JUDAISM IN A SEMESTER

 

 

Judaism in a semester, offers a unique opportunity to explore your Jewish heritage, and we hope it will inspire you to continue your pursuit of Jewish education and active participation in the Jewish community. To ensure that fellows will be able to engage fully in the activities and course of study, we offer a stipend of up to $300.00 which will be awarded upon successful completion of the course and fulfillment of all program requirements.

Because of the limited number of spaces available, we wish to ensure that those who are accepted into the program are able to make the most of the experience. The primary criteria for admission to the program are demonstration of interest in the offerings of the program and evidence of willingness to fulfill the requirements of institute’s membership.

All fellows are expected to attend each of the Eight two-hour classes that comprise the course. The classes will be for Eight weeks, 

In addition, as the course progresses, you will be expected to participate in at least two events:

  • A Shabbat dinner, at a time to be announced.
  • A field trip

Each student will be required to write a 5 page reaction paper reflecting on the how your experience as a student in the Institute has changed or developed your perspective on Jewish living.

Please bear in mind that while participation in the class is enjoyable and rewarding, it also requires a willingness to invest the time and effort to take advantage of what the program offers. If you feel that you are able to seriously commit to the program, we encourage you to apply.

 

Course overview

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course endeavors to present a wide-ranging view of the many crucial aspects and facets of Judaism. From historical background to philosophy and kabbalah, from cardinal precepts in Jewish law and observance to biomedical ethics, you will acquire a basic comprehensive and informed knowledge of the underlying foundations and essentials of Judaism. The topics by definition address numerous controversial issues, and much room will be allowed for group discussions and input.

Topics to be covered:

INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS JUDAISM? RACE? NATIONALITY? OR RELIGION?

What is Reform, Conservative, Reconstructonist, and Orthodox Jews? What is the Jewish view on conversion?

 

AN OVERVIEW OF JEWISH HISTORY

The Patriarchs and Matriarchs, The Jews in Egypt, The revelation on Mt. Sinai, The Jews in Israel, The first and second Jewish Commonwealth, The Jews under Greek, Roman rule, The Jews in Christian, Moslem Countries, The Jews in Europe, The Holocaust

 

LIFE CYCLE EVENTS IN JUDAISM

Birth, Circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Marriage, Death & Mourning

 

THE DIETRY LAWS: A DIET FOR THE SOUL

What is Kosher? What is wrong with dairy and meat? Vegetarianism and Judaism

 

THE JEWISH CALENDAR – SHABBAT, AND HOLIDAYS

What makes Shabbat holy? Why not drive? The high holidays, Sukkoth, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, Shavuot, the four fast days

 

THE JEWISH VIEW OF LOVE AND MARRIAGE

Pre-marital Intimacy, Objective of marriage, Jewish idea of intimacy, what is a Mikva? Laws of Family purity

 

KABBALA – WHAT IS IT?

The origin of Kabbala, The Kabbalist of the Sixteenth century, the rise of Chassidism, What is Chassidism?

 

PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES IN JUDAISM

Is G‑d a Belief or logical? Purpose of life, Reward and punishment, free choice, Life after life etc.

 

To Apply Click Here