UPCOMING STUDY
Zo
CAIN AND ABEL
Hebrew Text Studies in Genesis 4 and Midrash Tanhuma
May 9, 16, and 23
Instructor: Rav Carl Kinbar
The narrative of Cain and Abel stirs the imagination. In this course, we will study the narrative itself in Genesis 4 and relevant portions of Midrash Tanhuma, a rabbinic commentary on the five books of the Torah.
SCHEDULE: Three ninety-minute sessions.
TUITION: There is no charge for this course. If you are interested in taking it, email Rav Carl at ravcarl@gmail.com.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Study materials are supplied free of charge.
SCHEDULE: Three ninety-minute sessions.
TUITION: There is no charge for this course. If you are interested in taking it, email Rav Carl at ravcarl@gmail.com.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Study materials are supplied free of charge.
THE ONE WHO HONORS ME
Studies in Leviticus Rabbah 9, Part 1 (Hebrew text)
June 6 to 27, 2018
Instructor: Rav Carl Kinbar
Leviticus Rabbah is a fifth century rabbinic commentary on the book of Leviticus. In this course, we study the first half of Leviticus Rabbah Chapter 9, in which the Sages focus our attention on what is voluntary, rather than what is specifically required by the Torah. In this way, the Sages do not merely comment on Scripture, but attempt to influence the thoughts, values, and actions of Jews in relation to God and the Community of Israel.
In Chapter 9, the Sages comment on the two statements in Psalms 50:23: Whoever offers the thanksgiving sacrifice honors me, and to the one who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God. The Sages explain why the Thanksgiving offering, which is voluntary, is superior to all other offerings, which are commanded. And they comment on the practices and rewards of those who act for the sake of the Community even apart from the specific mitzvot of the Torah.
In this class, we also pay special attention to the grammar of the Rabbinic Hebrew verb, which is essential for accurate Midrash translation and interpretation.
SCHEDULE: Four ninety-minute sessions.
TUITION: $100
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Study materials are supplied free of charge.
In Chapter 9, the Sages comment on the two statements in Psalms 50:23: Whoever offers the thanksgiving sacrifice honors me, and to the one who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God. The Sages explain why the Thanksgiving offering, which is voluntary, is superior to all other offerings, which are commanded. And they comment on the practices and rewards of those who act for the sake of the Community even apart from the specific mitzvot of the Torah.
In this class, we also pay special attention to the grammar of the Rabbinic Hebrew verb, which is essential for accurate Midrash translation and interpretation.
SCHEDULE: Four ninety-minute sessions.
TUITION: $100
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Study materials are supplied free of charge.
TO BE SCHEDULED
THE ONE WHO HONORS ME (Part 2)
Studies in Leviticus Rabbah 9, Part 2 (Hebrew text)
Instructor: Rav Carl Kinbar
GALATIANS (in translation)
February 21st to March 28th
Instructor: Rabbi Tony Eaton
Of all the letters of Paul the Apostle, perhaps the most misunderstood is his letter the believers of the Galatian congregation. In this study, we will look at the issues and difficulties raised by Paul’s reply to this community’s response to the message of those Paul refers to as “some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Gal. 1:7, NASB). The issues of the relationship of Jews and gentiles, and their relationship to the Torah will be examined in detail.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: To be determined.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: To be determined.
DIVINE ELECTION, TORAH, AND YESHUA
A Study of Michael Wyschogrod's
Abraham’s Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations
Instructor: Rachel Wolf
Michael Wyschogrod was a towering figure of Jewish thought in the second half of the 20th century and until his death in 2015. He is considered by many to be the Jewish theologian who most deeply engaged with Christian theology. In Abraham's Promise, he offers profound insights into Judaism, Christian thought in light of Judaism, and developing meaningful dialogue between the two religions. Our goal is to develop an integrated understanding of Israel's divine election, Torah, and Yeshua, through reading and discussing selected essays in Abraham's Promise in Messianic Jewish perspective.
SYLLABUS
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Wyschogrod, Abrahams Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations (English)
SYLLABUS
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Wyschogrod, Abrahams Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations (English)
MUSSAR
Jewish Ethical Formation
Week of June 10 to Week of July 15, 2018
Instructor: Rabbi Ben Raker Ehrenfeld
This course is a guided study through selected portions of the classic mussar text, Mesillat Yesharim by Rabbi Moses Chaim Luzzatto (1707-46). Students will select a translation of their choice, and the varieties of translations will be part of the dynamics of the group study together. The instructor will refer to the Hebrew text, and students are encouraged to refer themselves to the Hebrew original as well in their preparation.
The learning of Mesillat Yesharim is meant to have a tangible impact on our lives. The purpose of this study is not to learn “about” mussar, but rather to give students an opportunity to encounter the practice of mussar study as one facet of Torah centered ethical development. Accordingly, each text prepared will also include mussar exercises which students will engage in, and will reflect upon throughout class sessions, and ultimately in a final reflection paper due at the end of the course.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Any edition of Mesillat Yesharim. Additional materials are free of charge.
The learning of Mesillat Yesharim is meant to have a tangible impact on our lives. The purpose of this study is not to learn “about” mussar, but rather to give students an opportunity to encounter the practice of mussar study as one facet of Torah centered ethical development. Accordingly, each text prepared will also include mussar exercises which students will engage in, and will reflect upon throughout class sessions, and ultimately in a final reflection paper due at the end of the course.
SCHEDULE: Six ninety-minute sessions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Any edition of Mesillat Yesharim. Additional materials are free of charge.
© 2017 Mechon Mashiach (DBA The New School for Jewish Studies)
