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New York Fall 2006 Courses
Please note that courses are subject to change. For more information on these courses, please contact Dina Linsk at (212) 674-5300 ext. 2220 or email dlinsk@huc.edu.
Click here for the New York Rabbinical Student Handbook (PDF format)
Click here to download the New York Fall 2006 courses in Word format
Click here to download the Guide for Leading Weekday Tfillot at HUC-JIR/NY (PDF)
For an archive of previous year's course listings click here
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BII 401
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INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW BIBLE: PROSE NARRATIVE IN THE PENTATEUCH
Dr. S. David Sperling
(3 cr.)
This course is an introduction to serious study of the Bible on two levels. First, students will make extensive use of
concordances and dictionaries in order to acquire direct linguistic access to biblical prose narrative. Second, students will
attempt to understand what these narratives would have meant at the time they were written by attending to the historical
circumstances of the Bible's writers and their ideologies.
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BII 402
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THE LITERATURE OF THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD
Dr. Aaron Panken
(1.5 cr.)
The years between 586 BCE and 70 CE represent one of the most diverse and fascinating moments of literary output in Jewish
history. Often ignored, these writings created a bridge between their precedents in biblical texts and their descendants in
rabbinic literature. Their authors lived in the first generations to explain and interpret sacred texts for a mixed audience
ranging from fervent sectarian believers to assimilated Greek Gentiles.
Students in this course will read selections from Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, the Apocrypha, the Pseudepigrapha, texts from Qumran
(the Dead Sea Scrolls), texts found in the Judaean desert, and texts by Philo and Josephus, in order to form a textured
understanding of the many literary collections and genres that developed during this period. Students will also be exposed to
various research tools (concordances, dictionaries, facsimile editions, study aids, etc.) and essential secondary literature that
inform the study of these texts.
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BII 411
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THE PROPHETS: AMOS THROUGH DEUTERO-ISAIAH
Dr. Andrea Weiss
(3 cr.)
In this course, we will study the words and the world of the biblical prophets: the words they spoke and the world in which they
lived. We will focus on six prophetic books, in chronological order: Amos, Hosea, Isaiah 1-39, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah
40-66. This course aims to help students develop the skills required to decipher the meaning of the prophets and appreciate the
literary and rhetorical devices used in these texts. Students will become familiar with the historical context of the prophets,
gaining insight into the ways the content and style of each prophetic book has been shaped by the prophet's particular
geographic, political, and cultural setting.
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BII 421
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SURVEY OF THE TANAKH: TORAH AND HISTORICAL BOOKS
Dr. Andrea Weiss
(3 cr.)
This is part one of the year-long course, "Torah, Haftarah, and Megillot: A Survey of the Tanakh." This course covers the
important texts and issues related to Genesis through Kings.
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BII 441
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PARSHANUT
Dr. Sharon Koren
(3 cr.)
Survey of Jewish intellectual history through Biblical commentaries. Each class will be devoted to a different exegete - from
Saadia Gaon to Modern Feminist hermeneutics. All assignments will be in Hebrew.
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BII 508
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THE TORAH: A WOMEN'S COMMENTARY - A READING GROUP
Dr. Andrea Weiss
(1.5 cr.)
The Torah: A Women's Commentary is an exciting project that is being funded by Women of Reform Judaism and published by
the URJ Press. Scheduled to be published in the fall of 2007, the commentary contains multiple entries on each parashah
by leading Jewish women scholars, rabbis, cantors, educators, and poets. We will read and discuss drafts of the weekly
parashah from the Women's Commentary and compare this material to existing commentaries.
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BII 509
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SELECTIONS FROM THE PENTATEUCH
Dr. A. Stanley Dreyfus
(1.5 cr.)
In this course attention will be given to the correct reading and precise translation of portions of the Pentateuch. There will
also be attention to Hebrew grammar, primarily to the study of the Hebrew verb in all the binyanim.
This course will meet throughout the year. All of the texts to be studied will be drawn from among the "Required Texts" that will
comprise the substance of the Minimum Competency Examination in Biblical Hebrew. The texts studied will be different from those
covered in previous semesters, so that students who have taken this course before may take this course for credit.
