FOR OHR HATORAH MEMBERS ONLY FREE OF CHARGE
Pirket Avot is one of the most often studied and beloved texts in traditional Jewish study, often memorized. The six chapters consist of short teachings and aphorisms pertaining to ethics and wisdom by Sages and Rabbis, mostly from the first few centuries of the common era.
We will begin the course with an overview of Rabbinic Literature (what is the Mishnah, the Gemarra, the Talmud, the Midrash, etc.) and where Pirkei Avot fits into this literature.
The Zoom class will be discussion based, where questions will be encouraged. We expect to cover the first chapter in this fall 2020 eight week course.
*Please note that this class is offered to Ohr HaTorah members only (and free of charge).
We will restart the popular summer class back at the beginning, Genesis 1:1, approaching the text from a literary point of view (theme, plot, character, genres, irony, metaphor, etc.). We will also discuss the sources that make up the Torah and editorial/canonization process.
Our first session will be devoted to creating the framework of “how to read the Bible as literature, not journalism,” as well as the study of the sources of the Torah. We ask questions such as, "How do the authors of the Bible create and communicate meaning?"
We will then discuss the Bible verse by verse in Hebrew and English, focusing on the biblical text itself. Students of Hebrew will enjoy our careful study of original text, and the ways it communicates its meaning.
Those who studied in the summer will enjoy the review of both the ideas and the texts; new students will benefit from a restructured course of study.
Intermediate Level Kabbalah
CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES
USING THE SEFIROT
Tuesday - 6 to 6:45 PM
$120
This class is intended for those who have already taken introductory classes on the Kabbalah and are familiar with the concepts of the Ten Sefirot, the Four Worlds, Breakage and Restoration, and so forth.
For the fall term, we will focus on the Kabbalah and Contemplative practices, with a close study of Sha’ar Ha-Yichud (in English and Hebrew). Sha’ar Ha-Yichud was written by Rabbi Dov Ber of Lubavitch (1773-1827), the second rebbe of Chabad. This primary text of Chasidic Kabbalah is noted for clarity and depth in studying contemplative and meditative practices.
The Kabbalah has many dimensions and avenues of study. Studying the basics of the Kabbalah with an eye toward understanding our inner lives and a path toward transformation is a relatively recent development. In this class, we will begin with a brief history of Kabbalistic thought.
After the historical survey, we will introduce students to the depths of the Ten Sefirot, the Four Worlds, Breakage and Restoration and how this knowledge is used for spiritual growth and practice.
Introduction / Review
SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY
& THE KABBALAH
Tuesday - 7 to 7:45 PM
$80
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
For our advanced study of Wisdom Works (for those who have good mastery of the basics), we will study Rabbi Finley’s main sources in developing this theory and approach to transformation, “Virtue, Rationality, Wisdom and Depth.”
Our first advanced class will be the study of Roberto Assagioli’s The Act of Will (1973), using the more readily available 2010 edition, the ”blue cover.”
This expansive and brilliant book can be dense for many readers. Rabbi Finley will lead in a careful reading, explaining of all the concepts, step by step. All those who read and master this text are edified and moved by its scope and depth.
Everyone who practices (not just knows about) “The Wisdom Path” reports improvement in relationships and inner well-being.
In this class, we teach the practice of Wall(s) of Virtue, The Wisdom Mills (based mostly on the work of Albert Ellis and William Glasser), The Higher Self / Ego-Self (based on the works of Roberto Assagioli), as well as a basic review of the neuropsychology of transformation -
how the mind can change the brain.
Wisdom Works Beginner/Review
VIRTUE, RATIONALITY,
WISDOM & DEPTH
WED - 7 to 7:45 PM
In this course, we will explore core language elements for conversation, liturgy and bible study. We will use liturgical texts to prepare for the service and culmination ceremony of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah and Conversion programs.
Following this course, we will begin individual work relating to each student's choice of parasha, etc.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE! Those of you who already read Hebrew and would like to join the class, may do so!
Meeting ID: 983 5391 5367
Password: 828186
