 115 Introduction to Modes
Cantor Joseph Ness
Modes are central to the understanding of the performative skills of leading the davening in a service. With practical application, we will look into the various services by examining in some detail how the modes are integrated into each liturgy.
1 Credit
Textbooks: TBD

CAN 116 Advanced Modes
Cantor Joseph Ness
Taking off from where Introduction to Modes leaves off, students will explore not only how the modes are integrated into liturgy but will begin to use them as a basis for their own improvisational work. Students will have ample time to practice and perform their ideas in a small and warm environment. Emphasis will focus on the recognition of the correct mode for each prayer service and then, on its use as a vehicle for personal expression in the service of bringing more, or new, meaning to the prayer experience. This course counts as a general elective.
1 Credit
Textbooks: TBD

CAN 386 Character, Conflict and Community Leadership: Peace Studies II
Rabbi David Markus, JD
“It’s alright for a shul to be a business – so long as you know what business you’re really in.” This familiar quip begs some key questions: What’s the real business of Jewish spiritual leaders? How can we most effectively steward nonprofit boards and other leadership constructs to flourish in the business we’re really in? How can we wisely leverage character traits (flaws), moral leadership (failures), and peacemaking (conflicts) to nourish vibrant and flourishing spiritual communities? Blending textual tradition, socio-political literature and real-life case studies, this course will explore models of spiritual authority, middot (character traits) in spiritual leadership, pastoral and psycho-spiritual dynamics of conflict, change agency in spiritual systems, and best practices for spiritual community structures. Participants will expand their community governance toolkits while accelerating their personal formation as wise and transformational spiritual leaders.
2 Credits
Textbooks: TBD

CAN 445: Advanced Nusah Yammim Noraim I
Cantors Sol Zim and Lisa Klinger-Kantor
An in depth extensive study of the vast Mi-sinai tunes that make up the Rosh Hashanah liturgy. Each student must develop an understanding of the various motifs and nushaot and how to use them in the course of davening. Targil section required.
4 Credits
Textbooks:
Zim, Sol, Musical Machzor: Rosh Hashana, A Sol Zim Anthology, ASIN: B09KNDBK77, $69.95

CAN 561: Music: The Life Cycle
Cantor Sol Zim
The course will address all occasions in the congregational calendar during which the cantor is officiating and music plays an important part, including life cycle events, and more.
1 Credit
Textbooks: TBD

HAL 460 Intermediate Codes
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
This course will focus on Joseph Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, the major medieval code of Jewish law that continues to inform contemporary practice. We will study many of the most important laws related to the observance of Shabbat and holidays with secondary readings that offer more diverse perspectives for modern forms of observance and celebration.
Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes
2 credits

Textbooks: None

HAL 480 Responsa
Rabbi David Wise
In this course we will conduct a close reading of rabbinic responsa from a variety of historic periods, and become familiar with some of their authors, tracing the responsa literature from its earliest origins to its 21st century expression. Selected responsa will cover a range of topics and areas of Jewish life. Contemporary responsa studied will reflect a wide spectrum of perspectives and denominational origins. As part of our investigation, we will examine the nature of halakha in light of various theories as to how the halakhic process works.
Prerequisite: HEB 350 (Hebrew IIA) or equivalent
2 Credits
Textbooks: None

HEB 250 Hebrew IA
Ilana Davidov
Using the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (‘עברית מן ההתחלה ב), students will read and listen to texts of different genres – informative, literary and narrative – and different historical registers. A vocabulary of about 500 additional words will be presented and practiced; special attention will be given to dictionary look-up skills. Grammatical topics include nominal and possessive sentences in the future, relative and conditional clauses, the future tense of Pa’al, and declensions of various prepositions.
Prerequisite: Mechina 150 or the equivalent
4 Credits
Textbooks:
Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition, ISBN: 9653501275, $80.93

HEB 350 Hebrew IIA
Ilana Davidov
This course will bring students to Chapter 12-13 of Hebrew from Scratch Part 2 (עברית מן ההתחלה ב‘). The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes future tense of Hif’il, Binyan Nif’al, noun declension, prepositions, and concessive clauses. Written and oral assignments will enhance communicative skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar.
Prerequisite: HEB 251 (Hebrew IB) or the equivalent
4 Credits
Textbooks:
Shlomit Chayat, Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition, ISBN: 9653501275, $80.93

HEB 401 Hebrew IIIB
Yifat Avner
This course is a continuation of Hebrew IIIA. The focus of this course will be on reading and listening comprehension of informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew. Written, oral, and aural assignments will enhance communication and comprehension skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar.
Prerequisite: HEB 400 (Hebrew IIIA) or its equivalent
4 Credits
Textbooks: TBD

HIS 400 Ideas and Debates I
Dr. Alan Levenson
This course will examine the ideas and the great debates that affected Jewish belief, culture, and society throughout the ages, from the Ancient period up through Modern Times. This first trimester will focus on the emergence of Jews as a people in the late biblical era and conclude with Late Antiquity, exploring internal arguments within Judean society, with and among Diaspora Jews, the interactions with pagan and early Christian society, and the rise of rabbinic culture.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Levenson, Jon, Sinai and Zion, ISBN: 006254828X, $25.40
Segal, Alan, Rebecca’s Children: Judaism and Christianity in the Roman World, ISBN: 0674750760, $51.35

LIT 307 Festival Liturgy
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
A study of the liturgy of Pesah, Shavuot, and Sukkot from biblical origins to the present era. Features: variations in the basic liturgy, especially in the Amidot; the development of Hallel customs; the form, function and texts of principal piyyutim, e.g., Hoshanot and Akdamut; Yizkor. These will be studied from historical, literary, and theological perspectives. Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Waskow, Arthur, Seasons of Our Joy: A Modern Guide to the Jewish Holidays, ISBN: 0827609302, $30.47
Scherman, Rabbi Nosson, Zlotowitz, Rabbi Meir, The Complete Artscroll Siddur, ISBN: 089906650X, $33.67
In addition to the two books above, students are required to have available two of the following four siddurim. Students may purchase copies from the various movements or new or used from any other source. Another possibility is borrowing one or more of these from local synagogues:

Siddur Lev Shalem for Shabbat and Festivals, ISBN: 091621964X, $100
Teutsch, David, Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Vehaggim (Hebrew and English), ISBN: 0935457461, $199.99
Frishman, Elyse, Mishkan T’Filah: A Reform Siddur: Weekdays, Shabbat, Festivals, and Other Occasions of Public Worship, ISBN: 0881231037, $44
Rosenstein, Joseph, Siddur Eit Ratzon, ISBN: 0974772410, $46 (Note that the weekday and Days of Awe versions are also titled Eit Ratzon; this course requires the edition that includes the Shabbat and Festival Liturgy).

LIT 405 The Passover Haggadah
Rabbi Rob Scheinberg, PhD
This course explores the origins and development of the Passover Seder, examining texts and traditions from Talmudic and medieval times, as well as the diversity of contemporary Haggadot and Seder practices. This course counts as a general elective.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Hoffman, Lawrence and Arnow, David, My People’s Passover Haggadah Traditional Texts, Modern Commentaries, ISBN: 1580233546 (Vol 1), $20.99 and ISBN: 1580233465 (Vol 2), $22.49
Kulp, Joshua, and Golinkin, David, The Schechter Haggadah: Art, History, and Commentary, ISBN: 9657105595, $40.

MEC 140 Mechina I
Michal Nachmany
In this course students will complete unit 1-lesson 14 of the first volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מן ההתחלה א‘). The lessons will include grammatical issues such the active בניינים (pa’al, pe’el, hiph’il, hit’pael), past, present and future. Weekly writing assignments will be given. The holistic approach of the class will combine all the needed skills for succeeding in Hebrew.
0 Credits
Textbooks:
Chayat, Shlomit; Israeli, Sara, Hebrew from Scratch Textbook Part 1, ISBN: 9653501127, $60

PHI 475 Personal Theology – 2 sessions offered
Rabbi Len Levin, PhD and Dr. Yosef Rosen
Through taking this course students will be able to: clarify their own theological agenda—the questions and core-concepts that are most central to their own Jewish theological vision; develop a statement of their personal theological visions, through a combination of drawing on previous paradigms and creating their own; and specifically be able to address the issues of revelation/authority/practice, God, Israel/Jewish peoplehood, suffering/evil, and eschatology in a way that will be meaningful to themselves and to their future audiences.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Each student should select one of the following five primary texts (or an approved substitute) to purchase, borrow, or otherwise acquire, in conjunction with selecting a “theological mentor” for addressing the principal topics of the course:

Borowitz, Eugene, Renewing the Covenant: A Theology for the Postmodern Jew, ISBN: 0827606273, $24.60
Gillman, Neil, Sacred Fragments: Recovering Theology for the Modern Jew, ISBN: 0827604033, $22.38
Green, Arthur, Radical Judaism: Rethinking God and Tradition (The Franz Rosenzweig Lecture Series), ISBN: 0300152329, $27.
Hartman, David, A Living Covenant: The Innovative Spirit in Traditional Judaism, ISBN: 1580230113, $24.50
Plaskow, Judith, Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective, ISBN: 0060666846, $11.39

PRO 010 Core Concepts II & IV
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
This is a multi-year sequence of seminars. The seminars cover some of the fundamental values, concepts and vocabulary of Jewish tradition. Students are expected to first gain a basic acquaintance with these terms and to then delve more deeply into them so as to appreciate their range of significance. The goal of the seminars is not simply to gather information, but to develop an integrated way of thinking about and expressing these value concepts, so that students may grow from having an appreciation of the tradition to actively and creatively participating in the discourse of Torah. Every student is required to take two years of the seminars given in the sequence, but they need not be taken in order. Core Concepts II begins with nefesh/neshama and Core Concepts IV begins with the term mizrah/ma’arav. No tuition is charged for this course for matriculated ordination students.
0 Credits
Textbooks: None

PRO 216 Pharmacology for Clergy
Cantor Michael Kasper and Dr. David Aftergood
This course has been designed to provide a framework for clergy to understand the basics of psychopharmacology. Teaching goals will include the rationale for prescribing psychiatric medicine, the nature of the conditions prescribed for, the mechanism of the drugs prescribed and the effects and side effects of different classes of medicine. Students will have an opportunity to learn about and think through their responsibilities toward congregants and community members who present themselves as in need of mental health services. These encounters can be difficult to understand and this intersession course will bring issues of psychiatric medication, their usefulness, and use into clearer focus for clergy who contemplate the need for making appropriate referrals. This course fulfills the Science and Judaism requirement.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Patterson, JoEllen; Griffith, James L.; Edwards, Todd M.; The Therapist’s Guide to Psychopharmacology: Working with Patients, Families, and Physicians to Optimize Care, ISBN: 1462547664, $28.08
Wegmann, Joe, RPh, LCSW, Psychopharmacology: Straight Talk on Mental Health Medications, 4th edition, ISBN: 1683732987, $14.88
Relevant Texts for Reference (not required to purchase):
Peterson, Ashley L., RN, BSN, BScPharm, MPN, Psych Meds Made Simple: How and Why They Do What They Do, ISBN: 1999000803, $12.49
Vanderpot, Lynne, PhD, Psychiatric Medication and Spirituality, ISBN: 1785921266, $29.95

PRO 334 Experiential Jewish Education
Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer
As a rabbi or cantor, you will likely have the opportunity to design and facilitate meaningful educational experiences for learners of all ages and stages. Whether in a synagogue, summer camp, college campus, travel program or youth group setting, there will be opportunities for transformative, rich and deep learning. In this class, we will explore best practices and models of experiential education, and will take a hands-on approach to developing and implementing sample programs. We will examine informal learning opportunities for adults as well as for youth. We will consider tried and true practical tools, and will also push beyond our comfort zone, exploring more inventive ways to create sacred educational engagement.
2 Credits
Textbooks: None

PRO 341 Life Cycle I
Rabbi Daniel Pernick
Life Cycle I will enable each student to understand the Jewish perspectives on all of the Jewish life cycle celebrations from birth until marriage. We will focus on the content of the rituals from both a traditional perspective and with regard to the process of arranging ceremonies. We will discuss the variety of practical and professional approaches taken by rabbis and cantors in officiating at these ceremonies and rituals. How to prepare the family for these special moments and how the clergy can prepare for dealing with the unexpected (plenty of real examples will be included) are an essential part of this course and of the rabbinic and cantorial experience. Finally, we will consider ways in which rabbis and cantors can bring meaningful innovation to these ceremonies and rituals, as well as creating new rituals for special moments which are not traditionally ritualized within Judaism. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the instructor or other rabbis and cantors for additional perspectives on these topics.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Milgram, Goldie, Living the Jewish Life Cycle (Available on the DTL)
RCA HaMadrikh (Orthodox rabbi’s manual), ISBN: 0899065872, $21.99
CCAR Rabbi’s Manual – Digital, ISBN: 0881233919, $35

PRO 700 Field Work Support Seminar – 2 course sessions offered
Cantor Michael Kasper and Rabbi Jef Segelman
This seminar group focuses on issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is mandatory for all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All fieldwork placements must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman.
0 Credits
Textbooks: None

RAB 100 Introduction to Mishnah
Rabbi Joshua Cahan, PhD
This course will introduce students to the study of Mishnah, its historical context, and its place in rabbinic literature. Over the course of the trimester, students will gain greater familiarity with the Rabbinic Hebrew of the Mishnah and its idiom, as well the style and structure of the text. Additionally, we will explore the background for the development of the Mishnah, and its reception history as part of the classical rabbinic corpus.
Students in this course must be at the level of HEB 350 (Hebrew 2A) or above.
2 Credits
Textbooks: TBD

RAB 331 Intermediate Talmud
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman, DHL
Students will continue to work on the skills necessary in decoding the talmudic sugya. These include extensive work on the logic and the literary layers. Students will also continue to increase their knowledge of talmudic terminology, vocabulary and grammar. The text will be Tractate Megillah.
Prerequisite: Two terms of Introduction to Talmud or the equivalent. The Havruta session is required of all students.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Steinsaltz, Adin, The Steinsaltz Talmud Bavli – Tractate Ta’anit & Megilla, ISBN: 9653014107, $44.95
Jastrow, Marcus, A Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature, ISBN: 1932443202, $34.58
Frank, Yitzhak, The Practical Talmud Dictionary. ISBN: 1592644511, $28.95 (Available on the DTL)

RAB 530 Advanced Talmud
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone, PhD
This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to kashrut, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary kashrut observances.
Prerequisite: Three trimesters of Talmud and HEB 2A (Hebrew 350)
2 Credits
Textbooks: None

SPI 365 Dreamwork
Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
From Genesis to the Talmud, from the Zohar to Folklore, Jews have used dreams as a means of self-understanding and a vehicle for divine revelation. This class will have two components: first, we will read and analyze a variety of Jewish texts, rituals, and prayers on dreaming to understand the role of dreaming in Jewish practice. We’ll also consider several contemporary Jewish dream practices. Second, we will work with our own dreams to understand dreamwork as a spiritual practice and as a pastoral resource. We will discuss and practice Jewish rituals related to dreaming, and hold dream circles to mine our own dreams for wisdom and spiritual growth. Students should bring a dream journal with at least four or five recorded dreams to the first session. This course counts as a Spirituality elective.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Bible (Hebrew/English)
Traditional Siddur (any)
Hammer, Jill, Undertorah: An Earth-Based Kabbalah of Dreams, ISBN: 1532362005, $25.00

SPI 370 Architecture of Ritual
Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD
The Architecture of Ritual is a course that allows Jewish leaders to consciously explore, from a scholarly and experiential perspective, what ritual is, what ritual does within the life of individuals and communities, what a clergyperson’s role is in creating and performing ritual, and how ritual can be effective in the lives of modern Jews. The course will cover ritual as a phenomenon (what it is, why it exists, how it is structured) as well as explore individual ritual topics with an eye toward determining how ritual works, clarifying ritual structures, practicing ritual innovation, and considering the function of clergy as ritual leaders.
2 Credits
Textbooks:
Bell, Catherine, Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions Revised Edition, ISBN: 0199735107, $36.95
Schildkret, Day, Hello, Goodbye: 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration, and Change, ISBN: 198217093X, $20.50
Driver, Tom, Liberating Rites: Understanding the Transformative Power of Ritual, ISBN: 1419642103, $19.99

Summer 2023

BIB 337 The Mysterious Lives of Eliyahu HaNavi – Lessons in Spiritual Leadership
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman
This intersession course meets only on-site in Yonkers.
We will study the life and work of the Prophet Elijah from the perspective of understanding the making of a spiritual leader. We will use both biblical and rabbinic texts, artistic images, and more in seeing how we can use the life of this prophet in understanding and working on clergy formation and spiritual leadership.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

