The Next Level Curriculum:

Wednesdays at 8pm at MJE

Rabbi Mark Wildes 5772/2011-2012

(Nov. 2) From Sinai to Manhattan 1: Who wrote the Torah? Study classic Biblical and Rabbinic sources for the Jewish belief in the Divinity of the Torah as well as some modern “evidence”.

(Nov. 9) From Sinai to Manhattan 2:  The Oral Torah: Examples of interrelation between the written and oral Torah; how Moshe received the oral tradition as well as the history of the oral transmission; role of the Jewish High Court/Sanhedrin.

(Nov. 16) From Sinai to Manhattan 3: The human contribution in the Mesorah/transmission of the oral tradition and application of halachick process in modern times using example of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein’s approach to the case of the Discophiles/Siamese twins.

(Nov. 23-Erev Thanksgiving): Thanksgiving & Torah: Judaism’s approach to non-Jewish holidays and traditions in general and in particular, Thanksgiving.
(Nov. 30) From Sinai to Manhattan 4: See the halachic process in action by studying sources from Torah, Mishna, Talmud….on Honoring Parents, Smoking, Cosmetic Surgery, Extradition and Modern Evolution theory.

(Dec. 7) Guest Speaker: Rabbi Steven Weil, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union:

Ruth B. Wildes z”l Memorial Lecture.

(Dec. 14) Chanukah Class 1:- History of the Jews under Greek rule, the Maccabean revolt, miracle of the oil; understanding the holiday and the relevance of its proximity to Christmas.

(Dec. 21) Chanukah Class 2: Insights into Chanukah by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchick followed by MJE Chanukah chagigah/celebration!

(Dec 28) Shabbat 1: Why is Shabbat so fundamental to Judaism? Approach of Nachmanides and Rabbi S.R. Hirsch; importance of time over space and modern relevance with stories; begin study of Biblical/Rabbinic sources and commandments regarding the Sabbath.

(Jan. 4) Shabbat 2: Maimonides on the mitzvoth of Honor and Rejoicing in Shabbat and understanding the mitzvoth of Candle-lighting and Kiddush.

(Jan. 11) Shabbat 3: Understanding the mitzvoth of washing for bread, double loaves, three meals and Havdallah. Go through entire Shabbat w/ inspirational stories.

(Jan. 18) Shabbat 4: The “No-No”s of Shabbat: What is “work” and why do we abstain from it on Shabbat? Study Dayan Grunfeld/Rav Hirsch’s philosophy of “melacha”.
(Jan. 25): Shabbat 5:“Bishul”or Cooking as an example of a “melacha”. Learn how to have hot food on Shabbat without violating Shabbat. Biblical & Rabbinic issues.

(Feb. 1) Shabbat 6: Study “Amira L’akum”/Non-Jewish Help on Shabbat an example of Rabbinic law.

(Feb. 8) Lashon Hara/Slander: Learn the parameters for inappropriate and proper speech.

(Feb. 15) Brachot: The Power of Blessings 1: Philosophy & practice of blessings before eating.

(Feb 22) Brachot: The Power of Blessings 2: Philosophy & practice of blessings after eating; Understanding Bircat Hamzon: Grace After Meals.

(Feb 29) Understanding Purim: Learn the themes of the holiday and how they are reflected in the special observances of the day.

(March 7) Purim!!! No Class but yes MJE Megillah Reading & Party!

(March 14) Tzedaka: Understanding the Jewish approach to charity both in thought and practice.

(March 21) Passover 1: Understanding the philosophy & ideology of Pesach, Chametz and Matzah.

(March 28) Passover 2: The halachic ins and outs of Pesach preparation and observance.

(April 4) Passover 3: Understanding the Seder and the Omer period.

(April 11) Guest speaker: TBA

(April 18) Religious Zionism 1: Study the Anti-Zionist and neutral/Non-Zionist Approach.

(May 25) Religious Zionism 2: Understanding Yom Ha’atzmaut: Religious Zionist approaches of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook tz”l and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchick tz”l.

(May 2) Religious Zionism 3: The Mitzvah of Aliyah.

(May 9) Lag Ba’omer: Understanding the history and nature of this powerful day.

(May 16) Yom Tov: The Festivals: Philosophy, Laws and Customs of the Three Festivals. Understand the difference between Shabbat and the Yom Tovim.

(May 23) Shavuot: Laws and Insights of the holiday and its relationship to the Omer.

(May 30) Kashrut 1: Philosophical perspectives on Kashrut; Vegetarianism and Halacha.

(June 6) Kashrut 2: Keeping a Kosher home; practical observances.

(June 13) Jewish Prayer 1: Birchot Haschachar/Morning Blessings: Not Taking Life for Granted.

(June 20) Jewish Prayer 2: Psukei D’zimra/Psalms of Praise

(June 27) Jewish Prayer 3: The Kaddish & Barchu

(July 4) Jewish Prayer 4: The Blessings of the Shema & the Shema

(July 11) Jewish Prayer 5: The Shmone Esrei/Silent Devotion 1

(July 18): From Destruction to Redemption 1: Understanding the Three Weeks, Nine Days & Tisha B’av.