Welcome to the website for students in the ALEPH Rabbinic Program
This page lists the classes currently being offered and the teachers for that course. For a class description, please click on the class title. Classes that are listed an only for one season are only offered in that season -- other classes may be taken either in Fall or Spring.
Close readings in the literature of the halakha - texts selected to assist students in developing familiarity with this literature and to attempt a close halakhic analysis of issues important to cntemporary Jewish life. Topic(s) will be selected by the class in consultation. There will be some discussion of issues raised by contemporary scholars/philosophers of halakha, including Elliot Dorff, Eugene Borowitz, Joel Roth, Gordon Tucker and Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
Prerequisite: One semester of study of Rabbinic literature from primary sources. (There are no translations of these texts).
The Liturgy of the Yamim Noraim -- Rabbi Samuel Barth
A careful study of the texts associated with the Yamim Nora'im, and also the liturgical questions beyond the text. The development of the "traditional" texts of the "matbe'a tephilla" and the ways in which these texts have evolved in the various liturgical traditions of contemporary Jewish life including: Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal - and looking closely at variants between North America, Europe and Israel. The traditional piyyutim will be examined and also contemporary song and poetry associated with the liturgy. The course will examine the organizational and spiritual questions that present to those with responsibility for planning and leading services during this season.
Prerequisite: The equivalent of a one semester course in Jewish liturgy.
Mikraot Gedolot I and II -- Rabbi Uziel Weingarten
A guided tour of the mefarshim, consisting of a close reading of the Torah text using the five classic commentaries that appear in Mikraot Gedolot: Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Ramban, Rashbam and Seforno. We will learn to read their commentary with comprehension. In addition, we
will seek to find what Reb Marcia calls "the hidden dialogue" that each commentator has with the text, that is, what textual question or difficulty is prompting the commentator to write. We will also discuss what spiritual perspectives are reflected in the commentary. Participants will gain text skills at a level that will enable them to discover ethical and spiritual values in the text and begin applying them to the reality of our modern lives. The first course, to be offered in the winter, will focus on Bereishit 12, which is the opening chapter of Lech L'cha, followed by a selection from Shmot. In the second course, to be offered in the spring, we will study selections from Vayikra, Bemidbar and Devarim. The selections will be chosen so that they cover the range of styles in the Torah: narrative, law and exhortation. Students will thus have experience in each of the five books of the Torah and in the various kinds of texts.
In this course we will cover the basic works of rabbinic literature: Mishnah, Tosefta, Gemara, Halakhic and Aggadic midrash collections. Students will learn how to listen to the different voices within rabbinic literature and uncover the structure that lies beneath each collection's form. Most of our energy will be focused on primary texts and some secondary reading.
Learn to appreciate the beauty of these documents as they were originally conceived rather than the way the came to be used by later generations.
How to Understand Torah: A Literary, Anthropological View of the Torah's Sources and Documents --- Rabbi Judith Abrams Ph.D.
How are we to understand Torah today? The best way to begin is to approach Torah "on its own terms." This course brings the learner back in time to explore as much as we can know of the original meaning of ancient practices and ideas that may puzzle us as moderns - including laws of purity, the place of the Tabernacle cult, the metaphorical nature of religion and, specifically, the metaphors used to describe the relationship of Israel and God. In this course we unlock the secrets of the Torah's worldview and thereby enable ourselves to incorporate Torah into our lives.
Introduction to Chasidut -- Rabbi Miles Krassen Ph.D.
In this class we will identify and study the essential interests of early Hasidism through teachings preserved by Rabbi Moshe Hayyim Efraim of Sudilkov, a grandson of the Ba'al Shem Tov. These teachings will be selected from his commentary on the Torah, Degel Mahaneh Efraim, one of the earliest Hasidic texts. In the course, we will focus on such major concepts as the Shekinah, raising sparks, soul roots, and the Zaddiq. We will also be concerned with the nature and style of the Hasidic derash and its relationship to Kabbalah. Texts will be studied in Hebrew and translated and explained in English during the class. Students will be expected to prepare for class in hevruta sessions. The work in this class will prepare students for more advanced and independent study of Hasidut. In addition to the primary text, secondary sources by the leading scholars of Hasidism will also be included in the syllabus.
The course will be offered primarily by telephone conference at a time to be arranged by the instructor in consultation with enrolled students and our teleconference coordinator Shafir Lobb: (330) 497-1221 click here to email Shafir
Your semester-length course will be roughly equivalent to a three-credit per semester graduate course, utilizing primary source materials and expecting deep analysis and reflection by the student. There will be a built-in process of evaluation, and the expectation of some significant work by each student beyond participation in class sessions. This may be a paper, presentation, project, examination (written or oral), or some other modality to be agreed upon.
