Prozdor Course Catalog
Fall 2013
Friends,
Welcome to an exciting new beginning.
After an intense process of information gathering, brainstorming, focus groups,
and conversations that has taken the better part of a year, we are proud to
present you with our course booklet for the coming year.
We have taken very seriously our mandate and challenge to create the school
of the future for Jewish teens, one that teaches, challenges, mentors, and
develops a new generation of Jewish leaders. Our focus on student choice,
project-based learning, a diverse curriculum, travel, and innovative new
programs will resonate with a broad range of teens from across the
denominational spectrum.
This course book, in addition to our rich program guide that outlines the entire
menu of offerings that falls under the Prozdor umbrella, will form the
backbone of a dynamic new center for Jewish teens. As you look at our course
offerings, pay particular attention to new initiatives like our STEM module and
classes like “Neuroscience and Bible,” our Open Beit Midrash, and our
revamped Israel major, which includes the incredible Pirke Dorot curriculum
that we have developed with our Israeli partner school over the past three
years.
As we launch this new vision for Prozdor, we continue to build on a ninedecade tradition of academic excellence and rich intellectual exploration, all
while tailoring our program to the needs of today’s teens. Thank you for joining
us on this journey.
B’shalom,
Dan Brosgol
Director of Prozdor
BIBLE
Period 1
BIBLE312: Is Life Meaningless? Ecclesiastes and Existentialism
Instructor: Matt Lowe
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought at Bet Midrash
Learn about Kohelet, a biblical book sharing the wisdom of a very old and crotchety
"King Solomon." We will read this book and explore some philosophical/emotional
themes, including: life, death, time, happiness, anxiety, purpose, absurdity, and
wisdom.
BIBLE325: Unfamiliar Megilot: Eicha, Kohellet, Shir HaShirim
Instructor: Ben Einsidler
Cross-listed in Bet Midrash
This course will introduce students to the three minor Megilot: Lamentations,
Ecclesiastes, and The Song of Songs. Guided by our essential questions of 1) Is this text
still relevant?, and 2) Is there a way to make this text meaningful for me?, students
will engage in both text study and in-class projects around these texts.
BIBLE331: Did God Really do that? Problematic Biblical Texts and Modern Morality
Instructor: Rabbi E. (Rabbi David Ehrenkranz)
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
We will explore and examine various Biblical narratives that create discomfort for us
in our modern day world. Stories, such as the Binding of Isaac, Elisha's "killing" of
children, God's killing of the first born of Egypt, Hagar and Ishmael’s expulsion from
Avraham's tent, etc. We will read these stories very carefully and discuss why these
stories make us feel uncomfortable. Through the lenses of the classic rabbinic
commentaries as well as modern commentaries, we will attempt to discover why these
events had to happen the way they did and the long term ramifications of these events
on our culture, heritage and religion. Please bring a JPS (Jewish Publication Society)
English/Hebrew Bible to class.
Period 2
BIBLE206: Bad Men
Instructor: Ben Einsidler
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought at Bet Midrash
In this course, students will examine the lives of some of the "bad men" of the Bible
and attempt to discern the true nature of their character. The class will revolve
around the question of "Are there any positive qualities about this character?", and "Do
these characters' positive qualities offer a glimpse into mensch-like behavior?". Korah,
Cain, Amnon, Samson, and Haman will be studied, among others.
BIBLE319: The Book of Numbers: Why did we have to travel for so long?
Instructor: Rabbi E. (Rabbi David Ehrenkranz)
We will discuss why the Israelites had to travel for 40 years in the wilderness before
we could enter the Land of Israel? What were the tensions that occurred while we
were on our journey and what are the advantages and disadvantages of a spiritual
Odyssey that was borne from conflict, slavery and our own personal desires? We will
be using a JPS Tanakh as a main source supplemented by classic rabbinic
commentators as well as modern commentators.
BIBLE351: Bible and Current Events
Instructor: Jennifer Stevens
Cross-listed in Government
There is perhaps no piece of literature more timeless, relevant, and eternally
fascinating as the Bible. When you open the Tanakh it’s impossible not to marvel at
how the text is as fresh and exciting as ever, thousands of years after it was written.
With that being said, as a historical document the Bible also provides a fascinating way
to look at current events. How did the Maccabees use the terrain of Israel to defeat
the Seleucids, and how has the Israeli army used the geography of Israel to its
advantage since the War of Independence? How do the stories of King David
conquering Jerusalem give us additional insights into the contested history of the Holy
City?
Period 3
BIBLE351: Bible and Current Events
Instructor: Jennifer Stevens
Cross-listed in Government
There is perhaps no piece of literature more timeless, relevant, and eternally
fascinating as the Bible. When you open the Tanakh it’s impossible not to marvel at
how the text is as fresh and exciting as ever, thousands of years after it was written.
With that being said, as a historical document the Bible also provides a fascinating way
to look at current events. How did the Maccabees use the terrain of Israel to defeat
the Seleucids, and how has the Israeli army used the geography of Israel to its
advantage since the War of Independence? How do the stories of King David
conquering Jerusalem give us additional insights into the contested history of the Holy
City?
BIBLE371: Real Housewives of the Bible: Eve & Lilith
Instructor: Esther Kosofsky
Cross-listed in Bet Midrash and Jewish Thought
The first woman in Adam’s life is Eve. Or is she? Could there have been another
woman before Eve? When we read the creation story at the beginning of the Torah,
we learn that man and woman were created. But then, we read a second creation
story where woman is created from man. Maybe this is one story told twice OR two
completely separate creation stories. If so, who was the first woman and what
happened to her. And how DO Adam and Eve relate to each other as the story
continues? Is Eve a real housewife? And who is Lilith?
In this course, we will read the Torah text stories of creation along with
traditional/biblical commentary and modern Midrashim (interpretive stories).
Discussion will include:
What has been left out of each story that you would like to known?
Are the characteristics and actions of the people in these stories still present in
our world?
How are these women and their stories relevant to modern life, especially your
own?
__________________________________________________________________________
Period 4
BIBLE211: The Book of Samuel
Instructor: Dan Brosgol
Cross-listed in Bet Midrash
In this class, we will study the First Book of Samuel, a book that is full of colorful
characters, battles, prophecy, and mental instability. We will look at this tumultuous
time in Jewish history through the eyes of Samuel, David, and Jonathan; learn about
the Ark of the Covenant; discuss the implications of the rise of the monarchy; and gain
new insights into the development of the Jewish nation.
BIBLE332: Unusual Bible Stories: Bible Stories They Didn't Teach You in Hebrew
School
Instructor: Jennifer Stevens
Cross-listed in Bet Midrash
Political intrigue, family dysfunction, violent deaths, and sensual language – all the
makings of a blockbuster film or play? No – it’s the Bible, but perhaps not how you’ve
looked at it before. In this class, students will explore the “dark side” of the
Bible. Possible stories and selections may include: Dinah, Tamar and Judah, Yael,
various tales of David and subsequent kings of Israel, the highly symbolic prophecies of
Ezekiel, Song of Songs and verses found in modern Israeli music.
Beit Midrash
Period 1
BM313: Build a Prayer Workshop: Understanding the Structure of Jewish Prayer
and Making it Your Own
Instructor: Marcie Kamerow
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
This course will focus on the design and structure of prayer as it is laid out in the
siddur. The first half of the course will focus on both (time permitting) weekday and
Shabbat services. We will use a variety of different types of siddurim during this
process. In the second half of the course, students will have the opportunity to design
and create their very own siddur.
BM351: For the sake of the argument: Debates of the Rabbis
Instructor: Adrian Sackson
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
The Jewish tradition, it has been said, is a big collection of conversations—arguments,
debates, disagreements, and discussions—that have continued for thousands of years.
The Talmud, in particular, is our tradition's biggest, messiest collection of voices. In
this course, we'll spend time with a few key personalities from our tradition: Hillel and
Shammai, Rabbi Akiva, and others. We'll enter debates that are thousands of years
old, about a number of challenging questions: Is it good that we exist? What role
should religion play in our lives? How should we behave toward other people? How
should society work? What’s more important: loyalty to religious tradition or personal
meaning and relevance? Our course will have two main goals: (1) To gain a better
understanding of some central Jewish texts and key personalities (mostly from the
Talmud); and (2) To participate in the debates and discussions that we're reading
about, thoughtfully beginning to form our own opinions
BM400: Open Beit Midrash
Instructor: Miriam-Simma Walfish
New for 2013-14 is the Open Bet Midrash, where students may come for one or two
hours of hevruta study in a wide variety of topics. With Miriam-Simma Wallfish as your
guide, you will explore various texts and topics in a free and open pluralistic Bet
Midrash setting. You will learn to read and prepare texts, teach your fellow students,
and ask questions of texts, both ancient and modern.
Period 2
BM400: Open Beit Midrash
Instructor: Miriam-Simma Walfish
New for 2013-14 is the Open Bet Midrash, where students may come for one or two
hours of hevruta study in a wide variety of topics. With Miriam-Simma Wallfish as your
guide, you will explore various texts and topics in a free and open pluralistic Bet
Midrash setting. You will learn to read and prepare texts, teach your fellow students,
and ask questions of texts, both ancient and modern.
