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New York Spring 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 to download the New York Spring 2006 courses in Word format
For an archive of previous year's course listings click here
| BIB 423 |
SURVEY OF THE TANAKH: PROPHETS AND MEGILLOT
Dr. Andrea Weiss (1.5 cr.)
This is part two of the year-long course, "Torah, Haftarah, and Megillot: A Survey of the Tanakh." Part two covers the literary
prophets (Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Second Isaiah) and five Megillot. |
| BIB 402 |
INTRODUCTION TO READING THE TANAKH
Dr. Andrea Weiss (1.5 cr.) Quad 3
This course will provide an introduction to the study of the Tanakh, with an emphasis on gaining the skills needed to closely
read biblical narrative and biblical poetry. |
| BIB 412 |
MEGILLOT
Dr. David Marcus (1.5 cr.) Quad 4
We will survey the five Megillot and Jonah, all of which are read in the course of the Jewish liturgical year. The plain sense of
the texts against their historical background will be emphasized. |
| BIB 501 |
THE BIBLE AND MODERN HEBREW WRITERS: FEMINIST AND GENDER PERSPECTIVES
(See also JEWISH LITERATURE 501)
Dr. Wendy Zierler (3 cr.)
The Bible and Modern Hebrew Writers: Feminist and Gender Perspectives.
This course will examine how particular stories and sections of the Bible have been understood by feminist and gender studies
scholars and have been revisioned or re-told by modern Hebrew writers, both male and female. Topics: Commentary and adaptation of
material on biblical women, gender transformations in the Jacob and Joseph stories, Creation and procreation in the Bible,
Sexuality and mutuality in the Song of Songs. |
| BIB 503 |
BIBLICAL HISTORY
(See also HIS 503)
Dr. Martin A. Cohen (3 cr.)
An advanced survey with special emphasis on the Entry into Canaan, The United Monarchy, The Divided Monarchy, The Exile and The
Theocracy. |
| SOE 410 |
INTRODUCTION TO LITURGY FOR EDUCATORS
Dr. Joel M. Hoffman (3 cr.)
An introduction to the structure and content of the weekday and Shabbat liturgies, augmented with special topics, including the
role of services in supplemental Hebrew School education and techniques for teaching prayers to children. |
| SOE 412 |
ORGANIZATIONAL DYNAMICS
Ms. Cyd Weissman (3 cr.)
Synagogues and Jewish organizations are complicated and dynamic, with many actors including clergy, educators, learners, lay
leaders, the marginally affiliated, the active participants and others. In the current climate, roles and responsibilities often
overlap and blur among professionals, and between professionals and the laity. Working effectively requires thorough knowledge
of the culture of the organization, its values and beliefs, its structures and resources, and the role the various "stakeholders"
play in planning, decision-making and the implementation of change. In this course we will learn how to "read" organizations
using a variety of analytic frames. Students will develop a conceptual framework as well as strategies and tools for
understanding change processes and facilitating organizational change. |
| SOE 422 |
CURRICULUM AND EVALUTION
Dr. Susan Ruskin-Mayher (3 cr.)
Content is delivered through curriculum. However, curriculum is a tool to be used in the dynamic interaction between students,
teachers, and subject matter that is at the heart of any educational experience. Lee Shulman writes that "the essential value of
curriculum is how it permits teachers to adapt, invent and transform as they confront the realities of classroom life" (1990).
In this course, we will investigate the process of curriculum development and how we as teachers can adapt, invent, and transform
learning experiences in our own teaching settings. We will raise and explore curriculum questions, phenomena, and issues that cut
across grade levels, subject matters, and settings. |
| SOE CS |
CLINICAL SUPERVISION
All first-year education students are required to work with a clinical faculty member, during the spring semester, on
their teaching in the field. Students and their clinical faculty members will meet regularly to improve students' teaching skills
in the field. This is a non-credit requirement in each semester. |
| SOE 432 |
M.A.R.E. SEMINAR
Ms. Jo Kay (0 cr.)
