Education Catalog Spring 2010
For All your Torah-Learning Needs
Class Descriptions
Daily
The Breakfast Club: Sefer haChinuch at 9:00 AM
Eitan Mosenkis and Daniel Kasdan
There is no better way to pregame a busy day of schoolwork than with a five-minute dose of Torah. The Sefer haChinuch is a book written by an anonymous 13th Century scholar to familiarize his son with the 613 mitzvot, parsha by parsha. Join this chaburah to plow through this monumental sefer, one mitzvah per day, discussing the reasons, laws, and goals of every mitzvah in the Torah. (Note: this meets in Sherman Dining Hall).
Sunday
SNL: Sunday Night Learning (with FREE PIZZA) at 7:00 PM
Sunday night…the evening preceding another hard week of homework and papers. What better way to cope with the brain-drain than with a little Torah! Come down to the basement of Shapiro dorm (the Beit Midrash) for Sunday Night Learning from 7-8PM. There’s FREE PIZZA every week so grab a chavruta and enjoy some open learning! If you don’t have a special someone, you can be set up with a partner and some material to start with. For more information contact Gabe Nemzow.
The Kosher Kaburah at 8:00 PM
Ari Tretin
Interested in learning more about kashrut? Ever wondering if something is okay to eat? Ever ask yourself, "Am I doing this right?" In this "kaburah" we will explore practices and perspectives about kashrut (props and diagrams will be used). Methods on kashering everything from basic equipment to obscure machines will be covered. Acceptable foods and how they are considered kosher will also be covered, starting from the basics. This "kaburah" will be led by a Sherman worker (yes, his name is Jason Chen).
Aish Kodesh Chaburah at 8:00pm
Eitan Cooper
Looking to inject some chasidut (or chasidis, if you prefer) into your week? Want to learn some cool insights on the parsha? Do you want to learn about how a giant of Torah coped with the Warsaw Ghetto? If you answered yes to any of these questions (or even if you answered no to all of them), then the Aish Kodesh Chaburah is for you! Written by the martyred Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Aish Kodesh collects his insights on the Torah, all written from within the depths of the Warsaw Ghetto. Buried in glass bottles to avoid the clutches of the Nazis, these insights were eventually dug up and published. In this chaburah we will have a unique opportunity to study a true Gadol Hador’s personal accounts of one of the worst periods in Jewish history.
Shnayim Mikrah Chaburah: What’s P’shat with Rashi? at 9:00pm
Avi Snyder
The first commentary most people learn on Chumash is that of the great medieval scholar, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, more popularly known as Rashi. While Rashi claims that he comes to explain “p’shuto shel mikrah,” it often seems that his comments are a huge departure from “the simple meaning of the text.” In this chaburah, we will attempt to understand Rashi’s commentary on the weekly parsha by moving away from a literal analysis of his comments and seeking to find the deeper lessons he is trying to teach us. By asking questions like “What in the text prompts Rashi to comment?” and “What Torah theme is Rashi reinforcing?” we will hopefully come closer to understanding one of the greatest and most well-known Biblical commentators.
Monday
Writings of Nechama Leibowitz at 8:00pm
Toby Kaplowitz
Come learn Sefer Shemot in depth using the wirings and insights of Nechama Leibowitz.
Neviim Rishonim Chaburah at 8:00pm
Elisha Fredman
Back by popular demand! This interactive chaburah will continue its in-depth study of Shmuel in the style of Rabbi Menachem Leibtag, examining the text on an analytical level and exploring the themes and characters of the sefer.
The Parsha According to the Ramban at 9:00pm
Liora Mendelsberg
During this chaburah, based on shiurim given by Rav Yossi Greenfield, we will try to emulate the thought process of the Ramban as we look at topics from the weekly parsha. Taking advantage of the Ramban’s unique sense of logic and his grasp of Tanach, we will come to better understand the Torah and how we can relate it to ourselves.
Tuesday
Lunch ‘n Learn at 12:15pm
Rabbi Zirkind
Want to infuse your meal with some Torah? Come hear Rabbi Zirkind give a shuir every Tuesday at lunch. Whether it is parsha, halacha, or just schmoozing, don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to have a Torah-based discussion with one of Sherman’s more interesting characters. For more information, contact Andrew Scheinberg. (Note: This meets in Sherman Dining Hall).
Mishlei Chaburah at 8:00pm
Menachem Frenkel
Replete with words of wisdom, Sefer Mishlei has acted as a moral compass for Jews for thousands of years. In this chaburah, we will use peirush haGR”A to help us better understand the deeper meanings behind the lessons that permeate the book of Mishlei.
Gemara Bekiut: Masechet Taanit at 9:00pm
Jules Levenson
This year the bekiut chaburah is studying Masechet Taanit! Join us as we delve into the aggadic and halachic discussions of fast days and rain, and reach a higher level of understanding of Jewish unity and community.
Tefillah K'hilchata: The Laws of Tefilla at 9:00pm
Molly Katancik
You take your grandmother on errands one afternoon and realize that you missed the time to daven mincha! Oh no! For help with this and other practical, tefillah-related halachot, come learn the sefer Tefilla K'hilchata.
Wednesday
Open Beit Midrash Hours with Rabbi Kaplowitz from 3:30pm-5:00pm
Rabbi Kaplowitz will be available in the Beit Midrash to answer questions about your learning or to schmooze. To set up a learning time within or outside of these hours, contact Rabbi Kaplowitz.
Neviim Achronim Chaburah at 7:00pm
Elisha Fredman
Join us as we explore the revelations, admonitions, and oracies of Yirmiyahu, Yishayahu, and Yechezkel. This chaburah is based largely on the methods and teaching of R' Menachem Leibtag, and will be examining the bigger picture of the Navi to gain a clear understanding of the p’shat.