__________________________________________________________________________
Period 3
BM400: Open Beit Midrash
Instructor: Miriam-Simma Walfish
New for 2013-14 is the Open Bet Midrash, where students may come for one or two
hours of hevruta study in a wide variety of topics. With Miriam-Simma Wallfish as your
guide, you will explore various texts and topics in a free and open pluralistic Bet
Midrash setting. You will learn to read and prepare texts, teach your fellow students,
and ask questions of texts, both ancient and modern.
Period 4
BM400: Open Beit Midrash
Instructor: Miriam-Simma Walfish
New for 2013-14 is the Open Bet Midrash, where students may come for one or two
hours of hevruta study in a wide variety of topics. With Miriam-Simma Wallfish as your
guide, you will explore various texts and topics in a free and open pluralistic Bet
Midrash setting. You will learn to read and prepare texts, teach your fellow students,
and ask questions of texts, both ancient and modern.
Education
Period 1
EDU420: Girls Group (8th Grade Only)
Instructor: Elyse Rast
Think about this for a second: You enter your Prozdor classroom, kick off your shoes,
take a deep breath and relax. You know for a little while you can be yourself, focus on
making yourself happy and having a really good time. When it’s time to go, you leave
with some new skills; feeling empowered and like you can accomplish anything! In this
class you can do all those things... and more! You’ll be in a safe place, have a chance
to articulate your questions and concerns have fun, and be real.
Period 2
EDU332: Preparing for Gateways
Instructor: Chanit List
Cross-listed in Social Justice
This course is a precursor to volunteering for Gateways, and will give an overview of
how to work with people with special needs. We will cover such topics as “What is a
Learning Disability” and “Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome,” as well as give an
overview of basic teaching strategies to use when working with children with
disabilities. Guest speakers will be invited to present more detailed information on
topics such as working with hearing-impaired children, teaching communication skills,
and using adaptive equipment. This class is largely influenced by Jewish views on
disabilities and discovering how the Torah defines and deals with people with
differences. A visit to Gateways will be a part of this course, and a presentation will
be required of all participants. Please note: Gateways has its own interview processthis class does not guarantee admittance to Gateways.
EDU420: Girls Group (9th Grade Only)
Instructor: Elyse Rast
Think about this for a second: You enter your Prozdor classroom, kick off your shoes,
take a deep breath and relax. You know for a little while you can be yourself, focus on
making yourself happy and having a really good time. When it’s time to go, you leave
with some new skills; feeling empowered and like you can accomplish anything! In this
class you can do all those things... and more! You’ll be in a safe place, have a chance
to articulate your questions and concerns have fun, and be real.
Period 3
EDUC319: What’s wrong with Jewish Education?
Instructor: Rabbi E. (Rabbi David Ehrenkranz)
Why can't my kids read Hebrew? Why don't they know basic Jewish facts about holidays
and customs? Why don't they have a closer attachment to Israel and how can we
rectify these problems? These frequently asked questions will be answered in this
newly developed course that will examine the strengths and weaknesses of Jewish
education over the last 20 years. We will try to understand why enrollment is down in
almost every Jewish institution and why most parents are choosing to send their
children to public and private, non-religious schools. Bring your energy, open mind
and thinking caps for this course as lively discussions and examination of modern
statistics will certainly be a main part of our learning.
EDU420: Girls Group (10th Grade Only)
Instructor: Elyse Rast
Think about this for a second: You enter your Prozdor classroom, kick off your shoes,
take a deep breath and relax. You know for a little while you can be yourself, focus on
making yourself happy and having a really good time. When it’s time to go, you leave
with some new skills; feeling empowered and like you can accomplish anything! In this
class you can do all those things... and more! You’ll be in a safe place, have a chance
to articulate your questions and concerns have fun and be real.
EDU430: Boys’ Group: "Brothers Together" at Prozdor
Instructor: Matt Lowe
This group will meet, talk, and play games, all while exploring questions that concern
us as young Jewish men: Does anything make a "real man" (and who cares)? Is there
Jewish life after Bar Mitzvah (and does there have to be)? What is true wealth? True
wisdom? Where can I get some?
Period 4
EDU420: Girls Group (11th Grade Only)
Instructor: Elyse Rast
Think about this for a second: You enter your Prozdor classroom, kick off your shoes,
take a deep breath and relax. You know for a little while you can be yourself, focus on
making yourself happy and having a really good time. When it’s time to go, you leave
with some new skills; feeling empowered and like you can accomplish anything! In this
class you can do all those things... and more! You’ll be in a safe place, have a chance
to articulate your questions and concerns, have fun, and be real.
Hebrew
Prozdor’s Hebrew program offers two tracks: two consecutive hours on either Sunday
morning or Tuesday evening, or three hours a week (two hours on Sunday and one hour
during the week). This was designed to allow as many students as possible to enroll in
the Hebrew program and still participate in other activities inside and outside Prozdor.
The Hebrew curriculum is based on the proficiency approach to teaching Hebrew, a
nationally-recognized, cutting-edge approach to teaching foreign language. The
proficiency approach emphasizes that each school needs to create its own curriculum
based on the students' needs and interests, and that students need to be consistently
evaluated in how they function with the language and not what they know about the
language. Utilizing this approach, we have developed various thematic units for all
levels (Novice, Intermediate and Advanced) to maximize the learning in the class and
achieve Hebrew language fluency. The emphasis in the class will be on providing real
life situations to students where they need to use their Hebrew in all four language
skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) through various interactive activities
and use of technology. For more information about the program please contact Mira
Angrist, Prozdor’s Hebrew Coordinator, at mangrist@hebrewcollege.edu or 617-5598814
Hebrew Options at Prozdor
o
o
o
o

2 Hour Sunday only
3 Hour (2 Hours Tuesday and 1 hour Sunday)
Hebrew SATII Prep (2 Hours Sunday)
Elective taught by Yigal Pe’eri completely in Hebrew (Period 4
Sunday)
If you are new to the Hebrew program you must take an assessment. If
you have not already done so, please contact Mira Angrist
(mangrist@hebrewcollege.edu or 617-559-8814) to arrange a time to take
the Hebrew assessment.
Period 1
HEBREW361: Israeli Popular Music (class is taught in Hebrew)
Instructor: Galit Konstantine
Cross-listed in Israel
Israeli popular music has long played a central role in Israeli culture and identity. Even
prior to the founding of the state in 1948, immigrants from Russia and Poland
introduced a variety of folk and other musical traditions. Under pressure to unite the
immigrants and to define a new Hebrew identity, attempts were made to forge an
indigenous musical idiom out of these diverse resources.
The first Israeli popular songs drew upon what all pioneers had in common: the history
of the land, the natural landscape (Homeland songs),and the poetry of the Hebrew
Bible. Yet the efforts to consolidate so many diverse musical styles did not last long.
By the 1970s, numerous musical styles such as Pop, Rock ,Mizrahi and Arab music had
begun to flourish, as they continue to do today. Thanks to globalization, Israeli
popular music is more pluralistic than ever.
Today, the Oriental artist Shlomo Shabbat does not perform only for Sephardic
communities but fills large auditoriums across the country. Arab and Israeli musicians
collaborate on international tours, as in the appearance of Achinoam Nini and Maya
Awad in the European Song contest “Eurovision.”
Today’s popular musicians tend to revive and record songs from earlier generations,
and the boundaries between old and new remain fluid. In the Tel Aviv tent protests of
the summer of 2011, David Broza's hit song “Yihyeh Tov” (“It’ll be OK”) of the 1970s
became the anthem of the protesters, who updated the classic hit with new
stanzas. Israeli popular music continues to play an important role in commemorating
historical events (such as the Holocaust), in critiquing social conventions (such as
heroism), and in marking societal and political developments.
This one hour Hebrew course will allow students to get more familiar with Israeli
music parallel to the development of Israel and advanced Hebrew language skills
especially in listening and speaking.
_________________________________________________________________________
History
Period 1
HIST360: From Heder to Harvard: The Jewish-American Experience in the 20th
Century
Instructor: Norm Finkelstein
Jewish immigration to America increased dramatically in the 1880s. Jews not only
created a New World for themselves but also became a driving force in shaping
America. This course helps students understand how in little over one hundred years,
Jews went from marginalization to sophistication: from learners of American culture
to creators of it. We will explore the development of American Judaism and the
increasing concerns about intermarriage, assimilation, and loss of Jewish literacy and
communal cohesion.
HIST366: Based on the Book: Comparison of Jewish Literature and the Movies that
Followed
Instructor: Daniel Parmer
Cross-listed in Media and Production
Has anyone ever asked, “Have you read that book…?” and you reply, “No, but I saw
the movie?” This course looks at selections (not the whole book!) from some of the
best-selling Jewish books and the movies that followed them. Students will become
their own book and movie critics, analyzing the similarities and differences between
the Jewish literature and the sometimes not-so-Jewish movies. We will explore how
the authors and the directors frame their stories, who their intended audience is, and
what makes it Jewish—or not. Selections include classics such as Fiddler on the Roof
and Exodus, to modern classics such as The Spelling Bee and Everything is Illuminated.
Period 2
HIST367: Jews in Beantown: A Historical Tour of Boston's Jewish Community
Instructor: Daniel Parmer
This course explores the establishment of Boston's Jewish community, from its tenuous
beginnings, scandals that rocked the community, and its momentous achievements.
Students will discover how their community has been shaped and where it's going next!
The class will conclude with a walking tour of Jewish Boston in the spring.
