Philosophy - Maalot Educational Network
Organization
- Art/Graphics - Maalot Educational Network
- Business/Accounting - Maalot Educational Network
- Computer Science - Maalot Educational Network
- Cyber Security - Maalot Educational Network
- Education - Maalot Educational Network
- English - Faith Builders Educational Programs
- Hebrew - Maalot Educational Network
- History - Maalot Educational Network
- Judaic Studies/Religion - Maalot Educational Network
- Mathematics - Maalot Educational Network
- Philosophy - Maalot Educational Network
- Psychology and Sociology - Maalot Educational Network
- Inactive Learning Experiences - Maalot Educational Network
- Speech Pathology - Maalot Educational Network
- Talmud Courses - Maalot Educational Network
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
May 2023 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: formulate a comprehensive perspective on many of the fundamental philosophical and theological principles defined by the Tanya and other Chassidic and Kabbalistic works; analyze and contrast divergent approaches to these essential issues; explain and compare man’s spiritual journey and goals with the corresponding mystical dimensions; synthesize the concepts of a selection of classical Jewish philosophical, Biblical, Halachic and Kabbalistic schools of thought; and independently apply textual analysis skills.
Major topics include drawing down the Shechina (Tanya Ch.35); G-d’s desire for an abode in the lower realms, the physical world (Tanya Ch.36); mortal man’s ability to elevate the mundane and reveal G-d’s presence in the physical, material world (Tanya Ch.37); Kavana - the requirement to marshal and focus one’s mind and thoughts leading to G-d’s revelation in this world (Tanya Ch.39); the interplay of Kavana, the ascent of Torah Study and Mitzvos, to the sefirot within the four spiritual worlds (Tanya ch.39). Topics may vary. Prerequisite: Formal education: Record of successful completion of four years high school or its equivalent; ability to read and comprehend Hebrew.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Law, Religion, or Sociology (5/23).
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
May 2023 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: explain and compare the essential differences between exile and redemption on a personal and national level, providing traditional, Chasidic and Kabbalistic definitions and perspectives; demonstrate critical evaluation and knowledge transfer in practical application exercises and workshops; correlate individual steps in personal redemption to national and global redemption; and independently apply textual analysis skills.
Major topics include: defining personal and national Exile and Redemption; the individual’s role in fulfilling the prophecies describing the Messianic era; tracing the origins of Exile to the process of creation and the sin of the Etz Hadas; analyzing self-limiting and self-empowering narratives, their origins, and the role of and faith and belief in shaping our outlook on the past, present, and future; applying a practical redemption mind frame to everyday situations – personally, nationally, and globally. Topics may vary. Prerequisite: Formal education: Record of successful completion of four years high school or its equivalent; ability to read and comprehend Hebrew.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Law, Religion, or Sociology (5/23).
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
September 2020 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate and explain the fundamental substance of the Beis HaLevi’s formulation of essential concepts of Jewish philosophy, distinguish the Beis HaLevi’s distinctive methodology in exegesis of biblical and rabbinic sources, and recognize and analyze the theological and ethical ideas expressed in prior works of Jewish philosophy as they are addressed and developed in the Beis HaLevi’s writings; and interpret classic and modern Jewish philosophical work with greater skill and knowledge of philosophical terms.
Major topics include the connection between the golden calf and the giving of the Torah, Moshe’s response to the golden calf, the power of Repentance, merits, demerits and consequences in the balance of human behavior, “E-he-ye-h asher E-he-ye-h” as a principle in accountability, Yitzchak, Rivka and Esav - the concept of the firstborn, the value of charity as a conduit to goodness and abundance, the dialogues of Rabbi Akiva and Tyranus Rufus, purposes of the ten plagues, connection between the ten plagues and the sin of the golden calf, understanding the sin of the golden calf, the concept of mitzvos, red heifer in the repentance process, why remember Amalek, and the answer to the wicked son in the Haggadah. Topics and exegetists 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, two courses in Jewish Philosophy, or permission from the instructor.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Philosophy, Judaic Studies, Hebrew Bible, or Religious Studies (3/21).
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
September 2020 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the historical and personal contexts of primary sources, discern the relationship of a teacher to his or her students through their letters, and evaluate Jewish philosophical approaches to selected concepts; be proficient in textual skills and modern Jewish history through researching original texts and the personal lives of their authors.
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.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Hebrew Bible, or Religious Studies (3/21).
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
Major topics include Holiness, impact of the mitzvos of interpersonal relationships on individuals and on nation, employee/employer relationships, effects of anger, balancing physicality and spirituality, leaders and leadership, hierarchy and unity, thanking G-d for the bad, truth, forgiveness, potential destructiveness of speech. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual preparation.
Upon successful completion of the course, exhibit perception of Rambam's formulation of the principles, and the influence of the principles on contemporary discussions, as well as appraise the theological and ethical ideas expressed in the principles, as discussed in other works of Jewish thought; correlate the discussion of Maimonides’s principles with other works of Jewish thought; appraise the original writings of other notable Jewish philosophers.
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
September 2009 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe traditional Jewish outlook on major religious, ethical, and philosophical themes and issues; analyze pertinent source materials and compare them with parallel outlooks from a range of non-traditional or non-Jewish sources.
Major topics include: the closeness of Israel, equal opportunity, racial and religious tolerance, relationships with non-Jews, anti-Semitism, the seven Noahide laws, suffering, and Theodicy. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include: lecture, classroom discussion, and textual preparation. Prerequisite: Background knowledge in Jewish Religion and Philosophy.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Religion, Ethics, or Hebraic/Judaic Studies (10/10) (8/15 revalidation) (3/21 revalidation).
