[toggle title=”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.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”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.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”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.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Oral Torah”]
When the Written Torah was transmitted, so were certain explanations, rules, reasons and laws. Only when this, the Oral Torah, was in danger of being lost (after the exile of the Jews from Israel) was it recorded. In addition to the Mishna and Talmud ( Gemorah ), all other divinely inspired material that has accumulated through the ages is included in the Oral Torah.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Halacha (Jewish Law)”]
Halacha is the study of the relationship between man and G-d, achieved through specific conscious acts, called Mitzvos, which serve to bring order into man’s life and sanctity into the world. Performance of the Mitzvos involves a system of laws governing man’s relationship not only with G-d, but also with himself, to others, and with the world.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Talmud”]
The Talmud, also known as Gemorah, is a composite of practical law, logical reasoning, analytical argumentation, and moralistic teachings, all of which serve to help clarify the Torah.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Tefillah”]
As a channel of communication between man and G-d, prayer is integral to Jewish life. It is a service of the heart and an expression of the Jew’s striving for closeness to his Creator. By ascending the four rungs of the ladder of prayer, as clarified by Chassidus, the Jew undergoes spiritual refinement, bringing him closer to G-d.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”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.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Jewish Home”]
The Jewish Home courses study and analyze in-depth the laws and expectations of the Jewish woman in her home and in society.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Chassidic Philosophy”]
Kabbalah, the mystical aspect of Torah, was made accessible by presentation in philosophical terms in the early 18th century by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in his monumental work, the Tanya. By emphasizing and amplifying the capacities of love and awe by which man is enjoined to serve G-d, the Tanya facilitates the spiritual strivings of the contemporary Jew. Succeeding Rebbeim (Chassidic leaders), including the Lubavitcher Rebbe, have applied this system of thought, known as Chabad Chassidus, in expounding the path of Torah in Ma’amorim (discourses) and Sichos (essays).
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Sichos in Yiddish”]
Drawing from the wellsprings of Chassidus, the Lubavitcher Rebbe derived a specific message for the contemporary Jew from each weekly Torah reading and from particular Jewish holidays. Basic Chassidic concepts for daily life and fluency in Yiddish reading, vocabulary, and grammar are developed.
[/toggle]