Period 3
HIST331: Jewish Pirates of Caribbean
Instructor: David List
The Spanish Inquisition was a very difficult time for the Jews of Spain and Portugal.
These Jews were forced to flee to other European countries, many attempted to live
as Conversos (Jews who converted to Catholicism), some lived as Marranos (Jews who
practiced in hiding) and many were put to death. The most enterprising of the Jews
took to the seas to live the pirate life. Together we will learn how these pirates
helped to protect their fellow Jews and also created a life for themselves in the New
World.
HIST359: Man with a Beard: The Extraordinary Life & Times of Theodor Herzl
Instructor: Norm Finkelstein
Cross-listed in Israel
His image is familiar to most. His story is not. Who was Theodor Herzl and how did he
become the father of the modern State of Israel? In this course we explore the life of
this charismatic leader in light of Jewish life in the latter part of the nineteenth
century. Using period newspaper articles, Herzl’s own writings and video excerpts, we
will experience the times in which Herzl lived and worked. We will discover the steps
he took beginning in 1897 which led to the establishment of Israel in 1948 and explore
the factors that led him to succeed when others could not.
Period 4
HIST317: What's your story?: Narratives, Storytelling, and Oral history in the
Jewish Community
Instructor: Daniel Parmer
Cross-listed in Art
This class will explore the ways in which we communicate and tell our stories in the
Jewish community. Students will receive a crash course in oral history methods and
techniques. We will look at research that has been done in the Jewish community
(such as Steven Spielberg's Shoah project) and design and execute our own oral history
project. Students will spend the majority of the course working on an individual or
class project. Students will be encouraged to think about how to use technology to
preserve and present their projects for the public. Guest speakers and a field trip will
be included.
Israel
Period 1
ISR331: The HiBo Project – The Haifa-Boston Multimedia Project
Instructor: Jennifer Gutman
Cross-listed in Media and Production
This class is designed to create two teams of multimedia student leaders, one from
Prozdor and the other from the Reali School, who will be responsible for creating
textual, audio and video content that will be showcased on the web. This class creates
a new way for students from both schools to communicate with each other and talk
about their experiences. The class will consist of a continuous creative dialogue
channel for those who are actively participating in the creation of the content, and a
portal for the world to see the output of their work. Students will learn how to create
news stories, audio and video stories, maintain a website and to use social networks in
order to advance the marketing of the portal, both locally and internationally.
Period 2
ISR100: History of Israel and Zionism
Instructor: Jennifer Gutman
Cross-listed in History
A connection with Israel has always been a strong focus of the Prozdor program.
This course will focus on the history of Zionism, interwoven with the concept of
Jewish identity, and what Israel means to us. With the use of technology, our
students will be able to connect with teens from Haifa throughout the year,
learning together as an intercultural community. Students will have the opportunity
to travel to Israel in April with their classmates, to meet their peers in Haifa, and to
tour the State of Israel, the land of their heritage.
ISR220: One People Two Paths: The Jews of Israel and the United States
Instructor: Norm Finkelstein
Cross-listed in History
Although sharing a similar heritage, beliefs and history, Israeli and American Jews are
shaped by unique experiences which define who they are, how they live and what they
think. In this course we will look at the evolution of two societies with similar
heritage, beliefs and history, as well as note the difference in how Israeli and
American Jews are shaped by unique experiences which define who they are, how they
live and what they think over six decades from 1950 - 2010. Our focus will be on
overarching themes rather than specific historic events. A specific timeline will
accompany each unit with key events in Israel, the United States and the world during
the decade under consideration. Each unit will include appropriate readings,
video/film titles and class discussions/presentations.
Period 3
ISR310: Israel Advocacy in the 21st Century
Instructor: Jennifer Gutman
Cross-listed in Social Justice
To some Israel is the Holy Land; to others it is a land of culture and innovation. Some
think of Israel’s beaches, while others think about its archeological sites. Many people
associate Israel with war and struggle, specifically, to what has become known as the
Arab-Israeli conflict. Throughout this course, we will learn about the major issues
dividing Israelis and Palestinians and why the political landscape is so difficult to
resolve. What are the historical, political, and cultural elements that separate these
two peoples? While this conflict makes up only one piece of Israel’s society,
understanding the conflict is critical to understanding Israel today. In this course we
will be exploring key primary-source documents along with critical thinking
assessments and classroom debates. Our goal is to develop an appreciation of the
complexities of this conflict through an examination of its origins, the actors involved,
and the key historical and political factors that have shaped it.
ISR351: The Prozdor Israel Report
Instructor: David Micley
Cross-listed in Government
In this project based class, we will create news clips that cover Israeli politics,
culture, sports, and more, which we will upload to our very own YouTube channel and
share with the world. Working in groups, students will get the opportunity to
participate in all parts of the production process, including story research, writing,
editing, filming, directing, and sitting in as anchor. For those interested in news
production and/or Israeli current events, this class is for you!
ISR353: Model Knesset
Instructor: Rachael Wurtman
Cross-listed in Government
How much do you know about the inner workings of the legislative process in Israel
and its complexities? Learn about how laws are passed in Israel and the different
factions and voices that influence the process. Engage in role -play as members of
competing political parties who need to reach agreement on controversial issues in
order to form a government. Some students may choose to represent lobbying groups
such as the Association of Civil Rights in Israel. Class will discuss
hot topics such as the drafting of haredi men, and the ‘women of the wall’, and guests
speakers will provide their insights. The instructor is an attorney who passed the Israel
Bar exam and worked in the Israel Justice and Police Departments and who tried
divorce cases before the Rabbinical Courts. She joined a coalition to lobby members of
the Knesset to pass a law to eliminate second-hand smoke in public places.
Period 4
ISR318: Zuz: Zionist Zumba!
Instructor: Jennifer Gutman
Cross-listed in Art
Is a lively exploration of Israeli culture and history beginning in 1948 until modern day
and studied with a 'Zumba' twist. Students can expect to warm up with basic dance
elements, to engage in discussion about Israel and bring it all together through
movement to celebrate mind, body and Zionism.
ISR351: The Prozdor Israel Report
Instructor: David Micley
Cross-listed in Government
In this project based class, we will create news clips that cover Israeli politics,
culture, sports, and more, which we will upload to our very own YouTube channel and
share with the world. Working in groups, students will get the opportunity to
participate in all parts of the production process, including story research, writing,
editing, filming, directing, and sitting in as anchor. For those interested in news
production and/or Israeli current events, this class is for you!
ISR355: Do the Jews need a State? An exploration of Zionist Ideas
Instructor: Adrian Sackson
Cross-listed in History, Jewish Thought, and Politics
Just a century ago, it wasn't at all clear that there would ever be a Jewish state. Jews
debated vigorously how to resolve the crises they faced. Some advocated establishing
a Jewish homeland in the land of Israel—though they disagreed passionately about why
and how. Others opposed the idea of Jewish statehood altogether. Things do look
different today, but the debates of a century ago still remain alive and relevant. In
this class, we'll examine some important political and cultural questions for Jewish
life: Does the Jewish people need a state of its own, or can Jews flourish best as a
minority culture? What does it mean for a nation to 'have' its own state? Is this a right
of all nations? What is a nation? What does it mean for two peoples to lay claim to the
same piece of land? We will explore diverse answers to these questions, offered by
some important thinkers (Zionists and also non-Zionists). And, through listening and
responding to the texts and to each other, we will have space to develop our own
opinions on these deep questions.
ISR356: Israeli Giants- The Founding Generations
Instructor: Ben Einsidler
Cross-listed in History
Students in this course will study the principal characters related to Israel's
independence and early years as a state. In addition to studying personalities such as
David Ben Gurion, Moshe Dayan, Golda Meir and Menachem Begin (amongst others), we
will look at how each influenced Israel and how they are perceived today. We will
ascertain what lasting effects these "giants" have had on both Israel and Jewry in
general, including how their legacy has helped to shape the "Eretz Yisrael" of today.
__________________________________________________________
Jewish Thought
Period 2
JT319: Self, Other, and God: An Introduction to Jewish Philosophy
Instructor: Matt Lowe
Who (or What) am I? How should we treat each other? Who (or What) is God? We will
ask and answer these questions, with some inspiration from biblical, rabbinic,
medieval, and modern Jewish thinkers.
JT325: The 'Radical Amazement' of Abraham Joshua Heschel: Philosopher, civilrights activist, and rabbi
Instructor: Adrian Sackson
Cross-listed in Bet Midrash
A famous photo shows Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel arm-in-arm with Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr., marching in a protest for civil rights. Heschel was a famous and
outspoken social justice activist. He was also one of the most important Jewish
philosophers of the 20th century, and his ideas have inspired many people – Jews and
non-Jews alike. In this class, we'll get to know Heschel as a thinker, exploring, 'trying
on', and critiquing some of his biggest ideas. We'll read about his notion of shabbat as
a 'palace in time'. We'll look at the connections he draws between Judaism and
modern social justice causes like the civil rights movement and opposition to the
Vietnam war. We'll examine his ideas about what it means to be 'religious', including
his concept of 'radical amazement' with the world. And we'll take a close look at his
criticisms of blind, mechanical religious practice. Our class will be based on texts and
discussion, but we'll also have a chance to 'meet' Heschel through interviews and
videos recorded when he was still alive.