Provides part of the supervision component of the requirements leading toward the M.A. with specialization in religious
education. |
| SOE 515 |
MAKING ISRAEL REAL TO REFORM JEWS
Dr. Jan Katzew (3 cr.)
All of us have studied about Israel. All of us have been to Israel. All of us care about Israel. Based on these three
characteristics, all of us are in the minority in the Reform Movement. How do we change that fact through Israel education? How
do we get more Reform Jews to study, visit and care about Israel? This course will attempt to respond to this issue. Rather than
project a dispassionate or objective approach to Israel, we will consider the challenges in nurturing a passionate connection
between American Jews and Israel, the people, the state, the language and the land. |
| SOE 542 |
K'DUSHAT HA GUF - THE SANCTITY OF THE BODY: HOW SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIORS IMPACT OUR YOUTH,
FAMILIES AND CONGREGATIONS
Rabbi Richard Address (3 cr.)
This class will look at how Jewish texts and values can relate to, and have impact upon, a variety of issues that concern the
contemporary Jewish family. Such issues as cutting (self-inflicted violence), body image and eating disorders, suicide, violence,
abuse, peer, social and familial pressures will be examined with an eye to developing responses and strategies, for our
synagogues and schools, that emerge from Jewish tradition. |
| SOE 544 |
WORKING WITH INTER-FAITH FAMILIES IN CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL SETTINGS (GATEWAYS PROGRAM)
Ms. Eve Rotstein (3 cr.)
Reform congregations and religious schools have the opportunity and the challenge to integrate inter-faith families into
synagogue life and encourage the establishment of Jewish homes. This course will address:
How do we define ethno-religious identity for members of an inter-faith family? How can we empower inter-faith families to make
Jewish choices for themselves and their families? How can we, as Jewish professionals, welcome and invite inter-faith families to
become active members of our communities? What tools and skills are most effective in inviting Jewish choices? 3.0 credits |
| GEH 501 |
SELECTIONS FROM THE PENTATEUCH II
Dr. A. Stanley Dreyfus Ph.D. (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.
The course will meet throughout the year. Students may either audit or take the course for 1.5 credits per semester. All of the
texts to be studied will be drawn from among the "Required Texts" geared to help students (usually second-yr. Rabbinic) prepare
for the Minimum Competency Examination in Biblical Hebrew. |
| |
HEBREW SECTIONS
Hebrew Faculty (1.5 cr.)
The Hebrew Sections are designed to provide support for courses in Bible, Rabbinics and Modern Hebrew. They will comprise
coaching and recitation opportunities/responsibilities for enhancing control of the various Hebrew literary and academic styles
important for cantors. Grades will be given for the sections that will also be considered by the various professors in their
assessment of student performance. |
| HEB 501 |
GOD-CENTERED POETRY IN CONTEMPORARY ISRAELI LITERATURE
Dr. Stanley Nash (3 cr.)
This course focuses on the recent volume "Elohim Elohim" edited by Admiel Kosman, as well as on older representations of God by
Shlonsky, Amichai, Wieseltier and other poets. Most of the representations to be studied are by secular, skeptical or agnostic
poets-- even those selected by Hillel Weiss in his anthology "Va-Ani Tefillati"-- but an attempt will be made to incorporate the
smaller quantity of poetry by religiously observant poets from Yosef Tzvi Rimmon to contemporary Israeli figures. We will assess
the critical views on this subject of scholars writing in English, such as Glenda Abramson and David Jacobson, and of selected
Israeli scholars. |
| HEB 502 |
POETRY AND PROSE OF THE GENERATION OF 1948
Dr. Stanley Nash (3 cr.)
This course will survey selected poetry, drama and prose by writers of the so-called "Palmach Generation." Through study of
works by H. Gouri, A. Megged, M. Shamir, D.N. Shaham and others, an attempt will be made not only to understand this formative
cultural period but to explore the ongoing revisionist debates about it. |
| HEB 510 |
IDENTITY IN ISRAELI LITERATURE
Ms. Michal Nachmany (3 cr.)
