Major topics include bibliographical information about each letter writer and their influence on Jewish history, the importance of knowing an author’s historical context, major accomplishments, and the name by which he/she is known, the superiority of letters to published material in getting to know the author’s mind, value of prayer,  dual nature of trials, G-d responds in kind, women’s role, spiritual aspirations and social life, fraternal love as the gateway to love of G-d, impact of Bais Yaakov on women of its generation and on ours, Purim as “letter” and personal message,  G-dliness and Amalek,  obligation to feel personal experience of the Exodus from Egypt, what Pesach celebrates, solitude and society, maintaining values even in hardship,  modern idolatries, and growth-potential of milestones.  Topics and sources may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual preparations. Prerequisite: Ability to read and comprehend Hebrew language familiarity with courses in Biblical texts and exegesis. Pre or co-requisite: two courses in Jewish Philosophy or permission from the instructor.