Period 3
JT311: Is religion rational? Philosophy, science and ethics in the radical Judaism of
Maimonides
Instructor: Adrian Sackson
Cross-listed in Bet Midrash
Is there a God who is involved in the world? What should happen when religious beliefs
conflict with science? What makes someone a good person? Is religious ritual rational?
Should we believe things just because tradition says so? What is the point of religion
anyway? Moses Maimonides, probably the most important Jewish philosopher ever to
have lived, offered controversial answers to all of these questions. In fact, his ideas
were so radical that Jewish communities were bitterly divided over them long after
his death—in some places, his books were banned, or even publicly burned! In this
course, we'll get a taste of some of Maimonides' ideas. We will see that, more than 800
years ago, Maimonides held opinions that are radically different—and, in some ways,
more 'modern'—than those many people associate with religion today. The texts we'll
read are challenging, but very rewarding—they may even change the way we look at
religion altogether!
Period 4
JT200: World Philosophies
Instructor – Marjorie Corbman
What could Milarepa (a sorcerer-murderer turned Buddhist holy man), Julian of
Norwich (a hermit-woman who had visions of God's love during the Black Death), and
Simone Weil (a French-Jewish philosopher who starved herself to death because of her
ideas about love and solidarity) have in common? All are examples of people trying to
make sense out of a senseless world through ideas and religious experience. In this
course, we will look at these and other examples in order to get to the heart of some
basic questions: what's the deal with God, anyway? Is it possible to be really happy in
this world? Is there some meaning to our lives?
JT313: Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Hasidic: Why do
we need Labels? why can’t we all just get along?
Instructor: Rabbi E. (Rabbi David Ehrenkranz)
Cross-listed in History
In this class we will define the different movements of Judaism and learn to
appreciate the differences as well as the strength of their similarities. Using sources
from the different movements’ headquarters, we will identify how each one is unique
in its historical development, what each contributes to the overall Jewish community
and theorize together if it is possible to unify all the various movements into one that
could better benefit all involved.
JT391: Theology for Skeptics
Instructor: Matt Lowe
Theology for Skeptics is exactly what it sounds like, a challenge to God-friendly
students to engage skepticism, and a challenge to skeptics to engage theology. We will
look at a variety of classic and modern objections to theology and consider the nature
and validity of some responses to these objections. Is theology really necessary or
even useful in postmodern times?
Performing Arts
Period 1
MUSIC330: Prozdor Klezmer Band
Instructor: Glenn Dickson
One of the most exciting art electives for our Prozdor musicians is the extraordinary
Klezmer Band. This is an authentic Klezmer band and plays the vibrant music of
Eastern European Jewish origin. It is a performance oriented group which will perform
fall and spring concerts at Prozdor, the Prozdor graduation and other events when
possible.
Open to all students who play band or orchestra instruments including woodwinds,
brass, strings, guitar, bass and piano. We especially need low brass and strings, but all
are welcome. Ability to read music on your instrument is important. A second period
is offered this year for those who want a more in-depth study. If you only want one
period, enroll in period one.
THEATRE312: Jewish Readers Theatre: Yentl
Instructor: Esther Kosofsky
Cross-listed in History
Read aloud and be expressive with an engaging, like-minded group of thespians
(theatre people). We will read (dramatically) the script of Yentl by I.B.Singer, with
some staging and serious discussion of the play as we read. We’ll also compare the
script to the original short story and to the film (and musical) adaptation/version.
Discussion will include questions of identity, Jewish religious life, men’s and women’s
roles in traditional Jewish life and in contemporary Jewish life. The play has been
described as a feminist piece steeped in gender confusion as well as an attack on
religious bigotry. Others read it as a simple story in some ways, but morally quite
complex. What will your opinion be?
Period 2
ART324: Hip Hop and Judaism
Instructor: Dylan Lazerow
Ever wonder if there were any Jewish rappers, producers, or CEO's of major record
labels? This course answers those questions and looks further at the question of what
Judaism has to do with hip-hop. This course contextualizes and examines the links
between hip-hop history and Judaism. We will be looking at links between hip-hop and
Judaism through a close examination of the hip-hop world of record labels, producers
and industry executives. Our understanding of how Jewish identity has found its way
into hip-hop culture will be informed largely by an examination of hip-hop artists and
their lyrics.
ART329: “No thanks, I already own a penguin”: The Art of Writing Funny
Instructor: Evan Parks
Cross-listed in History
Before Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert, or the cast of Saturday Night Live were on
television every week to poke fun at the world, writers had to channel tremendous
comic energy through their typewriters. Without the cadence of the voice or the
silliness of the body at their disposal, writers are especially challenged to stir their
audience to laughter. The genre of humorous short prose demands true
craftsmanship— a unique tone, pace, and absurdity.
In this class we will read master-works of short humor prose— many of whose writers
happen to be Jewish— and try our own hands at writing funny. We will explore
questions like: What makes writing funny? What political and social situations inspire
someone to write funny? Readings will disproportionately focus on the prose of Woody
Allen but will also include works by famous wise-crackers: Groucho Marx, S.J.
Perelman, Dorothy Parker, and Jack Handey. Come prepared to laugh.
MUSIC331: Prozdor Klezmer Band
Instructor: Glenn Dickson
One of the most exciting art electives for our Prozdor musicians is the extraordinary
Klezmer Band. This is an authentic Klezmer band and plays the vibrant music of
Eastern European Jewish origin. It is a performance oriented group which will perform
fall and spring concerts at Prozdor, the Prozdor graduation and other events when
possible.
Open to all students who play band or orchestra instruments including woodwinds,
brass, strings, guitar, bass and piano. We especially need low brass and strings, but all
are welcome. Ability to read music on your instrument is important. A second period is
offered this year for those who want a more in-depth study. If you only want one
period, enroll in period one.
THEATRE311: The Diary of Anne Frank: The Script, the Graphic Novel, the Book,
the Films
Instructor: Esther Kosofsky
Cross-listed in History
The Diary of Anne Frank has been translated into 55 languages and is one of the most
widely read books in the world. As we read the script adaptation, we will reference
the book (on which the play is based) and learn about the setting and history of this
Holocaust story. We will read the recently published Anne Frank: The Anne Frank
House Authorized Graphic Biography-- a combination of history, memoir, and richly
detailed graphic representations --an important graphic novel, in addition to viewing
selections from a number of films about Anne Frank’s story. Throughout the course,
we will discuss the people in the story and how their experiences are portrayed in the
various adaptations.
Period 3
DANCE341: Nilhav Dance Troupe (Year Long Course)
Instructor: Ilana Huz
Have you ever wanted to be on stage? Well here’s your chance! Nilhav is a group of
dedicated teenagers who love to dance. You’ll learn Israeli dance – ranging from the
more traditional, to hip-hop and salsa. Over the course of the first semester, you will
master a 5 minute choreographed dance piece. Second semester, we perform at the
amazing Boston and New York Israeli dance festivals as well as at our own Yom Tarbut.
Boys and girls are welcome! All students participating in Nilhav must make a
commitment to the rehearsal and performance schedule, which includes some time
outside of Prozdor. Nilhav dances for joy, because what else do we need!
Field trips: MIT (plus a tech rehearsal at MIT the week before) and New York for their
dance festivals
MUSIC312: A Cappella
Instructor: Hinda Eisen
A cappella music, singing without instruments, is one of the most popular Jewish art
forms on college campuses, and now it comes to Prozdor! Add your voice to the closeharmony blend of Prozdor’s newest performing group. No experience is necessary, but
you should have a good voice and a great attitude. We’ll be singing a variety of Jewish
and Israeli music, with performances at Prozdor in May, as well as at some area
events.
Period 4
ART324: Hip Hop and Judaism
Instructor: Dylan Lazerow
Ever wonder if there were any Jewish rappers, producers, or CEO's of major record
labels? This course answers those questions and looks further at the question of what
Judaism has to do with hip-hop. This course contextualizes and examines the links
between hip-hop history and Judaism. We will be looking at links between hip-hop and
Judaism through a close examination of the hip-hop world of record labels, producers
and industry executives. Our understanding of how Jewish identity has found its way
into hip-hop culture will be informed largely by an examination of hip-hop artists and
their lyrics.
THEATRE313: Jewish Musical Theatre Study: Fiddler on the Roof
Instructor: Esther Kosofsky
Cross-listed in History
Fiddler on the Roof is one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time. In this
course, we will read/sing the script with lyrics; review the historical setting of the
musical (adapted from Sholem Aleichem’s short stories); examine the dialogue and
how it presents conflicts; consider the lyrics of the songs and how they advance the
story line; and discuss the moral issues which challenge the characters in the story,
such as traditions/religion/culture, assimilation, prejudice, and “otherness.” We will
learn about the Broadway production: its adaptation, music, lyrics, book, and the
history of the production. If time permits, we will view selection of the Fiddler on the
Roof DVD
THEATRE314 : Commemorating Life: Resurrecting the Westerbork Cabaret
Instructor: Hinda Eisen
Cross-listed in History
We all know that movies, television programs, and other visual media give us outlets
to free our minds of life's daily struggles. A well-executed, much-rehearsed cabaret
was that outlet for the Jews housed at the Westerbork Transit Camp in Hooghalen, a
Dutch town, during the Holocaust, 1941-1945. This course will explore the experiences
of those who lived and performed at Westerbork, and will give students the
opportunity to help produce an exciting cabaret, commemorating the life and work of
its original participants.
