Talmud I:
בין מסורת לחידוש
This introductory course focuses on the foundational principles that guide Jewish law, including lo bashamayim hi – creativity and independence, eilu v’eilu – diversity and dissent, shelo yehe k’shtei torot – unity, and halakha l’moshe misinai – tradition and transmission. In addition, the course focuses on the sources of rabbinic authority and types of rabbinic legislative activity, culminating with an examination of leniency within Jewish law.
Talmud II
תהליך ההלכה: הכרעה וקבלה
This course continues to build upon the foundations developed in Talmud I, providing students with in-depth examination of some of the legal mechanisms used by the rabbis to legislate Jewish law along with heightened textual and conceptual complexity. This course explores the roles of minhag, sevara, judicial independence, precedent in halakha, while also introducing students to several classic sugyot and further advancing the technical skills developed in the Talmud I course.
Talmud III
מחקרים בהלכה: האשה, הציבור, והחברה
This course applies the concepts and skills from Talmud I and II to contemporary communal issues that halakha has responded to, including the role of women in halakha and the religious implications of the founding of the State of Israel. With a focus on the categories of mitzvot aseh she-hazman grama – time bound commandments that women are exempted from, the obligation of women in prayer and megillah, the ordination of women, as well as halakhic issues relating to aliyah, shemitta, kedushat ha-aretz the establishment of Yom Ha’aztma’ut, this course is designed to demonstrate how halakha has responded to issues within the modern world.
Talmud IV
מחקרים בהלכה: הלכות שבת
This course serves as the capstone to our 4-year curriculum, applying the principles and mechanisms of halakha to in-depth study of the laws of Shabbat. Students explore the nature and purpose of Shabbat, along with the sources of the Shabbat prohibitions and the categories of Avot, Toladot, melakha she’eina tzricha l’gufa, pesik reisha, mitasek, davar she’eino mitkavein, and issurei derabanan. With a focus on conceptual understanding and practical rulings, students apply their knowledge of halakhic decision making to the leniencies and stringencies involved in contemporary shabbat observance, including the use of electricity, operation of motor vehicles and treating sickness and medical emergencies on Shabbat.
Tanakh I:
Structure, Parshanut and Morality
With an emphasis on textual analysis, parshanut, and personal meaning, this course weaves together narratives from throughout Tanakh to explore the process of canonization, the nature of nevuah, and the differences between peshat and midrash. The course concludes with a detailed examination of the exegetical approaches of Rashi, Rashbam, Ibn Ezra, Ramban, utilizing these insights in an exploration of morality throughout Tanakh, from the destruction of Sodom and Akeidat Yitzchak to the institution of Slavery and the war against Amalek.
""LaHaV showed me the beauty of Judaism and its importance to my life while preparing me with the skills to pursue advanced learning in Israel.""
Margo Feuer, '15, Midreshet Torah v'Avodah
Israel Education:
This groundbreaking course helps students develop a relationship with Israel that is both passionate and nuanced at the same time. With a focus on developing the breadth of knowledge, perspectives, and skill set to enable student engagement in any issue related to the history, politics and civic society of Israel, learners investigate major regional developments of the modern era including the foundations of political Islam, pan-Arabism, modern Zionism, religious Zionism, Palestinian nationalism, the peace process, American foreign policy in the Middle East, Israel’s relationship with the UN, and American campus life.
מחשבת ישראל
The newest addition to our course catalog offers an in-depth exploration of essential topics within the field of Jewish Philosophy. Drawing from contemporary thinkers such as Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, Rabbi Eliezer Berkovitz, and Yeshaya Leibowitz, as well as Rabbis Norman Lamm, Aharon Lichtenstein, Shimshon R. Hirsch, and many others, this course offers an essential treatment of some of the most pressing issues that our students are thinking about today, including belief in God, the purpose and efficacy of prayer, the concept of “Chosenness” in Jewish tradition, as well as Religious Zionism and Messianism.
