Course Descriptions
The purpose of this course is to examine in depth the foundation of beliefs upon which Judaism rests. We will explore some of the classic concepts discussed by Medieval Jewish philosophers including the relationship between man and G-d, free choice vs. G-d’s foreknowledge, Divine providence, reward & punishment, sadik V’ra Lo, Chosen People, Olam Haba (the world to come), and the end of days.
This course is an in – depth examination of the first two books of the Torah: Bereshit and Shemot. In order to explore and understand the deeper meaning of the text, Midrash, Talmud, and major commentaries will be studied. To strengthen the necessary skills needed in understanding the Hebrew text, students will be given guided independent study.
This course will take an in-depth look at Sefer Shemot, with the goal
of drawing relevant and practical guidance for spiritual growth from
the deeper messages contained within. Emphasis is placed on
developing textual skills, and delving deeply into classical
commentaries and such as Rashi, Malbim, Maharal, Or HaChaim,
and many others, as well as later meforshim, mussar texts, chassidic thought, and gemara.
of drawing relevant and practical guidance for spiritual growth from
the deeper messages contained within. Emphasis is placed on
developing textual skills, and delving deeply into classical
commentaries and such as Rashi, Malbim, Maharal, Or HaChaim,
and many others, as well as later meforshim, mussar texts, chassidic thought, and gemara.
Gemara Pesachim-
We will be learning together the 10th Perek of Masechet Pesachim. Topics range from Shabbat to Pesach. Besides increasing our textual skills we will be learning to analyze the Gemara on a more in depth level – understanding the whys and the whats not only the translation of the words.
We will be learning together the 10th Perek of Masechet Pesachim. Topics range from Shabbat to Pesach. Besides increasing our textual skills we will be learning to analyze the Gemara on a more in depth level – understanding the whys and the whats not only the translation of the words.
On a weekly basis, the students will delve into the lessons gleaned from the Torah portion for the coming Shabbat. The class will explore themes of the Parsha and relate them to contemporary issues, allowing the students to integrate the lessons learned into daily life.
This class is designed to learn the Prophets in – depth. Students will be given independent study time to analyze the text. Classes will utilize Midrash and commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the text.
Complete overview of the practicalities of Jewish law throughout the yearly cycle, based on the teachings of Rav Yosef Karo. Topics to be covered include prayer, blessings, Shabbat,Holidays, Kashrut, and Kibbud Av V’Em.
This course offers the philosophical underpinnings and halachic sources for many of the areas of Jewish law pertaining to women. Especially emphasized are topics regarding relationships between men and women in Judaism, love, dating and marriage, gender differences, the Jewish view of sexuality and the laws of tzniut. Engaging discussion is a crucial element of the class, and questioning is encouraged.
A comprehensive study of the laws regarding lashon hara, motzi shem ra, and rechilut using Rav Pliskin’s Guard Your Tongue as a guide.
Where does the concept of prayer come from? What’s the purpose of prayer if G-d knows what we need and want? What does it really mean to have ‘Kavana?’ In this course students will explore the meaning, laws, and development of prayer. Students will gain a deeper understanding of why we pray, while at the same time deepen their knowledge of the laws of prayer. Sources will encompass prayer as it developed from the Bible, the Mishna and Talmud, Maimonides, up until the present day.
The Siddur is the most read book in Judaism yet at times also one of the least understood. In this course we will learn what the words mean in order to gain a sense of the deep personal meaning inherent in our Tefila. Additionally we will examine some of the philosophical questions which come up such as:
1) Philosophy of Prayer: Why do we try to convince God when we pray, if He already knows what we want? Why pray using someone else’s words (the Rabbis)? Why pray in a foreign language (hebrew)? Why pray with many people around us (minyan)?
2) The SIddur’s Words: Week Day Prayers: Birchat Ha Shachar, Psukei D’Zimra, Shema, Shmoneh Esreh, Aleinu.
Shabbat Prayers: Kabbalat Shabbat, The Shabbat Shmoneh Esreh.
An in depth study of all facets of trust in Hashem through classic and contemporary sources such as Hovot Halevavot, Orhot Tzadikim, Michtav MeEliyahu, Netivot Shalom and others. Topics under study include the human capacity for trust, knowledge of G-d that enables us to trust G-d, how our life- scripts impact our ability to trust, and using our imagination as a tool to build a relationship with G-d.
In this Tikun HaMidot class, student discovered a practical approach and guide to working on one’s inner self. During the year, we discuss a wide range of the fundamental Midot (character traits) which guide our thoughts, actions, speech and avodat Hashem in every aspect of our lives. The midot we delved into include: Rahamim, Menuhat HaNefesh, Simha, Redifat HaCavod, Gevura, Anger, Bitachon and Kinah (Envy). A wide range of classical Torah, Mussar and Chassidic sources are studied in depth with emphasis placed on drawing out a relevant and very practical working guide to personal spiritual growth for the purpose of revealing the G-dly light within each of us.