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BII 517
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PSALMS
Dr. S. David Sperling
(3 cr.)
The Book of Psalms is probably the oldest Jewish prayer book. This course will be devoted to close text study of some Psalms
that remain prominent in Reform Jewish liturgy.
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SOE 401
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TEACHING AND LEARNING PRACTICUM
Dr. Lisa Grant
(3 cr.)
This course combines theory and practice to help students develop their teaching skills. Our work will include reading a series
of portraits of teachers, group discussion/problem-solving, and analysis of video-tapes of live classroom teaching. We will
build a constructive, safe environment in the class for students to practice teaching and to provide productive feedback to each
other. This classroom-based experience is followed in the spring semester by a field-based course where students will be
observed in their classroom settings and meet privately with a clinical supervisor for support and coaching.
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SOE 411
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HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Susan Ruskin-Mayher
(3 cr.)
This course examines the interactions among the cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic, physical, moral, spiritual and
neurological domains in the developing human. Development from infancy through adulthood will be investigated with a focus on
people as makers of meaning in relation to the systems with which they interact. Core knowledge of learning will be developed
through observation and analysis of learning across a range of differences.
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SOE 421
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EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
Ms. Jo Kay
(3 cr.)
How does one's ability and skill as a leader affect his/her work as an educator and administrator? What can be learned from the
literature that can help educators gain support and begin to change the culture in the institutions in which they work? What are
the "politics" of leadership? How can we work effectively with lay committees and lay boards? We will look at some case studies
and discover how they might apply to your individual settings.
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SOE 431
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FROM TALMUD TORAHS TO LEARNING COMMUNITIES: HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS FOR AMERICAN JEWISH EDUCATION
Dr. Lisa Grant
(3 cr.)
Understanding what came before us is an important step to looking ahead to what is to come. The study of the history of Jewish
education in America can tell us much about Jewish life in a pluralistic, democratic society. This seminar style course will use
primary sources, fiction, biography, and secondary analysis to explore the issues, trends, and innovations in Jewish education
from the mid-nineteenth century until the present. We will focus on how Jewish education in America responds to and negotiates
the community's interaction with the larger society. Students will prepare a research paper on a topic of their choice relating
to historical issues in Jewish education and their contemporary applications.
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SOE 432
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M.A.R.E. EDUCATION SEMINAR
Ms. Jo Kay
(0 cr.)
A Master's level seminar is required of all students in the Education Program for at least two years during their residency.
This is a practice-based and research course.
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SOE 502
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MORAL EDUCATION
Dr. Jan Katzew
(3 cr.)
To the extent that morality is teachable, and that is a matter of considerable debate, we will draw from the reservoir of Jewish
texts and contexts to learn several strategies for moral education. Among the questions we will discuss is:
- How do people make moral judgments?
- What are the educational implications of universal and particularist ethics?
- Does habit precede reason?
- Why do people do things they know to be wrong?
- Are there Jewish ethics?
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SOE 571
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FINDING YOUR FAMILY IN THE TEXT: A FAMILY SYSTEMS COURSE
Rabbi Richard Address
(3 cr.)
This course will study "families" as seen through current demographic realities and classic Jewish texts. Biblical, Talmudic and
Midrashic stories will be examined against current texts and personal histories. The course will also present the study of
"family dynamics" and "family process" as students are encouraged to think about how to incorporate text into their work with
families of all ages.
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HIS 401
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SURVEY OF JEWISH HISTORY: BIBLICAL TO RABBINIC HISTORY
Drs. Carole Balin and Sharon F. Koren
(3 cr.)
This course will provide a survey from the Patriarchs to the Rabbinic Period. The course will also offer a brief introduction to
historiographical methodology that will serve as the basis for further work.
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HIS 411
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SURVEY OF JEWISH HISTORY PART ONE: FROM THE ISRAELITES TO THE EXPULSION FROM SPAIN
Dr. Bruce Ruben
(3 cr.)
This course covers a survey of Jewish history from the patriarchal through the medieval periods.
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HIS 500
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THE SEPHARDIC EXPERIENCE: A SURVEY OF SEPHARDIC HISTORY AND CULTURE FROM THEIR BEGINNINGS UNTIL TODAY
Dr. Martin A. Cohen
(3 cr.)