Mishnah Brakhot at 8:00pm
Rabbi Elyse Winick
The Mishnah holds a unique place in the world of study by being both eminently accessible and fascinating to explore. This chaburah is designed for learners at all levels and will look at both the structure and the content of the Mishnah. It's a great opportunity to taste text for the first time or probe further into its levels of meaning. We'll consider legal implications as well as philosophical underpinnings. Texts will be available in both Hebrew and English.
Hands-on Hilchot Shabbos in Toby Kaplowitz’s Kitchen at 8:00pm
Toby Kaplowitz
Come for a hands-on learning seminar on Hilchot Shabbos in the kitchen! Enjoy learning practical laws of Shabbos with your friends while cooking and eating some delicious Shabbos food. Date: TBA.
Note: This interactive learning session does NOT meet weekly. Stay tuned to BOO and Hillel announcements for exact dates.
People in the Parsha at 9:00pm
Lauren Kirschenbaum
Ever feel like you know the people of "People” magazine better than the people of the Torah? Do you listen to Torah-reading in shul and find yourself wanting to know more about the people in the parsha? Where do they hang out during their free time? Were they ever seen without their makeup on? Come learn about better and lesser-known personalities in the Torah, and hopefully take some lessons from the people of the parsha.
Thursday
Rambam Chaburah at 7:00pm
Ariel Marks
Join us as we explore the Rambam's seminal work, the Mishneh Torah, as we understand his philosophy in comparison with Aristotelian ideas. All are welcome, regardless of background! We will be finishing Hilchot Yesodei Hatorah, and we will continue with Hilchot De'ot.
Advanced Talmud: Masechet Ketubot at 8:00pm
Rabbi Kaplowitz
This advanced-level Talmud shiur will focus on the first chapter of the Tractate Ketubot and corresponding material from the canon of Rabbinic literature. An emphasis will be placed on the major Medieval and Rabbinic commentaries, and when relevant we will discuss modern-day applications of the material. The first perek of Ketubot is particularly rich and raises a number of fascinating topics, such as the status of women in Rabbinic society, the nature and scope of Rabbinic authority, the history of the ketubah, and the wedding ceremony.
Teshuvot that Rocked the World at 9:00pm
Rabbi Kaplowitz
Join us as we study contemporary Teshuvot (responsa) that have had a profound impact on the Jewish community and how we live our lives. The shiur will feature Teshuvot of the Chatam Sofer, Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Rabbi David Tzvi Hoffman and others. All sources will be translated and all are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Nach Yomi Chaburah at 9:00pm
Zack Sax
This chaburah will continue with the individual limud of one perek of Nach (Neviim + Ketubim) a day. Highlights include: Sefer Yehoshua, the late Prophets, and a massive siyum at the end of our 3-year cycle. This chaburah is aimed towards lowerclassmen and will provide them with the chance to get to get to become acquainted over Torah instead of the usual Sherman food. Upperclassmen are also welcome and encouraged to attend.
Mishmar at 10:20pm
Come enjoy words of Torah from your friends and eat delicious chulent every Thursday night! Each week will feature a Dvar Torah given by a different student followed by a yummy treat. Mishmar is a great way to share and gain from friends while participating in a long-standing tradition. If you are interested in speaking at Mishmar, contact Aviva Zadoff.
Niggun Seminar at 10:50pm
Stick around after Mishmar for some tunes and Torah! We will share niggunim* from various times and places in the Jewish experience, and commentaries on their texts. If you would like to lead a Niggun Seminar, contact Jacob Chatinover or Ethan Goldberg.
*A niggun is a sometimes-wordless melody that has the power to feed the hungry and bring world peace.
Shabbat
Practical Hilchot Shabbat at 2:30pm
Jules Levenson
This chaburah studies the book Shmirat Shabbat Kehilchatah and the concepts of Shabbat involved on a practical level. Copies of the book are made available in both English and Hebrew.
Mussar Vaad at 3:30pm
Jacob Chatinover and Dan Shimansky
Mussar Group Study is rooted in the core principles of Judaism’s Mussar Tradition. As a follow-up to Mussar Group Study, practical tools are introduced based on the topics being studied in order to apply the topics to daily living. The goal is to help, guide, and motivate all to improve the qualities of both our interpersonal interactions and, by extension, our inner essence. Thus, we will be nurturing the good spirit of our souls and bettering this world!
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LOOKING FOR SOME ONE-ON-ONE TORAH TIME?
Set up a Chevruta with Rabbi Kaplowitz!Rabbi Kaplowitz would be more than happy to have a chevruta with you. See above for his office hours, or contact him to set up a time outside of his regular hours.
Have Some Time? Learn With Toby!
Toby Kaplowitz would love to learn with you! She is available for one-on-one chevrutot as well as learning in small groups. Delve into the mysteries of the halachot of hair covering, the Jewish view on sex, topics in Talmud, and anything else that interests you. Please contact her if you would like to set up a time to learn together.
Get Yourself a Chavruta!
Talk to a friend and set up a time to learn from one of the multitudes of books in the Beit Midrash. Whether it’s the weekly parsha, the laws of brachot, or Jewish philosophy, grab a partner and enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the Beit Midrash, located in the basement of Shapiro dormitory.Looking to get closer with someone over some Torah-talk? Contact BOO Beit Midrash Coordinator Rebecca Pollack to be set up with someone who will be not only a be chavruta but will become a friend as well.
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Do you have some Torah to share? Take the plunge and give a Dvar Torah on Shabbos, speak at Mishmar, or give an impromptu shiur. For more ways to get your amazing ideas heard, contact BOO Education Coordinator Daniel Kasdan.