In this course students will study the popular “Ethics of the Fathers.” Through textual study students will engage in rigorous discussion of Jewish ethics and morals to derive a deep understanding of appropriate conduct as individuals as well as members of the Chosen nation.
In this course we will explore the development and establishment of our beautiful, magical and miraculous land of Israel. Beginning with the תנ”ך we will explore the centrality of א”י with special emphasis on the last 100 years of Zionist history, discussion of the wars, emmigrations, and personalities who contributed to the states’ founding and formation, such as Theodor Herzl,David Ben Gurion, and Rav Kook, . The course will include multi- media presentations and select trips. Prepare to be inspired!
This class emphasizes the positive impact of Sephardic Jewry on the world. It will examine the lives of great Torah scholars and other Sephardic personalities and the various communities pre and post the expulsion of 1492, including the Chida, Ben Ish Chai and the Baba Sali. We will also study major events that affected the Sephardic world. For the Sephardic student especially, this course helps to solidify their Sephardic identity with the knowledge of their glorious past.
In this course we will learn about some of the prominent women role models found in Neviim and Ketuvim. We will explore their role and impact during the time in which they lived as well as what we can learn from them today. Personalities include both well-known and not -so-well-known Women in Tanakh studied through the primary text as well as relevant commentaries.
In this course we will learn about the different relationships a We will use classic sources as well as modern articles from various We will discuss how a person develops on each of these levels. Person has in their life Between a man and himself Between a man and his fellow man Between man and his Creator rabbis and educators.
בן אדם לעצמו
בן אדם לחברו
בן אדם למקום
Soul Mates: A Deeper look at Men and Woman, Dating and Marriage
This class will build a clear and profound understanding of the spiritual root of the male and female and then work to apply this knowledge to the practical Jewish pathway to relationships and marriage. Topics such as what is Love, Shomer Negia, Platonic friendships, dating, soul mates, and marriage will all be dealt with in depth as a means of gaining great insight into this critical subject.
This class will build a clear and profound understanding of the spiritual root of the male and female and then work to apply this knowledge to the practical Jewish pathway to relationships and marriage. Topics such as what is Love, Shomer Negia, Platonic friendships, dating, soul mates, and marriage will all be dealt with in depth as a means of gaining great insight into this critical subject.
This class aims to build a deeply spiritual yet practical guide to genuine connection in Avodat Hashem through delving into a wide range of sources from the Mussar classics to Chassidut. Through the course the students learn to understand the deeper psychological and spiritual mechanics of the Jewish Self and how to use this self-knowledge to attain and reveal holiness, purity and sincerity in all aspects of life.
We will be discussing various issues concerning our belief in the Halachic system and its development.
The major topics that we be discussed are as follows:
1.Doubt and Faith – what is allowed within the Jewish Tradition and how do we deal with Doubt when we experience it
2.The Denominations of Judaism as seen through their approach to Jewish Law. We will contrast orthodoxy to the other denominations and we will be examining the different approaches to Law and life within orthodoxy itself
3.The Development of Torah Shebeal Peh throughout the ages
4.How does one become a posek and how does pesak Halacha work
In this course we will delve into the sometimes inaccessible world of Rav Kook – first Chief Rabbi of Eres Yisrael as well as a most complex thinker who spearheaded Religious Zionism. We will study his philosophy of Teshuva (self growth), Torah, Zionism, Atheism, Vegetarianism and Geulah (redemption) using the text Rav Kook Selected Writings by Rabbi AriZe’ev Schwartz
In this course students will examine in depth the 13 Ikkarim of the Rambam which form the basis of our beliefs as Jews. Primary and secondary sources will be utilized to gain deeper insight into the significance of each one of the 13 Ikkarim.
In this course we will examine major topics in Jewish thought such as Why Hashem created the World, Why we value Eretz Yisrael, What it means to be Chosen, Reasons for Mitzvot, Why one should Believe in Hashem and Did the Avot keep the Mizvot as we know them. Students will gain familiarity both with the answers suggested by Hazal and later Jewish Thinkers to these questions as well as an understanding of their different approaches to the issues raised.
On a weekly basis we will study at Matan with today’s best educators including Shani Taragin and Dr. Yael Ziegler. On a monthly basis we will go on a tour with reknown tour guide Shulie Miskin to see our learning come alive!
In this course we will focus on Megillot Esther and Rut. We will delve into the text and classic mephorshim and will uncover ideas behind the pesukim.
This intensive language course focuses on Hebrew comprehension and spoken language skills. It will involve an applied approach to learning Hebrew through class trips to the mall, the religious neighborhood of Jerusalem, the marketplace, and more. The course material will also include the study of Israeli films in order to better understand the Israeli culture and mentality.
Many people think that yoga is just stretching. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating inner balance and centering the mind. Through deep breathing and postures both challenging and restorative, students will gain a deeper sense of their inner selves, learn how to effectively handle daily stress and come to a place of harmony between body and soul. The benefits of yoga extend to both the body and the mind.