Course Descriptions:

There are a variety of courses offered, each with its own special emphasis. Some courses are text-based, while others are open-discussion and interactive, or lecture-oriented with a philosophical and analytical focus.

About 20 different classes are offered among the various levels (excluding tutorials or independent learning). The following describes a small selection of the courses and their particular emphasis:

48 Ways
48 Ways to Wisdom is the sixth Mishna drawn from the classic Jewish text Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers). This class offers an intensely analytical look at desirable character traits that a person should develop. It focuses on a working definition of the character traits, the method through which they are acquired, and the benefits they bring to one's daily life. This class is essential to building one's foundation in Jewish thinking and Jewish living.

Tefilla (Prayer)-To Pray with Hearts and Words
Prayer is one of the most intimate and private ways of connecting with our Creator, and yet there are specific prayers that are said according to Jewish tradition. This course examines the role of prayer, its function and its purpose, and how to enhance and elevate the experience so that it is meaningful and pertinent on an individual level. Students learn the various texts in their original Hebrew, with their translations and commentaries, so that when recited, they are more than words but an expression of one's truest desires.

Jewish History-The Eternal Jewish People
Without understanding our past, it is difficult to understand the present and impossible to work toward the future. This course begins with the creation of the world and progresses through history until it reaches current issues, examining and discussing our challenges, accomplishments, mistakes, and lessons. Rather than learning in a chronological order, emphasis is placed on seeing how the past can repeat itself, and how Torah knowledge should be our means for dealing with current social and political issues.

Vibrant, Living Judaism (Halacha)
The focus of this course is to provide the "how" of the various Jewish laws and to delve into the "why." The Rabbis who teach these classes are available for individual consultations with students. This course emphasizes the practical aspects and application of Halacha in all realms of Shabbos and holiday observance, keeping Kosher, etc.

Educating Children-Let's Do it Right!
With all the degrees that many of our students have received in university, few have been provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise happy and healthy children. This course uses the Torah as the guidebook for child-rearing from infancy through adulthood, and provides a foundation for the role of parents in allowing the child the freedom to grow and develop, while simultaneously providing the structure and guidance to ensure that he or she develops into an upright and happy Jew.

Chumash-Looking Into the Torah
Learning the Bible has never been so enjoyable! This in-depth course takes students on a textual tour of the Five Books of Moses. Offered at various levels, this text-based course improves students' Hebrew reading and text analysis skills, while helping them apply and live the Torah's words.

Jewish Philosophy-Thinking Like a Jew
Our actions are only one dimension of our life-the thought behind them is what really counts. Guided by classic Jewish texts, such as Mesillas Yesharim (Path of the Just) and Chovos HaLevovos (Duties of the Heart), this course explores the wisdom of the sages to help us lead a meaningful, fulfilled, and truly Jewish life.

Jewish Calendar-the Jewish Cycle of Life
A Jew lives by the calendar. This inspiring course takes an in-depth look at the various holidays and events that mark the Jewish calendar, giving true purpose to every day, month and year of a Jew's life.

Novi (Prophets)-What Do They Say?
Through a comprehensive look at the Tanach, this text-based course examines the timeless words of the Prophets and what their messages mean for us today.

Other courses include
The 6 Constant Mitzvos, Overview of 613 Mitzvos (Commandments), Tehillim (Psalms), Parsha (the weekly Torah portion), Haftorah (the weekly Haftorah portion), Rotating Topics (Seasonal prayers, Megillah, Preparation for the holidays), General Knowledge, Ulpan (Hebrew-language study), among others.