This course will examine identity - specifically Jewish and Israeli identity through Israeli literature. All readings will be in
Hebrew. |
| HEB 515 |
TRANSLATING HEBREW INTO ENGLISH: THEORY & PRACTICE
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. |
| HIS 412 |
MODERN JEWISH HISTORY
Cantor Bruce Ruben, Ph.D. (3 cr.)
This is a continuation of a yearlong survey of Jewish history. The class will study the varieties of Medieval Jewry that evolved
out of the Rabbinic tradition, then trace the developments that led to Judaism's confrontation with modernity. We will discuss
the promise of emancipation, realized in America but tragically betrayed in Europe, culminating in the Holocaust. Finally we
will analyze how, in its aftermath, America and Israel emerged as new Jewish centers. |
| HIS 402 |
SURVEY OF JEWISH HISTORY - PART 2: FROM THE MIDDLE AGES TO EMANCIPATION
Dr. Sharon F. Koren (3 cr.)
This course continues the survey of Jewish history through the eighteenth century. Issues to be explored include the
interrelationship between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the Medieval period, Jewish identity and acculturation, the concept
of the individual, and the impact of emancipation on European Jewry. We will supplement our study with examples of medieval and
early modern poetry, art, and architecture. |
| HIS 413 |
EUROPEAN JEWISH HISTORY
Dr. Sharon F. Koren (3 cr.)
This is the final semester in the Survey of Jewish History. Students will be introduced to European Jewish history using primary
and secondary texts. Attention will be paid as well to larger conceptual questions regarding the Jews' experiences in this
timespan, including the ways in which the Enlightenment and Emancipation affected populations of Jews. |
| HIS 503 |
BIBLICAL HISTORY
(See BIB 503)
Dr. Martin A. Cohen (3 cr.)
An advanced survey with special emphasis on the Entry into Canaan, The United Monarchy, The Divided Monarchy, The Exile and The
Theocracy. |
| HIS 556 |
HISTORY OF JEWISH MYSTICISM
Dr. Sharon F. Koren (3 cr.)
This course will survey the history of Jewish mysticism from its prophetic roots to modern day Hasidism. Primary sources will be
read in the original (translations will be available). |
| HIS 573 |
PAUL AND PROTO-RABBINIC JUDAISM
Dr. Martin A. Cohen (3 cr.)
In this seminar, the life and work of Paul as presented in the New Testament will be studied against the backdrop of Jewish
history from the Hasmonean Revolution until the Great War with Rome, and no less, the broader history of the Hellenistic-Roman
world during this period. |
| JEL 403 |
MODERN JEWISH LITERATURE
Dr. Wendy Zierler (3 cr.)
Over the past 150 years, Jews have developed an impressive and varied literary tradition in English, Yiddish and Hebrew,
grappling with such diverse issues as the immigrant experience, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, assimilation and/or
acculturation, theology and spirituality, Zionism and Diasporas, Gender and Judaism, and Jewish family life. This course will
examine this rich literary tradition and grapple with the question of what makes this literature Jewish and modern. A special
section will be devoted to literary representations of the modern rabbi and synagogue. |
| JEL 501 |
THE BIBLE AND MODERN HEBREW WRITERS: FEMINIST AND GENDER PERSPECTIVES
(See BIB 501)
Dr. Wendy Zierler (3 cr.)
The Bible and Modern Hebrew Writers: Feminist and Gender Perspectives.
