BIB 101,102 Parsha Explorations
2 credits/semester
Mrs. A. Warburg
This year long course aims to provide a solid foundation for beginners, as well as enrichment and deepened understanding for more advanced students. After reading the Torah portion of the week, students compile a list of questions for further study, which will be answered based on classic commentaries. In the second semester, students develop their analytical and textual skills, while becoming familiar with additional commentaries such as Midrash Raba, Midrash Tanchuma, Chassidic texts, and Niglot HaZohar.
BIB 103,104 The Book of Samuel 1
1 credit/semester
Rabbi A. Lasky
This course in the Book of Samuel provides the students with a broad based understanding of stories, motives, and personalities that were instrumental in creating the national transition from the era of Judges into the era of Jewish Kingship. Based on the classic commentaries, students improve their textual skills and understanding and find the morals that apply to their lives today.
ENG 101,102 English Composition
1 credit/semester
Mrs. T. Weingot
Using themes including, but not limited to, the Torah portion of the weekly, Jewish holidays, and other calendar/time related topics, students are guided to explore, develop and express their inner world through writing. The journal writing exercises become a powerful tool to integrate their learning into the fabric of their lives, as well as to record their emotional and spiritual growth.
ETH 101,102 The Spirituality of Shabbos
1 credit/semester
Rabbi A. Lasky
Based on the teachings of the Slonimer Rebbe in his major work on chassidic philosophy – Netivot Shalom, Volume 2.
The teachings are set according to the various times, starting from Erev Shabbos, through the night and day of Shabbos until Motzei Shabbos. They guide us firstly to prepare ourselves to receive the Shabbos, as we make a spiritual accounting of our past week. To understand the power of Shabbos, not only for each individual, but how it influences the entire Creation and re-energizes the world each and every week
LAN 101-102 Elementary Modern Hebrew
2 credits/semester
Mrs. N. Wagner
The goal of this course is to both provide students with overall basic Hebrew grammar and vocabulary, both as a theoretical structure as well as practical everyday language abilities. Emphasis is put on reading and comprehension skills.
LAN 103,104 Advanced Modern Hebrew
2 credits/semester
Mrs. T. Wallach
For the more advanced Hebrew speaking student, this course is taught completely in Hebrew. Various topics are discussed each week with the goal of expanding and improving vocabulary, fluency of speech, and overall comprehension.
LAW 101 Hilchot Yom Tov
1 credit
Rabbi A. Nikop
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the laws and customs pertaining to the Jewish holidays. From Elul and Tishrei, with the Yomim Noraim, through to Nissan, in which the holidays of Purim and Passover occur, and until Shavous. Students are taught how to practically observe these holidays in accordance with Jewish Law.
LAW 102 Hilchot Brachot
1 credit
Rabbi A. Nikop
An introductory overview of the laws of blessings on food. This course covers the text of each of the blessings, when and how to make these blessings, special circumstances when making blessings are prohibited, and how one should make corrections when the wrong blessing has been recited.
LAW 101,102 The Laws of Shabbat
1 credit/semester
Rabbi A. Lasky
This course focuses on the laws of cooking on Shabbat and Yom Tov, understanding both the various laws as well as their underlying concepts. Based on the Halachas (Laws) from Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata and The Mishnah Brurer.
LAW 105,106 The Jewish Home
1 credit/semester
This class focuses on "Avodat HaMidot," working on one's character traits in preparation for, and during, married life. Based on Rabbi Ezriel Tauber's book Thoughts For A Jewish Home- Foundation Of Lasting Happiness, and on Aishis Chayil.
PHI 101-102 Derech Hashem/ The Way of G-d
1 credit/semester
Rabbi A. Lasky
Students learn about major topics in Jewish philosophy based on the Ramchal’s kabbalistic approach to Jewish thought. Topics covered in this course include: free choice, existing in the balance between perfection and deficiency, Adam’s sin, reincarnation, resurrection of the dead, Israel and the Nations, and rectification and redemption.
PHI 103 Chassidic Insights
1 credit/semester
Rabbi R. Weingot
Insights into the weekly parsha from the Chassidic masters the Sefat Emmet and Ohr Gedalyia
PHI 104-106 Stability in the Service of G-d
1 credit/semester
Rabbi A. Lasky
In this class of Jewish ethics and philosophy, students explore the question of what it takes to create endurance, balance, and consistency in their spiritual endeavors. Based on the works of the Netivot Shalom, this class provides tools to create a healthy framework for ongoing Jewish Life while balancing the external framework of devotion with the essence of the soul’s inner reality.