BIB 346 The Book of Exodus: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Blessedness
Dr. Job Jindo
This course explores the theme of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Blessedness through a critical reading of the book of Exodus. Special attention is paid to literary and religious rather than historical and editorial issues. The subjects we discuss include: “election and covenant,” “monological liberty and dialogical liberty,” “power and ownership,” “politics and holiness,” “slavery and political violence,” “gender and resistance,” “objective guilt and subjective guilt,” “individuality and collectivity,” “God’s transcendence and exclusivity,” “religious leader as a vessel or partner of God,” “law and the image of God,” “ritual and creation,” “identity and narrative,” “self-deification as idolatry,” “holiness of space and holiness of time,” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible or the equivalent
2 Credits
Required Textbooks:
Jewish Study Bible-FL-Tanakh 2nd Edition [The book of Exodus is annotated by Jeffrey Tigay; the 1st edition is also fine], Adele Berlin and Marc Zvi Brettler Amazon $39.98 ISBN 0199978465
Exodus: A Teacher’s Guide 2nd Edition, Ruth Zielenziger and (Seymour Fox – Curriculum Supervisor) Marcia L. Kaunfer, Barry W. Holtz, Miles B. Cohen, Amazon $33.25 ISBN 1929419074

CAN 230 Musical Skills III
Stanley Dorn
At AJR, Music Skills III is the culminating course in an intensive three-trimester program designed to establish in Cantors the rudiments they will need to teach to and perform with their congregations. In this trimester, we will concentrate on sight singing modal and tonal melodies, writing melodies for use in the service, harmonizing these and other melodies for accompaniment by instrumental ensemble and/or choir, and conducting such an ensemble.
Prerequisite: Musical Skills II or the equivalent
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

CAN 300 Introduction to Halakhah
Rabbi Dr. Matthew Goldstone
Designed for those with no background in halakhah (Jewish law), this course offers a brief overview of the history of halakhah, the major sources of halakhah, and how to search for answers within the corpus of halakhah. We will dedicate time to foundational discussions about the nature and relevance of halakhah for all Jewish communities and, in the majority of sessions, we will dive into halakhot related to prayer on both in-depth (iyyun) and broad (bekiut) levels. This course fulfills the cantorial Introduction to Halakhah requirement.
Prerequisite: Students should be at or above the level of Hebrew 350 (2A).
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: None

CAN 390 Maqam, Liturgy, and Jewish Musical Identities
Dr. Samuel Torjman-Thomas
This course explores maqam for the purposes of better understanding maqam-based music making in the Near East. Particular foci for the course include theoretical foundations of maqam, practical application of maqam, and the use of maqam in synagogue practice from the region. This course fulfills the Sephardi/Mizrachi Maqamat requirement.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks:
Inside Arabic Music: Arabic Maqam Performance and Theory in the 20th Century. Johnny Farraj and Sami Abu Shuays, 2019 Oxford University Press. Amazon $39.41 ISBN 0190658363

HAL 402 Introduction to Codes II
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman
The purpose of this course is to instill greater proficiency, appreciation and familiarity in the study of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. Similar to the first trimester course, there will be a strong eye towards grammar, syntax, and the basic idiom of halakhic literature, but there will also be a greater emphasis on the sources and context of Rambam’s presentation of halakhah. The goal is to gain an appreciation of Maimonides’ approach to halakhah, his style of presentation, and to learn more about the topic under discussion within the broader framework of halakhic discourse.
Prerequisite: HAL 401 or the equivalent
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

HAL 510 Advanced Codes
Rabbi Will Friedman
This course will focus on Joseph Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, the major medieval code of Jewish law that continues to inform contemporary practice. We will study many of the most important laws related to the observance of laws of mourning and dietary practices with secondary readings that offer more diverse perspectives on a variety of related issues.
Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: None

HEB 400 Hebrew IIIA
Michal Nachmany
The purpose of this course is to transition students from intermediate into the advanced level of Hebrew. The course will focus on vocabulary expansion and reading comprehension and will provide training in speaking and listening. Students will develop their productive language skills via class discussions, presentations and listening practice, and via reading and writing assignments.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIB or the equivalent
4 credits
Required Textbooks:
Hebrew Matters: Hebrew for Intermediate Level, Tzuki Shay and Gali Huminer; $30 Magnes Press, ISBN: 978-965-350-246-8 [Contact the instructor for the possibility of purchasing the textbook at a discount rate through sifrutake.com/]

HIS 350 American Jewish History
Rabbi Dr. David Fine
What has it meant to be Jewish in America in the modern era? It is a provocative question, and one that has many different answers depending on the time period, region and perspective. This course will explore some of these answers and the debates surrounding them by examining the history and culture of the Jewish community in North America, starting with the first Jewish immigrants in the seventeenth century, and working our way to the present day. Among the topics covered will be the different waves of Jewish immigration, the evolving role of women within American Judaism, relations with other immigrant and minority communities, and the complex relationship of the various denominations and the Zionist movement. Looking at these and other subjects will help us to understand how the community has arrived at the place it is today.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: None

LIT 305 Shabbat Liturgy
Rabbi Rob Scheinberg
Through analysis of the siddur and selected rabbinic and medieval primary sources, students will become familiar with the major components of the liturgy for Shabbat (both statutory liturgy and the best-known piyyutim), their themes, structure, theology, various theories regarding their historical development, and how they are expressed in a wide variety of siddurim across the Jewish spectrum. Students will have the opportunity to reflect deeply on the meaning and function of many passages from the Shabbat liturgy and how these ideas can be transmitted to a community.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy or permission of instructor
2 Credits
Required Textbooks:
Koren-Sacks Siddur, or another complete traditional Siddur with English translation. Jonathan Sacks, Amazon $24.95 ISBN 9653013327

MEC 150 Mechina III
Michal Nachmany
This course covers the second half of Hebrew from Scratch 1 (עברית מן ההתחלה א‘). It takes the students from learning the mechanics of reading and writing unvoweled Hebrew to active mastery of 1200 words, knowledge of the past tense in all of the גזרות of Pa’al as well as the past tense of regular verbs in Pi’el, Hif’il and Hitpa’el reading comprehension of dialogues relating to everyday life, as well as descriptive, narrative and informative texts on Jewish and Israeli cultural topics.
Prerequisite: Mechina II or the equivalent
No Credit
Required Textbooks:
Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part I (English and Hebrew Edition) 2019 Edition. Sara Israeli, Hilla Kobliner, Shlomit Chayat. Amazon $64.42 ISBN 9653501127
Mi-Po Le-Sham Part 1: A Companion Text for “Hebrew from Scratch Part 1”. Ester Simons, Magnes Press $21 ISBN: 978-965-350-151-5

PHI 312 Modern Philosophy
Rabbi Dr. Len Levin
Issues of modern Jewish thought will be studied through familiarization with principal works of the major modern Jewish philosophers—including Spinoza, Mendelssohn, Buber, Rosenzweig, Kaplan, Heschel, and Soloveitchik—as well as representative thinkers of the 5 major modern and contemporary movements. The focus will be on how all of these thinkers and movements adapted Jewish tradition—each in their own way—to the intellectual, cultural and political challenges of modernity.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks:
I and Thou, Martin Buber and Walter Kaufmann, Amazon $14.19 ISBN 0684717255
God In Search of Man, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Amazon $16.99 ISBN 0374513317

PHI 510 Kabbalistic Souls: Zoharic Journeys in the Mirroring and Intertwining of the Human and the Divine
Dr. Nathaniel Berman
Souls in motion, each a kaleidoscope of soul-levels, soul-communities extending through generations, the divine itself as a soul-kaleidoscope….When the writers of the Zohar envisioned the soul, they did not imagine a bounded, discrete “self” in the modern Western sense. They saw each soul – and the entire realm of souls – as a precarious striving for unification among various elements, mirroring the divine striving for unification and intertwined with it. The Zoharic writers transcribed their powerful and diverse visions of souls in poetic form, often differing amongst themselves in both subtle and dramatic ways. We will explore these Zoharic visions from a variety of perspectives: the human being as an arduous process of unification, the achievement of higher soul-levels through dreams, the dissociation of souls through anger, souls as the offspring of the divine, the fate of the soul-levels after death, gilgul as the striving for soul-unification across the generations and embracing all of humanity, the divine itself as a process of unification, and gilgul as a vision of divine unfolding. Our readings will mostly consist of primary texts, largely drawn from the various strata of the Zoharic literature, including the Tikkunei Ha-Zohar and the Raya Mehemna. We will focus on close readings of these primary texts. Texts will be provided in both the original Aramaic and English translation. This course fulfills the Mysticism requirement.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks:
A Guide to the Zohar, (Stanford Univ. Press 2003), Arthur Green, Amazon $14.29 ISBN 0804749086

PRO 143 Ritual Skills Workshop – Yamim Nora’im
Rabbi Cantor Sam Levine
This class will focus on one major block of ritual skills: gaining facility with leading the main parts of the service for the Yamim Nora’im. We will learn simplified versions of the (Ashkenazi) modes and motifs of Ma’ariv, Birkhot HaShahar and Pesukei d’Zimrah, Shaharit, Musaf, Minhah, and Neilah. No singing background is required; the purpose of the class is to get students comfortable and fluent with basic davening skills for the High Holy Days. Insofar as we will be exploring the basic musical modes of tefillah, this may also serve as a good basis to davening other services (weekdays, Shabbat, holidays, etc.), because certain musical modes and certain liturgical texts are transferable, providing students with multiple reference points as they continue building their davening skills.
Prerequisite: facility with decoding Hebrew
No Credit
Required Textbooks: None

PRO 312 Homiletics – 2 sessions
Rabbi Debra Orenstein
Rabbi Jef Segelman
This course meets during the second half of the term on 6/14, 6/28, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, and 8/2.
Whether at worship services, life cycle events, interfaith gatherings, congregational meetings or civic occasions, preaching and public speaking are ongoing responsibilities and challenges. For hundreds of years, Jewish leaders have used their words to influence their communities’ actions. In this course, we will discuss sources, techniques, obstacles, and the opportunities that community leaders enjoy as they pursue this time-honored practice.
1 Credit
Required Textbooks:
No specific books required, but there will be choices of books to use and students should have access to traditional commentaries, including Mikra’ot Gedolot.

We will explore the impact of doing this work on the Rabbi/Cantor and their family. Possibilities for a conflict of roles, especially in congregational settings will be discussed, in the context of ethics and personal boundaries. Part of the course will deal with the relationship between pastoral counselor and those who seek help; learning to set limits when helping others; and what to do when you are in over your head. Specific issues that are likely to arise in congregational settings will be highlighted, such as death and bereavement, life transitions, abuse, family and marital problems, addictions, and traumatic events.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks:
Jewish Pastoral Care A Practical Handbook from Traditional & Contemporary Sources, 2nd edition, Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman Amazon $36.08 ISBN 1580234275
A Practical Guide to Rabbinic Counseling: A Jewish Lights Classic Reprint, Feldheim Publishers, Rabbi Yisrael N. Levitz and Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski MD, Amazon $22.99 ISBN 1681629658
How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies, Theresa A. Rando, Amazon $15.99 ISBN‎ 0553352695

PRO 575 Ethical Communications for Clergy: How to Agitate, Motivate and Innovate with Words
Shira Dicker
The last decade of the 21st Century has ushered in a complicated new era in the history of America and the world. We have learned that there is reality and alternative reality, news and fake news, powerful social media platforms and widely divergent news sources. Important newspapers have folded…but a plethora of podcasts have sprung into being. Platforms such as WhatsApp and LinkedIn have become powerful portals of communication competing with FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. No subject is out of bounds! Billboards are back. In Year Three of the Pandemic we realize that the virtual venues that were once our sole source of connection to one another during lockdown are here to stay; moreover, they create unbounded opportunities for global reach. Promotion is more democratic — and problematic — than ever before. How does the 21^st rabbi or cantor navigate their way through this brave new landscape? In this course, you will learn how to use old media and new media alike to agitate, motivate and communicate for maximum effectiveness. You will learn the how-to’s of successful promotional event planning (think FlashMobs for a cause) and first-person journalism (think Op-Ed). You will know when to spend the big buck on advertising and when to save your shekels. Bring your passions and be prepared to be empowered by The Ten Commandments of 21st Century Communications for Clergy. This course will count toward the Entrepreneurship requirement.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: TBA

PRO 700 Fieldwork Support Seminar
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman
This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman.
No Credit
Required Textbooks: None

RAB 110 Introduction to Midrash
Eliav Grossman
In this introductory class, we will examine the forms, techniques and vocabulary of rabbinic Midrash and explore the function that Midrash plays in rabbinic interpretation of Torah. We will study fundamental Midrashic reading strategies, and become familiar with a variety of midrashic collections that date from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages. We will pay particular attention to the development of rabbinic hermeneutics and exegetical strategies as they evolved in particular historical contexts. This is a text-based class and we will spend time during each session reading Midrashim in Hebrew to improve our fluency.
Prerequisite: Students should be at the level of Hebrew 1A or above.
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

RAB 231 Introduction to Talmud 1B
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman
In this second half of the two-trimester Introduction to Talmud course, students will continue to develop their skills in decoding the dialectic of the talmudic discourse. Study of basic Aramaic terms, Talmudic organic logic, the structure of sugyot, and modern critical methodologies of Talmud study will resume. The content will be the various halakhic and theological approaches to the Amidah found in Tractate Berakhot, chapter 4. The supervised Havruta session on Thursday mornings is required of all students.
Prerequisite: Intro Talmud 1A
2 Credits
Required Textbooks:
The Talmud, The Steinsaltz Edition, Vol. 1: Tractate Berakhot, Part 1; Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz Amazon $15.98 ISBN: 9653014005
A Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature, Marcus Jastrow. $38.50 Amazon; ISBN: 1932443207
Practical Talmud Dictionary English and Hebrew Edition, Rabbi Yitzhak Frank, Amazon $29.95 ISBN: 1592644511

RAB 430 Intermediate/Advanced Talmud
Rabbi Will Friedman
This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This trimester will focus on sugyot related to Shabbat practices and prohibitions, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary Shabbat observances.
Prerequisite: Three trimesters of Talmud
2 Credits
Required Textbooks: None

SPI 384 Sacred Arts Writing
Rabbi Lisa Sacks
This course meets for the first six weeks of the term.
This course will explore the intersection of creativity and spirituality, both of which are particular lenses through which we can view the world. As can be true for the visual arts and the performing arts, writing is a way of expressing our experience. Through engagement with sacred text, essays on the craft of writing, and practical exercises, this course will both break down and expand our perceptions of ourselves and our traditions, and our connections with community and the divine. Course packet to be distributed. This course fulfills part of the Sacred Arts requirement.
1 Credit
Required Textbooks: None

Spring 2023

BIB 421 Religion, Politics, and Leadership Failure in the Bible: Studies in the Book of Samuel
Dr. Job Jindo

This course will be a critical reading of the book of Samuel, revolving around two axes: (1) religion and politics and (2) leadership and the human condition (or human fallibility). By the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to articulate: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of the book of Samuel; (2) biblical insight into the relationships among politics, religion, and leadership; and (3) three examples where the book of Samuel is a source for understanding the human condition in our own day. We will also explore existential issues embodied in the text that are relevant to contemporary concerns, such as “problems of power,” “leadership and accountability,” “family and loyalty,” “gender and sexuality,” “divine and human law,” “agency and responsibility,” “cultivation of mindfulness,” “transformation of self,” and “the Other.” This course fulfills the Leadership in the Bible rabbinical school requirement.
Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective.
(2 credits)

BIB 341 Generations of Sky and Earth: Science in Dialogue with Biblical Imagery
Rabbi Jill Hammer
This class will examine the natural imagery that permeates the Hebrew Bible — trees, mountains, wind, and stars — together with related areas of science — biology, geology, meteorology, and astrophysics — to discover how we might read the Bible in new ways in juxtaposition with science. For example, how does understanding the underground communications of trees graft new layers of meaning onto the metaphor of the Tree of Life? How does considering the formation of stars and the explosion of supernovas shed light on our understanding of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants will be like the stars? That is, how might contemporary people relate to the images of the Bible, informed by the sciences? What does each biblical source bring to the conversation about our relationship with the natural world? By understanding the science behind these phenomena, as well as the ways that the Bible perceives them, students will be able to deepen the theological and poetic impact that this imagery can have for themselves and those they serve. This course will serve as the Science and Judaism requirement. This course will involve five guest scientists: Dr. Allan Frei, Barry Pollack, Dr. Robert Pollack, Dr. Zeeve Rogoszinski, and Jessica Rubin.
(2 credits)

CAN 115 Introduction to Modes
Cantor Joseph Ness
The Modes are central to the understanding of the performative skills of leading the davening in a service. With practical application we will look into the various services by examining in some detail how the modes are integrated into each liturgy.
(1 credit)