This course will examine how particular stories and sections of the Bible have been understood by feminist and gender studies
scholars and have been revisioned or re-told by modern Hebrew writers, both male and female. Topics: Commentary and adaptation of
material on biblical women, gender transformations in the Jacob and Joseph stories, Creation and procreation in the Bible,
Sexuality and mutuality in the Song of Songs. |
| MUS 403 |
DAILY & LIFE CYCLE
Cantor Israel Goldstein (1 cr.) Quad 3 |
| MUS 413 |
HIGH HOLIDAYS REFORM
Cantor Andrew Edison (1.5 cr.) |
| MUS 415 |
ROSH HASHANAH TRADITIONAL
Cantor Jacob Mendelson (1.5 cr.) |
| MUS 416 |
SHABBAT REFORM
Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller (1.5 cr.) |
| MUS 422 & 453 |
CHORAL ENSEMBLE
Ms. Joyce Rosenzweig (1.5 cr.) |
| MUS 423 |
SHABBAT TRADITIONAL
Cantor Faith Steinsnyder (1.5 cr.) |
| MUS 444 |
MUSIC EDUCATION: CANTOR AS EDUCATOR
(CONTINUATION OF MUS 442)
Ms. Merri Lovinger Arian (1.5 cr.)
This course is a continuation of the Quad 2 course. It surveys the many ways that music is used in congregational life beyond the
pulpit. This includes repertoire and teaching techniques for religious school grades K through 7. In addition, some time will
be devoted to the basic methods involved in setting up lay choirs and to other non-liturgical uses of music within the
congregation. |
| MUS 452 |
REQUIRED GUITAR
Ms. Merri Lovinger Arian (1.5 cr.) |
| MUS 463 |
MODAL HARMONY
Ms. Joyce Rosenzweig (1.5 cr.)
An introduction to the art of arranging for keyboard the traditional works of Alter, Katchko, etc. The course will also cover
harmonic, structural, and stylistic analysis of various well-known works from the accompanied synagogue repertoire, as well as
improvisation on the piano. |
| RW. S51 |
ART SONG
Ms. Joyce Rosenzweig (1.5 cr.) |
| TW.S50 |
YOM KIPPUR TRADITIONAL
Cantor Israel Goldstein (1.5 cr.) |
| PTH 413 |
INTRODUCTION TO MODERN JEWISH THOUGHT
Dr. Eugene Borowitz and Dr. Michael Morgan (3 cr.)
How might thoughtful Jews describe what they believe and why they feel they are right in doing so? We shall study the still
relevant interpretations of Judaism of thinkers from Hermann Cohen, the initiator of academically significant Jewish thought,
down to the significant writers and themes of the present. This exposure to the ideas of our finest minds should empower
students, by agreement and dissent, to shape their own sophisticated understanding of a worthy Jewish faith today. |
| PTH 508 |
READINGS IN THE KUZARI OF RABBI JUDAH HALEVI
Dr. Leonard S. Kravitz (3 cr.)
Three purposes of this course are to introduce the student to a) the thought of Judah Halevi; b) philosophical Hebrew; and c)
philosophical commentary literature. |
| PTH 523 |
COMPARATIVE RELIGION
Dr. Carol Ochs (3 cr.)
An introduction to the basic beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism (including Zen Buddhism), Christianity and Islam. What can we learn
from studying other faith traditions and how can we recognize our own unique gifts? |
| PTH 527 |
BEREISHIT RABBAH
(See RAB 527)
Dr. Leonard S. Kravitz (3 cr.)
This course is a close study of those Midrashim in Bereshit Rabbah dealing with those texts that have philosophical and
theological interests and those texts that were used by the Medieval philosophers to exemplify some of their theories. The
student will be asked to read the particular Midrashim in the original Hebrew and selections from the philosophers in
translation. There will be a Mid-term and Final Exam.
Prerequisite: Required courses in PhilosophyTheology and Rabbinics. May be taken for Philosophy or Rabbinics credit - 3.0 credits
Cross listed as RAB 527
Tuesday and Thursday 1:45-3:05 |
| |
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Dr. Eugene Borowitz (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Required Philosophy/Theology courses. With instructor's permission, student may work on Independent Study in the
Philosophy/Theology area - hours and credit to be determined |
| PD.CS90 |
SENIOR SEMINAR
Cantor Josee Wolff (1.5 cr.) |
| PDS |
SYNAGOGUE PRACTICUM
(1.5 cr.) |
| PDE 402 |
PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING
(See PDE 433)
Dr. Betsy Stone and
Dr. Nancy H. Wiener (3 cr.) |
| PDE 423 |
RABBINICAL SMALL GROUP SUPERVISION
(See PDE 433)
Dr. Nancy H. Wiener (0 cr.)
