Theological Research Institute, Ltd. (TRI)
Overview
The Theological Research Institute, Ltd. (TRI), an NCCRS member since 2010, was founded in 2009 to offer students and professionals a comprehensive and robust learning experience focused on the History, Philosophy, Biblical law, and Hermeneutics of the Jewish religion. Utilizing the classical methods of Rabbinic scholarship, combined with special emphasis on religious humanism, TRI strives to bring a new and innovative twist to Jewish learning that emphasizes evolving issues, both past and present. Humanistic ideals of morals, ethics, and tolerance, based on the writings of the Pentateuch, Talmud, the academies of the Geonim and Maimonides, are underlying themes that form the basis of the curriculum and are integrated into lesson plans, and course work, highlighting the continuity of these cherished characteristics throughout Jewish traditions and to the present day.
The goal of TRI is to provide college-level coursework focused on Judaic Studies to a wide and all-encompassing audience, regardless of religion, race or creed. Courses in Jewish Humanities, Thought and Philosophy, Talmudic, Jurisprudential, and Biblical Studies form the cornerstone of course work. Instructors highlight the theoretical and practical applications of the traditions and contemporary concepts in modern society through classroom and online lectures. This program ensures that the students of TRI will have extensive knowledge of these principles and their daily applications.
Source of Official Student Records
Titles of all evaluated learning experiences
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Bible Studies - Theological Research Institute
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to; analyze and discuss the Book of Genesis and the major themes within; describe the key lessons demonstrated by the leading characters of the narrative; offer deeper explanation of the text using input from a variety of classical and modern commentaries with a focus on Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi); and develop and apply needed skills and techniques to illustrate an understanding of the Biblical text.
This is an in-depth study of the Book of Genesis alongside an application of classical and modern commentaries, with a focus on the commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi). Students focus on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes; the creation narrative; the formation of the people of Israel via Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and the purpose of the Egyptian exile. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to; Analyze and discuss the Book of Exodus and the major themes within; describe the key lessons demonstrated by the leading characters of the narrative; offer deeper explanation of the text using input from a variety of classical and modern commentaries with a focus on Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi); and develop and apply needed skills and techniques to illustrate an understanding of the Biblical text.
This is an in-depth study of the Book of Exodus alongside an application of classical and modern commentaries, with a focus on the commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi). Students focus on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes; the Egyptian exile; the rise of Moses; the 10 plagues and the Exodus; and the Sinai experience. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze and discuss the Book of Leviticus and the major themes within; describe the key lessons demonstrated by the leading characters of the narrative; offer deeper explanation of the text using input from a variety of classical and modern commentaries with a focus on Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi); and develop and apply needed skills and techniques to illustrate an understanding of the Biblical text.
This is an in-depth study of the Book of Leviticus alongside an application of classical and modern commentaries, with a focus on the commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi). Students focus on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: Temple ritual; the laws of purity; and the lineages of the priesthood. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze and discuss the Book of Numbers and the major themes within; describe the key lessons demonstrated by the leading characters of the narrative; offer deeper explanation of the text using input from a variety of classical and modern commentaries with a focus on Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi); and develop and apply needed skills and techniques to illustrate an understanding of the Biblical text.
This is an in-depth study of the Book of Numbers alongside an application of classical and modern commentaries, with a focus on the commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi). Students focus on topics that include but not limited to the following themes; the Laws of Moses; the relationship between The Creator and the people of Israel; and the mechanisms of faithfulness. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze and discuss the Book of Deuteronomy and the major themes within; describe the key lessons demonstrated by the leading characters of the narrative; offer deeper explanation of the text using input from a variety of classical and modern commentaries with a focus on Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi); and develop and apply needed skills and techniques to illustrate an understanding of the Biblical text.
This is an in-depth study of the Book of Deuteronomy alongside an application of classical and modern commentaries, with a focus on the commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (Rashi). Students will focus on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: the covenant between the Torah and the people of Israel; the death of Moses; the appointing of Joshua; and the preparation to enter the land of Israel. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: extract the moral and legal implications of the readings; list the series of events leading up to the leadership of Joshua; detail the political and historical landscape of the pre-Davidic Israel; and analyze the conflict between the Davidic house and that of King Saul.
This is an in-depth study of the Books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes; the settling of the land of Israel; the wars of the ancient Israelites; the formation of the Kingdom of Israel; and the rise and fall of the Dividic Empire. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the series of events that led up to the destruction of Israel; list specific warnings given to the Israelites by the Prophets of Israel; detail locations and time periods of different phases of forced exile; and analyze the series of events foretold that will befall the Israelites during their 'ingathering' process.
This is an in-depth study of the Books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: the splitting of the Kingdom of Israel; the Assyrian exile; the Babylonian Exile; the Divine Chariot; and the Prophecies yet to be fulfilled. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).<
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the names and personalities of the '12' Prophets; detail the political and moral state of the Israelites throughout this period of time; apply morals and life lessons taught by the '12' Prophets; and analyze the religious landscape of the Israelites prior to and post the Babylonian exile.
