Judaism

The Judaism curriculum attempts to help the student come to terms with his/her Jewish identity within the framework of halakhah. A combination of traditional and contemporary texts serve as the focal point for class discussions that are geared to help foster an understanding, appreciation and increased commitment to the role of halakhah in Jewish life.

With the approach of the Yamim Tovim, the regular curriculum is set aside so that time may be spent reviewing the relevant halakhot as well as exploring the religious and philosophical significance of the holy day.

Regardless of the topic under discussion, there is an emphasis on text, especially the Shulchan Arukh, with a particular eye to encouraging a certain amount of independent learning.


FRESHMAN YEAR

The ninth grade curriculum seeks to give students an introduction to the world of halakhah through a careful analysis of hilkhot kashrut. Through an innovative approach to teaching this complicated area in Jewish law, students are given familiarity with the primary sources which are at the heart of normative practice. The philosophical rationale for the mitzvah is examined, as are the implications of modern technology and food processing, all through the prism of halakhic principles.

The remaining part of the year continues with the theme of bein adam la-chavero through an analysis of both the content and structure of tefillah, with particular emphasis on the daily shacharit.


SOPHOMORE YEAR

The theme of the tenth grade curriculum is bein adam la-chavero. Students are divorced from the notion that Judaism is a religion in the narrow sense restricted to the realm of ritual. Instead, Judaism is presented as part of a total way of life which has particular ramifications for a Jew living in a modern culture. Discussions of the similarities and differences between absolute and relative ethical systems are highlighted against the background of current attitudes toward such subjects as talebearing, cheating, business ethics and the pursuit of material wealth.


JUNIOR YEAR

This third course in the Judaism sequence deals with issues where Jusaism and modernity seem to clash, or take different paths. A conscious effort is made to present topics which will become crucial to the student's eventual adjustment to life as a Jew in open society, first in the context of college, and later as an adult participant in communal life. Topics for discussion include dealing with other faiths and others of different faiths, the destinctions between the three streams of Judaism , intermarriage and defining who is a Jew, science and the challanges to faith, why the righteous suffer -- theodicy, and American Jews vs Jewish Americans.

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