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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies | Evaluated Learning Experience

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The Essential Laws of Blessings, Version 2 (JST 250)

The Essential Laws of Blessings (Jewish Studies 250)
Formerly The Essential Laws of Blessings (Jewish Thought 250)
Course Category: 
Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies - Jewish Studies
Length: 

Versions 1 and 2: Varies; self-study format. 

Location: 
Various; distance learning format.
Dates: 

Version 1: October 2010 - March 2023. Version 2: July 2022 - Present. 

Instructional delivery format: 
Online/distance learning
Hybrid course/exam
Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify, explain, analyze, interpret, and apply theoretical law; demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts related to blessings; identify major principles; analyze underlying premises of the principle laws and customs; and apply them to novel situations. Version 2: Same as Version 1 with additional outcomes: students will be able to:  identify food items and their corresponding blessing; determine the amount of food or drink necessary to consume to be obligated in the after blessing or the grace said after meals; conduct an analysis of the meaning of blessings; and differentiate between the food manufacturing process in modern times and its impact on the appropriate blessing as opposed to similar food items that were manufactured differently in the past. 

Instruction: 

Version 1: The final examination assesses students' ability to express knowledge about the fundamental Jewish laws and customs concerning blessings. Topics include: structure of a blessing; blessings made in vain; amen; discharging the obligation of others; initial blessings; sequence of blessings; principle versus subsidiary items; what is considered staples (mezonos); blessings on fruits and vegetables; wine, vegetable and fruit soups; and the general blessing of Shehakol. Version 2: Reading materials were added and study materials were expanded. 

Credit recommendation: 

 Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Philosophy, or Religion (2/11) (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). NOTE: Students who complete the exam without the use of their notebooks could receive graduate credit. Version 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Philosophy, or Religion (7/22 administrative review). NOTE: Versions 1 and 2 were offered at the same time between July 2022 - March 2023. 

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