TORAH SHE-B'AL PEH - MORNING

• AGGADA – SHANA BET – RAV YITZCHAK BLAU
  
Chazal boldly decided to intersperse stories, ethical maxims, and psychological advice alongside the halachic sections of Gemara.  With an emphasis on halachic portions, Yeshivot have not always given adequate attention to these aggadot.  We will utilize the great resources of traditional commentaries to discover how the aggada offers profound insight into Jewish philosophy, character growth, and the quest for meaning.


• MASSECHET BERACHOT – RABBI DANIEL MANN
  
Gemara BeIyun. The goal of this shiur is to begin appreciating and enjoying the study of Gemara as the basic building block of our Jewish practice, understanding its intricacies, and developing analytical skills.


• MASSECHET BERACHOT – RABBI JASON KNAPEL
  
The shiur will focus on becoming comfortable with the text of the Gemara, gaining textual and analytical skills.  We will strike a balance between the need to cover ground, on the one hand, and picking relevant topics to cover in-depth, on the other.


• MASSECHET BERACHOT – RABBI DR. DAN JACOBSON
  
We will acquire and hone textual and analytical skills by studying the sugyot with Rishonim and Acharonim, focusing on the topics of mourning, men's mikveh, and various aspects of kavana in tefilla.

TORAH SHE-B'AL PEH - AFTERNOON

• GEMARA BEKIUT, TA’ANIT – RABBI HANAN BENAYAHU
  
We will complete the massechet learning at a fast pace while also emphasizing methods of iyyun hapshat and learning how to understand and analyze the structure of a seguya in general.


• MISHNA – SEDER MOED – NATE FEIN
  Most of mishnayot Seder Moed will be covered, providing an overview of the content and organization of the tractates in the seder and the fundamental machlokot and halachot pertaining to the holidays as they appear in the Mishna. Will also include summaries of the major interpretations of the Mishna in the Gemara and Rishonim.

TANACH

• 70 PANIM L’TORAH – NORMAN MESKIN
  Every Biblical and Rabbinic text, be it Chumash, Navi, Mishna or Gemara, can be understood on multiple levels. This shiur will focus on the development of analytic skills that will allow the students the opportunity to discover the vastness and glory of the Torah on their own.
  
  
• BEREISHIT IN MODERN LITERARY ANALYSIS – DR. ZVI SHIMON
  A central aim of the course is to develop sensitivity to the sophisticated use of literary devices in Bereishit, and to show how awareness of the usage of literary devices helps reveal the central ideas in the parashot. The different approaches to exegesis, peshat and d'rash, will be highlighted. .
  
  
• CHASIDUT ON THE PARASHA – RAV JONATHAN SHULMAN
  We will use the great Chasidic masters to unlock the profundity and poetry of the parasha. The course is designed to develop the student's understanding of the mystical tradition in parshanut, beginning from midrash and extending into modern chasidic thought.
  
  
• MAHARAL OF PRAGUE - DR. MOSHE KUHR
  Weekly shiur based on the works of the master of machshava including: Gur Arye, a commentary on Rashi on the Torah, Netzach Yisrael, Netiv Hateshuva, and more.
  
  
• MODERN BIBLICAL COMMENTARIES – RAV YITZCHAK BLAU
  The nineteenth century witnessed the composition of important perushim on Chumash that add insight into our understanding biblical text and the nature of Jewish thought. Rabbi Hirsch heading a community in Germany, the Netziv was Rosh Yeshiva in Volozhin, and the Meshech Chochma was Rav in Dvinsk. All three of them wrote groundbreaking commentaries that illuminate both narrative and legal sections of Torah. This shiur will enhance our understanding of Chumash and open a window into the hashkafa of three seminal Jewish thinkers.
  
  
• NACH BEKIUT –  DR. ZVI SHIMON
  In this course we will be learning all of Nevi'im Rishonim (Yehoshua, Shoftim, Shmuel and Melachim). Our learning will involve understanding the chapters themselves as well as developing basic skills which can be used to analyze and understand the Tanach in general. Understanding the chapters will also lead us to try to understand the philosophical ideas the 'Book of Books' has to teach us.
  
  
• PARSHA VORT–  RABBI DANIEL MANN, NORMAN MESKIN, RABBI DR. DAN JACOBSON
  The Shiur will help the students develop the ability to create divrei Torah for all occasions.

JEWISH HISTORY

• HOLOCAUST AND ANTI-SEMITISM – RABBI YITZHAK RUBIN
  This class covers Jewish History in the Modern Era through the 19th century leading to World War II. Issues include: Jewish responses to civil liberties in Western and Eastern Europe, assimilation and intermarriage; and roots and manifestations of modern anti-Semitism (religious, economic, racial), and their Jewish responses.
  