This is an in-depth study of the Books of the '12 Prophets' with a focus on the Books of Ezra and Nehemia. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: the return of the Judeans to Israel from Babylon; the reestablishment of the courts of Israel; the genealogy records preserved in the exile; and the formation of how Judaism became a religion formed during the Judean exile. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the various themes and moods portrayed in the writings of King David; detail the political and moral state of the Israelites during the time of King David’s writings; apply moral and life lessons taught by the Book of Psalms; and detail internal struggles faced by King David throughout his reign.
This is an in-depth study of the Books of the Psalms, with a focus on the different expressions of personality and wisdom throughout the text. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: the struggles and achievements throughout the life of King David; hints of prophecies within the text; and the major moral foundations laid out by the text. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, History, or as a general elective (7/18).
Jewish Studies-Theological Research Institute
- Formerly Ancient Jewish Ideas in the Modern Era
Various; distance learning format
45 hours (10 weeks).
December 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the concepts and application of traditional Jewish teachings and mystical practices within the context of modern society; learn the general structure and order of the Torah belief system and how this defines the essential character of the "Jewish perspective”; analyze and assess what happens when the Jewish perspective is at odds with modern opinions and bias; evaluate a wide range of topics, including: the cyclical nature of time; core concepts in Jewish philosophy; ritual practice as related to prayer and the festivals; stringencies in dietary law and animal slaughter; sexual limitations and freedoms; an explanation of the Torah's written and oral transmissions; and define the concept of "Chosen People," and anti-Semitism.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of Faith versus knowledge, Monotheism, the Jewish calendar as a tool for growth, the Jewish view of love, relationships, and prayer, Kosher Laws, Understanding the Shabbat, and History of Oral Law.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Philosophy (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
124.5 hours (12 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a mastery of the Hebrew alphabet, and basic pronunciations of letters and words; gain a deeper insight into the structure of the Hebrew letters and how they relate to mathematics, science, and philosophy; and clearly articulate how the Hebrew words are essentially defined based on the nature of the letters they are composed of.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of the Hebrew Alphabet and Language including speech and pronounciations and the meaning behind the letters. Methods of instruction include: required readings, essays, quizzes, required interaction with the course instructor, and final exam.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Hebrew Language or Jewish Thought (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
120 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to review the writings of Jewish codifiers throughout the ages (Maimonidies, Tur, Shulchan Aruch, Mishna Brura) to build their knowledge of pertinent Jewish laws and apply research skills to develop a thorough understanding of many day-to-day laws and traditions.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of Jewish Laws (Halacha) of some of the following topics: Mezuzah, Charity, Tefillin, Blessings, Sukkot, Signs of Kosher animals, Wayfarer's prayer, and immersing new utensils.
In the associate degree/certificate degree category OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Law, Near Eastern Studies, Talmudic Law, or Religion (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
120 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze Jewish sources about leadership and character development and discuss traits such as responsibility, resilience, humility, genuineness, commitment to personal growth, positivity, and methods for overcoming anger and jealousy. The course places a strong focus on applying this knowledge to actual life situations.
The course is taught through a variety of instructional sources: reading classic and contemporary texts, watching online videos, and writing essays. A strong emphasis is placed on applying the material to students' lives.
In the associate degree/certificate category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Law, Jewish Thought, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/15).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the 39 forbidden activities tied to Shabbat; detail the sources and explanation for each of the forbidden activities; apply moral and life lessons taught by the laws of Shabbat; and detail the responsibility of the generation to safeguard the Shabbat and how that played out throughout the exile.
This is an in-depth study of the Shulchan Aruch, with a focus on the source of each of the laws of Shabbat, and their modern-day application. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: the 39 forbidden activities on Shabbat; the nature of joy on Shabbat; Shabbat in Temple times and throughout the exile; and the concepts of the seven-year cycle leading up to the Sabbatical year. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish History or Judaic Studies or Religion (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Various; distance learning format.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the sources from the Torah for the dietary laws of the Israelites; detail the signs and categories different animals fall into; apply lessons from the course to understanding and living a Kosher lifestyle in the modern world; and detail different customs and traditions found throughout different schools of thought amongst various schools of Torah law.
This is an in-depth study of the Books of the Shulchan Aruch, with a focus on the laws of mixing meat and milk. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: proper preparation of an animal, different parts of an animal; disease and quality control amongst animals; wine, milk and bread derived from non-Torah observant individuals; and detailed rectifications for the mixing of kosher and non-kosher food items and utensils. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish History or Judaic Studies or Religion (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the three main Festivals listed in the Torah; compare and contrast the nature of how these Festivals were celebrated during Temple times and throughout the exile; describe the unique relationship between an agricultural civilization and the Festivals; and detail all the specific laws and their sources that apply to each of the Festivals.
This is an in-depth study of the Shulchan Aruch, with a focus on the unique commandments for each of the Festivals. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: the Holidays of Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot; the 'four species'; the Passover Seder; and the pilgrimage to the Temple. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish History or Judaic Studies or Religion (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the sources in the Torah where the laws of Blessings are derived from; detail the various food categories that exist and the appropriate blessings for each; apply the principles of blessings to everyday life; and analyze how to handle complex food scenarios and forgotten blessings.
