Course Offerings
Biblical Literature
The Department of Biblical Literature provides a major part of the academic program.
Tanach is divided into text (Bekius), literally, fluency, a more broad-ranging study
designed to familiarize the student with large areas of Tanach to which students will
generally return to, throughout their lives, for more detailed study and relevance.
Classical Torah Study is traditionally studied with a Teacher, Rabbi or Rebbetzin, and
with a Chavrusa, a study partner . Under the Chavrusa system, students study in
pairs so that engage in discussion and review or prepare together all aspects of the
subject under scrutiny. They study classical texts, translate, organize, analyze,
synthesize and collaborate to come to conclusions elucidating the meaning of the
texts being studies.
BIB 101 4 credits
Topics in Bible
In depth analysis of portions of the Book of Numbers.
BIB 201 4 credits
Advanced Topics in Bible
Advanced analysis of portions of the Book of Numbers
BIB 301 4 credits
Biblical Exegesis
In depth analysis of various Bible topics.
BIB 121 4 credits
Topics in Early Prophets
In depth analysis of the Book of Prophets I
BIB 221 4 credits
Advanced Topics in Early Prophets
In depth advanced analysis of the Book of Prophets I
BIB 321 4 credits
Biblical Exegesis of the Early Prophets
Biblical exegesis of the Books of Prophets I
BIB 161 2 credits
Hagiographa
Analyze the content, themes, and message of the books of Jonah, Ecclesiastes,
Esther, and Ruth based on traditional sources. Themes such as Repentance,
Community Responsibility, and Charity will be studied.
Jewish Codes of Law
The courses in this department teach the students the fundamentals of the laws of
Jewish practice. The students will understand the formation of the law from the
original sources and be able to apply these laws in practical daily settings.
JLAW 131 4 credits
Practical Jewish Law
A study of the laws of the Sabbath with practical application in mind.
This course is run on a two year course.
JLAW 231 3 credits
Practical Jewish Law Year Two
A continue study of the Sabbath with practical application in mind. Students will also
collaborate with the teacher to self study various topics in the laws of Sabbath.
JLAW 132 2 credits
Contemporary Halacha
Study of select issues in contemporary Jewish law and to familiarize students with
attendant terms and concepts.
Philosophy and Ethics Department
These courses aim to actualize our philosophy for success in life, and to enable the
student to absorb them in his own mind and life. The students study some of the
greatest medieval and contemporary philosophical and ethical works in Jewish
Literature.
PHI 141 2 credits
Maimonides’ Principles of Faith
Study of the Maimonides’ principles of faith, the texts that express them, and some
of the more specific theological ideas that they comprise.
PHI 142 4 credits
Topics in the Moral Development of the Individual
Based on analysis of biblical and traditional rabbinic texts, students will develop a
critical understanding of a select set of moral challenges and an approach toward
character development in relation to them.
PHI 143 2 credits
Jewish Year in Our Lives
In this course students will obtain a deeper understanding of the Jewish holidays by
explaining them in the context of the purpose of life.
PHI 144 2 credits
Topics in Jewish Philosophy
Different topics in Jewish philosophy are discussed and learned in depth through
classical sources. For example, Free Choice, Love of G-D, Fear of G-d, Why bad things
happen to good people, ethics of a complete Jew…..
PHI 145 2 credits
The Ways of the Life of a Jew
Based on the classic Derech Hashem by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto, the student will
learn his lessons for how to live a proper and fulfilling Jewish and ethical life.
PHI 146 2 credits
Jewish Thought According to the Maharal
The classic works of the Maharal will be studied to gain a deeper understanding of
topics in Jewish Philosophy.
PHI 147 4 credits
Guided Chavrusa
Students will be paired to study passages from contemporary works in Jewish
philosophy and then will be guided in a group discussion to gain insights from one
another. Topics such as ethical standards, belief in G-d, a relationship in G-d will be
studied
PHI 241 2 credits
Philosophy of Jewish Holidays
Analysis of the Pachad Yitzchak by Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner , a contemporary work that
gives a deeper philosophy to the holidays that comprise the Jewish calendar
PH I 242 2 credits
Advanced Topics in Moral Behavior
This course is an analysis of the works of Rabbi Chaim Friedlander on moral
development. This contemporary work is a spring board into class discussion moral
refinement
Religion Department
This department contains courses that deepen the understanding, commitment, and
practical application of the Jewish religion in the student’s life. The courses delve
into the connection the religious application has to connect to G-d and perfect their
religious service.
REL 151 2 credits
Topics in Prayer
The study the theological foundation of prayer. It examines and defines basic aspects
of prayer with specific emphasis on the meaning of various Jewish prayers said.
REL 152 2 credits
Essence of the Jewish Marriage
Based on Biblical and traditional Rabbinic sources, students will acquire a deeper
understanding of the theoretical foundations of Jewish marriage.
REL 153 4 credits
The Essence of the Sabbath
The aim of this course is to deepen the student’s understanding of the Sabbath to
enhance their experience. Classic philosophical sources are analyzed to aid in this
understanding.
REL 154 2 credits
Weekly Torah Portion
Students will gain an appreciation of select topics in the weekly Bible portions and
their didactic/theological message based on analysis of the text in conjunction with
contemporary rabbinic sources.
REL 155 No credits awarded
Guest Lecturer Series
Once a month noted guest lecturer to present on various topics to enhance and
deepen the student’s understanding of the Jewish religion.