CAN 280 Hand Percussion for Cantors and Rabbis
Brian Melick
This course is designed to develop a strong musical voice with your drum by exploring multiple ways to release its many different colors, tones and textures. The objective of this class is to give each participant a strong base of hand technique utilizing the complete underside of the hand. This will be accomplished by offering a variety of rhythm exercises inspired by music styles from around the world. Students will experience the importance and power of keeping steady time as well as developing a strong sense of pulse both linearly and circularly. At the conclusion of the class each participant will not only have experienced prearranged rhythm music but more importantly they will have the foundational skills necessary to create their own original music in order to accompany themselves and others. No previous percussion knowledge necessary. This course will count as an elective for both rabbinical and cantorial students.
(1 credit)

CAN 385 Peace Studies
Dr. Marc Gopin
An Introduction to Jewish Peace Studies will entail an in-depth interactive study of conflict resolution theory and practice through the prism of ancient Biblical, Talmudic and Halakhic ethical values. The course will engage an introduction to conflict analysis and conflict resolution theory and practice, and then launch into Jewish traditional peace values as they relate to treatment of (1) the self, (2) the Other, (3) the Estranged Other(s), (4) community/society, and (5) the earth and life itself. This course counts toward the Peace Studies requirement for cantorial and Kol-Bo students, and as an elective for rabbinical students.
(2 credits)

CAN 437 Advanced Nusah
Hol Cantors Sol Zim and Lisa Klinger-Kantor
In this course, students will learn and develop a deep understanding of the vast components of various Motifs, Nushaot, Prayer Modes and Misinai tunes for Y’mot Hahol – Shaharit, Minhah and Ma’ariv services. Students will learn, demonstrate and master how to lead all the weekday services from the siddur by utilizing the correct motifs and the richness of the various Nushaot blending them with contemporary sounds and various niggunim, thereby creating a bridge between traditional and new sounds. Each student will be required to master the Nusah motifs of the following parts of the weekday service: Birkhot Hashahar, P’sukei D’zimrah, Shaharit (including the Amidah), Tahanun, Torah Service, and the concluding service.
(4 credits)

HAL 480 Responsa
Dr. Matthew Goldstone
In this course we will conduct a close reading of rabbinic responsa from a variety of historic periods, and become familiar with their authors, tracing the responsa literature from its earliest origins to its 21st century expression. Selected responsa will cover a range of topics and areas of Jewish life. Contemporary responsa studied will reflect a wide spectrum of perspectives and denominational origins. As part of our investigation, we will examine the nature of halakha in light of various theories as to how the halakhic process works.
Prerequisite: HEB 2A or equivalent
(2 credits)

HAL 510 Advanced Codes
Rabbi Yonah Lavery-Yisraeli
This course will focus on R. Yosef Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, a major medieval code of Jewish law that continues to inform contemporary practice. We will study some of the important laws related to mourning and dietary practice, occasionally supplemented by secondary readings from alternate sources.
Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes
(2 credits)

HEB 250 Hebrew IA
Yifat Avner
This course will build upon the foundation grammar covered in Mechina Hebrew. Students will use the book Hebrew from Scratch, part II. The students will continue to work on developing communications skills in Modern Hebrew. They will be introduced to more advanced grammatical patterns, new vocabulary and continue to improve their writing, reading and conversational skills.
(4 credits)

HEB 251 Hebrew IB
Ilana Davidov
This course will bring students to Chapter 8–9 of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (ב הלחתהה ןמ תירבע’). The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes Pi’el, Hitpa’el in all tenses, passive verbs in Pa’al, and more prepositions. Written and oral assignments will enhance communicative skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IA or the equivalent
(4 credits)

HEB 400 Hebrew IIIA
Ilana Davidov
The purpose of this course is to transition students from an intermediate to an advanced level of Hebrew. The course will focus on vocabulary expansion and reading comprehension and will provide training in speaking and listening. Students will develop their productive language skills via class discussions, presentations and listening practice, and via reading and writing assignments.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIB or the equivalent
(4 credits)

HIS 350 American Jewish History
Dr. Tova Markenson
This course will explore how Jewish history and culture in the Americas intersects with marginalized experiences that traditional narratives exclude. Students will explore questions of Jewishness and belonging through studying macro- and micro- histories alongside critical studies of gender, race, and ethnicity. Through honing a nuanced understanding of how historians construct Jewish history, students will strengthen their abilities to honor the multiplicity of experiences that shape the present and future of Jewish life.
(2 credits)

LIT 305 Shabbat Liturgy
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman
A study of the development of the major prayers that make up all four of the Shabbat worship services. Special emphasis will be placed on the influence of the mystical tradition on Kabbalat Shabbat. Texts of central prayers will be analyzed from a historical, literary, and spiritual perspective. Attention will be paid to a survey of practices of various contemporary communities representing various streams of Jewish practice as well as to congregational dynamics and effective strategies for developing effective and compelling Shabbat liturgy.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy
(2 credits)

PHI 312 Modern Philosophy
Dr. Len Levin
The issues of modern Jewish thought will be studied through familiarization with principal works of the major modern Jewish philosophers — including Spinoza, Mendelssohn, Buber, Rosenzweig, Kaplan, Heschel, and Soloveitchik — as well as representative thinkers of the major modern and contemporary movements. The focus will be on how all of these thinkers and movements adapted Jewish tradition — each in their own way — to the intellectual, cultural and political challenges of modernity.
(2 credits)

PHI 510 The History and Future of Kabbalah
Dr. David Seidenberg
In this class, students will gain a clear understanding of the history of Kabbalah and its ebbs and flows, and will be invited to see themselves as part of that stream. What are the cultural contexts in which Kabbalah thrived, and what did Kabbalah mean to the Jewish world in the past? What does Kabbalah mean to us now, and how might that guide the evolution of Kabbalah into the future? The class will cover the Bahir and its antecedents, the Zohar and its circle, Cordeveran and Lurianic Kabbalah, Shabtai Zvi, and Chasidut. We will also look at Kabbalah’s impact on the Renaissance, how Kabbalistic humanism became a tool in the Jewish world for understanding science, and the role of Kabbalah in modern-day Jewish Renewal.
(2 credits)

PRO 005 Core Concepts V
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser
This is a multi-year sequence of seminars. The seminars cover some of the fundamental values, concepts and vocabulary of Jewish tradition. Students are expected to first gain a basic acquaintance with these terms and to then delve more deeply into them so as to appreciate their range of significance. The goal of the seminars is not simply to gather information, but to develop an integrated way of thinking about and expressing these value concepts, so that students may grow from having an appreciation of the tradition to actively and creatively participating in the discourse of Torah. Every student is required to take four trimesters of the seminars given in the sequence, but they need not be taken in order. Core Concepts V begins with the term ‘ot. No tuition is charged for this course. This course is only open to matriculated students.
(No credit)

PRO 216 What Clergy Need to Know About Psychopharmacology: A Basic Understanding
Cantor Michael Kasper and Dr. David Aftergood
This course has been designed to provide a framework for clergy to understand the basics of psychopharmacology. Teaching goals will include the rationale for prescribing psychiatric medicine, the nature of the conditions prescribed for, the mechanism of the drugs prescribed and the effects and side effects of different classes of medicine. Students will have an opportunity to learn about and think through their responsibilities toward congregants and community members who present themselves as in need of mental health services. These encounters can be difficult to understand and this intersession course will bring issues of psychiatric medication, their usefulness, and use into clearer focus for clergy who contemplate the need for making appropriate referrals. This course will cover the Science and Judaism requirement.
(2 credits)

PRO 422 Entrepreneurship: Leading Through Innovation*
Rabbis Julia Appel, Elan Babchuck, and Cyd Weissman
This cross-seminary course is for rabbinical & cantorial students who are preparing to take leadership roles in the rapidly changing landscape of Jewish life. The project-based course pulls from design thinking, innovation, social entrepreneurship, and change making leadership. Students will learn how to pilot a project idea under the guidance of course facilitators, and upon course completion will have an opportunity to apply for funding if they choose to launch these projects. This course counts toward the Entrepreneurship requirement. This course is scheduled for Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 EST. There is an alternate section for this class on Mondays 2:15 – 4:15 EST. This course begins on January 24th and runs on a somewhat different calendar. This course will count toward the Entrepreneurship requirement.
*This course is only open to matriculated rabbinical and cantorial students.
(2 credits)

PRO 560 Counseling II Cantor Michael Kasper Counseling II builds on concepts developed in Counseling I (PRO 215) and will emphasize effective ways for clergy to assess and respond to difficult life transitions, complicated family situations, illness (both physical and psychological), personal and community crises, addictions, and conflicts that arise in everyday life. Students will begin to discern the difference between situations appropriately handled by clergy and ones that call for referrals to other counseling professionals.
Prerequisite: Counseling I
(2 credits)

PRO 700 FWSS
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman – Section 1
Rabbi Scott Glass – Section 2
This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman. Tuition is charged but no academic course credit is given for this seminar.
(No credit)

RAB 110 Introduction to Midrash
Rabbi Jill Hammer
In this introductory class, we will examine the forms, methods and vocabulary of rabbinic midrash and explore the function that midrash plays in rabbinic interpretation of Torah. We will learn some basic midrashic strategies, and become familiar with a variety of midrashic collections from the talmudic to the medieval period. This is a text-based class and we will spend time during each session reading midrashim in Hebrew to improve our fluency. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew I or above.
(2 credits)

RAB 230 Introduction to Talmud
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman
Students will acquire the skills to identify the component parts of the talmudic sugya and the relationships between them. This includes the ability to recognize the elements and functions of the talmudic argument, especially the kushia (objection) and the terutz (resolution). This also includes the ability to distinguish between tannaitic, amoraic, and stam (anonymous) passages. Students will also learn the basics of talmudic terminology as well as basic Aramaic vocabulary and grammar. Students are expected to prepare texts with the help of dictionaries, Hebrew commentaries and vocabulary lists, with the limited use of English translations. The Havruta session is required of all students.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mishnah
(2 credits)

RAB 430 Intermediate/Advanced Talmud
Dr. Matthew Goldstone
In this course students will continue to hone their abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material. This semester will focus on sugyot that address “Big Concepts” such as the problem of evil, the value of martyrdom, and the origins of rabbinic Judaism. We will explore the ways that these sources impact us on a personal and spiritual level, as well as possible pedagogical applications for teaching these sources to others.
Prerequisite: 3 trimesters of Talmud and HEB 2A or equivalent
(2 credits)

Fall 2022

BIB 290: Parashat Hashavua
Rabbi Jef Segelman

In this course, we will study the weekly Torah portion. (We will cover Sefer Breisheet and the High Holiday and Sukkot readings). While our goal will be to gain a greater knowledge of the Parashah itself, we will be equally concerned with exploring a variety of commentaries and resources so that each student can expand their own approach to weekly Parashah study. This class will count toward the Parashat Hashavua requirement, or can be a Bible elective.
2 credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

BIB 348: Leadership Lessons in Numbers: Holiness, Soulcraft, and Transformation of Peoplehood
Dr. Job Jindo

This course is a close critical reading of the book of Numbers, revolving around the themes of leadership (failure), holiness, soulcraft, and peoplehood. By the conclusion of this course, the student will learn: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of Numbers; (2) the complexity of leadership responsibility, holiness and community, peoplehood and soulcraft as reflected in Numbers; and (3) how to teach the book of Numbers to the contemporaries with AJR values (i.e., critical rigor, inclusivity, commitment to the pluralistic, contemporary Jewish and broader communities). This class will count as a Bible elective.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible
2 credits
Required Textbooks:
Jewish Study Bible [2d edition]. New York. Oxford University Press, 2015 [The book of Numbers is annotated by Nili Fox; the 1st edition is also fine]. Free download at https://pdfroom.com/books/the-jewish-study-bible/o75XZyYEgaG

Milgrom, Jacob. Numbers: JPS Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1990. Amazon $53.74 ISBN 0827603290

CAN 201: Music History
Dr. Samuel Torjman-Thomas

The purpose of this course is to explore Jewish music as an expression of diaspora identity. To understand Jewish musical expressions, this course examines Jewish culture and identity as inherently diasporic. This course analyzes different types of Jewish musical expressions, including liturgical, para-liturgical, and non-liturgical spheres of musical production. This course fulfills the Music History requirement.
2 credits
Required Textbooks:
Regev, Motti & Edwin Seroussi. 2004. Popular Music and National Culture in Israel. Univ. California Press. Amazon $12.62 ISBN 0520236548

Shelemay, Kay Kaufman. 1998. Let Jasmine Rain Down. Univ. Chicago Press. Amazon $49.00 ISBN 0226752119

Slobin, Mark. 1996. Tenement Songs: The Popular Music of the Jewish Immigrants. Univ. Illinois Press. Amazon $49.00 ISBN 0252008936

CAN 425: Advanced Nusah – Shabbat I
Cantor Sol Zim & Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor

This course gives an in depth and extensive study of the vast liturgy of the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Students will master, lead, and develop a deep understanding of the nusah and special motifs in the opening Kabbalat Shabbat service. Students will learn, in depth, the many nushaot, motifs, and participatory melodies of the l’khah dodi section and will master and attain a deeper understanding of the Ma’ariv l’Shabbat service by learning & demonstrating strong competence in the nusah & special motifs so as to lead a service.
4 credits
Required Textbooks:
Zim, Sol, Musical Siddur Shabbat, A Sol Zim Anthology (2002) Cantor’s Assembly $49.95 ASIN B071VCLZ5G

Cahan, Leonard S., Siddur Sim Shalom (for Shabbat & Festivals) old or new versions Amazon $37.90 ISBN 0916219135

Stern, Chaim, Gates of Prayer for Shabbat and Weekdays (Hebrew): Gender-Inclusive Edition-Hebrew opening Amazon $9.95 ASIN B014BH4QH0

Stern, Chaim, Gates of Prayer: Shaarei Tefila: The New Union Prayerbook for Weekdays, Sabbaths and Festivals-Hebrew (English and Hebrew Edition) Amazon $34.99 ISBN 0916694011

HAL 402: Intro to Codes II
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman

Continuation of Introduction to Codes I taught in the summer. Open to those who took that course or the equivalent. Students will continue to develop proficiency in Rambam’s Mishneh Torah. The emphasis will be on deciphering the vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and basic idiom of Halakhic literature. Attention will also be paid to halakhic concepts and to historical context including Rambam’s overall goals and the shorter-term and longer-term reception of the Mishneh Torah. Prerequisite: Intro Codes I
2 credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

HAL 480 Responsa
Rabbi David Wise

In this course we will conduct a close reading of rabbinic responsa from a variety of historic periods, and become familiar with their authors, tracing the responsa literature from its earliest origins to its 21st century expression. Selected responsa will cover a range of topics and areas of Jewish life. Contemporary responsa studied will reflect a wide spectrum of perspectives and denominational origins. As part of our investigation, we will examine the nature of halakha in light of various theories as to how the halakhic process works. Prerequisite: HEB 2A or equivalent
2 credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

HEB 320: Biblical Hebrew
Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum

Introduction to Biblical Hebrew: examination of and exercise in the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew, for the development of competence in understanding and translating the classical Biblical texts (with some attention to major differences between BH, Rabbinic and Modern Hebrew). Objectives: by the end of this course, you will be able to identify all parts of speech, including all the major binyanim in all their forms as they occur in prose passages of the Tanakh. You will be able to use BDB efficiently and accurately to find unfamiliar vocabulary by applying information learned about the forms and structures of different parts of speech. You will learn to use a biblical concordance and Sefaria.com to produce a word study. You will be able to translate connected biblical prose passages accurately with the help of BDB and give analyses of specified words and constructions. You will be able to use major conjunctive and disjunctive cantillation signs to aid in correct phrasing of syntactic units of the texts examined. And, if all goes according to plan, you’ll even enjoy the process!
Prerequisite: Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above.
2 credits
Required Textbooks:
Brown, Francis, et al (“BDB”), A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (London: Oxford, 1966) Amazon $22.95 ISBN 1362854883

Cowley, A.E., Gesenius’ Hebrew Grammar ed. E. Kautzsch (Oxford: Oxford, 1980) Amazon $20.49 ISBN 0486443442

HEB 350: Hebrew IIA
Yifat Avner

This course will cover lessons 10-13 of Hebrew From Scratch Part II עברית מן ההתחלה ב’. The students will continue to work on developing communications skills in Modern Hebrew. They will be introduced to new grammatical patterns and new vocabulary and continue to improve their writing, reading and conversational skills.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IB or equivalent.
4 credits
Required Textbooks:
Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition. Amazon $80.93 ISBN 9653501270

HEB 351: Hebrew IIB
Ilana Davidov

In the beginning of this course students will complete the last four lessons of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מן ההתחלה ב’). It will include an intensive review of the verb system in the active בניינים and their gerunds, and a brief introduction to the passive בניינים (פועל, (הופעל, real and unreal condition, comparative and superlative sentences. Depending on the class progress, student may work towards the end of the trimester with a more advanced material.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIA or the equivalent.
4 credits
Required Textbooks:
Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part II (English and Hebrew Edition) 2001 Edition. Amazon $80.93 ISBN 9653501270

HEB 401: Hebrew IIIB
Ilana Davidov

The focus of this course will be on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew as well as listening comprehension and speaking. Written, oral and aural assignments will enhance communicative and comprehension skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar. This course will also include a review of the verb system. The listening assignments will include videos, which depict religious and secular life in Israel.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IIIA or the equivalent
4 credits
Required Textbooks:
Cohen, Mazal, Agada Shel Safa: Hebrew for Intermediate Level (Academon, 1992). Academon $30.00 Catalog Number: 45-810182

HIS 401: Great Ideas and Debates II
Rabbi Dr. David Fine

The second part of this two-trimester course will examine the new ideas and the great debates that affected Jewish belief, culture and society from the Early Middle Ages up through Early Modern Times. This trimester will focus on the new ideas, perspectives, innovations, and debates of the Babylonian Jewish community under Islamic rule, followed by the growth of the Spanish Jewish community and the exciting developments created in that context. The development of the Ashkenazi Jewish community, as well as its unique understanding of Torah, will be explored, along with the influences and cultural exchange between Judaism and the Medieval Christian World, leading into the period of European Enlightenment and the Early Modern World. Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History II may be taken before Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History I.
2 credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

LIT 271: Tefillah and Seminar
Intersession Course
In-person at AJR
Cantor Michael Kasper

The ability to lead public prayer can be a complicated and meaningful experience for the shaliah tsibbur as well as the kehilla. Effective davenning is dependent on a variety of factors, one of which is the leader’s personal relationship to prayer – is it individually meaningful, do the words have resonance beyond the ability to read fluently, does the prayer leader maintain a personal prayer practice? This class will ask participants to explore these questions and make public prayer leading decisions based on the answers.