DANCE342: Israeli Dance
Instructor: Ilana Huz
Cross-listed in Art
Do you like to dance? This beginner class is open to anyone who wants to learn the
basics of Israeli dance. No experience necessary! We provide an introduction to the
many styles of Israeli dancing, from traditional dances to modern ones. It is always a
lot of fun, so come dance with us! Boys and girls welcome!
__________________________________________________________________________
Politics and Government
Period 1
GOVT313: Navigating the News: Applied Judaism in Current Events
Instructor: Jennifer Stevens
Reading or watching the news can be an overwhelming experience. How can Judaism
help us process what we experience and react in a positive, even productive, way to
today’s headlines? This seminar-style course will discuss current events and explore
how to respond based on Jewish tradition and personal practice. Alternatives for
activism will be discussed. Students will have the opportunity to bring topics to the
table and will determine their own understanding of the issues by researching
opposing views and through careful reading of biblical texts and rabbinic and modern
commentaries.
GOVT361: Case Studies in Israeli Law
Instructor: Jason Happel
Cross-listed in Israel
This introductory level course will orient you to the Israeli court system, The Basic
Laws, and major cases. Participants will revisit the original questions that legislators
and judges faced by playing the role of a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee
member, and the role of judges on the Supreme Court.
__________________________________________________________________________
Period 2
GOVT364: Your Ox Gored my Wookie: Legal Concepts in Judaism
Instructor: Jason Happel
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
The popularity of Court TV, Judge Judy (who makes more money than all the U.S.
Supreme Court Justices combined) and celebrity crime news suggests that law can be
very entertaining. It can be more entertaining, even hilarious, if you have a basic
grasp of the legal concepts at play. In this class we’ll learn about basic concepts of
property, contracts and torts via a light‐hearted romp through biblical laws and the
Mishnah, particularly the Babas. Applying Jewish Law, you’ll be the judges of weekly
cases and controversies, guarding against the Chewbacca defense.
Period 3
GOVT310: The World in Real Time
Instructor: Ben Einsidler
In this course students will explore various methods and tools for keeping abreast of
current events and the news of the day. Discussion around current events will figure
prominently, along with spirited debate. We will inquire as to what, if any, connection
the events of the day have with the current state of Israel, with emphasis on the Arab
Spring and the ongoing events in the Middle East.
GOVT319: Designing Our Law, Politics and Government Major
Instructor: Jason Happel
Prozdor is re-visioning the major for the ambitious and judicious among us. Are you
interested in law, political thought, revolutionaries, Model UN, mock beit din,
pluralism and leadership styles? Then get in on the ground floor as we build the
program. This course will be an actual Working Group: surveying the topics, collecting
data, evaluating course content, and designing a major that reflects the Prozdor
experience for generations to come.
__________________________________________________________________________
Period 4
GOVT318: Poetic Justice: How Literary Imagination Improves Public Debate
Instructor: Jason Happel
Sometimes it feels like the liberal-conservative dichotomy in popular media is just too
shallow and too stupid to even engage in. But that does not excuse us from our duty
as citizens to participate (in some way) in public debates. Ideas matter; and we can
draw from a rich tradition of literary social critique, from aggadic midrash to the great
novelists of the last two centuries to help deepen our perspective. In this course, we
will practice taking a popular debate, such as gun control or same-sex marriage, and
reframing it as complex story, beyond political agendas.
Social Justice
Period 1
SJ332: Art and Activism
Instructor: Dylan Lazerow
Cross-listed in Art and History
What do South Park, The Hangover, The Mona Lisa, and OBEY have in common? By
looking at different arts media and the role art has played in changing social, political,
cultural and economic norms, we will live and breathe art and activism in this course.
One purpose of art is to make humans think critically. This course will force students
to experience art as a political force. After exploring different mediums of expression
and the tremendous potential art has to inspire transformation, students will be
required to create a capstone piece of art that addresses an issue of importance.
Period 2
SJ380: How to Get Arrested
Instructor: Emilia Diamant
Believe it or not, there are guidelines for how to get arrested. Using Gandhi's
principles of civil disobedience we'll examine what you would fight for, get arrested
for, and how far you would go to stand up for what you believe in. Whether it was the
labor movement, Freedom Summer in the 60s, or Moral Mondays in 2013, Jews have
engaged in civil disobedience to fight for the rights of themselves and others
throughout history. How do we conduct ourselves at protests and why? Who should and
could get arrested? What does it mean to be able to put your freedom on the line for
civil rights? Come and explore!
Period 3
SJ200: Contemporary Issues in Tikun Olam
Instructor: Dylan Lazerow
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
Social justice is a "hot" topic today. In fact, Jewish leaders all over are wrestling with
this concept and trying to figure out how to make sure that they and their constituents
are active in spreading social justice where they have influence. This course allows us
to think about current events through a social justice lens. We will look at popular
media, what is being reported and how, gaining a sense of the world as it is and then
we will develop our own views on how we think the world ought to be. Thinking
through difficult questions around what the Jewish social justice world cares about as
compared to the rest of the world will ground us in our pursuit of understanding
current stories in the news media.
SJ341: Race, America and the Jews
Instructor: Marjorie Corbman
Cross-listed in History
In this course, we will look at the history and the reality of Judaism's interaction with
whiteness, white privilege, and race. We'll learn about the ways in which systems of
power and control marginalize people of color in the US, and the history of racial
justice work. We'll examine how racism and race theory developed, how this interlocks
with anti-Semitism, and what it means that most Jews in the US today benefit from
white privilege. We'll also imagine what a Judaism shaped by the experiences of Jews
of color and committed to supporting the struggles of people of color would look like.
SJ351: TELEM: Connecting Generations
Instructor: TBD
In this service learning experience, class study is supplemented with periodic site visits
(during class time on Sunday morning) to Coleman House senior residence on the JCC
campus in Newton. Students can expect to build relationships with seniors, share
wisdom and gain inspiration. We will use Jewish text study, stories, news articles,
activities and reflection exercises to better understand the lives of older adults. This
class can be taken one or both semesters and is offered pass/fail.
Period 4
SJ311: Judaism and Sustainability
Instructor: Laura Bellows
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
Join us for our year of exploration into eco-Judaism and environmental sustainability.
In the spring semester of this class (new students welcome), we will dive into ancient
and modern Jewish learning on topics such as agricultural and environmental justice,
energy conservation, caring for animals, thinking globally about climate change – and
acting locally to build our own Hebrew College garden! This class, offered through
TELEM and the Teva Learning Alliance, includes occasional field trips, guest speakers,
and lots of hands-on fun to help protect our planet.
STEM
Period 1
STEM: Medical Ethics and Jewish Thought
Instructor: Rachael Wurtman
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
Discuss contemporary issues in Jewish Medical Ethics, watch television clips and listen
to guest speakers. Students will work as teams to research and prepare debates on a
range of topics of their choosing, with the instructor’s guidance, while other members
of the class serve as members of a ‘hospital ethics committee’. At our ‘hospital
committee’, both halachic and secular arguments will be presented.
__________________________________________________________________________
Period 2
STEM311: A Jewish Perspective on Scientific Ethics
Instructor: Jessica Silverman
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought
We live in an exciting time of rapid scientific progress, but sometimes the technologies
we develop have an unintended dark side. Students in this course will discuss the
ethical issues surrounding recent scientific advances such as stem cell research, social
media, animal testing, human genome sequencing, biometric identification and
genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Our conversations will be guided by readings
from Jewish texts and philosophers to bring a new, Jewish perspective to
implementing these revolutionary technologies.
__________________________________________________________________________
Period 3
STEM312: Neuroscience and the Bible
Instructor: Jessica Silverman
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought and Bible
This course will introduce students to neurobiology through the lens of well-known
Bible stories. For example, what was happening in Jacob’s brain while he was
dreaming? How do we feel love as deep as in the Song of Songs? We will also delve into
broader questions such as whether brain chemistry and the notion of free will can coexist, and how changing this chemistry with psychotropic drugs or brain disorders can
affect our spiritual experience. This course is recommended for students that have
taken (or are currently taking) at least 1 year of chemistry or biology.
STEM360: We'll Call You, Maybe: Survey Research in the American Jewish
Community
Instructor: Daniel Parmer
Surveys are a useful tool to inform us about the attitudes, behaviors, and opinions of
society. For the American Jewish community, surveys help us know who we are, our
attitudes about religion, Israel, marriage, and almost anything else you can think of!
But there's more to survey research than just asking questions. In this class, you will
work with a professional researcher to understand the methodology, design, and
implementation of surveys. Students will learn basic statistical analysis to make sense
of data collection. The majority of the course will be spent designing, implementing,
and analyzing a survey of their peers at Prozdor.
__________________________________________________________________________
Visual Arts
Period 1
ART315: The Art That Made Hitler Mad
Instructor: Max Werber
Cross-listed in History
Were works of art really a threat to the very fabric of German society, or were these
art works just pawns in a game the Nazi’s called “racial superiority”? This class will
look at and discuss the art work removed from German museums as “decadent’ and
“degenerate”. We will listen to the music that the Third Reich claimed caused chaos
and anarchy among the people. And we will watch and discuss famous films made
before the war that are filled with foreboding. This course is about art, film and
music. There is no homework. All that is required is your attendance and your
attention.
ART317: The Art of Introspection: Portraits
Instructor: Eliza Bittner
How do we perceive ourselves versus how we think others perceive us? Or, how do we
envision our Judaism? How would we express it through art?
