Through the course of their study, our students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for Talmud study – its principles, methodologies, and law. Beyond developing their reading and comprehension skills, students develop training in analytical reasoning and logical argumentation, and learn how to navigate and debate complex legal and philosophical matters.
In order to create a vibrant, unified and collaborative community of Torah learning that cuts across classes and grades, the entire school learns the same masechet (tractate) of Talmud (although, of course, teaching is tailored to be grade-appropriate).
This year, we will be learning Masechet Sanhedrin, primarily the eighth chapter (פרק בן סורר ומורה). In the course of study, we will explore life and death dilemmas in halacha and the complex moral and legal issues that arise in such situations. Selected sugyot (talmudic topics) include:
בן סורר ומורה: the rebellious son
בא במחתרת: standing your ground
רודף: the right to self-defense
מצות הצלה: how much personal risk must one take to save another person
יהרג ואל יעבור: what ought a Jew die for?
קים ליה בדרבה מיניה: criminal punishment
Level Differentiation
To meet the personalized needs of each of our students, we offer four Talmud tracks per grade.
- Beit Midrash Program: Instead of the standard single-period Talmud course offerings listed below, students have the option to apply for our intensive Beit Midrash program, which offers two daily periods dedicated to Talmud instead of one. This program replaces the Halacha/Machshava requirement. The extra time of Talmud study provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an intellectually challenging yet relaxed learning environment. It also allows students to learn other parts of the given masechet at a faster pace [בקיאות] to be exposed to many different topics and concepts within the pages of the Talmud. Our aim is to foster a serious and enjoyable atmosphere that not only facilitates in-depth Torah learning and spiritual growth but also encourages chavruta study, the formation of genuine friendships within the group, and the cultivation of supportive and meaningful relationships between students and their rebbeim. Students are trained to read and analyze Rashi, Tosafot, and other Rishonim inside. The course engages in intensive textual analysis, legal reasoning, and conceptual analysis. Graduates of our program have gone on to the most prestigious yeshivot and seminaries.
- General: In this track, students will not only gain greater fluency reading Gemara along with Rashi, but learn to analyze a Talmudic sugya critically with a strong emphasis on the daf of Gemara and the Rishonim. Discussion and debate will be encouraged to foster independent thinking and enhance comprehension. Students will learn to apply Talmudic principles to complex ethical/halachic dilemmas and contemporary scenarios.
- Skills: This track allows students to study the Masechet in smaller groups, at a slower pace, and with a focus on breaking down the structure of a talmudic sugya, vocabulary, and textual analysis. To engage our students, we offer flexibility in topic selection, supplementing classic Gemara topics with exciting and relevant discussions from other areas of Talmud. Students will participate in guided discussions, interactive activities, and practical exercises to enhance their comprehension skills and develop greater appreciation for the relevancy of Talmudic study.The Rebbeim/Morot empower our students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their Gemara learning journey.
- Advanced: This track is for advanced students who elect not to participate in the Beit Midrash Program. Students expand upon their knowledge of Talmud and develop greater expertise in reading, analyzing, and interpreting Talmudic texts and their commentaries. Students are trained to read and analyze Rashi, Tosafot, and other Rishonim inside. The course engages in intensive textual analysis, legal reasoning, and conceptual analysis, encouraging critical analysis and creative thinking.
What are the core beliefs of the Jewish people that might, on occasion, even supersede the value of life itself? How do these issues compare to the many other commandments which may be pushed aside to save a life? What are the general guidelines which have guided us on this topic throughout our lengthy and difficult history? Is it permitted to save a life by killing another? These are just some of the Halachic and philosophical issues which we cover in this Masechet.
We will study topics in the 8th פרק (Chapter) of מסכת סנהדרין in great depth (עיון). The common theme underlying these topics is that they represent life and death dilemmas in halacha. Analyzing these topics will offer us insight into the Torah’s perspective on how to weigh the value of human life when it clashes with other Torah values. We will also learn other parts of Masechet Sanhedrin at a faster pace [בקיאות] to be exposed to many different topics and pages of גמרא within our מסכת. The additional periods offered by the Beit Midrash Program affords us the opportunity to create an environment which is challenging and serious yet relaxed and enjoyable. The goal is that this environment will enable serious Torah learning and spiritual growth while also promoting the development of genuine friendships amongst the group.
This course will explore controversial topics and debates within the Gemara that are not typically covered in yeshiva high school. Topics include: the existence of demons and supernatural beings, the relationship between Judaism and Zionism, and the relationship between Jews and non-Jews. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper appreciation of the scope of the Talmud and better appreciate how complex Talmudic debates continue to inform Jewish thought and practice today.
This course will examine the halakhic status of women and their obligations in Jewish law, specifically focusing on their roles in tefillah, shabbat and holidays, and voluntary mitzvot. Students will explore concepts of personality, relationships, and modesty, and learn about Jewish marriage, niddah, and mikvah. Additionally, the course will delve into the challenges that young women face on college campuses and beyond. Throughout the course, students will analyze primary texts from the Talmud and other halakhic sources, as well as contemporary Jewish writings on women and Jewish law. They will develop critical thinking skills as they discuss and debate different interpretations and applications of Jewish law to women's lives. Students will have the opportunity to participate in interactive discussions and experiential learning, including a visit to local mikvah and opportunity to hear from women of varied life experiences.
Faculty