This is an in-depth study of the Shulchan Aruch, with a focus on the different commentaries from both Sefardic and Ashkenazi communities. Students apply lessons taught by various sources including modern codifiers of law. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: sources of the blessings; the order of blessings; different categories of blessings; reciting blessings on behalf of others; and rectifying errors made when blessing. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish History or Judaic Studies or Religion (7/18)
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced.
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the various High Holidays of the Jewish people, as well as their sources in the Torah; compare and contrast the nature of these Holidays during the time of the Temple of Solomon and throughout the exile; and apply moral and life lessons taught by the Holidays; and detail customs and traditions unique to each Holiday.
This is an in-depth study of the Shulchan Aruch, with a focus on the High Holidays of The New Year and the Day of Atonement. Students apply lessons taught by various sources from classical and modern commentaries. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: sources of the laws of the High Holidays; the nature of the relationship between the Creator and the people of Israel during the High Holidays; and the specific customs and traditions for each holiday amongst both the Sefardic and Ashkenazi communities. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish History or Judaic Studies or Religion (7/18).
Various; distance learning format.
Self study, self-paced
July 2018 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: list the various days of fast throughout the Jewish year; detail the reasons and sources for each fast; apply moral and life lessons taught by the historical events tied to each fast; and detail the laws and customs of each fast.
This is an in-depth study of the Shulchan Aruch, with a focus on the different fasts throughout the year. Students apply lessons taught by historical elements of each fast. Focus is on topics that include but are not limited to the following themes: names, periods, and lengths of each fast; the laws and traditions for each fast; the purpose of a fast in the eyes of The Creator; and the laws of exemptions and leniencies for each fast. Prerequisite: Students need a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish History or Judaic Studies or Religion (7/18).
Various; distance learning format
177 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the multiple facets of leadership and what it means to be a leader; identify and discuss their own patterns of behavior and whether it is an asset or hindrance to leadership; and apply and evaluate leadership skills with projects that they must implement in their communities
The course takes place over a two-week trip to Israel, followed by a year-long implementation project based on skills and knowledge gained during the two-week immersion learning experience. Methods of instruction include: lectures, experiential learning through historical visits and readings, student projects, and required reading and writing assignments.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Thought or Religion (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
130 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss core concepts of Jewish philosophy and analyze and discuss modern day situations from the perspective of Jewish ethics. Students are introduced to the concepts of Tikkun Olam and personal character development, and the practical applications of these missions to their personal lives and community involvement. As part of this course, students will learn from Torah experts and personalities from the business and professional world, who demonstrate from experience how to bridge Judaism’s ancient wisdom with modern life. Additionally, students are matched with optional internship opportunities in North America and Israel.
The course covers an introduction to the study of Biblical, Rabbinic, and modern Jewish teachings, with focus on inspiring and giving; students the necessary tools to continue with self-study of Judaism. Major subjects include: monotheism, free will, the purpose of life, and the Jewish values that relate to the relationships between man and his fellow, man and God, and man and himself. Core texts include the Torah, Talmud, Mishnah “Pirkei Avot”(Major work on Jewish Ethics), and various works and teachings of Rabbinic scholars circa 2000 years ago until the present day. Students will conduct a close reading of the text, applying research skills to analyze and uncover the meaning and message of the narrative.
In the associate degree/certificate category OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Philosophy, Jewish Thought, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/15).
- Formerly Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship 201
Various; distance learning format
117.5 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: improve their knowledge of Judaism, Jewish philosophy and social justice; employ these concepts in an effort to apply it to the development and design their own social entrepreneurship; and collaborate with peers and professionals sharing their entrepreneurial spirit and desire to better the world.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of Judaism, Jewish Philosophy and social justice and social entrepreneurship. Students interpret and compare various case studies and lectures and have the opportunity to examine and discuss real life scenarios and formulate their own direction.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Applied Economics, Management, Jewish Thought or Business/Entrepreneurship (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
130 hours (10 weeks).
June 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:analyze and discuss the multiple facets of Judaism, Jewish philosophy and social justice; identify and;discuss different Jewish concepts acquired in this course and apply it to the development and design their own social entrepreneurship enterprise; and collaborate with peers and professionals developing an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to better the world.
This course takes place in a classroom setting in Israel. Studies focus on a hybrid of lecture series and experiential learning that include texts spanning previous generations of Jewish literature, video documentaries, and guest lectures. Trips create hands-on learning experiences that help instill classroom lessons into lifetime memories.
In the associate degree/certificate degree category OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Religion, or Jewish Thought (6/15).
Talmud Courses-Theological Research Institute
- Formerly Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin II (Talmud 404)
- Formerly Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin (Talmud 402)
Theological Research Institute-Inactive Courses
- Formerly European Jewish Philosophy in the 16th Century
- Formerly Psychology of Human Interaction (Psych 202)