LIT 271: Tefillah and Seminar
Intersession Course
Online – Zoom
Cantor Meredith Greenberg

Tefillah and Seminar is a 4 day intensive whereby students will explore and cultivate their prayer leading style through personal prayer practice and discernment, hevruta, and learning by demonstration and discussion of best practices and techniques.

LIT 620: Yammim Noraim Liturgy
Rabbi Cantor Sam Levine

The liturgy of the High Holy Days is rich, dense, and complex. This course will examine the structure of High Holy Day services, looking at the statutory prayers (matbe’ah haTefillah), the piyyutic material that adorns the liturgy, and additional components of the service. We will study the historical, literary, and theological meaning of the prayers, and attempt to place them in a contemporary context. Students will learn to unpack the liturgy with an eye to pluralistic communities and to bring deep theological meaning to congregants for whom the High Holy Days may be their primary contact with the prayer-book.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy
2 credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

MEC 140: Mechina I
Michal Nachmany

In this intensive class we start to develop an understanding of how the Hebrew language works. We will discuss the idea of roots, nouns, verbs as well as the agreement between them. My method is holistic and integrative. Students will develop an understanding of concepts and principals of the language. We will learn how to read without vowels, and start to gain fluency in reading, writing and speaking.
No credit
Required Textbooks:
Hebrew From Scratch Textbook Part I (English and Hebrew Edition) 2019 Edition. Amazon $64.42 ISBN 965350112

PHI 480: Pluralism
Rabbi Dr. Len Levin

What is the significance or value of a pluralistic commitment? Is it basically a practical orientation, a relativistic stance, or does it entail acceptance of certain more fundamental affirmations? In this course we will examine some of the various conceptions of pluralism that have been argued “for and against” by social and religious thinkers. Readings will include traditional Judaic texts as well as contemporary writings, especially from within the Jewish community. In addition to grappling with the theory “promising or problematic” of pluralism, we will also give some attention to issues involved in making pluralism work.
2 credits
Required Textbooks:
Leonard Levin, ed.: Studies in Judaism and Pluralism (Ben Yehuda Press, http://benyehudapress.com/books/studies-judaism-pluralism/), $50, ISBN 1934730610

Moshe Halbertal: People of the Book (Harvard), Amazon $38.50 ISBN 0674661125

Donniel Hartman: The Boundaries of Judaism (Continuum), Amazon $47.45 ISBN 0826496644

Avi Sagi: The Open Canon (Continuum), Amazon $50 ISBN 0826496709

PRO 001: Core Concepts I
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser

This is a multi-year sequence of seminars. The seminars cover some of the fundamental values, concepts and vocabulary of Jewish tradition. Students are expected to first gain a basic acquaintance with these terms and to then delve more deeply into them so as to appreciate their range of significance. The goal of the seminars is not simply to gather information, but to develop an integrated way of thinking about and expressing these value concepts, so that students may grow from having an appreciation of the tradition to actively and creatively participating in the discourse of Torah. Every student is required to take four trimesters of the seminars given in the sequence, but they need not be taken in order. Core Concepts I begins with the term emunah. No tuition is charged for this course. This course is only open to matriculated students who are also registering for other courses.
No credit
Required Textbooks:
Course Packet provided by instructor

PRO 140: Ritual Skills Workshop – Weekday Nusah/Liturgy
Hazzan Marcia Lane

This course is part of our new Ritual Skills Workshop structure of four workshops including Weekday, Shabbat, Festival, and Yammim Noraim. This trimester will focus on the liturgy of the weekday services – Arvit, Shaharit, and Minha – as well as on other situations that arise within weekday davening (Havdalah, additional texts for hol ha-moed, birkat hamazon, rosh hodesh, and shiva minyanim). Emphasis will be placed on acquiring the skills to lead services with the correct nusah and with correct pronunciation.
No credit
Required Textbooks:
Harlow, Jules, Siddur Sim Shalom: A Prayerbook for Shabbat, Festivals, and Weekdays, New York : Rabbinical Assembly, 1985, Amazon $27 ISBN 0916219011

PRO 318: Informal Education
Rabbi Ira Dounn

There’s a good chance that you’ve had a transformative learning experience at camp, in a youth movement, on a travel program, or in another informal educational setting. In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to learn models and best practices of informal education, theories of informal education, and to have informal educational experiences that you can reflect on, incorporate into your educational toolbox, and replicate in various educational settings. The material that we cover will be intentionally useful and relevant for future rabbis and cantors. You’ll be equipped to deliver meaningful and inspirational informal educational moments and programs to others.
This course counts toward the Education requirement.
2 credits
Required Textbooks: TBD

PRO 341 Life Cycle I
Rabbi Jef Segelman

In this course, we will explore the Jewish perspective of life from birth until marriage. Our focus will be on three particular ideas. One: Understanding the traditional ideas, ceremonies and rituals associated with these stages of life. Two: Understanding the very practical and professional manner in which rabbis and cantors officiate at these ceremonies and rituals. Three: Considering the ways in which we may innovate these ceremonies and create new ones for special life moments not ritualized by tradition.
2 credits

PRO 700: FWSS
Rabbi Scott Glass

This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Rabbi Jef Segelman.
No credit
Required Textbooks: None

PRO 700: FWSS
Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer

RAB 101: Introduction to Mishnah
Rabbi Miriam Berkowitz

This course will combine a bird’s eye view of the Mishna with up-close study of specific mishnayot central to Jewish life and culture. We will learn the context in which the Mishna came into being: the historical context as well as the process by which it was assembled and the debate around writing and thereby solidifying what had previously been Oral Torah. We will gain an overview of the structure of Mishna as well as various literary styles within it and address some differences between academic and bet midrash learning. By the end of the course, students should be able to read a mishna and figure out to which Seder and Tractate it belongs, identify major commentators on the Mishna, and appreciate Mishna on its own, not simply as a precursor to Talmud study. Prerequisite: Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IB or above.
2 credits
Required Textbooks:

TBD

RAB 330: Intermediate Talmud I
Rabbi Dr. Matthew Goldstone

This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to prayer and blessings, which will give us greater insight into the origins of several dimensions of Jewish prayer and will hopefully inform our own relationship to prayer.

The supervised Havruta session (which will be scheduled together with the class members) is required of all students.
Prerequisite: Two trimesters of Talmud and Hebrew 350 (HEB 2A) or equivalent
2 credits
Required Textbooks: None

RAB 530: Advanced Talmud
Rabbi Dr. Matthew Goldstone

This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to kashrut, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary kashrut observances.
Prerequisite: Four trimesters of Talmud and Hebrew 350 (HEB 2A) or equivalent
2 credits
Required Textbooks: None

SPI 362: Life after Death in Jewish Tradition
Rabbi Dr. Jill Hammer

In Genesis and Psalms, there’s She’ol. In the Talmud, there’s resurrection, the Garden of Eden, or the heavenly yeshiva. In kabbalistic times, reincarnation is in. And in modern times, no one agrees. In this course, we’ll learn about traditions of the afterlife that Jews have accepted in different eras, and we’ll begin to understand how and why Jews have shifted their beliefs across time. This class will help prepare participants to understand Jewish traditions concerning death and the afterlife, clarify their own approaches, and consider pastoral and ritual issues in the light of these traditions.
2 credits
Required Textbooks:
Bible (any Hebrew-English version)

Simcha Paull Raphael, Jewish Views of the Afterlife (Second Edition). Rowman and Littlefield, 2009, Amazon $45 ISBN 0742562212

Neil Gillman. The Death of Death: Resurrection and Immortality in Jewish Thought. Jewish Lights Publishing, 1997, Amazon $16 ISBN 1580230814

Summer 2022

BIB 250 Parshanut: Introduction to Medieval Biblical Exegesis
Dr. Job Jindo

This course introduces students to the treasure world of medieval Jewish biblical exegesis. Selections, mostly from the Torah, will be examined to compare and contrast opinions of major commentators, such as Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, and Ramban. By the conclusion of this course, each student will be able to demonstrate: (1) a mastery of the essential skills in reading medieval commentaries; (2) an informed understanding of the methodologies and exegetical goals of each exegete; and (3) a deeper appreciation of the commentators in their own historical and theological context. Students will also become familiar with other features and interpretive tools found on the pages of rabbinic Bibles (Mikra’ot Gedolot), as well as what they should be mindful of, when using such online sources as Sefaria.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible and Hebrew IB or the equivalent
(2 credits)

BIB 350 Deuteronomy: Life in the Promised Land as a Mixed Blessing
Dr. Job Jindo

This course is a close critical reading of the book of Deuteronomy, revolving around the themes of individuality, collectivity, and humanity. By the conclusion of this course, each student will also be able to articulate: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of Deuteronomy; (2) three examples where the book of Deuteronomy is a source for understanding the human condition in our own day; (3) how to teach the book of Deuteronomy today with AJR values (i.e., critical rigor, inclusivity, commitment to the pluralistic, contemporary Jewish and broader communities).
Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective.
(2 credits)

CAN 526 Sephardic Diverse Liturgical Traditions
Hazzan Dr. Ramon Tasat

During this summer course we will discuss liturgical and secular musical and poetic examples providing an opportunity for individuals to lead elements of synagogue services and to share their personal experiences during the learning process. For the purpose of this course we will broadly define Sefaradim as the Jews of the Western and Eastern Mediterranean World, but we will also consider research on Middle Eastern Jews and the Jewish communities of the Maghreb. This course will count as an elective.
(2 credits)

HAL 401 Introduction to Codes I
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.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mishnah and Hebrew IIA or the equivalent
(2 credits)

HEB 251 Hebrew IB
Yifat Avner

This course reinforces and expands knowledge of the Hebrew language and grammatical structures, with emphasis on further developing writing, reading, and conversational skills. The course is intended to introduce students to Modern Hebrew literature, to increase their vocabulary, in particular with regard to the daily use of Hebrew, as well as the understanding of articles.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IA or the equivalent
(4 credits)

HEB 350 Hebrew IIA
Michal Nachmany

The course will focus on reading comprehension, and reading and writing on an intermediate level. The approach is a holistic approach. The focus will be on using the grammatical concepts and the vocabulary and making them usable. We will work on the integration of theory and practice. The course will bring the students to chapters 12-13 of (עברית מן ההתחלה. ב׳). We will follow the book’s concepts and get deeper into the grammar.
Prerequisite: Hebrew IB or the equivalent
(4 credits)

HIS 400 Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History I
Dr. Aryeh Amihay

This course will examine the new ideas and the great debates that affected Jewish belief, culture and society throughout the ages, from the Ancient period up through Modern Times. This first trimester will focus on the earliest periods of the Jews as a people and conclude with Late Antiquity, exploring internal arguments within Judean society, with and among Diaspora Jews, and the interactions with Pagan and early Christian society.
(2 credits)

INT 331 Circus Texts/Sacred Arts
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser and Ayal Prouser

How do we read texts with our bodies? How differently do we think with our bodies? In this class we will pursue this idea as readers, teachers, artists, and fun loving individuals. Using AJR’s unique approach to text study called Sacred Arts, we will study text through the vehicle of circus arts, such as human pyramids, partner acrobatics, juggling, rolla bolla, tight- wire, and more. We will engage in the academic study of the new field of Circus Studies, a multifarious field with many discrete methodologies that all join in the pursuit of elevating the study of circus to scholarly levels. We will understand the value of the arts in education, and the importance of opening up our sacred literature to those who often feel disenfranchised by the traditional form of Jewish text study. We will grow as educators, students, and as artists, while also enhancing our ability to bring even more people into the study of text.
This class will be co-taught by instructors in text study and in circus arts, with several visiting instructors joining us as well. Open to all ages, abilities, and fitness levels (we really mean it!!) This course can count as a Bible course or as a general elective.
This course is being held only on-site at AJR in Yonkers.
(2 credits)

LIT 307 Festival Liturgy
Rabbi Rob Scheinberg

This course focuses on the traditional liturgy for the holy days of the Jewish year (with the exception of Shabbat and the Yamim Nora’im) with an emphasis on portions of the liturgy that are most likely to be done in non-Orthodox communities. We will explore the history and development of the liturgy for each holiday, including the earlier Biblical and Rabbinic material that is incorporated into the liturgy, and we will spark creative thinking on ways to use the liturgy and its themes to help Jewish communities to experience the holiday cycle in a meaningful way.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy or permission of the instructor
(2 credits)

PHI 411 Positive Judaism: Jewish Tradition and Positive Psychology
Rabbi Debra Orenstein

One of the most influential and rapidly-growing fields in social science is the burgeoning discipline of Positive Psychology, the study of human flourishing. For a century, psychology focused mostly on reducing or minimizing negative experiences and influences (e.g., trauma, depression, anxiety). Positive Psychology seeks to discover methods for enhancing life satisfaction, engagement, and meaning. The topics addressed by Positive Psychologists include many subjects addressed in depth by Jewish sources. Among those we will cover in this course are perspective, awe, gratitude, hope, compassion, purpose, habit, and character strengths.