  
• THOUGHT TRENDS AND MOVEMENTS IN THE MODERN ERA – RABBI YITZHAK RUBIN
  This course introduces the emancipation and Jewish Religious life from the French Revolution till the 20th century, including: the rise of the other religious streams (Reform and Conservative Judaism), the Hassidic Movement, Mussar Movement, East European Yeshiva World, German Neo-Orthodoxy and religious developments in the American Jewish Community from 1654 and onward.
  
  
• THE DAVID PROJECT
  The curriculum teaches students the effective tools to make Israel's case on their college campuses and in their respective communities. Our specially designed course offers a systematic approach to understanding the Arab-Israeli conflict. Rather than train people to simply refute lies and distortions, this approach focuses on reframing the conflict along its physical, historical, and moral dimensions. The full year course will emphasize the values and logic that help make Israel’s case and offer easy-to-use tools and techniques for that end.
  
  
• THE JEWISH STATE – RABBI AHARON WEXLER
  Zionism-From the Tanach to the Palmach: An intensive study of the modern political phenomena that has brought about a Jewish State in Eretz Yisrael. Topics cover: secular and religious Jews who brought about a complete change in Jewish affairs after a 2000 year Galut; what is Zionism; 19th century influence to bring Zionism into the hearts and minds of the people; Israel today functioning as a Jewish state and acting as a vibrant democracy. This class will introduce students to the "movers and shakers" who shaped Zionist thinking and expose student to issues and problems of a modern Jewish State functioning as a democracy.

HASHKAFA AND MUSSAR

• (CHABURA) MOED KATAN – RABBI CHANANYA WEISSMAN
  We will learn the third perek of Moed Katan with an emphasis on the practical laws of Chol Hamoed and the laws or mourning. This chapter is also rich in aggadic material.
  
  
• (CHABURA) PHILOSOPHY OF RAV ZVI YEHUDA KOOK – RABBI DR. MICHAEL REICHEL
  Readings from the son of Rav Kook, the father of the settlement movement, and the Rosh Yeshiva of Mercaz HaRav, on: Am Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael, the importance of settling all areas of Eretz Yisrael and modern day politics.
  
  
• ESSAYS OF MODERN JEWISH THINKERS  – RAV JASON KNAPEL
  Explore the thought of some major, modern Jewish thinkers: Rav Soloveichik, Rav Kook, Rav Hirsch, Rav Lichtenstein, etc. Each shiur will be based upon an article or essay that we will read, analyze and internalize.
  
  
• THE KUZARI – RABBI DR. MICHAEL REICHEL
  Students will study Rav Yehuda HaLevi's seminal work, its dialogue and debate, carefully analyzing issues with relevance for their lives: How do we connect with G-d? How do we know G-d really gave us the Torah? What is the uniqueness of the Jewish People? Why is Israel a special land?
  
  
• LEINING & DAVENING WORKSHOP – RABBI DANIEL MANN
  A workshop to fine-tune knowledge of the trop and nusach of our daily and special occasion services. We will emphasize strengthening the knowledge of dikduk that is essential for the proper pronunciation of words and anticipation of the grammar of the Torah. The pertinent halachot regarding these matters will also be highlighted. We may learn the trop for the megillot.
  
  
• MODERN JEWISH THOUGHT – RABBI AHARON WEXLER
  This class will discuss major issues facing the Jewish People today. Students will learn to develop tools necessary for an active role in conversations going on in the Jewish community. We will expose the student to different Jewish thinkers and the many "hot-button" issues facing the Chosen People in the Global Village, including the role of modern women in Judaism; differences between Reform, Conservative, and Orthodoxy; Evolution, Archeology, and the Bible; all with the goal of preparing our students for life in university and the world at large.
  
  
• NETIVOT SHALOM – RAV JASON KNAPEL
  An in-depth look at the philosophy and mussar of the Slonimer Rebbe, applying it to our lives in a very practical way.
  
  
• SPIRITUAL SIDE OF JUDAISM – BEN SHLIMOVITZ
  This course will compare the worldview of the chassidim and misnagdim as it is expressed in the vastly differing doctrines on the creation of the world. We will delve into significant pieces from several key mystical texts.
  
  
• (CHABURA) TEFILLA – RABBI YITZHACK RUBIN
  The course enriches student’s prayer experience through an in-depth thematic analysis of the Shmoneh Esrei. Students will go beyond merely understanding the meaning of the words, to experiencing a powerful connection to the heartfelt poetry and the deep yearning for closeness to God, as expressed in the quintessential Jewish prayer – the Shmoneh Esrei.
  
  
• THE THOUGHT OF RAV YOSEF DOV HA-LEVI SOLOVEITCHIK – RABBI DR. DAN JACOBSON
  Reading the Rav's major works and a number of shorter essays will open up the worldview and philosophy of one of the leading Orthodox rabbis and thinkers of the 20th Century. At once a member of a leading rabbinic family, a doctor of philosophy and a gadol hador, Rav Soloveithchik's writings address and give meaning to life as a modern Orthodox Jew interacting with secular society and Religious Zionism.
  