--Chagall: whimsical, memories of past Jewish life in the shtetl, a culture long gone
In the coming months of Elul and Tishrei, we are asked to look inward and examine
ourselves closely. What are we doing well? What can be improved? How do we appear
to others? Can we improve to be a more productive part of the greater community?
We will talk first about the portrait, the idea of presenting oneself. We will then do
our own portraits. In any medium—could even be 3D. These are expressions of the self;
do not necessarily have to be paper and paint/ pen
Period 2
ART323: Art and Kabbalah
Instructor: Max Werber
Cross-listed in Bible
As strange as it may seem, Art and Kabbalah are really very similar. They both ask us
to look inside ourselves to find meaning. In this art course, we will use artistic
techniques that require no prior art experience. This class will use methods designed
to jog the mind and speak to the soul. We will learn and use art methods employed by
20th century artists as well as stone-age man to try and discover deeper levels of
meaning in this world. This class comes with a disclaimer and a warning: the
disclaimer is that you don’t need to know anything about art in order to take this
class; the warning is that this class is designed to inspire your imagination!
ART317: The Art of Introspection: Portraits
Instructor: Eliza Bittner
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought and Bible
How do we perceive ourselves versus how we think others perceive us? Or, how do we
envision our Judaism? How would we express it through art?
--Chagall: whimsical, memories of past Jewish life in the shtetl, a culture long gone
In the coming months of Elul and Tishrei, we are asked to look inward and examine
ourselves closely. What are we doing well? What can be improved? How do we appear
to others? Can we improve to be a more productive part of the greater community?
We will talk first about the portrait, the idea of presenting oneself. We will then do
our own portraits. In any medium—could even be 3D. These are expressions of the self;
do not necessarily have to be paper and paint/ pen
__________________________________________________________________________
Period 3
ART318: Public art: “Pick a Pasuk”
Instructor: Eliza Bittner
Cross-listed in Jewish Thought and Bible
Each student will randomly choose two pesukim, and then choose one to translate into
a tangible work of art.
Think critically about:
1. Materials and which one will bets reflect the pasuk
2. Color: how do we use color, what sort of power does it have? (mention the
blue of the tallit, how this is a very specific blue)
3. Texture
Perhaps, discuss the mishkan and the artisitic elements employed there:
Why was it so important they use specific materials? Seal skin? Why is this necessary?
ART323: Art and Kabbalah
Instructor: Max Werber
As strange as it may seem, Art and Kabbalah are really very similar. They both ask us
to look inside ourselves to find meaning. In this art course, we will use artistic
techniques that require no prior art experience. This class will use methods designed
to jog the mind and speak to the soul. We will learn and use art methods employed by
20th century artists as well as stone-age man to try and discover deeper levels of
meaning in this world. This class comes with a disclaimer and a warning: the
disclaimer is that you don’t need to know anything about art in order to take this
class; the warning is that this class is designed to inspire your imagination!
Period 4
ART318: Public art: “Pick a Pasuk”
Instructor: Eliza Bittner
Each student will randomly choose two pesukim, and then choose one to translate into
a tangible work of art.
Think critically about:
4. Materials and which one will bets reflect the pasuk
5. Color: how do we use color, what sort of power does it have? (mention the
blue of the tallit, how this is a very specific blue)
6. Texture
Perhaps, discuss the mishkan and the artisitic elements employed there:
Why was it so important they use specific materials? Seal skin? Why is this necessary?
ART315: The Art That Made Hitler Mad
Instructor: Max Werber
Were works of art really a threat to the very fabric of German society, or were these
art works just pawns in a game the Nazi’s called “racial superiority”? This class will
look at and discuss the art work removed from German museums as “decadent’ and
“degenerate”. We will listen to the music that the Third Reich claimed caused chaos
and anarchy among the people. And we will watch and discuss famous films made
before the war that are filled with foreboding. This course is about art, film and
music. There is no homework. All that is required is your attendance and your
attention.
ART328: So You Want to Be an Author: Let’s Write a Children’s Book
[Limited to 10 students]
Instructor: Norm Finkelstein
Like to write and/or illustrate? Have you dreamed of being a published author? Can
you remember the Jewish stories you enjoyed most when you were younger? Do you
still browse through the children’s section at the library or book store? Do you have an
active mind? How about a good ear for dialogue?
Have you ever written stories? Have you ever made up bedtime stories or car-trip
stories to entertain yourself? Have you thought you'd like to write for kids, but not
known where to start? Would you like to create a children’s Jewish picture book in one
year? (Artistic talent not required.)
If you answered "Yes” or "Maybe" to several of these questions, then this unique yearlong workshop is for you. We will deal with trends in children's literature; what makes
a best seller and planning and researching your writing project; setting a timetable
and goals; proven writing techniques; overcoming writer's block; ways to generate
ideas; drafting, revising, proofreading, and editing your work; exercises for building
your writing skills. We will explore the business end of publishing; what editors want;
proper submission format; preparing query and cover letters; dealing with rejection;
and identifying potential publishers. Throughout the year, guest writers, editors and
illustrators will share their experiences with our group. Your instructor is the author of
eighteen books and the recipient of the Golden Kite Award and two National Jewish
Book Awards. He was editor of the Jewish Publication Society’s Guides to… series
including the JPS Guide to Children’s Jewish Literature.
Wednesday evenings in Lexington
Period 1
ART315: The Art That Made Hitler Mad
Instructor: Max Werber
Cross-listed in History
Were works of art really a threat to the very fabric of German society, or were these
art works just pawns in a game the Nazi’s called “racial superiority”? This class will
look at and discuss the art work removed from German museums as “decadent’ and
“degenerate”. We will listen to the music that the Third Reich claimed caused chaos
and anarchy among the people. And we will watch and discuss famous films made
before the war that are filled with foreboding. This course is about art, film and
music. There is no homework. All that is required is your attendance and your
attention.
BM313: Build a Prayer Workshop: Understanding the Structure of Jewish Prayer
and Making it Your Own
Instructor: Marcie Kamerow
This course will focus on the design and structure of prayer as it is laid out in the
siddur. The first half of the course will focus on both (time permitting) weekday and
Shabbat services. We will use a variety of different types of siddurim during this
process. In the second half of the course, students will have the opportunity to design
and create their very own siddur.
HIST366: Based on the Book: Comparison of Jewish Literature and the Movies that
Followed
Instructor: Daniel Parmer
Cross-listed in Media and Production
Has anyone ever asked, “Have you read that book…?” and you reply, “No, but I saw
the movie?” This course looks at selections (not the whole book!) from some of the
best-selling Jewish books and the movies that followed them. Students will become
their own book and movie critics, analyzing the similarities and differences between
the Jewish literature and the sometimes not-so-Jewish movies. We will explore how
the authors and the directors frame their stories, who their intended audience is, and
what makes it Jewish—or not. Selections include classics such as Fiddler on the Roof
and Exodus, to modern classics such as The Spelling Bee and Everything is Illuminated.
Period 2
ART323: Art and Kabbalah
Instructor: Max Werber
As strange as it may seem, Art and Kabbalah are really very similar. They both ask us
to look inside ourselves to find meaning. In this art course, we will use artistic
techniques that require no prior art experience. This class will use methods designed
to jog the mind and speak to the soul. We will learn and use art methods employed by
20th century artists as well as stone-age man to try and discover deeper levels of
meaning in this world. This class comes with a disclaimer and a warning: the
disclaimer is that you don’t need to know anything about art in order to take this
class; the warning is that this class is designed to inspire your imagination!
HIST317: What's your story? Narratives, Storytelling, and Oral history in the Jewish
Community
Instructor: Daniel Parmer
This class will explore the ways in which we communicate and tell our stories in the
Jewish community. Students will receive a crash course in oral history methods and
techniques. We will look at research that has been done in the Jewish community
(such as Steven Spielberg's Shoah project) and design and execute our own oral history
project. Students will spend the majority of the course working on an individual or
class project. Students will be encouraged to think about how to use technology to
preserve and present their projects for the public. Guest speakers and a field trip will
be included.
CLASS #3
TBA
FACULTY BIOS
Mira Angrist the coordinator of Hebrew program at Makor and Prozdor, has extensive
experience teaching Hebrew, mentoring and providing professional development
workshops for Hebrew teachers. In addition to her work at Makor and Prozdor, she is a
full time Hebrew instructor and the head of the Hebrew program at Boston University.
Mira has presented in national conferences and has been involved in developing
Hebrew curriculum both for Jewish day schools, supplementary schools and higher
education settings. Mira's main interests in Hebrew education are: assessment of
students' language abilities, integration of technology in Hebrew education and
modalities in professional development. Mira enjoys traveling and the art of Mosaics.
Tzilla Barone, coordinator of Israel programs for Prozdor, as well as the director of
Hebrew College’s Ulpan, was born and educated in Israel. Since Tzilla’s arrival in the
United States, she has taught at various Jewish schools around the country, as well as
at several universities. In the Boston area, she has taught Hebrew at Brandeis
University and, for the past 16 years, has taught at Clark University, as well as at
Hebrew College. Tzilla resides with her family in Sharon and works as a volunteer in
the Technion Alumni Association, the Boston-Haifa Connection, Temple Israel in
Sharon and more.