This class will bring together contemporary research and ancient wisdom. We will learn evidence-based interventions that increase happiness and integrate them with Jewish practices, texts, and role models. Students will not only study these topics for academic interest, but apply them in their own lives and in their work as Jewish leaders. We will plumb Positive Psychology, Jewish tradition, and the overlap between them as sources for personal and professional growth. This class will be a “lab” in creating a better life for yourself – and for all those you teach and serve. This course can count toward the Education requirement or as an elective. The course will run for the second half of the term, beginning on June 15^th.
(1 credit)

PHI 475 Personal Theology
Dr. Len Levin

Through taking this course students will be able to: clarify their own theological agenda—the questions and core-concepts that are most central to their own Jewish theological vision; develop a statement of their personal theological visions, through a combination of drawing on previous paradigms and creating their own; and specifically be able to address the issues of revelation/authority/practice, God, Israel/Jewish peoplehood, suffering/evil, and eschatology in a way that will be meaningful to themselves and to their future audiences.
(2 credits)

PRO 015 Ritual Skills Workshop: Leading Shabbat Services
Rabbi Cantor Sam Levine

This class will focus on one major block of ritual skills: leading all services for Shabbat. We will learn simplified versions of the (Ashkenazi) modes and motifs of Kabbalat Shabbat, Ma’ariv, Birkhot HaShahar and Psukei d’Zimrah, Shaharit, Musaf, Minha, and Havdalah. No singing background is required; the purpose of the class is to get students comfortable and fluent with basic davening skills for Shabbat. This is a great introductory class because certain musical modes and certain liturgical texts are transferable to other services (weekdays, holidays, etc), providing students with multiple reference points as they continue building their skills in leading public worship.
Prerequisite: facility with decoding Hebrew
(No credit)

PRO 217 Scientific Literacy
Rabbi Geoff Mitelman

From COVID-19 to climate change, genetic engineering to artificial intelligence, and exoplanets to human flourishing, we’re living through unprecedented changes in science and technology. But these questions also touch on deep theological, philosophical and existential issues. So how do we understand these questions through a Jewish perspective, Jewish tradition, and Jewish law? How can we better understand and communicate scientific findings, especially if we ourselves are not experts in the field? And how do we talk about science and technology when questions surrounding religion and science are often viewed as hot-button political issues? This course will give you an opportunity to better understand science not as a collection of facts, but as a process of discovery, and how you can share these findings with your community. With guest lecturers from across the scientific world, you’ll gain a firmer grasp on how you can integrate science and scientific knowledge into your Jewish life. This course will count toward the Science and Judaism requirement.
(2 credits)

PRO 312 The Art of Developing a Sermon
Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses / Rabbi Scott Glass /Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

Writing a sermon is a distinct art form made of primary and secondary materials. The primary material is Torah. Secondary materials include one’s own heart and mind, pressing questions of our times, justice concerns and the needs of our communities at any given moment. We learn to create a sermon by weaving together Torah with these other threads, spinning words to open the hearts and minds of our listeners, sometimes offering comfort and sometimes inspiration. At other times our sermons will mobilize communities towards right action. Together we will practice this art, sharing with one another our creations, and with feedback and support from participants, deepening our powers of authentic and effective communication in the realm of the sacred. This course fulfills the Homiletics requirement.
3 sessions (1 credit)

PRO 317 Teaching Jewish Peace and Conflict Resolution: Education: Goals, Methodology and Content
Dr. Marc Gopin

This course will be an Introduction to Jewish peace and conflict resolution studies for the purposes of Jewish education at all levels. This will also be an intensive training seminar. It will include group and peer collaboration, scenario building and role play, engaging the content of Jewish ethics, spirituality, ritual, and symbol as they relate to Peace and Conflict Resolution, theory and practice. This course will count toward the Education requirement. This course will be taught on line only.
(2 credits)

PRO 341 Life Cycle I
Rabbi Scott Glass

The Life Cycle I class will familiarize students with the traditional Jewish life cycle events from birth through marriage and outline the skills necessary to officiate as clergy and to guide members of their communities in creating meaningful ritual experiences. In addition to studying traditional rituals related to birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and weddings, students will be encouraged to develop innovative rituals and create new ceremonies that will add Jewish meaning to secular milestones in life.
(2 credits)

PRO 344 Cantors to Rabbis – Widening our Perspectives About Life Cycle Experiences
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman

In this class, students in the Cantors to Rabbis program will engage in a very particular type of exploration into life cycle rituals and experiences. As AJR is dedicated to pluralism, the goal of the course is to broaden students’ knowledge base and perspective beyond their denominational training. The presentations and conversations with regard to birth, marriage/divorce, and death will not only expand their “clergy toolbox” but may also deepen the meaning of their current denominational practice. This course is only open to students in the Cantors to Rabbis program, and fulfills a requirement for that program.
(1 credit)

PRO 700 Field Work Support Seminar
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman

This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman. Tuition is charged but no academic course credit is given for this seminar.
(No credit)

RAB 210 ‘He Used to Say’ (Avot): Reading Exemplary Figures in the Midrash
Dr. Yakir Englander

This course examines the ways in which Midrashic texts shape the Exemplary Figures of the Midrash and the Talmud. The course proceeds from the premise that the stories weave various traits to promote the ideal figures of Jewish culture.

Course participants: A. will familiarize themselves with the key Midrashic texts that depict images of ideal Jewish figures. B. will acquire tools from Cultural Study research for critical analysis of Midrashim C. will learn how commentators over the generations have employed Midrashim about exemplary figures to shape Jewish ideology throughout history. This course fulfills the Midrash II requirement.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Midrash and Hebrew IIA or the equivalent
(2 credits)

RAB 231 Introduction to Talmud II
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

In this second half of the two-trimester Introduction to Talmud course, students will continue to develop their skills in decoding the dialectic of the talmudic discourse. Study of basic Aramaic terms, Talmudic organic logic, the structure of sugyot, and modern critical methodologies of Talmud study will resume. The content will be the various halakhic and theological approaches to the Amidah found in Tractate Berakhot, chapter 4. The supervised Havruta session (which will be scheduled together with the class members) is required of all students.
Prerequisite: One trimester of Talmud or the equivalent
(2 credits)

RAB 430 Intermediate/Advanced Talmud
Dr. Matt Goldstone

This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to Shabbat practices and prohibitions, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary Shabbat observances.
Prerequisite: Three trimesters of Talmud or the equivalent
(2 credits)

Spring 2022

BIB 421 Religion, Politics, and Leadership Failure in the Bible: Studies in the Book of Samuel
Dr. Job Jindo

This course will be a critical reading of the book of Samuel, revolving around two axes: (1) religion and politics and (2) leadership and the human condition (or human fallibility). By the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to articulate: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of the book of Samuel; (2) biblical insight into the relationships among politics, religion, and leadership; and (3) three examples where the book of Samuel is a source for understanding the human condition in our own day. We will also explore existential issues embodied in the text that are relevant to contemporary concerns, such as “problems of power,” “leadership and accountability,” “family and loyalty,” “gender and sexuality,” “divine and human law,” “agency and responsibility,” “cultivation of mindfulness,” “transformation of self,” and “the Other.” This course fulfills the Leadership in the Bible rabbinical school requirement. Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, students may count this class as an elective. (2 credits)

BIB 341 Generations of Sky and Earth: Science in Dialogue with Biblical Imagery
Rabbi Jill Hammer

This class will examine the natural imagery that permeates the Hebrew Bible — trees, mountains, wind, and stars — together with related areas of science — biology, geology, meteorology, and astrophysics — to discover how we might read the Bible in new ways in juxtaposition with science. For example, how does understanding the underground communications of trees graft new layers of meaning onto the metaphor of the Tree of Life? How does considering the formation of stars and the explosion of supernovas shed light on our understanding of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants will be like the stars? That is, how might contemporary people relate to the images of the Bible, informed by the sciences? What does each biblical source bring to the conversation about our relationship with the natural world? By understanding the science behind these phenomena, as well as the ways that the Bible perceives them, students will be able to deepen the theological and poetic impact that this imagery can have for themselves and those they serve. This course will serve as the Science and Judaism requirement. This course will involve five guest scientists: Dr. Allan Frei, Barry Pollack, Dr. Robert Pollack, Dr. Zeeve Rogoszinski, and Jessica Rubin. (2 credits)

CAN 115 Introduction to Modes
Cantor Joseph Ness

The Modes are central to the understanding of the performative skills of leading the davening in a service. With practical application we will look into the various services by examining in some detail how the modes are integrated into each liturgy. (1 credit)

CAN 280 Hand Percussion for Cantors and Rabbis
Brian Melick

This course is designed to develop a strong musical voice with your drum by exploring multiple ways to release its many different colors, tones and textures. The objective of this class is to give each participant a strong base of hand technique utilizing the complete underside of the hand. This will be accomplished by offering a variety of rhythm exercises inspired by music styles from around the world. Students will experience the importance and power of keeping steady time as well as developing a strong sense of pulse both linearly and circularly. At the conclusion of the class each participant will not only have experienced prearranged rhythm music but more importantly they will have the foundational skills necessary to create their own original music in order to accompany themselves and others. No previous percussion knowledge necessary. This course will count as an elective for both rabbinical and cantorial students. (1 credit)

CAN 385 Peace Studies
Dr. Marc Gopin

An Introduction to Jewish Peace Studies will entail an in-depth interactive study of conflict resolution theory and practice through the prism of ancient Biblical, Talmudic and Halakhic ethical values. The course will engage an introduction to conflict analysis and conflict resolution theory and practice, and then launch into Jewish traditional peace values as they relate to treatment of (1) the self, (2) the Other, (3) the Estranged Other(s), (4) community/society, and (5) the earth and life itself. This course counts toward the Peace Studies requirement for cantorial and Kol-Bo students, and as an elective for rabbinical students. (2 credits)

CAN 437 Advanced Nusah Hol
Cantors Sol Zim and Lisa Klinger-Kantor

In this course, students will learn and develop a deep understanding of the vast components of various Motifs, Nushaot, Prayer Modes and Misinai tunes for Y’mot Hahol – Shaharit, Minhah and Ma’ariv services. Students will learn, demonstrate and master how to lead all the weekday services from the siddur by utilizing the correct motifs and the richness of the various Nushaot blending them with contemporary sounds and various niggunim, thereby creating a bridge between traditional and new sounds. Each student will be required to master the Nusah motifs of the following parts of the weekday service: Birkhot Hashahar, P’sukei D’zimrah, Shaharit (including the Amidah), Tahanun, Torah Service, and the concluding service. (4 credits)

HAL 480 Responsa
Dr. Matthew Goldstone

HAL 510 Advanced Codes
Rabbi Yonah Lavery-Yisraeli This course will focus on R. Yosef Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, a major medieval code of Jewish law that continues to inform contemporary practice. We will study some of the important laws related to mourning and dietary practice, occasionally supplemented by secondary readings from alternate sources. Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes (2 credits)

HEB 250 Hebrew IA
Yifat Avner This course will build upon the foundation grammar covered in Mechina Hebrew. Students will use the book Hebrew from Scratch, part II. The students will continue to work on developing communications skills in Modern Hebrew. They will be introduced to more advanced grammatical patterns, new vocabulary and continue to improve their writing, reading and conversational skills. (4 credits)

HEB 251 Hebrew IB
Ilana Davidov

This course will bring students to Chapter 8–9 of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (‘ב ההתחלה מן עברית .(The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes Pi’el, Hitpa’el in all tenses, passive verbs in Pa’al, and more prepositions. Written and oral assignments will enhance communicative skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar. Prerequisite: Hebrew IA or the equivalent (4 credits)

HEB 400 Hebrew IIIA
Ilana Davidov

The purpose of this course is to transition students from an intermediate to an advanced level of Hebrew. The course will focus on vocabulary expansion and reading comprehension and will provide training in speaking and listening. Students will develop their productive language skills via class discussions, presentations and listening practice, and via reading and writing assignments. Prerequisite: Hebrew IIB or the equivalent (4 credits)

HIS 350 American Jewish History
Dr. Tova Markenson This course will explore how Jewish history and culture in the Americas intersects with marginalized experiences that traditional narratives exclude. Students will explore questions of Jewishness and belonging through studying macro- and micro- histories alongside critical studies of gender, race, and ethnicity. Through honing a nuanced understanding of how historians construct Jewish history, students will strengthen their abilities to honor the multiplicity of experiences that shape the present and future of Jewish life. (2 credits)

LIT 305 Shabbat Liturgy
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

A study of the development of the major prayers that make up all four of the Shabbat worship services. Special emphasis will be placed on the influence of the mystical tradition on Kabbalat Shabbat. Texts of central prayers will be analyzed from a historical, literary, and spiritual perspective. Attention will be paid to a survey of practices of various contemporary communities representing various streams of Jewish practice as well as to congregational dynamics and effective strategies for developing effective and compelling Shabbat liturgy. Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy (2 credits)

PHI 312 Modern Philosophy
Dr. Len Levin

The issues of modern Jewish thought will be studied through familiarization with principal works of the major modern Jewish philosophers — including Spinoza, Mendelssohn, Buber, Rosenzweig, Kaplan, Heschel, and Soloveitchik — as well as representative thinkers of the major modern and contemporary movements. The focus will be on how all of these thinkers and movements adapted Jewish tradition — each in their own way — to the intellectual, cultural and political challenges of modernity. (2 credits)

PHI 510 The History and Future of Kabbalah
Dr. David Seidenberg

In this class, students will gain a clear understanding of the history of Kabbalah and its ebbs and flows, and will be invited to see themselves as part of that stream. What are the cultural contexts in which Kabbalah thrived, and what did Kabbalah mean to the Jewish world in the past? What does Kabbalah mean to us now, and how might that guide the evolution of Kabbalah into the future? The class will cover the Bahir and its antecedents, the Zohar and its circle, Cordeveran and Lurianic Kabbalah, Shabtai Zvi, and Chasidut. We will also look at Kabbalah’s impact on the Renaissance, how Kabbalistic humanism became a tool in the Jewish world for understanding science, and the role of Kabbalah in modern-day Jewish Renewal. (2 credits)

PRO 005 Core Concepts V
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser

This is a multi-year sequence of seminars. The seminars cover some of the fundamental values, concepts and vocabulary of Jewish tradition. Students are expected to first gain a basic acquaintance with these terms and to then delve more deeply into them so as to appreciate their range of significance. The goal of the seminars is not simply to gather information, but to develop an integrated way of thinking about and expressing these value concepts, so that students may grow from having an appreciation of the tradition to actively and creatively participating in the discourse of Torah. Every student is required to take four trimesters of the seminars given in the sequence, but they need not be taken in order. Core Concepts V begins with the term ‘ot. No tuition is charged for this course. This course is only open to matriculated students. (No credit)

PRO 216 What Clergy Need to Know About Psychopharmacology: A Basic Understanding
Cantor Michael Kasper and Dr. David Aftergood

This course has been designed to provide a framework for clergy to understand the basics of psychopharmacology. Teaching goals will include the rationale for prescribing psychiatric medicine, the nature of the conditions prescribed for, the mechanism of the drugs prescribed and the effects and side effects of different classes of medicine. Students will have an opportunity to learn about and think through their responsibilities toward congregants and community members who present themselves as in need of mental health services. These encounters can be difficult to understand and this intersession course will bring issues of psychiatric medication, their usefulness, and use into clearer focus for clergy who contemplate the need for making appropriate referrals. This course will cover the Science and Judaism requirement. (2 credits)

PRO 422 Entrepreneurship: Leading Through Innovation*
Rabbis Julia Appel, Elan Babchuck, and Cyd Weissman

This cross-seminary course is for rabbinical & cantorial students who are preparing to take leadership roles in the rapidly changing landscape of Jewish life. The project-based course pulls from design thinking, innovation, social entrepreneurship, and change making leadership. Students will learn how to pilot a project idea under the guidance of course facilitators, and upon course completion will have an opportunity to apply for funding if they choose to launch these projects. This course counts toward the Entrepreneurship requirement. This course is scheduled for Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 EST. There is an alternate section for this class on Mondays 2:15 – 4:15 EST. This course begins on January 24th and runs on a somewhat different calendar. This course will count toward the Entrepreneurship requirement.
*This course is only open to matriculated rabbinical and cantorial students. (2 credits)

PRO 560 Counseling II
Cantor Michael Kasper Counseling II builds on concepts developed in Counseling I (PRO 215) and will emphasize effective ways for clergy to assess and respond to difficult life transitions, complicated family situations, illness (both physical and psychological), personal and community crises, addictions, and conflicts that arise in everyday life. Students will begin to discern the difference between situations appropriately handled by clergy and ones that call for referrals to other counseling professionals. Prerequisite: Counseling I (2 credits)

PRO 700 FWSS
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman – Section 1
Rabbi Scott Glass – Section 2

This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman. Tuition is charged but no academic course credit is given for this seminar. (No credit)

RAB 110 Introduction to Midrash
Rabbi Jill Hammer In this introductory class, we will examine the forms, methods and vocabulary of rabbinic midrash and explore the function that midrash plays in rabbinic interpretation of Torah. We will learn some basic midrashic strategies, and become familiar with a variety of midrashic collections from the talmudic to the medieval period. This is a text-based class and we will spend time during each session reading midrashim in Hebrew to improve our fluency. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew I or above. (2 credits)

RAB 230 Introduction to Talmud
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

Students will acquire the skills to identify the component parts of the talmudic sugya and the relationships between them. This includes the ability to recognize the elements and functions of the talmudic argument, especially the kushia (objection) and the terutz (resolution). This also includes the ability to distinguish between tannaitic, amoraic, and stam (anonymous) passages. Students will also learn the basics of talmudic terminology as well as basic Aramaic vocabulary and grammar. Students are expected to prepare texts with the help of dictionaries, Hebrew commentaries and vocabulary lists, with the limited use of English translations. The Havruta session is required of all students. Prerequisite: Introduction to Mishnah (2 credits)

RAB 430 Intermediate/Advanced Talmud
Dr. Matthew Goldstone

In this course students will continue to hone their abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material. This semester will focus on sugyot that address “Big Concepts” such as the problem of evil, the value of martyrdom, and the origins of rabbinic Judaism. We will explore the ways that these sources impact us on a personal and spiritual level, as well as possible pedagogical applications for teaching these sources to others. Prerequisite: 3 trimesters of Talmud and HEB 2A or equivalent (2 credits)

Fall 2021

BIB 347 Leviticus Reconsidered: The Reality of the Holy and the Choreography of the Sacred
Dr. Job Jindo

Many find the book of Leviticus too difficult to understand. Its cultic concerns seem obsolete and boring, and its rules of sacrifices and ritual purity appear to have no relevance to the social, existential, and normative issues of our time. And yet, we live in the “Golden Age of Parashat Hashavua (Weekly Torah portion),” and Jewish clergies are expected to know how to draw insight from this seemingly outmoded and arcane book. This course is a close critical reading of Leviticus, revolving around the contemporary relevance of this text. By the conclusion of this course, the student will learn: (1) the structure, purposes, and theological outlook of Leviticus; (2) the theology of holiness and the idea of biblical ecology as reflected in Leviticus; and (3) how to teach the book of Leviticus to the contemporaries with AJR values (i.e., critical rigor, inclusivity, commitment to the pluralistic, contemporary Jewish and broader communities). Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible. This course will count as a Bible elective or as fulfilling the Parashat Hashavua requirement. (2 credits)

Required Texts:

Jewish Study Bible [2nd edition]. ISBN: 9780190263898. $58.99
Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics. ISBN: 9780800695149. $35.00
Leviticus: JPS Torah Commentary. ISBN: 9780827603288. $39.88 Recommended Readings
The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary. ISBN: 9780393292497. $89.99
The Commentators’ Bible: The Rubin JPS Miqra’ot Gedolot: Leviticus. ISBN: 9780827608979. $64.03
Leviticus as Literature. ISBN: 9780199244195. $38.85
Laws in the Bible and in Early Rabbinic Collections: The Legal Legacy of the Ancient Near East. ISBN: 9781725246119. $29.29
Temples and Temple-Service in Ancient Israel: An Inquiry into Biblical Cult Phenomena and the Historical Setting of the Priestly School. ISBN: 9781575061856. $49.95
The Heart of Torah: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion. [2 vols.] ISBN: 9780827612716, 9780827613003. $20.33 + $18.80
The Women’s Bible Commentary. ISBN: 9780281072590. $54.51 o Leviticus: The Book of Holiness. ISBN: 9781592640225. $21.47

BIB 461 B’tzelem Elohim: Biblical Text Through the Lens of Disability Studies
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser

Hafokh bah v’hafokh bah d’khulei bah. Turn it over and over for everything is in it (Pirke Avot). Each time we view the Bible through a new lens, we add to our understanding of the text, we learn more about ourselves, and we widen the impact of the Bible on the Jewish community. Using close readings, we will approach the biblical text through Disability Studies. We will see how viewing certain biblical personalities through this lens provides access to new dimensions of their characters and the texts in which we encounter them. We will then consider the character of God in the Bible and how God too can be more deeply appreciated through the perspective of Disability Studies. Our exploration of this topic will be placed in the broader context of issues of disability and inclusion. This analysis challenges us to broaden our understanding of the concept of b’tzelem Elohim and will help us, in the critical work of more fully appreciating the image of God in those with physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges. This course will count as a Bible elective or as a General Elective.