PHI 109 Mishlei (Proverbs)
1 credit/semester
Rabbi R. Weingot
The wisdom of Mishlei and its particular relevance to our lives today are examined through textual study of classical commentaries. Sources include Metzuda, Gra, Rav Hirsh, and Malbim.
PHI 111 Jewish Philosophy and Faith
1 credit/semester
Rabbi A. Lasky
Based on the the following works: Madregot HaAdam, Michtav Me’Eliyahu, and Netivot Shalom.
This class explores the various levels of faith, with an emphasis on personal introspection. First to understand where each individual stands in their own personal faith, and how to build from that level upwards. To come to a realistic balance between man’s efforts and trust in G-d. To have a solid foundation of emunah in order to strengthen oneself even in the most difficult of life’s situations.
PHI 112 Chassidut
1 credit/semester
Rabbi Eliyahu Reiter
In this class, the students learn pieces throughout the year, relating to varying topics such as Parshat Hashavuah, the Jewish calendar, and other timely topics. The goal of the class is to increase the students’ appreciation for the depth of Torah and Mitzvot, as well as to strengthen their emunah (faith). Sources include Likutei Moharan and Likutei Halachot.
PHI 113 Tanya
1 credit/semester
R’ Boruch Shaver
The Tanya, a classic work of Chassidic thought and philosophy, deals with the struggles and conflicts in the human psyche. It describes the interaction between intellect and emotion. The course teaches how to embrace the giving and caring side as opposed to the selfish and self centered within us.
PSY 101-102 Women in the Tanach
1 credit/semester
Mrs. L. Jackson
Students learn about various women in the Tanach: their stories, lives, choices, strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and failures. Using this learning in a practical way and applying the lessons to inspire and assist each student in her own personal development with love, depth, humor, and clarity.
PSY 103-104 A Call to Live
1 credit/semester
Mrs. A. Waldinger
“A Call to Live – Self Empowerment through Torah knowledge and personal effort.” The goal of this class is to enable students to understand the part they play and the power they possess to bring change into their lives. Through acquiring self awareness and knowledge, one is able to change. Based on the book, It’s All in Your Mind, by Sara Yosef, the instructor will guide the students through the steps necessary to bring practical change into their lives.
SOC 101 Modern Israeli History and Society
1 credit/semester
Rabbi Avraham Lasky
Part 1 -Focusing on the time period from the Balfour Declaration (1920’s) to the founding of the State of Israel. With an emphasis on the original settlers and immigration. All within the context of the triangle relationship of Jews, Arabs, and the British.
SOC 102 Modern Israeli History and Society
1 credit/semester
Rabbi Avraham Lasky
Part 2 - Life in Israel after the State began, with an emphasis on the interaction between the various groups that made up Israeli society until present times. (Ashkenazim-Sephardim, Ultra Religious- Secular, Eastern European – Western Jewry.)
SOC 103 Challenges in Contemporary Jewish Life
1 credit/semester
Rabbi Avraham Lasky
This course is a Rabbi/Student workshop where various issues of living in the modern world as a mitzvah observant Jew are discussed. Topics covered are generated both from the instructor and the students themselves.
Some issues are:
A. How to strengthen oneself spiritually against the material pull of western society
B. Life in Israel as opposed to living in the Diaspora
C. Fulfilling one’s potential both spiritually and materially
D. What to look for in a life partner – shidduchim
E. Being a Jewish mother or a professional – or both.
DRA 101 Drama Workshop
1 Credit/semester
Mrs. Batya Levy
The drama workshop offers students an outlet for self-expression and creativity while internalizing Torah values, strengthening self confidence and self awareness.
Women’s Health and Well-Being
1 credit/semester
Mrs. Chavah BenZion
Young women are empowered to care for themselves better when they have a good understanding of their bodies and how they work. This class focuses on the basic elements of good health: diet/nutrition, and exercise. Issues related to women's cycles, and physical well being are discussed. The lessons are structured according to the needs of the students themselves. Midwife and class instructor Chavah BenZion draws from her wealth of experience to give over a fun and interesting course.