Eliza Bittner received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from UMass
Amherst, with a Minor in Judaic Studies. As an undergrad, she designed and
implemented an independent study, which explored Jewish themes through mural
painting. In the past, she has worked as a teacher, a mural artist, a nature guide, and
a personal care assistant.
Dan Brosgol is the Director of Prozdor. He holds a BA in Politics from Brandeis
University and both a certificate in Jewish Day School Education and an MA in Jewish
Education from Hebrew College. Dan is pursuing a doctorate in the
Northeastern/Hebrew College collaborative EdD program. He is an avid runner and
Boston sports fan, and lives in Bedford with his wife and four children.
Marjorie Corbman holds an MA in the Study of Religions from the School of Oriental
and African Studies (SOAS) in London, and has a background in activist and community
organizing work. She spent a year and a half living and working at a radical
community/house of hospitality for homeless families in Chicago, and was a JOIN for
Justice Jewish Organizing Fellow last year.
Emilia Diamant, MSW, is a Boston-area native. She graduated from Newton North High
School in 2003, and studied Informal Education at New York University. Before coming
to Prozdor she lived in North Carolina, working as Principal and Youth Director at a
Reform congregation in Raleigh. She received her Masters in Social Work from UNCChapel Hill with a focus on community engagement and educational inequity. Last
year Emilia was a JOIN for Justice Jewish Organizing Fellow. She and her boyfriend
Nathan live in Chestnut Hill with their two dogs, where Emilia likes to dance, go to
Red Sox games, and explore the spoken word poetry scene.
Glenn Dickson, renowned clarinetist and bandleader of the traditional klezmer band
Shirim Klezmer Orchestra and the klezmer-rock band Naftule’s Dream, has recorded 11
CDs with his bands, including a collaboration with Maurice Sendak, “Pincus and the
Pig” and the “Klezmer Nutcracker.” He has toured Europe and North America playing
everywhere from bars and bowling alleys to the Berlin Jazz Festival and with the Philly
Pops. His websites are www.shirim.com and www.naftulesdream.com.
Rabbi David Ehrenkranz (“Rabbi E”) will be starting his eighteenth year at Prozdor.
He received his rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University in 1993 and a master's
degree in English literature (Renaissance) from City University of New York Graduate
Center in 1996. Rabbi Ehrenkranz is in the Who's Who of American High School
Teachers (1998-1999). Orthodox rabbinical advisor at Brandeis University from 1998 to
2000, Limudei Kodesh faculty at Maimonides High School (since 1996) in Brookline and
participant in the innovative teacher training/mentor program under the auspices of
the Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Institute, Rabbi Ehrenkranz also taught for the
Ma'ayan Women's Institute and was an active participant in Unity Shabbaton for the
Rabbinical Council of America. Rabbi Ehrenkranz received the BJE Keter Torah Award
in 2009 for his contribution to Jewish education in the Boston area and the Maimonides
School Pillar Award for teaching in 2011. He is also Boys Head Counselor at Camp
Nesher (since 2007.) Rabbi Ehrenkranz has a thorough and complete love of teaching
which is only surpassed by his immense love of his students.
Ben Einsidler is an active member and educator at Temple Emunah in Lexington, MA.
He holds a B.A. in Spanish and International Relations from Salisbury University, and is
currently enrolled in the dual MJEd/MAJS graduate program at Hebrew College. He
currently teaches Spanish at Innovation Academy Charter School in Tyngsboro, MA.
Hinda Eisen Hinda Eisen is in her final year of cantorial school at Hebrew College. She
holds a BA from Boston University in religion with a concentration in special
education. Hinda is in her eighth season singing with the Zamir Chorale of Boston
where she serves as assistant to the conductor. She held the 2008-2009 Mary Wolfman
Epstein conducting fellowship with Zamir, and is the 2013-2014 recipient of the Gideon
Klein Fellowship to study Holocaust Arts at Northeastern University.
Norman Finkelstein enters his thirty third year of teaching at Prozdor, where he was
a student over fifty years ago. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from
both Hebrew College and Boston University and recently retired as a librarian in the
Brookline Public Schools. Mr. Finkelstein is the author of 18 nonfiction books on history
and biography, several of which are used in the history courses he teaches at Prozdor.
He is the recipient of a number of prestigious writing and teaching awards, including
two National Jewish Book Awards, the Golden Kite Honor Award for Nonfiction and
Hebrew College’s Louis Hillson Memorial Award.
Leah Goldstein is the Office Coordinator for Prozdor. A native of Austin, Texas, Leah
brings a passion for Judaism and a unique Texas flair to our operation. Prior to coming
to Prozdor, Leah served as the New England Coordinator for Gift of Life and interned
at CJP, Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center, and
the Jewish National Fund. Leah lives in Brookline.
Jennifer Gutman is the Program Associate for Taglit-Birthright Israel at BU Hillel.
Prior to joining BU Hillel, Jen worked at the David Project where she regularly
engaged students across North America in Israel advocacy and educated hundreds of
Birthright and gap year students about the Arab-Israeli conflict. She worked closely
with Israel’s Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs and was invited
regularly to speak on campus activism panels across Israel. In 2012, Jen was honored
to join a special press delegation to the 4th Israeli Presidential Conference under the
auspices of Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, where she covered the
conference as a blogger and contributed to conversations on the future of the State of
Israel and Jewish Identity. Jen holds an MA in Government with a focus in CounterTerrorism and Homeland Security from the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya, and
a BA in Media & Communication and Jewish Studies from Muhlenberg College.
Jason Happel is a teacher and lawyer in the Boston area. He is a mock trial coach and
judge for high school and college competitions, and has taught comparative law,
political philosophy, and classics in various settings. He currently studies how legal
analysis can be enlightened by literary imagination and classical ethics.
Ilana Huz graduated from Brandeis University in 2012 with a B.A. in Education Studies
and Psychology. She currently works as a research coordinator in the Massachusetts
General Hospital Department of Psychiatry. Ilana has been an Israeli Dancer since the
age of 5 and began teaching Israeli Dance ten years ago. She can't wait to join the
Prozdor community and share her love of dance with her students!
Marcie Kamerow is a fourth year rabbinical student at Hebrew College. Alongside her
rabbinical degree she is also pursuing a Masters in Jewish Education with Hebrew
College. She is passionate about all things Jewish, and anything and everything related
to her beloved Florida Gators! Marcie is also a big fan of Shabbat, friends, cooking,
pluralism and community. Originally from South Florida, she graduated from the
University of Florida in 2007 with B.A in Religion and Jewish Studies. After graduating
she went on to work for a year as a JCSC (Jewish Campus Service Corps) Fellow at the
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Following her time in North Carolina she
spent two years studying in Jerusalem at the Pardes Institute, before starting at
Hebrew College in 2010. Last year she found herself back in Jerusalem spending her
third year of rabbinical school studying at the Conservative Yeshiva and the Shalom
Hartman Institute. Marcie is thrilled to be back in the Boston area and is looking
forward to a new and exciting year with Prozdor.
Esther Kosofsky has been a member of the Prozdor faculty for eight years. She has
decades of experience in Jewish education as a teacher, family educator,
improvisation-theater director and assistant principal. Drama and musical theater have
been a big part of her life (since first grade!) and she enjoys sharing the process of
creating dramatic work with theatrical folks of all ages. Besides teaching at Prozdor,
Esther facilitates programs and workshop for Reform Jewish Outreach Boston,
coordinates TILLI-Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Initiative in Boston and directs
children’s musicals in Nashua, NH. Esther lives in Amherst, New Hampshire and her
family has a collection of over 60 hanukiyot.
Josh Langer, is a graduate of the first cohort of BBYO’s Professional Development
Institute, a special program supported by the Jim Joseph Foundation in which he
earned his graduate degrees (MBA from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University;
Masters in Jewish Education from Hebrew College) while working for BBYO and
receiving mentoring from leading Jewish professionals. During his time at BBYO, Josh
worked as part of the Program Team at BBYO’s International Headquarters in
Washington, DC. He has also worked as the Director of Youth Education at
Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill. His work has focused on strategic
planning, teaching, school leadership and administration, Jewish teen market
research, curriculum development, program consultation, and professional
development. Josh lives with his wife, Esther, and their son Itai in Brighton, MA.
Pnina Laster was born and raised in Israel, she has been teaching Hebrew as a second
language for many years in various academic institutes in Israel and abroad, such as
the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Open University Institute in Jerusalem, the
University of Grenoble in France, and Brown University in RI. She has experience
teaching all levels of Hebrew. Her degrees in Hebrew Linguistics and Musicology are
both from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Integrated with her extensive
background in music and the arts, Pnina enriches the language studies of her students
in all levels through exposure to Israeli music, poetry, and film.
Dylan Lazerow graduated in 2010 from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a
Bachelor of Arts in History.He began working in 2008 for the Young People's Project
(YPP), initially at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit, teaching and training
high school UTEC) in its statewide youth-led policymaking coalition, Teens Leading The
Way. This past year, he was Program Coordinator with Teen Empowerment in Roxbury.
In addition, he is an alumnus of the JOIN for Justice organizing fellowship. He is the
co-founder of Art Act (ArtAct.co), a grassroots collective of artists and activists
working together to design transformational experiences for themselves and the
communities they are situated within. He is also on the Leadership Team of the Youth
Jobs Coalition and was an Organizing Coach with the Youth Worker Leadership
Institute. He is also the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Luis Vasquez
Campaign for Cambridge City Council. His belief in revolutionary love and empowering
young people to take control of their lives and the conditions in their communities
informs his work as an education activist, artist, community organizer, and youth
development specialist.
