Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies - Retired Learning Experiences

Organization

Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies

Credit Course Categories:

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

Philosophy and Meaning in Jewish Prayer (Jewish Studies 320/320 DL)

Formerly Philosophy and Meaning in Jewish Prayer (Jewish Thought 320/320 DL)

Length:

Varies; self-study format.

Dates:

October 2010 - March 2021. (Course and exam ended.)

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate a thorough knowledge about the inner meaning and philosophy behind Jewish prayer; explain the principals of the Shema; the blessings; the Shemona Esrei; Ashrei; and Aleinu; analyze underlying premises; integrate these concepts to all aspects of prayer; discuss why they pray; why God wants prayer; and how the set prayers achieve the prescribed goals.

Instruction:

The course explores the philosophy and meaning of Jewish Prayer based on the systematic application of methodology provided in the masterpiece, The Way of God, by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, the commentary of the Malbim on Ashrei and the Abudraham on Aleinu; principles, customs, and meaning of Jewish Prayer. Topics include: unity; function of prayer; mankind's position in the creation; mankind's purpose; the function of evil; mankind's relationship and service to God. Instruction for the distance learning course is delivered through a series of forty audio lectures.

Credit recommendation:

Proficiency Exam: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Philosophy, or Religion (2/11) (3/16 revalidation). Distance learning course: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Philosophy, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11) (3/16 revalidation).

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The Laws of the Sabbath (Jewish Law 201)

Length:

Varies; self-study format.

Dates:

October 2010 - May 2016.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: read and understand the Hebrew text of the classic law text, express an understanding of the concepts and principles of the laws of Sabbath; analyze opposing viewpoints and understand how the Mishna Berura decided to follow a particular view; express the conclusions of the Mishna Berura and be able to apply those conclusions to practical and modern day situations.

Instruction:

Classroom-based instruction administered through the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies at the Yeshiva Bircas Hatorah. The Jewish Law 201 course explores law theory and practical laws of the Sabbath through careful study of the Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura. Students read the Hebrew text of the Shulchan Aruch, Rama, and Mishna Berura. Topics include: laws of carrying on the Sabbath, Muktzeh, carrying through other objects; Sabbath toiletries; doors and pegs; building and wrecking; building tents; and trapping.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower/upper division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies (2/11).

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The Laws of the Sabbath: Advanced Topics (Jewish Law 250)

Length:

Varies; self-study format.

Dates:

October 2010 - March 2016.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and explain fundamental philosophy behind the prohibition of working on the Sabbath; identify, explain, analyze, interpret, and apply theoretical law in the following areas: desisting from weekday activities and occupations, avoiding preparations for after Sabbath with the allowance for positive commandments, speaking about work, excessive exertion, doing work on the eve of the Sabbath. Students also identify the distinction between similar prohibitions and their causes; discuss the underlying principles and determine when leniencies apply; describe their impact on Sabbath behavior; and apply the principles to practical scenarios.

Instruction:

Jewish Law 250 is offered as a proficiency examination that includes an extensive study-guide and required reading administered through the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in History, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11). NOTE: This course has been combined with The Laws of the Sabbath: Time Frame and Rabbinical Institutions (Jewish Law 310) as The Laws of the Sabbath: The Rabbinical Laws (Jewish Law 350) (11/11).

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The Laws of the Sabbath: Time Frame and Rabbinical Institutions (Jewish Law 310)

Length:

Varies; self-study format.

Dates:

October 2010 - November 2011.

Objectives:

Upon successful competion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate an ability to identify, explain, analyze, interpret, and apply theoretical law in practical cases for the following areas: non-movable objects (muktza) due to value, forbidden use, non-designation for use; asking a non-Jew to perform work (amira l"akum) including the causes of prohibitions and allowances for the criteria by which they are determined; identify the distinction between different prohibitions and their causes; discuss underlying principles; determine when leniencies apply; describe their impact on the Sabbath behavior; and apply principles to practical scenarios. In regards to the time frame of the Sabbath, students will be able to: discuss the laws pertaining to candle lighting at the commencement of Sabbath; identify who may light and where one may light a candle; apply theory to practice; solve problematic scenarios regarding candle lighting; and demonstrate knowledge regarding laws and customs related to the conclusion of Sabbath and the custom of Havdallah.

Instruction:

Jewish Law 310 is offered as a proficiency examination that includes an extensive study-guide and required readings administered through the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in History, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11). NOTE: This course has been combined with The Laws of the Sabbath: Advanced Topics (Jewish Law 250) as The Laws of the Sabbath: The Rabbinical Laws (Jewish Law 350).

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