BIB 520 The Psalms that Clergy Use – Their Meaning and Their Power
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman

Psalms are important element in the toolbox of the clergy. They are part of our liturgy, our life cycle rituals, and they often set the tone for moments of commemoration and introspection. In this class, we will take an in-depth look at many of the psalms that regularly find their way into our work and our prayers. Our goal will be not only to learn how to use them more effectively, but also how we may use them to further our professional and personal spiritual growth. Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible. This course will count as a Bible elective. (2 credits)

Recommended Readings:

A New Psalm. ISBN: 9789652296184. $44.02
The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary. ISBN: 9780393337044. $14.69
The Writings: The Book of Psalms. ISBN: 9780899066738. $31.99

CAN 230 Musical Skills III
Stanley Dorn

At AJR, Music Skills III is the culminating course in an intensive three semester program designed to establish in Cantors the rudiments they will need to teach to and perform with their congregations. In this semester we will concentrate on sight singing modal and tonal melodies, writing melodies for use in the service, harmonizing these and other melodies for accompaniment by instrumental ensemble and/or choir, and conducting such an ensemble. (2 credits)

CAN 387 Peace Studies and the Clergy’s Voice
Rabbi/Cantor Neil Blumofe

This course brings another dimension to the Peace Studies curriculum at AJR. This course focuses on the active use of the speaking, chanting, and singing voice each member of the clergy has to offer. The place of music in conflict resolution, for which a rich body of material exists, will be examined along with experiences and techniques for enriching the task of making peace in the many varied situations all clergy members find themselves working in. This course is part of the Peace Studies requirement for cantorial students and an elective for rabbinical students. (2 credits)

Required Texts:

Humanities Perspective in Peace Education: Re-Engaging the Heart of Peace Studies. ISBN: 9781648025709. $45.99
Peace and Conflict Studies: A Reader. ISBN: 9780415591294. $64.95
Music and Conflict Transformation: Harmonies and Dissonances in Geopolitics. ISBN: 9781780764252. $29.56

Recommended Readings:

The Moral Imagination: The Art and Soul of Building Peace (Reprint Edition). ISBN: 9780199747580. $28.95

CAN 430 Nusah: Shalosh Regalim
Cantors Sol Zim and Lisa Klinger-Kantor

This course provides an in-depth and extensive study of the vast components of the unique Regalim motifs, various nushaot, and prayer modes. Students will develop a deep understanding of the different Misinai motifs that make up the Shalosh Regalim services. Special emphasis will be placed on the S’firat Ha’omer, Hakafot, Hallel, Na’anu’im (shaking of Lulav and Etrog), Tal, Geshem, Shaharit Amidah, Hoshanot, Ata Horeita Lada’at and Musaf Amidah. Students will learn to master and lead the entire Shalosh Regalim service using both traditional nusah and participatory melodies. (4 credits)

Required Texts:

Sim Shalom For Shabbat & Festivals (1985 Edition). ISBN: 9780916219017. $29.69
Sim Shalom For Shabbat & Festivals (1998 Edition). ISBN: 9780916219130. $38.99
Siddur Lev Shalem. ISBN: 978-0916219642. $69.99

HAL Critical Issues in Halakhah and Science
Dr. Matt Goldstone and Rabbi Jill Hackell, M.D.

In Fall 2021 this course will focus on the intersection of halakha and genetics. We will explore the nature of, and halakhic attitudes towards, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), cloned and cultured meat, gene therapy, and the relationship between genes and Jewish identity. Grounded in a close reading of Hebrew primary sources together with English language responsa, this course will provide basic scientific and halakhic knowledge about key issues in the 21 st century intersection of science and Jewish law. Prerequisite: Hebrew 1B (HEB 251) (2 credits)

HAL 460 Intermediate Codes
Rabbi David Almog

This course will focus on Joseph Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, the canonical early modern code of Jewish law, which continues to inform contemporary practice for many Jews. Together, we will study classic laws related to the observances of Shabbat and Holidays. Additionally, our exploration will be enriched by readings and discussions reflecting upon the ways these traditional forms of observance might continue to inspire our diverse Jewish communities as sources or normative practice, spiritual nourishment and ethical reflection. Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes. (2 credits)

HEB 250 Hebrew IA
Ilana Davidov

Using the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (‘ב ההתחלה מן עברית ,(students will read and listen to texts of different genres – informative, literary and narrative – and different historical registers. A vocabulary of about 500 additional words will be presented and practiced; special attention will be given to dictionary look-up skills. Grammatical topics include nominal and possessive sentences in the future, relative and conditional clauses, the future tense of Pa’al, and declensions of various prepositions. Prerequisite: Completion of the Mechina program or by examination. (4 credits)

Required Text:

Hebrew from Scratch, Vol. II. ISBN: 9780840008497. $44.75

Recommended Reading:

Multi-Dictionary: A Bilingual Learners Dictionary. ISBN: 9789653900202. $31.99

HEB 351 Hebrew IIB
Ilana Davidov

In the beginning of this course students will complete the last four lessons of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (‘ב ההתחלה מן עברית .(It will include an intensive review of the verb system in the active בניינים and their gerunds, and a brief introduction to the passive בניינים)פועל ,הופעל ,)real and unreal condition, comparative and superlative sentences. Depending on the class progress, student may work towards the end of the trimester with a more advanced material. Prerequisite: Hebrew IIA or the equivalent. (4 credits)

Required Text:

Hebrew from Scratch, Vol. II. ISBN: 084000849X 978-0840008497. $44.75

Recommended Reading:

Multi-Dictionary: A Bilingual Learners Dictionary. ISBN: 965390020X 9789653900202. $31.99

HIS 355 Between Kodesh and Hol – Religion and Secularism in Israeli Life
Dr. Yakir Englander

This course will examine the relationship between religion and secularism in Israeli everyday life and art, while emphasizing the dialogue between them and the classical sources on which they are based. In the first part of the course, we will examine the pairs of concepts Secularism-Religion; Holy-Profane through the works of Israeli immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East. Among others, we will listen to the liturgical poets – Rabbi David Buzaglo, Dudu Tessa, and the Kuwait brothers and will read from Sami Michael, Ronit Matalon, and Almog Behar. In the second part of the course, we will examine the struggle between the sacred and the profane and the “killing” of the Exiled Jewish God in the Zionist-European worldview. From the struggle between Ahad Ha’am and Brenner on the essence of Judaism to Bialik’s enterprise of the Talmud and Hebrew poetry. In addition, we will study the concepts of the Zionist body and power in the writings of A.D. Gordon, Rabbi Kook and Jabotinsky and in the political-theological doctrine of Ben-Gurion. In the third part of the course, we will move through different themes of life in Israel. We will examine the rulings of the Rabbinical Court regarding divorce and its cinematic expression of Ronit and Shlomi Alkabetz; The place of prayer and the Divine in daily life in the poetry of Rachel, Leah Goldberg, Zelda and Yona Wallach. We will discuss changes in the sanctity of the army in the Israeli concept of bereavement and the struggle of military post-trauma through Yehuda Amichai, the singing of Ahuva Ozeri and the cinema of Amos Gitai. We will discuss the sacredness of the land in the debate between Naomi Shemer and Amos Oz and we will end the course with the place of Israeli spirituality in the singing of Amir Benyon, the Banai family, Shlomo Bar, Eliaz Cohen, Ofer Levy, and in the choreography of Ohad Naharin. The course does not require prior knowledge of Israeli art or the Hebrew language. However, students will be required to watch Israeli cinema, intensely listen to music and read Israeli poets and authors throughout the course. This course covers the Israeli History and Culture requirement. (2 credits)

Required Text:

The Wondering Jew: Israel and the Search for Jewish Identity. ISBN: 9780300252248. $14.79

LIT 101 Introduction to Liturgy
Rabbi Rob Scheinberg

What are the words associated with Jewish prayer, and how and why have they changed over time? In this course we will closely examine the Jewish liturgy for weekdays, addressing the structure, history, and theological implications of texts of the Siddur including the Shema, Amidah, Torah service, Kaddish, Berakhot associated with food, and more. We will also explore questions of prayer’s personal meaning and spiritual significance in contemporary Jewish life, as well as the role of a religious leader in thoughtfully designing worship experiences.

Prerequisite: Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above. (2 credits)

Recommended Readings:

Koren-Sacks Siddur. ISBN: 9789653013100. $18.95
Entering Jewish Prayer. ISBN: 9780805210224. $16.95

MEC 133 Mechina
Michal Nachmany

This course is a continuation of Mechina Hebrew (MEC 120) taught in the summer. It will cover the early parts of Hebrew From Scratch Part I. (No credit)

Required Texts:

Hebrew from Scratch. 9789653501126. $39.00
Mi Po le Sham: Part I: A Companion Workbook for “Hebrew from Scratch.” ISBN: 9789653501515. $31.00
Hapoel for Hebrew Learners. (no ISBN). $35.00

MEC 135 Mechina
Yafit Avner

This course is a continuation of Mechina Hebrew (MEC 133) taught in the summer. It will cover lessons 19-28 of Hebrew From Scratch Part I, finishing the book. Students will continue to learn more advanced grammatical patterns, past tense verbs, new vocabulary and will improve their writing, reading, and conversational skills. (No credit)

Required Text:

Hebrew from Scratch, Part I w/CD. ISBN: 9789652297730. $68.00

PHI 311 Medieval Philosophy
Dr. Len Levin

The classics of medieval Jewish philosophy will be considered as efforts in the ongoing project to articulate a coherent Jewish world-outlook. How did they seek to integrate the value-orientation of the Bible with the best (Greek) “science” of their age? How might their attempts at integration serve as models for us? Texts to be studied will include: Bible, Plato, Aristotle, Philo, Saadia, Halevi, and Maimonides (with intensive attention devoted to the Guide for the Perplexed). (2 credits)

Required Texts:

3 Jewish Philosophers: Philo, Saadia, Halevi. ISBN: 9781592641475. $14.95.
Guide for the Perplexed. ISBN: 9780760757574. $8.79.

Recommended Reading:

The Classic Jewish Philosophers. ISBN: 9789004186187. $92.18
A History of Jewish Philosophy in the Middle Ages. ISBN: 9780521397278. $66.99
Philosophies of Judaism. ISBN: 978-0805204025. Out of print, used prices range from about $5–$20
History of Jewish Philosophy. ISBN: 978-0415324694. $111.00

PHI 340 Bioethics
Rabbi Jill Hackell, M.D.

Technological advancements in medicine have brought with them bioethical issues of increasing complexity. This course will examine issues pertinent to today’s bioethical dialogue from a Jewish point of view, including issues such as organ donation, end-oflife, assisted reproduction, genetic screening and gene therapy, disease prevention, physician-assisted death, and the many issues raised by COVID. How does the Jewish way of looking at these issues compare and contrast with the general societal discussion? What are the governing principles of bioethical argument in each of these, across the spectrum of Jewish thought? How are ancient Jewish sources reconciled with modern technology in guiding thinking about these issues? This course will meet November 9 – December 21. (1 credit)

PHI 370 Judaism and the Earth
Rabbi Jill Hammer

This course is a survey of Jewish texts, practices, rituals, and concepts related to environmentalism and the ecology. We will encounter the wide variety of ways Jews have thought and are thinking about their responsibility for the earth, and consider the implications for our own life choices, leadership choices, and community values. There will be an opportunity to design practical projects for addressing the environment within Jewish contexts. This course will count as a spirituality course or as an elective. (2 credits)

Required Texts:

Ecology and the Jewish Spirit: Where Nature and the Sacred Meet. ISBN: 9781580230827. $14.71
Summertime: Reflections on a Vanishing Future. ISBN: 9781760899035. $23.68

PRO 015 Ritual Skills Workshop
Rabbi/Cantor Sam Levine

This workshop will provide an opportunity for students to work on individual ritual skills requirements. The topics covered will be determined when there is clarity as to the participants of the class and their needs. (No credit)

PRO 215 Counseling I
Cantor Michael Kasper This course is an introduction to the practice of pastoral counseling, offering the philosophical / religious /psychological underpinnings as well as developing actual practical skills. Emphasis is on acquiring the ability to actively listen and assess situations, and then respond appropriately, knowing when to offer various kinds of help, and when to recommend appropriate referrals. Specific issues in this course involve counseling for life cycle events, pre-marital meetings, helping people cope with illness, losses and grief/bereavement, as well as crisis situations and the stresses of life. We explore ways to use Jewish texts, song, prayer and ritual for healing. Classes often have an experiential component. (2 credits)

Required Texts:

Jewish Pastoral Care – A Practical Handbook, 2nd edition. ISBN: 9781580234276. $24.99
The Good Listener. ISBN: 9780877939436. $10.95
Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal. ISBN: 9781594482090. $9.49

Recommended Reading:

Jewish Relational Care A-Z. ISBN: 9780789027061. $62.95
The Art of Jewish Pastoral Counseling. ISBN: 9781138690233. $44.95
Truth & Lovingkindness: Sources on Spiritual Care in the Midrash and in Modern Jewish Thought. ISBN: 9789657105801. $10.86
To Begin Again: The Journey Toward Comfort, Strength, Faith in Difficult Times. ISBN: 9780345413833. $18.00
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. ISBN: 9780553447712. $7.13.
Emotional Resilience. ISBN: 9780517702406. $7.70

PRO 355 Conversion
Rabbi Heidi Hoover

What prompts someone to convert to Judaism? How do they go about doing it? How do the different movements approach conversion? How has conversion changed throughout history? Who gets to decide “Who is Jewish?” and what are the implications? How are Judaism and the Jewish community changing in the 21st century? And what is the role of the rabbi in preparing someone for conversion? These are some of the questions we will explore in our course on conversion, exploring the historical, theological, sociological and practical elements of conversion to Judaism. This course will meet October 4 – November 8. (1 credit)

Recommended Texts:

Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook. ISBN: 9781568211282. $40.01
Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends. ISBN: 9780805210958. $13.56
A Concise Code of Jewish Law for Converts. ISBN: 9789655242492. $24.95

PRO 490 Difficult Conversations
Dr. Hariette Wimms This course will provide students with a neurobiological and social-emotional understanding of how to negotiate difficult conversations. Students will explore what can make social interactions uncomfortable and how to approach communication in effective and compassionate ways. The course includes opportunities for developing the skills and confidence to handle these difficult situations more comfortably. Students will learn how to manage anxiety about and avoidance of difficult dialogue, how to explore what makes these conversations personally problematic for them, and how to structure conversations that can promote shared understanding. Classes will include discussion of ideas as well as experiential practice and role-playing of real-life situations. This course will meet November 10 – December 22. (1 credit)

PRO 700 FWSS

Rabbi Beth Kramer-Mazer This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman. Tuition is charged but no academic course credit is given for this seminar. (No credit)

Recommended Readings:

