Talmud
תלמוד
The Talmud Studies Department
Our Talmud program prepares Academy men and women with the requisite skills to make Talmud study a life-long endeavor. At every level, students become familiar with the halachic problem-solving process, acquiring the necessary tools to critically examine text. Students study classical texts, including Shulchan Aruch, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Mishna Berura and responsa This study, enables Talmud students to observe the manner in which the Talmudic process leads to Halachic conclusions, and how the process applies to modern life. Beyond skill mastery, students develop an appreciation of the Talmud’s indispensable place in Jewish life and learning, preparing them for advanced study in Israel. Academy graduates are accepted to the most prestigious Torah institutions in both Israel and the United States.
The four-year sequence Yeshiva Program is required for all boys and voluntary for girls. During sophomore year, girls select either the Yeshiva Program or its academic parallel, the Advanced Jewish Studies Program. Both AJSP and Yeshiva Program are three-year sequence programs for girls. All girls take required courses in Chumash, Navi, Mishna and Ivrit.
Placement into courses is determined by recommendation of prior instructors and past achievement in Talmudic and related studies. The accelerated program addresses the needs of highly motivated and gifted students. The Honors classes are intended for students who possess strong vocabulary, terminology, and familiarity with the Talmud text. Students in Regular classes, who demonstrate high motivation, and who master necessary skills, are encouraged to move to the Honors Program.
Courses Offered
Boy’s Talmud Sequence
In this introductory course, the primary purpose is to help the student see the Talmud as the foundation of day-to-day practice. The instructor stresses critical thinking and analytical skills in understanding the Talmudic thought process. The format of the class includes both conventional and collaborative (chavruta) study. This course covers Masechet Berachot and the study of practical Halacha, with special emphasis placed on Hilchot Berachot, Hilchot Tefillah and Hilchot HaChagim. Students learn how to read and comprehend Aramaic text, terminology, and working vocabulary. Also, students study selected Rashi commentary and Tosaphot to help understand Rashi’s role as a primary aide in the study of Talmud. In addition, students are introduced to the historical and analytical process used to determine contemporary Jewish Law (Halacha).
Texts: Talmud, Berachot, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-Mevo-ar, Halachic sourcebook
Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
Online Support: Themercava.com
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In this Accelerated Talmud course, the primary objectives are to equip students with the skills to internalize important concepts and principles of Talmudic and Halacha study, and to acquire the vocabulary and terminology necessary for independent Talmud and Halacha study. Students also develop the skill of tracing a Halachic practice through the Shulchan Aruch to determine the conclusive ruling. This course introduces students to the Talmudic thought process through formal Gemara learning and development of their Aramaic vocabulary. This course is intended for students with strong critical thinking skills, good Hebrew comprehension, and some prior study of Mishnayot and Talmud. Students who enter the Acclerated class have demonstrated high motivation in their Torah studies and have developed fluency in Hebrew and Aramaic reading and comprehension skills.
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Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
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This course stresses the need for strong reading, pronunciation, and comprehension skills. Students study key phrases, terminology, and transition words to prepare for future independent study. Students are introduced to the hierarchy of Halachic authority to help students understand the practical difference between Mishna and Braitha and between Tannaic and Amoraic statements. Also, students learn how to analyze Talmudic statements and the implications that are derived from them. In practical Halacha, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch is studied because of its clarity and brevity.
Texts: Talmud Megilla, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch
Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week
In this advanced level course, students build on skills acquired in Talmud 1A. The pace of this course is intensified because of the expectation that students have mastered transition words and phrases, which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. At this level, students develop a working knowledge of the “mapping” of the Talmudic page. Students have mastered transition words and phrases which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. At this leve students develop a working knowledge of the “mapping” of the Talmudic page. Students study selected Tosafot from the text and practical Aramaic grammer. Also, students evaluate the presentation of two conflicting ideas, the practical differences between them, and support for each side. Students are trained to conceptualize principles of a topic under discussion, and to identify a legitimate Talmudic difficulty and itsresolution. Increased attention is given to the study of Mishna Berura, which provides a background that enriches the understanding of the issue while exposing students to the terminology and vocabulary they will encounter throughout their Talmudic studies.