Each semester-length course should consist of between 12 and 14 (13 is typical) sessions of approximately 90 minutes - 2 hours each. The instructor will allocate time for at least two brief private tutorial sessions (15-30 minutes) during the semester for each student. In this kind of teaching it is also anticipated that the instructor will set aside an hour during the week
in which he or she would be available to answer occasional questions over the telephone. Students should be able to e-mail appropriate questions to which the instructor will respond.
Cancel drop policy: You may drop a class by the third class without penalty -- to do so, please email Shafir and Naomi by the third class or you will be charged the class fee. Thanks!
The Making of a Hasid: A survey of Classical Musar -- Rabbi Miles Krassen Ph.D.
The concept of "Hasid" or spiritually perfected person developed over many centuries in Judaism, primarily in the Classical Musar texts. This course offers a survey of the qualities and practices associated with the Hasid in that literature. Beginning with, Rabbenu Bachya Ibn Paquda?s groundbreaking work, Duties of the Heart, we will trace the development of the Hasid in such works as Maimonides? 8 Chapters, Reishit Chokhmah, Tomer Devorah, Mesillat Yesharim, and conclude with selections from Israel Salanter, founder of the Lithuanian Musar Movement. Most readings are available in English translation.
In this course on remazim, i.e., the playful approach to Torah interpretation, we will cover basic numerology, notarikon (i.e., when each letter in a word is considered part of an acronym) and simple, careful study of the Torah text. We will also show how to use numerology in practical rabbinic work.
The Liturgy of Shabbat and Daily -- Rabbi Samuel Barth
A careful study of the texts associated with Shabbat and the Daily Prayers and also the liturgical questions beyond the text. The development of the "traditional" texts of the "matbe'a tephilla" and the ways in which these texts have evolved in the various liturgical traditions of contemporary Jewish life including: Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal - and looking closely at variants between North America, Europe and Israel. The traditional piyyutim will be examined and also contemporary song and poetry associated with the liturgy. The course will examine the organizational and spiritual questions that present to those with responsibility for planning and leading services during this season.
Prerequisite: The equivalent of a one semester course in Jewish liturgy.
Halachah and Paradigm Shift -- Rabbi Daniel Siegel
a class for intermediate and advanced students. As a primary text, we use the Otzar Dinim U-Minhagim as a vehicle for entering the halachic process, learning its dynamic, and beginning to learn how to speak in its language.
This is a twelve week class, involving preparation, presentation in class, a mid-term assignment and a final project/paper.
Comparative Nusach: Liturgy as a Support for Prayer - Rabbi Daniel Siegel
Fall Term 2004/5765
Most of us grow up with the sense that there exists "the siddur" a fixed and universal liturgy. While most of our liturgy is indeed held in common, at least with regard to the sequence and content of prayers, there are also significant difference among siddurim from various time periods and communities. Becoming aware of these differences can open our minds to new possibilities, manifest theological nuances, and provide opportunities to "change" nusach in ways that are authentically traditional.
This twelve week elective class will explore these differences under several categories, including theology, the "curious," and the contemporary. We will also explore niggun and synagogue practices and etiquette (such as standing and sitting, bowing and stepping).
Please have at least:
1 classical Ashkenazic siddur
1 classical Sephardic siddur
At least one of the three siddurim available from the ALEPH ReSources Catalog
Kol Koreh
Kabbalat Shabbat/Shabbat Shacharit by Reb Marcia
Ivdu et Hashem B'Simchah by Reb David Zasolow
1 Contemporary Siddur
Sim Shalom (Conservative)
Gates of Prayer (Reform)
Kol Ha-N'shamah (Reconstructionist
or another you might have or find
I will make pdf files of siddur pages you don't have
There will be at least one reading assignment of a scholarly/critical book on liturgy
There will be at least one class presentation for each student
There will be a final project on a liturgical subject of interest to each student
While it is too early to say for sure when the class will meet, Tuesday or Wednesday are more likely evenings (Monday or Thursday would require an 8:15pm Eastern Time start). Daytime is also possible. I will narrow the choices down as my own schedule for the Fall becomes clearer.
Halachah and Paradigm Shift - Senior Project -- Rabbi Daniel Siegel
This is a required tutorial in which the student applies what s/he has learned in the halachah curriculum to a particular practice or concept. The topic is chosen in consultation with Reb Daniel and, often but not always, also with Reb Zalman. The practice or concept is traced through halachic sources, usually beginning with more modern and proceeding backwards to older sources. The student writes a unit on the meaning of the core concepts of paradigm shift and psycho-halachah and then analyzes the chosen subject in light of these concepts.
This is a tutorial for which a student must register. The fee includes three hours of Reb Daniel's time (more can be negotiated if needed).
The Theology of Rav Kook - Rabbi Itzchak Marmorstein
Rabbi Abraham Itzchak HaCohen Kook (1865-1935)is considered by many to be one of the preeminent contemporary Jewish thinkers and mystics. In this course, we will explore the foundations of his wholistic and wide ranging teachings.