The Successful Internship: Personal, Professional, and Civic Development, 3rd Edition. ISBN: 9780495385004. $106.89 (Used)
The Rabbi as Symbolic Exemplar. ISBN: 9780789018656. $11.04
This House We Build: Lessons for Healthy Synagogues and the People Who Dwell There. ISBN: 9781566993333. $27.00
Getting to Yes. ISBN: 978-0143118756. $13.98 o Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue. ISBN: 9781609182366. $35.00
The Art of Jewish Pastoral Counseling: A Guide For All Faiths. ISBN: 9781138690233. $44.46

RAB 101 Introduction to Mishnah
Dr. Rachel Rosenthal

This course will introduce students to the study of mishnah as a traditional and academic discipline. Texts assigned will illustrate the variety of literary styles and subject matter within the mishnah. The course will also include a brief introduction to relevant scholarly issues in mishnah study, and mishnah study’s place in rabbinic work and theology. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above. (2 credits)

RAB 330 Intermediate Talmud
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

Students will continue to work on the skills necessary in decoding the talmudic sugya. These include extensive work on the logic and the literary layers. Students will also continue to learn increase their knowledge of talmudic terminology, vocabulary and grammar. The text will be Tractate Megillah. Prerequisite: Two terms of Introduction to Talmud or the equivalent. The Havruta session is required of all students. (2 credits)

Required Texts:

The Steinsaltz Talmud Bavli – Ta’anit & Megilla. ISBN: 9789653014107. $34.95
A Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi and Midrashic Literature. ISBN: 9781932443202. $44.95
Aiding Talmud Study. ISBN: 9780873064286. $14.99 o The Practical Talmud Dictionary. ISBN: 9780873065887. $78.98

Recommended Readings:

The Talmud: A Reference Guide. ISBN: 9781592643127. $39.95
Hamafteach: A-Z Talmud Bavli Indexed Reference Guide. ISBN: 9789653013605. $34.95
Introduction to the Talmud. ISBN: 9781372001499. $26.95

RAB 530 Advanced Talmud
Dr. Matt Goldstone This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to kashrut, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary kashrut observances. Prerequisites: Three trimesters of Talmud and Hebrew 350 (HEB 2A). (2 credits)

SPI 370 Architecture of Ritual
Rabbi Jill Hammer

The Architecture of Ritual is a course that allows Jewish leaders to consciously explore what ritual is, what ritual does within the life of individuals and communities, what their role is in creating and performing ritual, and how ritual can be effective in the lives of modern Jews. The course will cover ritual as a phenomenon (what it is, why it exists, how it is structured) as well as explore individual ritual topics with an eye toward determining how ritual works, clarifying ritual structures, and considering the function of clergy as ritual leaders. (2 credits)

Required Texts:

Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions. ISBN: 9780199735105. $32.49
The Art of Public Prayer. ISBN: 9781893361065. $19.99
Liberating Rites: Understanding the Transformative Power of Ritual. ISBN: 9781419642104. $19.99

Summer 2021

BIB 101 Introduction to Bible
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser

This course will introduce the student to modern critical studies of the Bible. Selected texts of the Bible will be studied in depth while broader thematic issues will be surveyed. Various methodologies used by biblical scholars will be introduced to the students. The many meanings of the text and the centrality of the Bible in the Jewish world will be emphasized through careful study. This course is a prerequisite for all Bible study at AJR. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above. (2 credits)

BIB 321 Erotica, Melancholia and Parodia: A Close Look at Shir Hashirim, Eikhah and Esther
Dr. Howard Markose

If asked what literary modes of expression might be least suited for inclusion into the Hebrew Bible (considered by many to be the holiest writing of all time), one might offer parody, erotica and mourning as three of those quite questionable thematic genres. And yet, Esther, Song of Songs, and Lamentations in the Books of Writings seem to use these modes to a significant extent. In this course, we will study these three literary masterpieces, examining their content as well as the language and linguistic nuances present in each book. We will explore their historical perspectives along with the possible rationale for the insertion of these three scrolls into the Tanach. Students will come to understand the basic structure of each of these books, the noteworthy language and literary structure, as well as the profound message which each of the authors endeavored to impart to their readers/listeners. Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, they may count this class as an elective. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above. (2 credits)

BIB 445 The Adventures of Monotheism: The Varieties of Religious Experience in Jewish Tradition
Dr. Job Jindo

No Jews would deny the centrality of monotheism—the belief in one God YHWH—in their religion. And yet, when it comes to its content, their opinions are so diverse that you may begin to wonder if people next to you in the synagogue are actually praying to the same God. This course explores the biblical idea of monotheism and how it has served as a ground for varieties of religious experience in Jewish tradition. We will divide the history of Judaism and its interpretative tradition into four phases—biblical, rabbinic, medieval, and modern—and set forth four corresponding models for addressing the divine reality. The diversity of these models will help students develop an informed perspective on the fascinating story of this ever-evolving notion—within Judaism and beyond—and tools so vital for serving as clergy in pluralistic settings. Prerequisite: In order to count this class as a biblical text class, students must have taken Introduction to Bible. Otherwise, they may count this class as an elective. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above. (2 credits)

CAN 390 Maqam, Liturgy, and Jewish Musical Identities
Dr. Samuel Torjman-Thomas

This course explores maqam for the purposes of better understanding maqam-based music making in the Near East. Particular foci for the course include theoretical foundations of maqam, practical application of maqam, and the use of maqam in synagogue practice from the region. (2 credits)

HAL 402 Intro Codes II
Rabbi David Almog

Continuation of Introduction to Codes I which was taught in the spring. Open to those who took that course or the equivalent. (2 credits)

HEB 320 Biblical Hebrew
Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum

This course is an examination of and exercise in the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew, for the development of competence in understanding and translating the classical biblical texts (with some attention to major differences between Biblical,, Rabbinic and Modern Hebrew ) Objectives: by the end of this course, you will be able to identify all parts of speech including all the major binyanim in all their forms as they occur in prose passages of the Tanakh. You will be able to use BDB efficiently and accurately to find unfamiliar vocabulary by applying information learned about the forms and structures of different parts of speech. You will learn to use a biblical concordance and Sefaria.com to produce a word study and study sheet. You will be able to translate connected biblical prose passages accurately with the help of BDB and give analyses of specified words and constructions. You will be able to use major conjunctive and disjunctive cantillation signs to aid in correct phrasing of syntactic units of the texts examined. And, if all goes according to plan, you’ll even enjoy the process! Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew IA or above. (2 credits)

HEB 350 Hebrew IIA
Ms. Ilana Davidov

This course will bring students to Chapter 12-13 of Hebrew from Scratch (‘ב ההתחלה מן עברית .(The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes the future tense of Hif’il, Binyan Nif’al, noun declension, prepositions, and concessive clauses. Written and oral assignments will enhance communicative skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar. Prerequisite: Hebrew IB or the equivalent. (4 credits)

HEB 401 Hebrew IIIB
Ms. Yifat Avner

This course is a continuation of Hebrew IIIA. The focus of this course will be on reading and listening comprehension of informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew. Written, oral, and aural assignments will enhance communication and comprehension skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar. Prerequisite: Hebrew IIIA or its equivalent. (4 credits)

HIS 401 Great Ideas and Debates of Jewish History II
Mr. Eric Miller

LIT 620 Liturgy of Yammim Noraim
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

In this course, participants will learn to: -Identify the structure of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. -Articulate the historical, literary, and theological meaning of central prayers of the High Holidays. -Articulate the meaning of the High Holiday prayers not merely as texts on a page, but also as passages experienced in actual worship. -Discuss the ways in which the musical modes of selected prayers amplify or detract from the theological meaning of those prayers. Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy (2 credits)

MEC 133 Mechina
Ms. Yifat Avner

This course is a continuation of Mechina Hebrew taught in the spring. This course will build upon the foundational grammar covered in the last trimester. The students will continue to work on developing communication skills in Modern Hebrew. They will be introduced to more advanced grammatical patterns, new vocabulary and continue to improve their writing, reading and conversational skills. (No credit)

PHI 480 Pluralism
Dr. Len Levin

What is pluralism? What are its core value commitments, and how does it differ from relativism? In this class we will endeavor to clarify our core convictions regarding truth and pluralism; to determine to what extent pluralism is an authentic Jewish value; to extend and deepen our knowledge base concerning pluralism in general and the discussion over pluralism within classical and modern Judaism; to cultivate the virtues of pluralism in dealing with each other, with Jews of persuasions different from our own, and with fellow human beings of different faith communities or no faith community. We will use Studies in Judaism and Pluralism: Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Academy for Jewish Religion as a study guide. (2 credits)

PRO 160 Voice for Rabbis
Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor

The focus of this class will be concentrated on teaching Rabbinical students how to use their voices correctly and applying that to prayer services. We will explore how simple tools can make one feel empowered to sing with confidence and joy. (1 credit)

PRO 329 Lifelong Education: Realities, Possibilities, Goals
Ms. Amy Ripps

This course will explore the world of Lifelong Education. From the youngest of children to the oldest adults, Jews continually learn. But learn …what? How does one decide priorities, set goals, and create a vision that meets the needs of a community? And learn … how? There will be an exploration of a variety of models, with a focus on both the benefits and drawbacks. The course includes the issue of relationships among professionals, lay partners and “clients” in the realm of lifelong education. The course is designed for those who will be developing, collaborating, or supporting lifelong education. (2credits)

PRO 342 Life Cycle II
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman

This course will focus on life cycle issues and rituals beginning after the marriage ceremony and continuing through death and mourning. Topics will include: innovative rituals addressing transitions in individual adult life, milestones in marriage and parenting, and concerns regarding the end of a marriage and divorce. Also included will be the topic of bikkur holim and issues of caregiving to elderly parents, end of life concerns, and a practical and philosophical study of the laws of death and mourning. Students in this course will be able to: create innovative rituals surrounding adult life cycle events, articulate issues and guide families with regard to end of life decisions, explain and facilitate the process and ritual of the Jewish divorce. Students will also learn how to officiate at funerals, burials, and other rituals associated with Jewish practices of death and mourning. (2 credits)

PRO 362 Post Pandemic: Re-entering the Old-New Land
Cantor Michael Kasper

The last year has been like no other our generation has known. From anxiety to scarcity, fear to terror, life to death, fatigue to protest, and trepidation to hope many of us have experienced a range of emotions we were unprepared for; each of us has been touched in ways we are yet to fully process. Every community has undergone structural change that has called on its spiritual leaders to examine and reexamine their leadership goals, methods, and styles. Clergy has had to face limitations in the amount and ways we offer help, comfort, and contact. None if this comes without real consequence, psychological and emotional consequence, both for congregants, communities, and ourselves. Life will get back to normal but what will normal look like? This course aims to examine several aspects of re-entry following our global trauma. How easy will it be to slip back into old routines? Is it permissible to remain cautious when everyone around you is ready to dive back in? If battling Covid-19 gave you a sense of purpose will you be allowed to mourn the loss of that special feeling once the battle is over? How do we lead our communities into a safe and fulfilling spiritual future? Over the course of six weeks we will examine all these feelings, and more, with experts in the field. This class will run from June 23 – July 28. (1 credit)

PRO 368 The Importance Of Developing Interfaith Relationships In Your Clergy Work
Rabbi Jo David

The course will apply the concept of “Or L’goyim” to the importance of establishing these relationships, looking at the topic from a number of different perspectives. (2 credits) Elective (R, KB, C2R)

PRO 700 Fieldwork Support Seminar
Rabbi Scott Glass

This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the trimester by Cantor Michael Kasper. Tuition is charged but no academic course credit is given for this seminar. (No credit)

RAB 231 Introduction to Talmud. (Continuation of RAB 230)
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

In this second half of the two-trimester Introduction to Talmud course, students will continue to develop their skills in decoding the dialectic of the talmudic discourse. Study of basic Aramaic terms, Talmudic organic logic, the structure of sugyot, and modern critical methodologies of Talmud study will resume. The content will be the various halakhic and theological approaches to the Amidah found in Tractate Berakhot, chapter 4. The Havruta session is required of all students. Prerequisite: One trimester of Introduction to Talmud or the equivalent. (2 credits)

RAB 430 Advanced Talmud
Dr. Matthew Goldstone

This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to Shabbat practices and prohibitions, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary Shabbat observances. Prerequisite: Three trimesters of Talmud. (2 credits)

SPI 375 The Virtual and the Real: “Doing Jewish” Digitally in the 21st Century
Rabbis Rachel Barenblat and David Markus

Rapid sociological and technological (r)evolutions mean that “doing Jewish” digitally is probably here to stay in some form. What spiritual (r)evolutions should follow suit, and how can spiritual leaders most skillfully nourish and respond to them? Topics will include ritual theory and innovation in digital contexts, emerging halakhot and minhagim of digital community, visuality’s gifts and challenges in digital spaces, best practices for psycho-spiritual depth in digital and hybrid contexts, and specific applications for teaching, Shabbat, haggim, conversion, and lifecycle events. Participants will be asked to contribute actively, creatively and skillfully to this rapidly developing new frontier of Jewish spiritual and community life. This course will run from May 12 – June 23. (1 credit)

Spring 2021

BIB 463 Reparations in the Bible and Rabbinic Law and Lore
Rabbi Aryeh Bernstein

Since the official end of American slavery, there have been calls for reparations to descendants of enslaved people. In recent years, that case has amplified in public discourse as a central issue of social and racial justice, especially since Ta-Nehisi Coates’s magisterial 2014 article, “The Case for Reparations”. In this course, we will study abundant Torah sources, Biblical, Rabbinic, liturgical, aggadic, and halakhic, which explore the place of reparations in the mythic Jewish story of liberation from slavery; consider halakhic models for reparations in practice; and consider thorny questions in reparations debates, such as liability of one generation for the sins of its ancestors and how to distribute reparations fairly when the exploitation has been societal, and not individual. Class discussion will build on text preparation in advance of class. Texts will be available in translation for students at beginning stages of textual experience; preparation in the original is preferred and encouraged for students for whom that is appropriate. Students will submit a final project at the end of the trimester. This course can count as a Bible elective. (2 credits)

CAN 131/230 Musical Skills
Stanley Dorn

This series of courses is designed to prepare prospective cantors for the various technical musical demands of their profession. These include the ability to sing the written literature at sight, to harmonize those melodies for choral or instrumental performance and to create their own melodies to texts they may wish to use with their congregations. The course builds on the natural musical abilities of each student and helps to focus and refine these abilities so that the cantors can achieve mastery over these techniques. Prerequisite: Musical Skills I or the equivalent. (CAN 131 is 0 credit, CAN 230 is 2 credits)

CAN 366 Peace Studies: Character, Conflict and Community Leadership
Hon. Rabbi David Markus

“It’s alright for a shul to be a business – so long as you know what business you’re really in.” This cute aphorism begs a serious question: what’s the real business of Jewish spiritual professionals? How can we wisely leverage character traits (flaws), moral leadership (failures), and peacemaking (conflicts) to nourish vibrant Jewish institutions? Blending traditional texts, socio-political literature and real-life case studies, this course will explore spiritual models of authority and legitimacy, middot (character traits) in spiritual leadership, Jewish pastoral and psycho-spiritual dynamics of conflict, and change agency in spiritual systems. Students will expand their community governance toolkits while accelerating their personal formation as spiritual leaders. This course counts as one of the Peace Studies requirements for cantorial students, and can also fulfill a spirituality elective. (2 credits)

CAN 441 Advanced Nusah
Cantors Sol Zim and Lisa Klinger-Kantor

An in depth extensive study of the vast Misinai tunes that make up the Yom Kippur liturgy. Each student must develop an understanding of the various motifs and nushaot and how to use them in the course of davenning. Targil section required. (4 credits)

CAN 561 Music of the Life Cycle
Cantor Sol Zim The course will address all occasions in the congregational calendar during which the cantor is officiating and music plays an important part, including life cycle events, and more. (1 credit)

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. Prerequisite: Introduction to Mishnah. (2 credits)

HAL 460 Intermediate Codes
Dr. Matthew Goldstone

This course will focus on Joseph Karo’s Shulhan Arukh, the major medieval code of Jewish law that continues to inform contemporary practice. We will study many of the most important laws related to the observance of Shabbat and Holidays with secondary readings that offer more diverse perspectives for modern forms of observance and celebration. Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Codes. (2 credits)

HEB 251 Hebrew IB
Ilana Davidov

This course will bring students to Chapter 8-9 of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (‘ב ההתחלה מן עברית .(The focus of the course is on reading comprehension of adapted informative and narrative texts in Modern Hebrew, with an emphasis on vocabulary development and dictionary look-up skills. The grammatical component of the course mostly follows the textbook. It includes Pi’el, Hitpa’el in all tenses, passive verbs in Pa’al, and more prepositions. Written and oral assignments will enhance communicative skills while improving absorption and integration of vocabulary and grammar. Prerequisite: Hebrew IA or the equivalent. (4 credits)