A survey of the Sephardic experience and cultural productivity from their beginnings in the Iberian Peninsula to their
globalistic expansion and influence.
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HIS 515
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REFORM JUDAISM IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Carole B. Balin
(3 cr.)
Who was Abraham Geiger? Did Isaac Mayer Wise really throw a punch on the bima on Yom Kippur? Were Reform Jews the first to
promote equality between men and women? Did social action derive from the prophetic ideals of Reform's founders? These and other
questions will be raised in this twice-weekly class that traces the history of the Reform movement from its earliest roots in
Prussia to its development in North America. Primarily, primary sources will be used with some secondary readings as well. Expect
heavy reading assignments and an opportunity to look critically at our movement over time.
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HIS 575
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GOSPELS AND RABBINIC JUDAISM
Dr. Martin A. Cohen
(3 cr.)
This seminar will study the Gospels against the backdrop of Jewish history between the Great War with Rome and the Bar Kokhba
Rebellion, and, no less, the broader history of the Hellenistic-Roman world during this period. It will also seek to recover the
historical Jesus within the Jewish and general historical context of his time.
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JLL 401
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DIKDUK AND SIFRUT
Ms. Michal Nachmany,
Dr. Stanley Nash and
Dr. Wendy Zierler
(3 cr.)
This course will focus on the reading of modern Hebrew literary texts constructed around a theme such as "Arakhim
u-Musar." A systematic grammar review centering around enhanced mastery of the verb system will be equally focused on
practical application and the decoding of texts. Classes will be conducted in Hebrew and stress will also be given to improving
speaking and writing skills.
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JLL 406
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BEIT MIDRASH
TBA
(3 cr.)
Working in pairs, students will study Hebrew texts assigned for other courses with guidance available from Beit Midrash teachers.
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JLL 421
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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION HEBREW
Dr. Joel M. Hoffman
(3 cr.)
The class will focus on Biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew, and, in particular, on decoding and understanding Hebrew, that is to say,
looking at a Hebrew text and understanding what it says. By the end of the course, students will be able to read almost any
pointed or unpointed Hebrew text with the help of a dictionary. The class includes a review of all the binyanim and covers all of
the Hebrew prefixes and suffixes. It also explores ways in which Biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew differ and ways in which both
differ from modern Hebrew. Finally, the course includes discussions of how one might apply the information from the class to
teaching Hebrew in Hebrew schools.
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JLL 504
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ISRAELI MUSIC (H)
Ms. Michal Nachmany
(3 cr.)
A new way to learn Hebrew through Israeli songs, old and new. We will touch on the history of Israeli music and review grammar
and vocabulary as used in the lyrics of Israeli songs.
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JLL 506
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POEMS ABOUT LOVE, LIFE, MATURATION AND DYING (H)
Dr. Stanley Nash
(3 cr.)
In this course we will study materials that have a potential for incorporation in sermons, adult education and/or life cycle
events. Samples of love poems will be explored from the eras of Bialik, Tchernichovsky, Rahel Bluvstein, Esther Raab, Leah
Goldberg through the 1948 generation of Chaim Gouri and Yitzhak Shalev and culminating in works by Amichai, Zelda, Admiel Kosman,
Yitzhak Laor, Rivka Miriam, Chava Pinchas Cohen and others. Depending on the interests of the class more or less time will be
devoted to the all too abundant literature of mourning. Given Amichai's popularity, samples of his work will be cited in
virtually every category.
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JLL 508
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THE CULTURE WARS BETWEEN ASHKENAZIM AND MIZRAHI WRITERS (H)
Dr. Stanley Nash
(3 cr.)
In this class we will explore the difference between the Zionist vision and narratives of these two communities as expressed in
poetry and in segments of fictional prose and newspaper or academic articles. We will examine differing perspectives among
Ashkenazim and Mizrahim on the mass immigrations that came to Israel from Europe and the Levant around 1948, on the period of the
Maabarot (Transition Camps), the Shoah, Arabic culture, intermarriage, and religion.
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JLL 515
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TRANSLATING HEBREW INTO ENGLISH: THEORY & PRACTICE (H)
Dr. Joel M. Hoffman
(3 cr.)