Chanit Brenner List is a graduate of Lesley University, where she received
undergraduate and graduate degrees in special education. She currently serves as the
special-education chair for the Hillside School in Needham, Mass. List's commitment to
Jewish education includes work at Camp Pembroke, a Jewish girl’s camp in central
Massachusetts, and Capitol Camps in the Catocin Mountains of Pennsylvania, and
teaching Hebrew School at various area temples. She and her husband, David, the
associate director of Prozdor, live in Newton with their son, Nathaniel.
David List is beginning his fifth year at Prozdor and third as our Associate Director. He
is a graduate of Hebrew College, receiving his Masters in Jewish Education and
Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership, and Camping. David also
holds a degree in Judaic Studies from the Greenberg Center at the University of
Hartford. Prior to coming to Prozdor, David worked as a youth director at Congregation
Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley. David has also worked with and consulted for
numerous other programs and Jewish organizations in the Boston area. David lives with
his wife Chanit and son Nathaniel in Newton.
Matthew Lowe completed the Master of Theological Studies program at Harvard
Divinity School in 2009, and has since gone on to become a public school Health
teacher. Matthew is ready and willing to talk about God (or the absence thereof),
wisdom, health, or relationships at any hour of the day or night. He also enjoys
reading, music, cartoons, and hula-hooping.
David Micley holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture from Emory
University, where he produced a documentary about the daily life of an observant Jew
and an observant Muslim, entitled “Cousins of Faith.” He spends all his spare time and
money on travelling, and so far has managed to visit 28 countries, including a six
month study abroad experience in Cape Town, South Africa.
Evan Parks is Prozdor’s Recruitment Coordinator. Evan is originally from Atlanta,
Georgia. Before joining Prozdor, Evan studied European literature and philosophy at
Brandeis University and worked as an environmental consultant in New Orleans,
Louisiana. He is passionate about good writing and penetrating questions. He is an avid
filmgoer, hiker, and yoga practitioner. Evan is excited to be joining the Prozdor family
and is looking forward to connecting with Prozdor students.
Daniel Parmer is a perpetual student, entering his 26th year of school. When not
doing homework, Daniel is changing diapers (two kids!), cooking, and watching
YouTube clips of llamas screaming. If Daniel could be anything he wanted, he would
have a job as a procrastinator. Since people don’t get paid for that, he instead
decided to be a researcher of American Jewry at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish
Studies at Brandeis University. Currently, he is getting his PhD in Social Policy at
Brandeis University. Daniel is married, lives in Belmont, and does his part in saving the
earth by riding his bike to school.
Rivka Pe’eri has been teaching Hebrew as a second language since 1979 to Englishspeaking students at the King David High School in Liverpool, United Kingdom; the
Jewish Education Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Cohen Hillel Academy in
Marblehead and the North Shore Hebrew High School in Swampscott. Her education
includes a BA in sociology and anthropology from Tel Aviv University and in computer
graphic design from Sivan College in Tel Aviv, as well as many academic courses in
teaching and education.
Yigal M. Pe’eri, born and brought up in Israel. Inspired by Frost's The Road Not Taken,
he devoted his career for both the business world and education world. On the
business path he served as President and VP Marketing & Sales of Government,
Banking, HiTech and Paper companies. On the Educational road, Yigal was the
Executive Director of Several Community Centers as well as the Israeli Representative
to Liverpool (UK) and Pittsburgh (PA). Taught Hebrew to young and adults, ran
workshops on Strategic Planning, Negotiation, Leadership, Management The Samurai
Way, Israel (The country, its people and culture) and The Israeli Arab conflict. Yigal is
also a certified and experienced instructor of GoJuRiu Karate (2nd Dan), Judo (4th
Dan) and TaiChi. Yigal loves his family, flying (single-engine), classical music and study
of religions.
Elyse Rast has worked as an educator in both secular and nonsecular environments for
more than 15 years and is currently working on a Ph.D. at Lesley University in
Education. In addition to working at Prozdor, she is the Program Manager of Outreach
and Education for JF&CS's Schechter Holocaust services. Though the help of CJP's
Presentense fellowship, Elyse is also the founder of G.I.R.L.S. (Girls Interested in
Relationships, Leadership and Spirituality) where she created much of the curriculum
used in her Prozdor groups. She has taught at Prozdor for the past six years and loves
the sense of community and openness found in all of her classes at Prozdor.
Adrian Sackson was born in Australia and lived in Israel for several years before
coming to the United States in 2010. In addition to teaching at Prozdor, Adrian leads
international volunteer service-learning programs for the American Jewish World
Service, and is studying towards a PhD in Jewish Thought at New York University.
Before coming to Boston, Adrian lived in a village in India for a year as a volunteer for
a local human rights organization, completed an MA in Jewish Philosophy at Tel Aviv
University, and taught and studied Jewish thought at a number of interesting
institutions in Jerusalem.
Esther Shorr is a senior lecturer of Hebrew at Brandeis University, a Hebrew teacher
at the School of Languages at Middlebury College, and coauthor of the book, Brandeis
Modern Hebrew, and the online program, Hebrew in 5 Minutes. Esther holds a master’s
degree in Jewish studies from Hebrew College, a BA from Hebrew University, a high
school teaching certificate from Haifa University and a music teaching certificate from
Oranim School of Music. She was a member of the Zamir Chorale of Boston for ten
years, and she loves to incorporate music into her classes. Esther has many years of
teaching and lecturing experience in Israel, England and the United States.
Jessica Silverman is excited to begin her first year with Prozdor as a teacher of the
new STEM module. She earned a B.S. in chemistry from MIT in 2006, a Fellowship in
Science Education from the American Society of Microbiology this past summer, and
most recently a PhD in Microbiology at the Tufts School of Medicine. When she's not
teaching, Jessica enjoys studying Judaism and yoga and is very proud to have
completed her adult Bat Mitzvah this past spring. She lives in Medford with her
husband Rob and their son Micah.
Jennifer Stevens is excited to continue teaching at Prozdor. After leaving the business
world to pursue her love of all things Judaic, she discovered her passion for Jewish
education. She earned a master’s in Jewish studies from Hebrew College and taught in
various Boston-area synagogues and privately before joining the Prozdor family. When
she is not teaching at Prozdor, Jennifer spends most of her time with her spunky son
Caleb, her delightful daughter, Elisheva (Ellie), and hopefully with her husband,
Aaron. Jennifer enjoys going on adventures with her kids, reading good fantasy
writing, appreciating nature, cooking (especially baking!) and singing all kinds of folk
music.
Miriam-Simma Walfish is the director of Mechon Hadar's pre-collegitate seminar and
part of Hadar's summer faculty. A graduate of the Pardes Educators Program, she has
taught Tanakh, Talmud, and Jewish Law in numerous settings including Gann Academy
and the Heschel High School in New York City. She loves empowering students to open
up Jewish texts on their own and is excited for this opportunity to connect students
with the resources to explore their own questions and deepen their Jewish learning.
Max Werber earned his degree in fine arts from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design at
Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He lived in Jerusalem for ten years, where he
exhibited sculptures and paintings at the Israel Museum of Jerusalem as well as the Tel
Aviv Museum of Art. During that time, he owned and operated an art supply import
business. He was also a soldier in the anti-aircraft unit of the Israeli Air Force. Max
returned to the United States and worked in sales and in management training. He and
his family moved back to Maccabim, Israel, for two years, where he became a certified
Israel tour guide at Hebrew Union College. He also taught English as a second language
to both children and adults. Max, his wife Renee, and their three daughters live in
Sharon. Max enjoys biking, swimming, hiking, as well as reading and translating
Hebrew biblical commentary into English.
Rachael Wurtman is excited about returning to teach at Prozdor, because she studied
there when she was in high school. She has a undergraduate degree in Philosophy from
Columbia University (Barnard College), a law degree from the University of
Pennsylvania, and a master’s in Child Development from Wheelock College. She made
aliyah and lived in Jerusalem for 9 years. After passing the Israel bar exam and passing
several Hebrew competency exams, she worked for the Israel Police, the Department
of Justice, and several law firms and nonprofits. She started a lobbying group whose
purpose was to change the law in order to eliminate smoking in public places. When
she worked as an attorney in Israel, she worked entirely in Hebrew. Rachael is actively
involved in legislative advocacy in Massachusetts on behalf of the Asperger’s
Association of New England. She also volunteers as a foster care reviewer for the
Department of Children and Families, and she provides advice and representation to
families in her work as a special education advocate. She has three daughters, ages
13, 20, and 23. The youngest will attend Prozdor this year. The other two, Maimonides
graduates, attend school. One attends Washington University of St. Louis, and the
other one will enter Yale Law School.
Prozdor Administration
Dan Brosgol, Director
dbrosgol@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8802
David List, Associate Director
dlist@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8805
Emilia Diamant, Director of Programming
ediamant@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8809
Josh Langer, Director of Makor
jlanger@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8807
Evan Parks, Recruitment Coordinator
eparks@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8815
Leah Goldstein, Office Coordinator
lgoldstein@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8803
Mira Angrist, Hebrew Coordinator
mangrist@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8814
Tzilla Barone, Israel Programs Coordinator
tbarone@hebrewcollege.edu
617-559-8812