Biblical Studies

Written Torah (Tanach)

The Torah is composed of two parts; the Written Torah and the Oral Torah, both imparted by G-d to the Jewish People on Mount Sinai. The Chumash (Five Books of Moses or Pentateuch), Nevi’im (Books of the Prophets), and Kesuvim (Books of Writings) comprise the Written Torah.

Chumash (Biblical Studies)

Chumash is taught with the goal of providing students with proficiency in Biblical Hebrew and the analytical skills for deciphering text. Therefore, intermediate and advanced courses are conducted in small groups, with time allotted for individual study and preparation under the guidance of a mentor. Beginner’s level Chumash includes textual study and an overview of the weekly Torah portion throughout the year.

• Chumash
  B111 – 3 credits
  B112 – 3 credits
  

Prerequisite or taken concurrently: Hebrew Reading

This introduction to the Chumash, through the study of selected chapters, is designed for students with no previous knowledge of the Hebrew language. Relevant classical commentaries will be discussed to introduce the student to the many levels of meaning of the Hebrew text.

• Chumash
  B211 – 3 credits
  B212 – 3 credits

Sequel to Chumash I, this course is aimed at developing the student’s ability in reading and comprehending the unique script of Rashi, the classical Jewish commentator of the Torah, and understanding his expeditionary method. Alternate selections of Chumash will be studied.

• Chumash
  B311 – 3 credits
  B312 – 3 credits

Those who have mastered beginner’s Rashi will study further selections from the Chumash in depth. Primary aim will be to develop the student’s comprehension of great Torah commentators in addition to Rashi, such as Ramban, Sforno, Or HaChaim, and Kli Yakar.

• Parsha
  B121 – 1 credit, B122 – 1 credit

A study of the Parshas Hashavua with Rashi, and an exploration of basic concepts and Midrashim on the weekly Torah portion. This course familiarizes the student with all of Chumash.

• Parsha
  B221 – 1 credit, B222 – 1 credit

A deep analysis of the weekly portion expounded by Chassidic sources and insights. In keeping with the Alter Rebbe’s directive “to live with the times,” this course provides lessons in how to live one’s life, week by week.

Nach (Prophets and Writings)

A study of the various commentaries will provide knowledge and understanding of the Nevi’im and Kesuvim, with a view to understanding the ethical issues raised and their application today.

• Nevi’im Rishonim
  B131 – 1 credit, B132 – 1 credit

Textual study of the Book of Yehoshua, which covers the period spanning the Exodus from Egypt to the capture and settlement of the land of Israel. Rashi, Midrash, and other commentaries are studied.

• Nevi’im Rishonim
  B231 – 2 credits, B232 – 2 credits

Textual study of the Book of Shoftim, covering the history of the Jewish people during the period of the Judges. Includes student preparation of Rashi and commentaries.

• Nevi’im Achronim
  B331 – 1 credit, B332 – 1 credit

Prerequisite: Some knowledge of Biblical Hebrew; prior courses in Nevi’im

Textual study of the books of Shmuel, covering the reigns of Kings Shaul and David. Rashi, Midrash, and various commentaries are studied.

• Haftorah
  B132 – 1 credit

During a period in history when Jews were forbidden to read the weekly Torah portion on Shabbos, a chapter of Nevi’im was read each week instead. This practice continued even after Torah was no longer forbidden, and thus was born the concept of the Haftorah. A study of the weekly Haftorah as it relates to the Parsha and to our lives today.

• Megillos
  B142 – 1 credit
  

Megillos Esther and Ruth, read on Purim and Shavuos, respectively, are dramatic testimonies to the unique power and greatness of women. The megillos are studied with a view to understanding the prototypical roles of these two outstanding female figures, in the context of the larger religious themes.
* This course satisfies the requirement for Women’s Studies.

• Koheles
  B241 – 1 credit

A textual study of the moral and ethical ideas in the Book of Koheles by King Shlomo, and their application for the contemporary Jew as explained by the various commentaries for the contemporary Jew.

• Mishlei
  B242 – 1 credit

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Hebrew; prior courses in Nevi’im

A textual study of the moral and ethical ideas in the Book of Mishlei and their application for the contemporary Jew, as explained by the various commentaries.