Individual Fieldwork Supervision |
| PDE 424 |
RABBINICAL INDIVIDUAL FIELDWORK SUPERVISION
Dr. Howard Sommer (0 cr.)
Individual Fieldwork Supervision |
| PDE 433 |
CLERGY COUNSELING
Dr. Nancy H. Wiener (3 cr.)
Rabbis and cantors spend a lot of time with families as they prepare for or respond to life cycle transitions. Each life cycle
transition represents a reorganization in family structure and identity. This course will focus on both religious and secular
literature related to life cycle transitions, highlighting the ways in which effective counseling and support can be
offered. |
| PDE 443 |
INTRODUCTION TO HOMILETICS: LISTENING TO THE LISTENERS
Rabbi Bernard Mehlman / Rabbi Margaret Wenig (3 cr.)
Communication of speeches and sermons. |
| PDR 903 |
SENIOR PRACTICA I & II
Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman (1.5 cr.)
An intensive workshop program that offers the opportunity for a number of subjects in Professional Development, centering on
contemporary practical issues. |
| PDE 519 |
ADVANCED HOMILETICS - BRINGING INSIGHT AND INSPIRATION TO THE PULPIT
Rabbi Jerome Davidson (1.5 cr.)
Good sermons are never easy to write, yet they represent a most significant rabbinic opportunity to teach and to challenge. This
course is designed to enhance skills in conceiving, shaping and writing sermons on a variety of themes: personal concerns,
societal issues and challenges to Jewish life, among them. Also to be discussed, the effective utilization of weekly Torah
portions and additional biblical and rabbinic texts. Some sessions will be devoted to weddings, funerals, B'nai Mitzvah services
and other occasions providing sermon opportunities. |
| PDE 547S |
INDEPENDENT STUDY: SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
Dr. Carol Ochs (1.5 cr.)
Students will meet on a weekly basis to be determined with faculty member |
| PDE 551 |
COMPASSIONATE JEWISH LEADERSHIP - THE CENTER FOR STUDIES IN JEWISH PASTORAL CARE, THE
HEALTHCARE CHAPLAINCY
Rabbi Naomi Kalish (3 cr.)
This semester-long program meets once a week at the HealthCare Chaplaincy's Pastoral Care, Education & Research Center. It is
designed to prepare cantorial and rabbinical students - from all the major streams of Judaism - for some of the real life issues
they will encounter as professionals in their future congregations and communities. Explore issues of Aging, Depression and
Mental Health, among others, taught by clergy and experts in their field. |
| PDE. 552 |
ADVANCED SPEECH LAB
Ms. Sandra Kazan (1.5 cr.)
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.Book: Voice and the Actor by C. Berry. |
| RAB 413 |
EXEGETIC AND HOMILETICAL MIDRASHIM
Dr. Norman J. Cohen (3 cr.)
An introduction to the history, structure, methods of exegesis and major themes of the Midrash, based upon a variety of secondary
readings and a selection of passages from the major expositional, homiletical, narrative and ethical midrashic compilations. |
| RAB 402 |
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 textsand 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. |
| RAB 404 |
TALMUDIC RHETORIC/ARAMAIC
Dr. Michael Chernick (1.5 cr.) Quad 4
The premise of this course is that the Talmud is not in Aramaic. Rather, it is in rhetorical forms in the Aramaic language.
Competence in these forms and how they are employed in talmudic discussions is actually the key to the first level of
understanding the Talmud, namely, the ability to translate and outline a talmudic passage. This course seeks to impart the
rhetorical information necessary for the student to begin the study of the Talmud. The course will nevertheless pay some limited
attention to matters of Hebrew-Aramaic cognates and Aramaic grammar. |
| RAB 412 |
EXEGETIC AND HOMILETICAL MIDRASHIM
Dr. Norman J. Cohen (3 cr.)