The task of translation offers an unparalleled opportunity to understand a language and texts written in it, because nuances that
remain hidden to a casual observer -- levels of meaning, minor word-order variation, idioms and metaphors, allusions, register
distinctions, puns, and much more -- are all brought to the fore during the course of translation. The first part of the course
will deal with theories of meaning and translation, highlighting Hebrew and its unique elements. For the second part, the class
will choose any ancient Hebrew text and together prepare a detailed and annotated translation. By the end of the semester you
will not only better appreciate the complexities of language and translation, and better understand the text you translate; you
will have the skills to prepare accurate and effective translations of your own.
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MUS 402
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SHABBAT TRADITIONAL WORKSHOP
Cantor Faith Steinsnyder
(2 cr.)
The study of the traditional nusach and cantorial recitatives for the Friday evening and Sabbath morning services.
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MUS 412
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SHABBAT REFORM WORKSHOP
Cantor Benjie E. Schiller
(1.5 cr.)
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MUS 421
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CHORAL ENSEMBLE
Ms. Joyce Rosenzweig
(1.5 cr.)
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MUS 432
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HIGH HOLY DAY REFORM
Cantor Faith Steinsnyder
(1.5 cr.)
The musical heritage of the Reform synagogue for the High Holy Days
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MUS 433
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ROSH HASHANA TRADITIONAL
Cantor Jacob Mendelson
(1.5 cr.)
The study of the traditional nusach and cantorial recitative for Rosh Hashana eve and morning services.
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MUS 435
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SHALOSH REGALIM TRADITIONAL
Cantor Israel Goldstein
(1.5 cr.)
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MUS 439
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YOM KIPPUR TRADITIONAL
Cantor Israel Goldstein
(1.5 cr.)
The study of the traditional nusach and cantorial recitative of the Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur morning services.
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MUS 442
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MUSIC EDUCATION: CANTOR AS EDUCATOR
Ms. Merri Lovinger Arian
(1 cr.)
This course covers repertoire and teaching technique for religious school grades K through 7. Time will also be devoted to
repertoire and teaching technique for the high school aged youth choir. We will explore other teaching opportunities for the
cantor within the congregation.
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MUS 445
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CONDUCTING
Ms. Merri Lovinger Arian
(1.5 cr.)
This required course has 2 main areas of focus. The first is in mastering basic choral conducting technique. The second area
focuses on the skills needed to work with adult volunteer choirs. The course will cover rehearsal techniques, repertoire and
helpful hints towards managing a successful volunteer choir in your synagogue.
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MUS 446
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JEWISH MUSIC RESEARCH
Dr. Mark Kligman
(2 cr.)
The acquisition of the necessary tools for preparing the Master's Project is the goal of this course. Basic bibliographical
resources, including encyclopedias, anthologies, periodicals, recordings and major collections of Jewish music will be covered.
The contributions of leading Jewish musicologists and ethnomusicologists will be surveyed and provide as models for research.
The course will include small library research assignments and class presentations. The development of critical and analytical
skills will be emphasized throughout. The final assignment of the course will be a research proposal for the senior project.
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MUS 451
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GUITAR - PART II
Ms. Merri Lovinger Arian
(1 cr.)
The goal of this required course is to teach basic skills that will enable the student to use the guitar as an accompanying
instrument. This course is taught on a private basis, and the time slot must be arranged by private appointment with the
instructor.
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MUS 471
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JEWISH MODES
Dr. Mark Kligman
(1.5 cr.)
This course will provide an introduction to a theoretical understanding of nusach. The goal of the course is to gain
knowledge and skill in identifying prayer modes with their idiomatic phrases and knowing where they are found in traditional
synagogue cantorial repertoire. Although the focus of the course is on the Eastern European usage of nusach, the usage of
Middle Eastern makamat in Jewish traditions will also be discussed.
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MUS 473
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ART SONG
Ms. Joyce Rosenzweig
(1.5 cr.)
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PDE 401
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PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION
Rabbis Charles Kroloff and Jonathan Stein
(1 cr.)
