Jewish Philosophy and Theology - Center for Academic and Religious Excellence
Organization
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Varies.
June 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the examination, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency as follows: Analyze the immediate effects of the Enlightenment and its later ramifications; discuss the foundation and growth of the Bais Yaakov Movement; discuss the oppression of the Jewish people in Europe during the late 19th century and the resulting relocation to America; analyze the effects of life in America on the Jewish immigrants; describe the theological crisis resulting from the Holocaust and the rabbinic response to the crisis; discuss the persecution of Jews in the Soviet Union and their spiritual rebirth; describe the Kiruv Movement; discuss the growth of Heterodoxy in America, its decline, and the growth of Orthodoxy; describe the growth of the Chareidi population and political power in the State of Israel.
In order to prepare for this exam, students must study the following topics: The twentieth century: A century in turmoil; responses to Secularism and Atheism; women’s religious education; pogrom, oppression, relocationt; he American Challenge; Zionism and the land of Israel; science, Ttechnology, Torah; Holocaust, Faith in Crisis; Post-Holocaust, faith regrowth; intermarriage and Half-Jews, Anti-Zionist Jews; the Soviet Challenge; the demise of Heterodoxy, the growth of Orthodoxy; Chareidi community in the State of Israel.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Ethics, Philosophy, Sociology, Jewish History, or Religious Studies (6/23).
Varies.
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the examination, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency as follows: explore a personal relationship with G-d via prayer, Torah study, and fulfilling the commandments; describe the role of the Jewish People vis-à-vis the nations of the world; differentiate between the role of G-d’s guidance in the life of an individual versus the lives of the nations of the world; and explore the interaction between body and soul.
In order to prepare for this examination, students study Derech Hashem by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato. Topics include: the nature of the Creator; man’s understanding of G-d; the creation of the world; the purpose of the creation of the world; man’s purpose in the world and his relationship with G-d; the physical vs. the spiritual realm; the role of Providence in the life of every individual; the study of Torah and the effects of the commandments on the individual; the animal aspect of man versus the divine aspect; praying to G-d; and man’s obligation to G-d; man’s responsibilities in this world.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy (6/15) (4/21 revalidation).
Varies.
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the examination, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency as follows: discuss the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy of G-d and their implementation on a human level; analyze how the Thirteen Attributes may be seen in the lives of sages; describe the purpose of man’s life in the world; and compare and contrast reward and punishment in this world and in the World to Come.
In order to prepare for this examination, students study the basic ideas of Rabbi Moshe Cordevero’s book Tomer Devora. Principle topics covered include: the upper and lower levels of holiness; the three levels of the soul; the tzelem – one’s physical form; the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy; incorporating the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy into our lives, by: visiting the sick; giving charity to the poor; acting pleasantly towards others; and helping and supporting students of Torah.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy (6/15) (4/21 revalidation).
Varies.
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the examination, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency as follows: demonstrate familiarity with the Artscroll commentary on the Morning Prayers (Shacharis); explore the content and the power of prayer; identify how to make proper requests of G-d in prayer; focus on the meaning and proper pronunciation of words; build a relationship with G-d through prayer; pray with concentration and focus; and pray in a physically appropriate manner vis-à-vis position, posture, and time; define ways to maximize serenity, focus, and spiritual connection while praying.
In order to prepare for this examination, students study the following topics: successful prayer; preparation for prayer; maximizing time while praying; developing the proper attitude toward prayer; specific requests while praying; the essence and purpose of the morning blessings; the connections between various prayers – ie. Boruch She’amar and Yishtabach; and the purpose of each of the Blessings of Shemoneh Esrei; miscellaneous additional blessings.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy (6/15) (4/21 revalidation).
Varies.
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the examination, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency as follows: recognize speech that constitutes slander; differentiate between slander and gossip; respond to situational questions appropriately reflecting a clear understanding of what constitutes slander and gossip; discriminate between pieces of information that should and should not be communicated; and identify situations when it is necessary to ask direction of a Rabbinic authority.
In order to prepare for this examination, students study the following topics: the destructive power of slander and all its ramifications; details of the laws of slander; public versus private information; listening to slander; intimations of slander and their relevance; parameters of constructive purpose; laws of gossip; and laws and application of judging others favorably.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Jewish Law, Judaic Studies, Jewish Philosophy, or Religious Studies (6/15) (4/21 revalidation).
Varies.
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the examination, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency as follows: discuss man’s mission in this world and the need for self-improvement; identify character traits, positive and negative, and their impact on daily life; select the appropriate tools to make lasting changes in character development; and apply the concepts that have been studied to improve one’s personal relationships.
In order to prepare for this examination, students study the following topics: man’s mission in his world; the qualities of a man who is just and how to acquire them. These qualities include: zehirus – vigilance; zerizus – alacrity; nekiyus – cleanliness from temptation in human interaction; perishus – abstinence; tahara – purity; chassidus – piety, in deeds and intent; anavah – humility; yiras cheit – fear of sin; kedushah – holiness.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Ethics, Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or Philosophy (6/15) (4/21 revalidation).