We will study selections of his original writings and explore their relevance and implications for our lives today.
We will use the theoretical structure that his premier student, Rabbi David Cohen, HaNazir, identified as the central principles of Rav Kook's theology. Volume Bet of Orot HaKodesh-Lights of Holiness is arranged according to this schema and will be the primary text for our class.
In addition to selections of his writings, students will be assigned readings about Rav Kook.
Breaking the Sefer Barrier, Part One - Rabbi Daniel Siegel
a class for students nearer the beginning of their course of studies. As a primary text, we use the Ta'amei HaMinhagim and M'korot HaDinim as a vehicle for practicing rabbinic Hebrew while appreciating the subject matter.
This is a twelve week class, involving preparation, presentation in class, and two written assignments.
People often think that communicating with compassion is the same thing as being "nice" or "caring." In fact, there is expertise required to effectively express compassion. The ability to communicate with compassion is the single most important skill-set that rabbis and teachers must have. Truly good listening is a great gift of love that we give people, and a tangible expression of the mitzvah of “loving each other.”
This course systematically presents, both in theory and in practice, the art of listening, the art of giving advice and feedback, and key aspects of how to approach issues. These skills are invaluable in dealing with congregants, students, board members, administrators, employees, and in counseling situations. They also help rabbis and teachers handle the pressures that their callings bring to their family situations.
Course requirements:
The weekly assigned readings (included in the *course outline*), drawn from both secular and Jewish sources, are selected so as to supplement and deepen what is learned in class. There will also be 3-5 brief questions, with answers due by email, to support and guide students in the weekly readings and focus them on the main points.
Technical information:
The course consists of 14 sessions of 1.5 hours each, and will be offered by teleconference. Up to 12 students may participate in the course. THIS CLASS IS INDEPENDENT OF THE ALEPH TELECLASS SYSTEM and run by Rabbi Weingarten on his own system.
For more information (including registering) click *here*.
class will be taught Sunday early evening, West Coast time
In this course we will explore a wide variety of Midrashic-Aggadic traditions, including selections from: Midrash of Rabbi Eliezer on hermeneutics; Midrash Rabbah on Genesis; Midrash Tanchuma on Genesis; Mechilta of Rabbi Ishmael on Exodus; Sifri on Numbers, and as an option, the mystical Pirkei d'Rabbi Eliezer. The objective of the course is to master the basic methods of rabbinic interpretation of Biblical text and the begin to think in the modality of a midrashic rabbi. Text will be studied in Hebrew, Course includes a 135 page reader for purchase.
Class sessions will cover:
• The history of mudrash and aggadah, the 13 rules if interpretationn of Rabbi Ishmael; the 32 rules of Rabbi Eliezer.
•The Akedah and the midrashic treatments of Abraham, Sarah, Yitzhak, Hagar and Yishmael
• Yosef and his brothers: complexity and providence
• Yetziat Mitzrayim: the Exodus
•The experience of Sinai & receiving the Divine
• Birkat Cohanim: The Priestly Blessing and the art of blessing
•Miriam, Moshe and Aharon: rivalry, gossip and healing
Historians, Jewish Historians and the Writing of Jewish History -- Rabbi Victor Gross
A conception of the past is not merely an academic matter. It is critical for self-definition both as individuals and nation. Most forms of identity are rooted in some view of antecedents which helps sustain the present and future.
We will look at how Jewish historians have framed, written, and made the past. We will look at the various historians’ ideology and methodology.
What constitutes the expectations and ideals of historical writing? Is the writing of Jewish history a continuation of midrash? We will look at issues of causality, role of ideas vs individual efforts in history, and moral values vs impartiality .
We will also examine the writing of Jewish history in a methodological manner. Periodization or single scheme of writing. We will examine the difference between the history of Judaism and the history of the Jewish people. We will examine the belief of continuity in our history vs geographic divisions. Is Jewish history continuous? What possible unifying factors exist in our history. We will reference particular periods of Jewish history as case studies.
Rebels, Rebellions, Revolts, Schemers and Dreamers -- Rabbi Victor Gross
We are supposedly one people, yet our history is full of rebellions and factional conflicts that have played out over the ages. Waves of these "in-house" rebellions still wash up on the shores of our own lives, and we often don't have a clue of where they came from! Join a group of historical adventurers as we unearth the historical and intellectual underpinnings of the best rebellions within Judaism. We'll travel with the under-dog groups, the minorities in search of authority and legitimacy in Jewish history, and examine the extent that the "loosers," in some cases, won! From Korach to Jacob Frank; From Kairites to Renewal we will meet the radicals, the rebels and the separtists, the troublemakers and the artists of change.