This course is an introduction for 2nd-year rabbinical students which attempts to: assess professional strengths and weaknesses
and determine how professional personal growth and goals can be achieved at the College-Institute; develop an introductory
facility with selected rabbinic functions; help students understand the structure and development of the organized Jewish
community and the Rabbi's leadership role in it.
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PDE 403
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PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING
Drs. Betsy Stone and Nancy H. Wiener
(3 cr.)
This team-taught course will introduce students to the field of pastoral care and counseling. Through the study of psychology,
pastoral care and counseling, and Jewish texts, students will become familiar with: the counseling relationship; the difference
between care and counseling; family systems and developmental psychology theories; contracting; making referrals; self-care and
other topics relevant to the role of rabbi as counselor. The course is designed to provide students ample opportunity to reflect
on class material as it relates to field placements. All students are also required to have a counseling experience, arranged in
conjunction with the College-Institute, either during the academic year or during the summer preceding or following the course.
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PDE 408
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INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH EDUCATION - TEACHING AND LEARNING
Dr. Lisa Grant
(3 cr.)
This course for second-year Cantorial students provides a substantive practical and theoretical introduction to the field of
Jewish education with the goal of understanding how a teacher maintains a creative tension between the subject matter and meeting
the learners' needs. We will explore and practice all aspects of instruction including setting goals, choosing texts and other
learning material, designing learning activities, and assessing student learning for a range of age and developmental levels. We
will also explore issues important to developing a perspective and vision of educational leadership, both as individual educators
and in collaborative partnerships between rabbis, cantors and educators.
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PDE 411
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RABBINICAL SMALL GROUP SUPERVISION
Nancy H. Wiener
(No cr.)
Small Group Supervision provides students with fieldwork placements to reflect on their work and their developing identity as a
rabbi in light of concepts covered in the Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling course.
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PDE 413
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RABBINICAL INDIVIDUAL FIELDWORK SUPERVISION
Dr. Howard Sommer
(No cr.)
Individual fieldwork supervision provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their work and professional identity.
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PDE 414
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RABBINICAL SMALL GROUP SUPERVISION
Nancy H. Wiener
(No cr.)
Small Group Supervision provides students with fieldwork placements to reflect on their work and their developing identity as a
rabbi.
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PDE 444
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COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS SEMINAR
Gene Guberman, Psychoanalyst
(1.5 cr.)
The objective of this seminar is to help students enhance their interpersonal competence, strengthen work relationships, and
improve overall job success. Through theoretical and group discussions, participants will learn basic principles of effective
communications as well as obstacles that render communication unfruitful/ineffective. Through an interactive format and
role-playing exercises, students will learn empathic listening, direct communication of ideas and feelings, and other
interpersonal skills.
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PDE 446
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THESIS CONFERENCE
(3 cr.)
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PDE 447
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SENIOR SEMINAR
Cantor Josee Wolff
(1.5 cr.)
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PDE 448
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THESIS CONFERENCE
Dr. Mark Kligman
(3 cr.)
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PDE 449
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SENIOR SEMINAR
Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman
(1.5 cr.)
Senior Seminar will expose students to a wide spectrum of the most significant practical aspects of the rabbinate as they begin
their final stage of metamorphosis. Moving beyond mythology, student perceptions and anecdote, we shall explore the personal
covenants that have brought us to this stage of our lives. The blessings and conflicts of the active rabbinate, the tensions of
leadership, authenticity and scholarship in the workplace and the need to maintain focus, integrity and dignity. Students will
have the opportunity to dialogue with specialists in areas of concern to new rabbis, as well as leaders of the Reform movement.
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PDE 515
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CLERGY COUNSELING FOR THE LIFE CYCLE PART II
Dr. Nancy H. Wiener
(3 cr.)
This course is designed to familiarize students with the role of pastoral counselor in life cycle counseling. Readings are
drawn from the fields of developmental psychology, family therapy and liturgy. Each life cycle juncture is studied so that
students can gain a greater understanding of family dynamics and the ways in which counseling can facilitate life cycle
transitions.
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PDE 530
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TOUGH CHOICES: RABBINIC LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Rabbi Jerome Davidson and Mr. Albert Vorspan
(1.5 cr.)