  
• YESODEI EMUNAH – RABBI JASON KNAPEL
  Using the Rambam's "Thirteen Principles of Faith" as a starting point, the course will deal with basic Jewish beliefs and the faith issues that a person in the modern world must confront. Including readings from traditional sources, contemporary articles and, most importantly, discussion. Students will learn the "what" and "how" of approaching issues of Jewish thought.

HALACHA

• HALACHA IN THE MODERN WORLD – RABBI DANIEL MANN
  By raising a real-life question and discussing the possible issues, then studying sources from the Gemara to modern-day poskim until a clear picture of the solution emerges, students will gain an understanding of the dynamics of halacha and strategies for its appropriate implementation.
  
  
• DAILY HALACHOT – RABBIS DANIEL MANN, JASON KNAPEL, DAN JACOBSON
  Gaining an appreciation of the development of halacha and its application to daily life in the modern world, while developing a competence and confidence in approaching basic halachic texts. A focus on the laws of tefilla and berachot (including Birkat Hamazon), with additional topics of bein adam l'chaveiro interspersed throughout the year.
  
  
• DAILY HASHKAFA – RABBIS DANIEL MANN, JASON KNAPEL, DAN JACOBSON
  The shiur will focus on practical ways to incorporate the morals of the Torah into our Daily lives. Talmidim will be exposed to the classic works of ethics from Pirkei Avot to the Ramcha”l.
  
  
• HILCHOT SHABBAT – RABBI DR. MICHAEL REICHEL
  A course on the philosophy and practical halacha of Shabbat. Topics will include traditional rituals and chagim as well as halacha l’ma’asse in one’s home as well as dorm life.
  
  
• HILCHOT TZAHAL (IN HEBREW) – AVINOAM GOELMAN
  This course covers the laws and ethical behavior that soldiers need to observe while serving in the Israeli army (Tzahal).
  
  
• MEDICAL ETHICS – RABBI YISRAEL COHN
  With a focus on contemporary poskim and applications, students will gain a grasp of the relevant concepts and significant opinions that guide halachic decision-making in one of the most challenging and important areas of practical halacha. Topics include obligation of the doctor to heal, transplants, autopsies, prioritizing scarce financial resources, doctors' behavior on Shabbat and more.
  
  
• MITZVOT BEIN ADAM L'CHAVERO – RAV JONATHAN SHULMAN
  This course will explore Judaism's approach to interpersonal relationships. We will discuss the legal parameters and expectations involved in specific mitzvot as well as develop an understanding of the underlying philosophy of the Torah as related to this fundamental area of halacha.

ULPAN

• ULPAN–
  Knowledge of Hebrew is an essential tool that facilitates progress in Torah studies, and will allow our graduates to be more comfortable as lifelong textual learners. We require our students to take an intensive year-long ulpan according to their level of fluency.  The ulpan will focus on improving spoken Modern Hebrew vocabulary and allow our students to be more comfortable in using Hebrew in their daily environment in Israel.

WEEKLY INDIVIDUAL CHESED

• Atzum
  Our volunteers work with a child from a family that has suffered from a terror attack.
  
  
• AACI - Americans and Canadians in Israel
  The focus of the work is working with senior citizens from North America.
  
  
• MAGSHIMIM
  Our volunteers assist in this program which focuses on the care and needs of autistic children.
  
  
• PARSHA VORT–  RABBI DANIEL MANN, NORMAN MESKIN, RABBI DR. DAN JACOBSON
  The Shiur will help the students develop the ability to create divrei Torah for all occasions.
  
  
• MAON L’NEICHIM
  Our students visit with handicapped adults in a group home.
  
  
• SANHEDRIA
  We are big brothers for children from broken homes.
  
  
• TIDHAR
  Our students are big brothers for special needs children.
  
  
• YAD ELIEZER
  Chesed with this organization involves packing food for the needy The Shiur will help the students develop the ability to create divrei Torah for all occasions.
  
  
• VARIETY
  At this after school program, students play with special needs children in a large toy room.

MONTHLY GROUP CHESED

• AFIKIM
  Rosh Chodesh party with children from underprivileged backgrounds.
  
  
• CHAZON YESHAYA
  Preparing meals and packing food at a soup kitchen.
  
  
• HAR HAZEITIM
  We uncover and clean destroyed tombstones in the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world.
  
  
• A PACKAGE FROM HOME
  Packing special clothing, toiletries and treats for Israeli soldiers.
  
  
• SANHEDRIA
  Chanukah and Purim parties with children from broken homes.
  
  
• SHALVA
  Chanukah and Purim parties with children from broken homes.
  
  
• TABLE TO TABLE
  Picking surplus vegetables for soup kitchen.