Jewish Thought & Ethics

Torah as G-d’s blueprint of creation contains the structure and guidance for all areas of life. The Jew as the epitome of creation has the capacity and obligation to aspire to the characteristics of his Creator. Selected Torah and rabbinic sources are examined as an insight to proper social, moral and legal behavior.

Redemption and Moshiach
E111- 1 credit

E112- 1 credit

From ancient times to the present, Jews have believed in Moshiach and the Messianic Age. But who is Moshiach, and what will the age of redemption be like. Students will study Torah and Chassidic sources which offer insights and preparation in light of the imminence of the redemption.

• Redemption and Moshiach II
  E211- 1 credit

E212- 1 credit

A further study of the End of Days, the World to Come, and Moshiach.

• Pirkei Avos
  E131 – 1 credit

E132- 1 credit

Textual study of selected chapters of the Ethics of our Fathers and their application to interpersonal relationships, with profound insights into human nature.

• Yediah Klalis / General Knowledge
  E101- 1 credit

E102- 1 credit

This course covers the Jewish calendar, fundamental Torah concepts and principles and an overview of the life cycle.

• Thirteen Principles of Faith
  E142 -1 credit

Maimonides formulated Thirteen Principles, which represent the core beliefs of Judaism. Beginning with the belief in the creation of the world and continuing through the belief in eventual Messianic Redemption, all Thirteen Principles are explored. The original Hebrew text, plus commentaries, is used throughout the course.

• Chassidic Way of Life
  E121 – 1 credit

A glimpse into the lives of outstanding Chassidim and their quest for refinement and closeness to G-d. A look at Chassidus as compared to other ideologies and a study of the Chassidic way of life.

Jewish History

Our Jewish Heritage

• Biblical beginnings

O101 – 1 credit

O102 – 1 credit

Creation of the world; exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Jews as a nation; the giving of the Torah; settlement of the Land of Israel; and construction and eventual destruction of the First and Second Temples are all highlights of this survey of the initial stage of Jewish heritage. Although it is primarily a lecture course, there will be assigned readings in Hebrew and English.

• Torah contributions of the Jews in their respective societies.

O201 – 1 credit

Exile from Israel to Babylon; exile from Israel to Rome; codification of the Oral Law beginning with the Mishna through Rabbi Caro’s Shulchan Aruch; Sefardic Jews in North Africa and Spain; and Ashkenazic Jews in Western Europe. This course will highlight the extraordinary Torah contributions of the Jews in their respective societies.

• From Haskalah to Israel
  O202 – 1 credit

Beginning with the 16th century, this course focuses on the tumultuous events which occurred in and around the Jewish communities in Europe, including false messiahs, pogroms, the Russian Revolution, The Haskalah (Enlightenment) Movement, World Wars I and II, and the resettlement of Jews in the United States and Israel.