We often question whether we as religious leaders can make a significant difference in our society. Our professional work
presents many social and political issues that are often challenging and controversial. This course will illustrate
dramatically the ways in which rabbis can mobilize our congregations to bring about communal change. We shall study many
significant contemporary issues and discuss effective leadership skills in dealing with them. Among areas to be considered
are: race relations, civil rights and civil liberties, separation of church and state, poverty, housing, healthcare,
immigration, gay/lesbian rights, international relations, Israel, anti-Semitism and inter-religious and intra-religious
relationships.
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PDE 531
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MOVING THE SYNAGOGUE
Ms. Liz Lerman
(3 cr.)
Through the study of Jewish texts, this class will explore movement as a functioning part of ritual, and the use of
choreographic tools in worship and a variety of other synagogue settings from the classroom to the boardroom. Leadership and c
ommunity-building skills will also be a focus, as we draw upon ensemble techniques from dance and theater. The training offered
in this course relates directly to the work of rabbis, cantors and educators and all are encouraged to participate.
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PDE 535
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SYNAGOGUE 3000: SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP FOR SYNAGOGUES: THEORY AND APPLICATION
Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman and Ms. Linda Klonsky
(3 cr.)
This course explores the Synagogue 3000 theory and method of change, a blend of spiritual vision with insights into
organizational development, translated into a conceptual framework drawn from Jewish tradition.
Students will act as consultants to each other as they explore what it means to exercise effective leadership in the complex
synagogue culture and the spiritual environment of today. The class thus functions as a highly interactive
consulting/leadership lab. Readings will be distributed throughout the semester but class will be highly experiential. Students
who will gain the most are those who have had or who are having student pulpit/educational experience, upon which we will draw
for real-life examples of change in progress. Students take turns developing short divrei torah on issues of leadership, and (as
a final paper) they elect a personal change initiative, and chronicle their experience in carrying it through.
Given its intensive interactional nature, admission to the course may have to be limited to a manageable number of participants.
It will be open to all HUC programs, and also to students of the JTS community.
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PDE 537
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LIFE CYCLE MUSIC FOR THE RABBI
Cantor Benjie Schiller
(1.5 cr.)
This course covers a basic repertoire of simple, traditional melodies, chants, and nusachot which every rabbi should know. We
will study Kiddush for Shabbat and Festivals, Sheva Brachot, El Male Rachamin, Kol Nidre, Birkat Hamazon and "misinai" tunes for
the Chatzi Kaddish, Barchu, Avot and Mi Chamocha texts.
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PDE 552
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ADVANCED SPEECH LAB
Ms. Sandra Kazan
For students who wish to further develop their speech and communication skills. We shall concentrate on individual needs using
video playback for evaluation. A review of basic speech fundamentals will lead into sermon delivery, storytelling skills and
oral reading with emphasis on expressiveness and development of vocal power.
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PDE
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SYNAGOGUE PRACTICUM
Cantor Benjie Schiller
(1.5 cr.)
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RAB 401
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WORLD OF RABBINIC LITERATURE
Drs. N. Cohen/A. Gray/
A. Panken
(1.5 cr.)
This course is a broad survey of the major works of rabbinic literature, designed to provide students with an overview of the
field and its key issues in preparation for future, in-depth courses. Part of the course will focus on works that are primarily
halakhic compilations, and will survey works from the Mishnah (3rd century) through the Shulhan Arukh (16th century), focusing
on such issues as the nature of the tannaitic and amoraic enterprises, the relationships between rabbinic works, and the
emergence and functions of codification and responsa.
We will also focus on works that are primarily aggadic compilations, and issues such as the interrelationship of halakha and
aggada, the development of the interpretive impulse from the Bible to the Rabbis, and introductions to homiletical and narrative
midrash and Talmudic aggada.
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RAB 517
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READINGS IN MIDRASH HAGADOL, BREISHIT (H)
Dr. Leonard Kravitz
(1.5 cr.)
Midrash Ha Gadol is a late work attributed to R. David ben Amram of Aden in Yemen. Containing many midrashim known elsewhere, it
also contains material found only within its pages. It is characterized by poetic proems which may reflect the world from which
it comes. It knows Maimonides' Guide and his Mishneh Torah and is accepting of many philosophical notions. The Mosad HaRav Kook
edition will be used.