The underlying purpose of the course is to examine how the majority "powers that were" dealt with factionalism.
For Renewal rabbinical students it is important to know how "heretical " ideas and movements have been able to influence the normative". How can renewal succeed based on historical hindsight.
Bibliography for Rebels, Rebellions, Revolts, Schemers and Dreamers
Gershom Scholem, “Redemption Through Sin” in The Messianic Idea in Judaism And Other Essays on Jewish Spirituality” (Schocken PB)
Reb Zalman, Renewal is Judaism Now
Korach, Torah: Book of Numbers. Chapters 16-17
Louis Ginzberg, Legends of the Jews, Vol. 3., pp 286-300
Elishah Ben Abuyah
Recommended: Milton Steinberg, As A Driven Leaf or
Bio-Ethics, Halachah and Contemporary Practice - Rabbi Goldie Milgram
This course will prepare you for the main roles and responsibilities you will have in addressing a wide-range of bio-ethical situations as a Jewish clergy person. The fundamental principles of Jewish bio-ethics will be taught and applied to realistic case situations. This teaching model emphasizes systematic thinking, counseling and the integration of traditional and contemporary Jewish and secular sources on bio-ethics.
Topics to be covered include: Euthanasia, organ donation, living wills, suicide, infertility, abortion, and genetic testing.. Primary sources will be studied as well as contemporary responses from the various movements.
Types of practical situations to be considered include:
You are a congregational rabbi and a congregant asks you to help her decide whether to…
You have been asked to testify before your state legislature and give the Jewish position on…
You are a nursing home chaplain asked for an opinion on……
You serve on the hospital's bio-ethics committee and need to prepare a brief for the committee on Jewish views on….…
You are preparing a bio-ethics unit for a Hebrew High School, how will you teach about…
Perspectives to be considered will be:
Who is your client: Judaism? Society? The Individual? The Family? The Text? The Court? The Nursing Home? The Hospital? The Hevrah Kaddishah? the Congregation?
What is your role in the arena of religion and bio-ethics? Posek? Teacher? Counselor? Advocate? Judge? Mediator? Healer?
How does your background and Jewish orientation consciously or unconsciously inform your thoughts, decisions and actions in each of these roles?
Books: A list of textbooks recommended for purchase to create a small but serious bio-ethics section in your library will be provided. Reading assignments will come from these books, a variety of websites and also articles which will be distributed, and one video may be required.
Assignments: Students will be assigned weeks to give creative up to half-hour presentations on a given situation. Such presentations might range from writing a responsa, giving a brief for a bioethics committee, preparing sample testimony for congress, explaining a teaching unit you have designed, writing a letter of guidance to a congregant, etc.
Presentations must also be submitted in writing and part of the educational process will be revising and resubmitting them based on the instructors' guidance to help you deepen your skills and familiarity with the material.
Field Trip: Students will be given a list of field experiences from which one must be identified and undertaken. This will include things like attending a bio-ethics conference, a local hospital bio-ethics committee, seeing a particular movie, meeting with an area health professional or clergy person to discuss a case they are dealing with, attending a legislature session where testimony is being given, etc. A field trip report will be required.
Sessions: Thirteen 90 minute teleconferences to be set on a day of the week mutually desired by the instructor and those enrolled. 2 private conferences will be available for each student.
Jewish Life in the Middle Ages - Rabbi Leila Berner
For a thousand years in Diaspora, from about 500 C.E, Jews lived under the domination of the Cross and the Crescent. Together we will explore the social, religious, economic, political and cultural conditions of life for Jews under Muslim and Christian rule and how they navigated a world that challenged them both internally and externally. Among the topics to be studied are:
the medieval Christian Church and the Jews (theological tensions, medieval polemics, disputation and dialogue as well as ecclesiastical measures aimed at keeping Jews at controlling Jewish life and interaction with the Christian faithful)
the impact of the Crusades on the Jews of the Rhine district of Germany
the development of internal Jewish communal and intellectual life
Jewish life in medieval Islamic Spain (living as a dhimmi or protected people,
the deep cultural interchange between Muslims and Jews, and the golden age of medieval Jewry under Muslim rule)
Myths and stereotypes of medieval Jews
medieval Jewish women
The course will be conducted mainly through an exploration of primary texts (in translation)
Other information:
A minimum of six registered students is required for this course to be offered.
Depending on the time chosen, the first class will be held during the week of January 17.
There will be 12 class sessions.
Students will be responsible for obtaining all required reading materials.
Class requirements:
- diligent reading of assigned materials and active participation in conference discussions
- leading off one or two class discussions with a 15-minute presentation (the number of times each student presents will depend on the number of enrolled students)
- writing a final paper on a relevant topic (length to be determined by Aleph Rabbinic Program curricular standards)
The best times for this class to be scheduled (US Eastern Standard Time) are:
