EDUCATION CATALOG FOR FALL 2008
* All classes will meet in the Beit Midrash which is located in the basement of Shapiro Residence Hall (Room 10b) unless otherwise specified
*If you have any questions or suggestions about any of the Shiurim please contact the Education Coordinator Aviva Zadoff at azadoff@brandeis.edu
*You can also contact the Beit Midrash Coordinator Yoanna Freedman at yoanna@brandeis.edu
Daily(Monday-Friday):
9:10am: Pirkei Avot in Sherman-Avi Bieler- A quick 5 minute idea from the Sforno about Pirkei Avot for all you who hang around Sherman.
Monday:
7pm: Jewish Women and Ritual- Toby Golfisher Kaplowitz (Women Only) Ritual is central to Jewish life. Join Toby for an open discussion about women’s role in ritual observance in the synagogue, at the table and through daily practices.
8pm: Demystifying Judaism’s View on Sexuality- Toby Goldfisher Kaplowitz (women only).Place TBA. We all think about it and talk to our friends about it but…what does Judaism have to say about sex? Join Toby for a candid discussion and in depth learning about the Jewish tradition’s view on sexuality.
9:30pm: Ishei Tanach- Lauren Kirschenbaum-An in depth look at personalities in Tanach. We will take various characters in Tanach and find what we can learn from what the sages say about these individuals. This class will start in a few weeks so look for it in the announcements. You can contact Lauren Kirschenbaum at lkirsch@brandeis.edu.
Tuesday:
7pm: Why Isn’t Being a Good Person Enough? The Centrality of Halacha and Mitzvot in Jewish Identity -Rabbi Kaplowitz- In this class we will explore traditional texts in trying to determine what it means to be a “good person” in the eyes of Judaism. Questions to be addressed include:
Is there room for non-traditional modes of spirituality?
Is being a good person enough?
Does intention/mindset matter?
Does Jewish tradition limit expressions of Jewish identity?
How do I make Judaism personally meaningful?
8pm: Halacha B'iyun: Orach Chayim- Rabbi Kaplowitz- We will focus on topics from Orach Chayim with an emphasis on the Mishnah Berurah and contemporary responsa. Topics will include the Halachot of Brachot, Shabbat and holidays, daily synagogue practice and more. Original texts will be used. All are welcome.
11pm: Village Chabura (C2 Lounge)- Perek Shira- Avi Bieler-Studying Rav Nosson Slifikin’s (The ZOO Rabbi) commentary on Perek Shira. Perek Shira assigns Psukim to various aspects of nature showing us what they are “singing.”
Wednesday:
After Mincha: Neviim Rishonim continued-Shmuel Aleph- Elisha Fredman-Back by popular demand! Learn Shmuel Aleph in depth in the style of Rabbi Menachem Leibtag. The weekly chabura will look at the text on an analytical level and explore the themes and characters of the sefer.
9pm: Prep time for Gemmara Chaburah (see bellow- Gemara Bekiut)
Thursday:
7pm: Gemara B'iyun – Rabbi Kaplowitz-A conceptual analysis of Massechet (Tractate) Makot and its major commentaries. Sources will be provided in advance for chavrutah preparation. All are welcome
8pm: Teshuva Workshop- Rabbi Kaplowitz- We are now in the month of Elul and the yamim nora’im (High Holy Days) are quickly approaching. In this workshop we will explore the idea of Teshuvah (repentance) in contemporary thought. We will focus on the writings of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, Rav Kook, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov and Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner. All sources will be translated, and students from all backgrounds are welcome.
9pm: Gemara Bekiut Chaburah-Makkot –Nechama Horwitz-This year the bekiut chaburah will study Masechet Makkot. First semester we will discuss the laws of false witnesses and exile to a city of refuge. We will concentrate on following the basic flow of gemara, as well as familiarizing ourselves with basic concepts in Jewish civil law. Additionally, we will focus on how to ask questions that help us understand and draw out the complexities of gemara, while comparing talmudic concepts to modern day civil law. Participants are encouraged to prepare material beforehand on their own or during guided study time at (time to be inserted). For more information contact Nechama Horwitz at chama@brandeis.edu or ext.94777.
11pm: Mishmar- Come enjoy Divrei Torah and delicious chulent every week! If you would like to give Mishmar contact Esti Schloss at estib@brandeis.edu
11:45pm: Niggun seminar-Stay after mishmar to hear a short vort and bask in a beautiful niggun. A different Chassidic group will be featured each week. If you would like to lead a Niggun Seminar contact Avi Bieler at avib@brandeis.edu
Friday:
15 min after Hillel Dinner: Shir HaShirim- Avi Bieler- We will be studying the MaLBiM’s commentary on Shir HaShirim. The Malbim writes in clear terms about the soul and prophecy making this a great Shabbos Shiur.
Shabbat:
Afternoon: Parsha Chabura- Spend some time Shabbat afternoon having a great discussion on the Parsha. The chabura will be led by a different student each week. It will be a real group learning opportunity. If you are interested in leading it for a week contact Aviva Zadoff at azadoff@brandeis.edu
Hot Topic: Question of the Week (Rabbi Kaplowitz) 1/2 hr. before Mincha, International Lounge
Each week we will discuss a different issue of concern to Jewish students living in the 21st Century. All are welcome to this discussion-based, informal class.
Sunday:
7:00PM- Sunday Night Learning
Come join the new craze: Grab a chevrutah and come on down to SNL in the Beit Midrash (Shapiro Dorm basement). Oh, and a FREE pizza dinner will be provided -- and you were wondering where you'd find a replacement to Sunday night dinner at Sherman! This is an hour of weekly open learning that's not to be missed! Set up your own special SNL chevrutah or come to SNL and we can help match you up with a person and some material that fit your personal needs and interests. For more information contact. Andrew Gluck at agluck@brandeis.edu.
Also Look For:
A Tefillah Series-Zahvi Glasenberg-Why do we do what we do in davening? Learn about the practices we hold and why different people do different things.
Time and Day TBA-Personlities of Toshba-Zahvi Glassenberg- Who are these Rabbi’s and how their life experiences reflect in their work. Explore the lives and personalities of some of the Rabbi’s in the Torah Sheba’al Peh.
East Chabura-Bring some weekly torah right to your dorm! If you are interested in helping to organize the East Chabura contact Aviva Zadoff at azadoff@brandeis.edu.
Freshmen Chabura- Following last year's success we are once again interested in organizing a Freshmen Chabura. If you are interested please contact Aviva Zadoff at azadoff@brandeis.edu.
Personal Learning
Rabbi and Toby Kaplowitz are available for smaller group and one-on-one learning experiences. They will also meet with engaged students in preparation for their marriage. Please contact them at X-63583 or by email:
Rabbi Kaplowitz – rabbikap@brandeis.edu
Toby Goldfisher Kaplowitz – toby@brandeis.edu