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RAB 518
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CREATING MODERN MIDRASH (H)
Dr. Norman J. Cohen
(3 cr.)
This is a workshop in which the student will have an opportunity to develop techniques and skills in reading and creating
midrash to be used in the synagogue setting. In addition to attempting to familiarize ourselves with the methods already
utilized by some rabbis, educators, and lay people, we will also try to create new approaches ourselves.
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RAB 521
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THE PASSOVER HAGGADAH (H)
Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman
(3 cr.)
Its history, structure and ideas. This course relates the various literary and chronological strata of the Haggadah to their
relevant historical, theological, and cultural developments. Lectures will compare various scholarly theories regarding the
Haggadah's development and significance. In-class readings will include pertinent selections from the Babylonian and
Palestinian Talmuds, Midrashic Literature, Geonic Responsa and Genizah fragments indicative of the Palestinian rite.
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RAB 553
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PRAYER AND THE SYNAGOGUE IN RESPONSA (H)
Dr. Alyssa Gray
(3 cr.)
In this course we will study selected topics pertaining to prayer and the synagogue in responsa literature from the Geonic
period through the present. Consideration will also be given to relevant material in codes and Talmudic commentary. Some of the
topics to be covered include the controversy over the early tefillat ma'ariv, whether tefillat ma'ariv is obligatory or not,
"tefillat nedavah," Jewish imitation of non-Jewish practice in synagogues, the use of Hebrew or the vernacular, and (other)
issues that have been or are of concern to the four principal Jewish movements.
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RTE 403
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MEDIEVAL JEWISH PHILOSOPHY
Dr. Leonard Kravitz
(3 cr.)
Medieval Jewish Philosophy presents a study of the interface between Judaism and various philosophical systems, as exemplified
in the thought of Saadia Gaon (882-942), Judah Halevi (1080-1142), Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), Levi ben Gerson also known as
Gersonides (1288-1344), Hasdai Crescas (1340-1410), and Joseph Albo (1380-1444). Depending on time, the thought of Solomon Ibn
Gabirol (1021-1058) and Abraham bar Hiyya (circa 1100) and others may be considered.
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RTE 500
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INTRODUCTION TO MOREH NEBUKHIM: MAIMONIDES' GUIDE TO THE PERPLEXED (H)
Dr. Leonard Kravitz
(3 cr.)
A study of selected portions of the Guide with an eye to understanding some of its central problems, and Maimonides' method in
dealing with them.
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RTE 507
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REEL THEOLOGY: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY THEOLOGICAL ENCOUNTER WITH CONTEMPORARY CULTURE
Drs. Eugene B. Borowitz and
Wendy Zierler
(3 cr.)
What religious or theological function can be performed by popular culture? To what extent can film and contemporary literature
provide occasions of transcendence, divine encounter, and religious/ ethical exploration? In this course, we will watch movies
and and read some popular and/or important works of literature as touchstones for theological and religious conversation.
Readings in theology and the study of religion will contextualize and round out our discussions.
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INDEPENDENT STUDY - WITH PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Eugene B. Borowitz
(Credit TBD)
Independent Study proposals in either Rabbinic Thought or contemporary Jewish Thought.
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WRI 403
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LITURGY PART 2
Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman
(1.5 cr.)
This course continues last semester's methodological overview for the study of liturgy as a textual discipline, and introduces a
non-textual perspective, which is followed in later electives.
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WRI 505
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THE ART OF CREATING MEANINGFUL WORSHIP
Ms. Merri Lovinger Arian and Dr. Nancy H. Wiener
(1.5 cr.)
Creating meaningful worship requires clarity of purpose and the skills to realize articulated goals. Beginning with the
selection of a palette comprising liturgical texts, music, movement, and space, service leaders are challenged to create
meaningful services that reflect and elevate the communities they serve. This course will emphasize clarity of purpose in
worship, and challenge students to develop a sophisticated liturgical toolkit. We will focus on the collaborative nature of the
rabbi/cantor relationship and explore a broad range of successful models, including sessions with innovative and successful
rabbis and cantors. Throughout the semester students will have the opportunity to reflect upon these models as they relate to
their own work.
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(H) means the course uses a Hebrew text and knowledge of Hebrew is required.
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