HEB 400 Hebrew IIIA
Ilana Davidov

The purpose of this course is to transition students from intermediate to advanced level of Hebrew. The course will focus on vocabulary expansion and reading comprehension and will provide training in speaking and listening. Students will develop their productive language skills via class discussions, presentations and listening practice, and via reading and writing assignments. Prerequisite: Hebrew IIB or the equivalent. (4 credits)

LIT 274 Healing Services
Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein

In this course students will learn to create and lead healing services for a variety of settings including sickness, divorce, miscarriage, cancer, infertility, abuse, and more. Care will be taken to pay attention to the planning of the services, the dynamics involved, and the role of technology. The course will be run as a workshop where students can gain practical experience in this important area. This course can count toward the Tefillah and Seminar requirement. (1 credit)  LIT 307 Festival Liturgy Rabbi Jeff Hoffman A study of the liturgy of Pesah, Shavuot, and Sukkot from biblical origins to the present era. Features: variations in the basic liturgy, especially in the Amidot; the development of Hallel customs; the form, function and texts of principal piyyutim, e.g., Hoshanot and Akdamut; Yizkor. These will be studied from historical, literary, and theological perspectives. Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy. (2 credits)

MEC 130 Mechina
Yifat Avner

This course is a continuation of Mechina Hebrew taught in the fall. This course will build upon the foundational grammar covered in the last trimester. The students will continue to work on developing communication skills in Modern Hebrew. They will be introduced to more advanced grammatical patterns, new vocabulary and continue to improve their writing, reading and conversational skills. (No credit)

PHI 460 Comparative Religion: What Can the West Learn From the East?
Dr. Job Jindo

This course offers a comparative study of eastern religions, revolving around the themes of tolerance, mindfulness, and the cultivation of humanness. Western societies are frequently identified as “argument culture” (Deborah Tannen), namely, in order to achieve anything in the public sphere, we need to accomplish it as a battle between two conflicting sides (e.g., the war on drugs, the battle of the sexes, political turf combat). Furthermore, this exclusionary, confrontational approach is often viewed as stemming from underlying monotheistic patterns of thought, which do not allow the coexistence of competing deities. In contrast, eastern cultures—in part, as they are rooted in polytheistic thought-patterns—are commonly deemed to be, by their very nature, pluralistic and peaceful. In this course, we will examine some of the major faith traditions in the East (e.g., Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Sufism) as mirrors to reflect on basic categories of “argument culture.” We will also consider the cogency of the East-West divide and its limits. The topics we will cover include: the sense of the holy, concepts of truth, openness to other opinions, reality of evil and death, and cultivation of the ideal self. No prior knowledge of eastern religions or cultures is required. This course can be used as a general elective or as a Spirituality elective. (2 credits)

PHI 515 Sefer Yetzirah
Rabbi Jill Hammer

Sefer Yetzirah is one of the earliest works of Jewish mysticism. This brief and cryptic ancient book imagines letters as the building blocks of the universe, introduces us to the sefirot or divine realms, and focuses our attention on the components of space, time, and soul. Its goal is to allow adepts to contemplate, and even partake in, the Divine creative process interwoven with the details of the physical universe. We will be reading the work in its entirety, plus secondary literature, to understand the meaning of Sefer Yetzirah and its potential role in contemporary Jewish belief and contemplative practice. We will also be exploring the book’s meditative approach through our own exploration of its methods. (2 credits)

PRO 003 Core Concepts III
Dr. Ora Horn Prouser

This is a multi-year sequence of seminars. The seminars cover some of the fundamental values, concepts and vocabulary of Jewish tradition. Students are expected to first gain a basic acquaintance with these terms and to then delve more deeply into them so as to appreciate their range of significance. The goal of the seminars is not simply to gather information, but to develop an integrated way of thinking about and expressing these value concepts, so that students may grow from having an appreciation of the tradition to actively and creatively participating in the discourse of Torah. Every student is required to take four trimesters of the seminars given in the sequence, but they need not be taken in order. Core Concepts III begins with the term ahavah. No tuition is charged for this course. (No credit)

PRO 312 Homiletics
Rabbi Scott Glass

Whether at worship services, life cycle events, interfaith gatherings, congregational meetings or civic occasions, preaching and public speaking are ongoing responsibilities and challenges. For hundreds of years, Jewish leaders have used their words to influence their communities’ actions. In this course, we will discuss sources, techniques, obstacles, and the opportunities that community leaders enjoy as they pursue this time-honored practice. (1 credit)

PRO 341 Life Cycle I
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman

PRO 422 Entrepreneurship
Rabbi Elan Babchuck

This cross-seminary course is for rabbinical & cantorial students who are preparing to take leadership roles in the rapidly changing landscape of Jewish life. The project-based course pulls from design thinking, innovation, social entrepreneurship, and change making leadership. Students will learn how to pilot a project idea under the guidance of course facilitators, and upon course completion will have an opportunity to apply for funding if they choose to launch these projects. This course counts toward the Entrepreneurship requirement. Please look at the accompanying flyer for more information. There are two sections of this course: Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 and Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00. This course begins on January 27th and runs on a somewhat different calendar. (2 credits)

PRO 431 Torah Meets Tech
Rabbi David Paskin

Like in 70CE when Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai took the bold step to re-envision Judaism in light of the destruction of the holy Temple, we today, face another moment in history, which demands a re-focusing on how we connect with, learn with, pray with, mourn with and celebrate with our communities. Together we will explore some of the BIG IDEAS around using technology to enrich our worship and teaching and discover some of great TOOLS for great TORAH. Learners will leave our class with a working knowledge of:

Digital meeting software (Zoom, Meet, Teams)
Streaming software and Virtual Cameras (Prezi Video, Mmhmm, Manycam, Ecamm Live, OBS)
Collaborative Software (Google Apps including: Docs, Sheets, Drawings, Slides, Forms; Mentimeter)
Educational Software (Wordwall)
Creative Tools (Canva, Animaker, viewpure.com, remove.bg)
Hebrew Tools (Nakdan, Sefaria – websites, divrei torah and trope)
Website Tools (Weebly, Wix, Google Sites)
Music Tools (Upbeat)
Hardware (Computers, cameras, lights, greenscreen)

This course will count toward the Education requirement. (1 credit)

PRO 470 Chaplaincy
Rabbi Beth Naditch

Taught by a CPE Educator who is also a professional chaplain, this course will introduce students to the art and skills of spiritual care, through a Jewish lens. Through didactic material, experiential exercises, reading, and group reflection, students will learn several frameworks of spiritual assessment. Participants in this course will begin to understand how to help support another person in areas of spiritual distress, by helping that person identify and draw on their own spiritual resources. Together, we will engage in personal and theological reflection through text study, reflection on personal experience, and clinical theological tools. Students will be required to do 27 hours of fieldwork as a part of this course. (Accommodations will be made to find appropriate fieldwork during the pandemic.) This course will meet six times over the course of the trimester, dates to be announced. (1 credit)

PRO 700 FWSS
Cantor Michael Kasper

This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the semester by Cantor Michael Kasper. Tuition is charged but no academic course credit is given for this seminar. (No credit)

RAB 110 Introduction to Midrash
Rabbi Jill Hammer

In this introductory class, we will examine the forms, methods and vocabulary of rabbinic midrash and explore the function that midrash plays in rabbinic interpretation of Torah. We will learn some basic midrashic strategies, and become familiar with a variety of midrashic collections from the talmudic to the medieval period. This is a text-based class and we will spend time during each session reading midrashim in Hebrew to improve our fluency. Students in this course must be at the level of Hebrew I or above (2 credits)

RAB 230 Introduction to Talmud
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

RAB 330 Intermediate Talmud
Dr. Matt Goldstone

This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding Judaism. This trimester will focus on material from Seder Nashim (the part of the Talmud that deals with laws related to marriage, divorce, etc.), specifically an extended series of sugyot in Tractate Kiddushin (29a-36a). The sources covered in this course will hopefully complement similar rabbinic material covered in other courses and provide students with a broad view of issues related to marital and interpersonal relationships in the Talmud. This course will also focus on thinking about and teaching traditional texts that are difficult insofar as they are inconsistent with contemporary values and modes of thinking. Prerequisite: two trimesters of Introduction to Talmud. Havruta preparation is required of all students. (2 credits)

SPI 385 Writing the Sacred, Writing Ourselves: Harnessing Midrashic Process for Spiritual Leadership (Sacred Arts Program)
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat

When we engage with sacred text through writing, we can reach a deeper understanding of the text and a deeper understanding of our own life of the spirit. In this course we’ll delve into Torah, Nevi’im, Psalms, Liturgy, and Lifecycles. We’ll engage with these texts creatively through writing midrash, prophetic text, poetry, and prayer. We’ll explore how we might use our creative/midrashic responses in spiritual service, and how we can skillfully discern when and how a new piece of creative Jewish text should be used. At the end of this course, students will have strengthened their text study skills and deepened their awareness of the psycho-emotional dynamics of this kind of textual encounter, and will have a set of literary / creative tools for text study and for their own journeys of clergy service. This course fulfills the Sacred Arts requirement. (2 credits)

Fall 2020

BIB 250 – Parshanut: Introduction to Medieval Biblical Exegesis
Dr. Job Jindo

This course introduces students to the treasure world of medieval Jewish biblical exegesis. Selections, mostly from the Torah, will be examined to compare and contrast opinions of major commentators, such as Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, and Ramban. By the conclusion of this course, each student will be able to demonstrate: (1) a mastery of the essential skills in reading medieval commentaries; (2) an informed understanding of the methodologies and exegetical goals of each exegete; and (3) a deeper appreciation of the commentators in their own historical and theological context. Students will also become familiar with other features and interpretive tools found on the pages of rabbinic Bibles (Mikra’ot Gedolot), as well as what they should be mindful of, when using such online sources as Sefaria. Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible (2 credits)

BIB 412 – Second Isaiah: Tikkun Olan and the Seven Weeks of Consolation
Dr. Job Jindo

There was once an anonymous prophet—aka Second Isaiah (author of Isaiah chaps 40–66)—who was born to an exiled family in a ghetto of ancient Babylonia. His Hebrew vocabulary was considerably limited. And yet, his scriptural knowledge, literary dexterity, and inspired ideas were exceptional, and he thereby induced a radical transformation to the meaning of biblical monotheism and the destiny of the Jewish people. What was the secret of this spiritual genius? What was his upbringing like? What pedagogical insights might parents—who raise children in a non-Jewish Diaspora environment—be able to attain from this figure and apply to the soulcraft of their own children? This course explores these and other questions, as well as his distinctive religious categories, such as universal monotheism, a light to the nations, and the new creation (or tikkun olam). Our discussions will revolve around the “Seven Haftaroth of Consolation” which are read successively after Tisha B’Av until Rosh Hashanah and are all taken from his writing. Prerequisite: Introduction to Bible. (2 credits)

CAN 130 – Musical Skills 1
Stanley Dorn

The first in a series of courses designed to prepare prospective cantors for the various technical musical demands of their profession. These include the ability to sing the written literature at sight, to harmonize those melodies for choral or instrumental performance and to create their own melodies to texts they may wish to use with their congregations. The course builds on the natural musical abilities of each student and helps to focus and refine these abilities so that the cantors can achieve mastery over these techniques. (0 credits)  CAN 131/230 – Musical Skills 2/3 Stanley. Dorn This series of courses is designed to prepare prospective cantors for the various technical musical demands of their profession. These include the ability to sing the written literature at sight, to harmonize those melodies for choral or instrumental performance and to create their own melodies to texts they may wish to use with their congregations. The course builds on the natural musical abilities of each student and helps to focus and refine these abilities so that the cantors can achieve mastery over these techniques. (CAN 131 is 0 credit, CAN 230 is 2 credits)

CAN 201 – Jewish Music in Diaspora
Samuel Torjman-Thomas

CAN 445
Advanced Nusah Cantors Sol Zim & Lisa Klinger-Kantor

An in depth extensive study of the vast Misinai tunes that make up the Rosh Hashannah liturgy. Each student must develop an understanding of the various motifs and nushaot and how to use them in the course of davenning. Targil section required. (4 credits)  HEB 250 – Hebrew 1A Ilana Davidov Using the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (‘עברית מן ההתחלה ב ), students will read and listen to texts of different genres – informative, literary and narrative – and different historical registers. A vocabulary of about 500 additional words will be presented and practiced; special attention will be given to dictionary look-up skills. Grammatical topics include nominal and possessive sentences in the future, relative and conditional clauses, the future tense of Pa’al, and declensions of various prepositions. (4 credits)

HEB 351 – Hebrew 2B
Ilana Davidov

In the beginning of this course students will complete the last few lessons of the second volume of Hebrew from Scratch (עברית מן ההתחלה ב’ ). It will include an intensive review of the verb system in the active בניינים and their gerunds, and a brief introduction to the passive בניינים (פועל , )הופעל , real and unreal condition, comparative and superlative sentences (4 credits)

HIS 400 – Great Ideas and Debates in Jewish History
Eric Miller

LIT 305 – Shabbat Liturgy
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

A study of the development of the major prayers that make up all four of the Shabbat worship services. Special emphasis will be place on the influence of the mystical tradition on Kabbalat Shabbat. Texts of central prayers will be analyzed from a historical, literary and spiritual perspective. Attention will be paid to a survey of practices of various contemporary communities representing various streams of Jewish practice as well as to congregational dynamics and effective strategies for developing effective and compelling Shabbat liturgy. Prerequisite: Introduction to Liturgy. (2 credit)  MEC 120 – Mechina Hebrew Yifat Avner This class covers the basics of both modern and liturgical Hebrew, preparing the students to enter the required Hebrew classes of both the Rabbinical and the Cantorial Programs. (No credit)

PHI 475 – Personal Theology
Dr. Len Levin

PRO 419 – A Laboratory of Questioning: Jewish Identities in the 21st Century
Dr. Yakir Englander

In this course, we will examine the different meanings of Jewish identities in the 21st century. We will delve into different aspects of identity: peoplehood, chosen and non-chosen Jewish Identities. We will also explore the identities which humans and the Jewish tradition have been assigning the Divine and the implications of the fact that we identify ourselves as a monotheistic faith. Finally, we will look at different aspects of Jewish identities in the context of the Jewish and Israeli calendars, our covenants, language and law. This course aims to give our students a better understanding and tools with which they can lead their communities, while highlighting the current challenges and opportunities this undertaking involves. (2 credits)

PRO 560 – Counseling 2 Cantor
Michael Kasper

Counseling II builds on concepts developed in Counseling I (PRO 215) and will emphasize effective ways for clergy to assess and respond to difficult life transitions, complicated family situations, illness (both physical and psychological), personal and community crises, addictions, and conflicts that arise in everyday life. Students will begin to discern the difference between situations appropriately handled by clergy and ones that call for referrals to other counseling professionals. Prerequisite: Counseling I (2 credits)

PRO 700 – Field Work Support Seminar
Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman

This seminar group focuses upon issues that arise in the course of rabbinical and cantorial work. Students will explore the challenges that they face in their work and in their developing rabbinate/cantorate through the presentation of a case study. Participation is required of all students whose work is counting as a required internship experience. All Fieldwork must be approved prior to the beginning of the semester by Cantor Michael Kasper. Tuition is charged but no academic course credit is given for this seminar. (No credit)

RAB 100 – Intro Mishnah
Rabbi David Almog

RAB 320 – Intermediate Talmud
Rabbi Jeff Hoffman

This course will continue the study of the Talmud, its structure, and concepts. Through oral and written work, students will advance in their ability to decode the dialectic of the talmudic discourse. We will study Tractate Megillah. Havruta session is required of all students. Prerequisite: The two trimesters of Introduction to Talmud. (2 credit)

RAB 510 – Advanced Talmud
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone

This course will hone students’ abilities to critically read, parse, and understand Talmudic material that is relevant for understanding contemporary Judaism. This semester will focus on sugyot related to kashrut, which will provide students with a historical and literary understanding of the underpinnings of contemporary kashrut observances. Prerequisite: At least three trimesters of Talmud. (2 credits)

SPI 362 – Life After Death
Rabbi Jill Hammer

In Genesis, there’s She’ol. In the Talmud, there’s resurrection, or the heavenly yeshiva. In kabbalistic times, reincarnation is in. And in modern times, no one agrees. In this course, we’ll learn about traditions of the afterlife that Jews have accepted in different eras, and we’ll begin to understand how and why Jews have shifted their beliefs across time. This class will prepare participants to understand Jewish traditions concerning death and the afterlife and clarify their own approaches. This course fulfills the Spirituality elective course requirement. (2 credits)

SPI 400 – Contemporary Midrash
Rabbi Jill Hammer

In this course, we will explore contemporary poems and stories on biblical characters in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish, and discuss how the modern era has brought new forms of Midrash. We’ll consider the biblical texts and rabbinic legends that have informed modern authors, and interpret the messages these new writings convey. We’ll end the course by creating and sharing our own modern midrashim. This course can count as the Midrash II requirement. (2 credits)

All shall unite to do God's will with an open heart.

All shall unite to do God's will with an open heart.

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