An introduction to the history, structure, methods of exegesis and major themes of the Midrash, based upon a variety of secondary
readings and a selection of passages from the major expositional, homiletical, narrative and ethical midrashic compilations. |
| RAB 413 |
INTRODUCTION TO CODES
Dr. Michael Chernick (3 cr.)
Introduction to Codes is a historical and textual survey of the major codes of Jewish law from the Geonic period (ca. seventh
through eleventh centuries) through the reception of the Shulhan 'Arukh. Our principal focus will be on Maimonides'
Mishneh Torah and R. Yosef Karo's Shulhan 'Arukh. The course also serves as a general introduction to the
intellectual world and mindset of halakhic Judaism. |
| RAB 423 |
RESPONSA
Dr. Michael Chernick (1.5 cr.)
This course will provide a focused survey of the Responsa literature. Beginning with an exploration of the emergence of the Sh"ut
form in Rabbinic literature, Geonic examples of responsa that provide information on history (Iggeret Rav Sherira Gaon)
and liturgy (Seder Rav Amram) will then be examined for their form and content, and as historical examples of innovation
within halakhic literature. We will then focus on texts from later poskim, including Rabbenu Gershom, Rambam, Rabbi Meir
of Rothenburg and Rashba, to understand the particular historical setting and halakhic issues with which they grappled. The
course will conclude with an examination of denominational responsa, including at least one critical issue explored through the
eyes of Reform, Conservative and Orthodox decisors. |
| RAB 519 |
CERTAIN WOMEN IN THE MIDRASH
Rabbi Bernard Mehlman (3 cr.)
This course will examine midrashic texts, which explore the lives of select women in the Hebrew Bible. Our focus will be on some
lesser known biblical personalities, for example, Serah bat Asher and Bityah bat Paroh. We will also assess the
midrashic handling of more central figures in the story of Israel's deliverance from slavery, namely, Miriam, and Israel's
entrance into the Promised Land, as depicted in the life of Rahav. Our study will lead us through a variety of midrashic
compilations while our classroom discussion will respond to such pivotal questions as: "What may we learn from the rabbinic
construction of these women's lives?" "What may we learn from a male-centered literature about women?" "How may we teach these
texts in today's world?" |
| RAB 527 |
BEREISHIT RABBAH
(ALSO SEE PTH 527)
Dr. Leonard S. Kravitz (3 cr.)
This course is a close study of those Midrashim in Bereishit Rabbah dealing with those texts that have philosophical and
theological interests and those texts that were used by the Medieval philosophers to exemplify some of their theories. The
student will be asked to read the particular Midrashim in the original Hebrew and selections from the philosophers in
translation. |
| RAB 554 |
RESPONSA: 19TH-20TH CENTURY DEVELOPMENTS IN SEPHARDIC HALAKHA
(ALSO SEE PTH 527)
Dr. Michael Chernick (3 cr.)
This course is being given in order to provide a window into the spiritual, communal, and cultural lives of Eastern Sephardic
Jews. These members of the Jewish community have become the demographic majority of Israel's Jews and their numbers are
increasing in the United States. As Ashkenazic Jews, we know little of the recent history, cultural forces, and religious
developments that have touched the Eastern Sephardic Jews' lives. As the forces of colonialism and nationalism and the breakdown
of the Ottoman Empire began to change the face of North Africa and the Middle East in the 19th and early 20th century, Jewry's
status changed and with it new religious and Jewish legal questions arose. This course introduces some of the major rabbinic
spokespersons of Iraqi, Syrian, Egyptian, and Morrocan Jewry as they and their communities faced a changing world. Our overview
will take us from the Ben Ish Hai (Iraq, 19th c.)-R. Ovadiah Yosef, the spiritual head of the Israeli Shas Party. |
| RAB 555 |
PARASHAT HASHAVUA
Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman (3 cr.)
Together we will study the text of Torah with traditional meforshim and some others. What were their concerns? How did
they understand the text? How can we use the meforshim's understandings as homer lidrush, homer lelimud, homer
letikkun hamidot vehanefesh? How can the story and narrative become our story and our journey professionally, as a people,
as a community and personally? |
| WRI 402 |
CONTINUATION OF LITURGY STUDIED IN ISRAEL
Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman (1.5 cr.)
This course will provide an advanced methodological overview for the study of liturgy as a textual discipline, but also introduce
a non-textual perspective (which is followed in later electives), and the larger study of Worship. Significant reading
assignments deal especially with Reform liturgy through the ages (Germany, Classical American Reform, the Gates of Prayer era,
and evolving patterns today). |
| WRI 403 |
HIGH HOLY DAY LITURGY
Rabbi Margaret M. Wenig (1.5 cr.)
In-depth study of the High Holy Day machzor, including introduction to the classical sources that explain its development;
literary analysis of the liturgical structure which provides clues to the way the liturgy functions; and discussion of the
religious messages that speak to us today. This course encourages a collaborative approach to liturgical planning, and
emphasizes ways to use the Reform Gates of Repentance so that worshipers can experience the power of the liturgy, community and
God. |
| WRI 501 |
SYNAGOGUE STUDIES - SYNAGOGUE LEADERSHIP AND THEOLOGICAL VISION
Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman (1.5 cr.)
This course is designed to help synagogue leaders develop a theological vision against the backdrop of our time -- an absolute
necessity for leaders who want to lead! The course is structured around visits by thoughtful synagogue clergy who share their
autobiographical account of how they reached their own personal theology, what that theology is, and how it impacts their
synagogue leadership. Theology is thus related to the task of conceptualizing a synagogue theologically, rather than
programmatically. |
| WRI 501 |
SYNAGOGUE STUDIES - SYNAGOGUE LEADERSHIP AND THEOLOGICAL VISION
Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman (1.5 cr.)
This course is designed to help synagogue leaders develop a theological vision against the backdrop of our time -- an absolute
necessity for leaders who want to lead! The course is structured around visits by thoughtful synagogue clergy who share their
autobiographical account of how they reached their own personal theology, what that theology is, and how it impacts their
synagogue leadership. Theology is thus related to the task of conceptualizing a synagogue theologically, rather than
programmatically.
Course Expectations: Students are required to attend class faithfully and to participate in the ongoing discussion. Preparation
involves considerable weekly readings in philosophy/theology. A paper presenting one's personal theology is due at the end. |
| WRI 505 |
THE ART OF CREATING MEANINGFUL WORSHIP: A SEVEN-WEEK WORKSHOP
Ms. Merri Lovinger Arian and
Rabbi Shirley Idelson
(1 cr.) Quad 3
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. With a focus on the collaborative nature of the
rabbi/cantor relationship, the course will explore a broad range of successful models, and will include sessions with innovative
and successful rabbis and cantors. |
| WRI 570 B |
ADVANCED PERSONAL THEOLOGY
Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman (1.5 cr.)
A fourth semester building on ritual studies and autobiographical theology begun last year |
| Doctor of Ministry Program in Pastoral Counseling |
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| DM.1.3 |
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FAITH
Dr. Mark Banschick (3 cr.)
Seminar topics will include psychotherapy and spirituality, infantile sources yearning, pathological religious experience, and a
developmental model of religious expression. Readings include: Mahler, Klein, Ostrow, Fromm, as well as Biblical text. |
Monday Class Schedule
First Year Class
1351 The Counseling Practicum, Basic Technique, Part II
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
1352 Group Experience, Part II
9:00 AM - 10:25 AM
1353 Psychopathology
10:35 AM - 12:00 PM
1354 Clinical Case Discussion II (Supervision)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Second Year Class
2351 The Counseling Practicum, Advanced Technique, Part IV
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
2352 Problem Solving in Groups
10:35 AM - 12:00 PM
2353 Special Types of Pastoral Counseling
9:00 AM - 10:25 AM
2354 Clinical Case Discussion IV (Supervision)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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