Texts: Talmud Megilla, Mishna Berura, Kitzur Hilchoat Shabbat
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week
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Homework expectation:
In this course, students are given the opportunity to engage in collaborative learning (chavruta), which allows students to put into practice the skills that they have learned and to examine ideas presented with peers. The pace of this course is intensified because of the expectation that students have mastered transition words and phrases, which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. Students build on the skills acquired in their sophomore year. Students study selected Tosafot from the text and practical Aramaic grammar. At this level, students evaluate the presentation of analysis of two conflicting ideas, the practical differences between them, and support for each side. Students are trained to conceptualize principles of a topic under discussion, and to identify a legitimate Talmudic difficulty and its resolution. This class provides increased attention to the study of Mishna Berura.
Texts: Talmud Shabbat, Mishna Berura
Homework requirement: 2 hours per week
In this Honors level class, students receive significant time to engage in collaborative study (chavruta) to further reinforce independent learning skills that have been mastered up to this point. Classroom discussions include the introduction of Rishonim and Acharonim, and comparative analysis of their respective positions. Students are expected to identify the key transition words in Tosafot that indicate a question, an answer or a proof. The technical elements of reading and comprehension are essential for future independent learning. By nature, the study of Tosafot elevates skills of comparative analysis and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore alternative interpretations of a common text. Students learn to utilize the En Mishpat (Halachic reference for Mishneh Torah, Tur Shulchan Aruch, and S’MaG). Methodology is learned to allow the student to follow a sugya from initial debate to the rendering of a Halachic decision.
Texts: Talmud Shabbat, Mishna Berura,
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week
In this Accelerated Talmud course, the primary objectives are to invest students with the skills to internalize important concepts and principles of Talmudic and Halacha study, and to reinforce the vocabulary and terminology necessary for independent Talmud and Halacha study. Students also master the skill of tracing a Halachic practice through the Shulchan Aruch to determine the conclusive ruling. This course further develops students’ familiarity with the Talmudic thought process, through formal Gemara learning and development of their Aramaic vocabulary. This course is intended for students with strong critical thinking skills, good Hebrew and Aramaic comprehension, and some prior study of Talmud. Students who enter the Acclerated class have demonstrated very high motivation in their Torah studies and have developed fluency in Hebrew and Aramaic reading and comprehension skills.
Texts:
Homework expectation:
In this Talmud Honors class, students are expected to prepare Talmud independently and master the technical elements of reading and comprehension that are essential for future independent learning. Significant time is given for students to engage in cooperative study (chavruta), which reinforces these independent learning skills. Students are introduced to the fast pace of b’kiyut, in which an entire Maseschet (30-35 Talmudic folios) is completed within the course of the year. Classroom discussions include the introduction of Rishonim and Acharonim, and comparative analysis of their respective positions. By nature, the study of Tosafot elevates skills of comparative analysis and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore alternative interpretations of a common text. Students learn to utilize the En Mishpat (Halachic reference for Mishneh Torah, Tur Shulchan Aruch, and S’MaG.) Methodology is learned to enable the student to follow a sugya from initial debate to the rendering of a halachic decision. This class is conducted almost exclusively in Ivrit.
Texts: Megilla (Nehardea Edition), Mishna Berura (Vocalized)
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week
Girls’ Talmud Sequence
In this introductory course, the primary objectives are to equip students with the skills to internalize important concepts and principles of Talmudic and Halacha study, and to acquire the vocabulary and terminology necessary for independent Talmud and Halacha study. Through the study of Mishnayot selected from various Masechtot, students are introduced to the analytical process of the development of contemporary Jewish Law as it relates to Shabbat, Holy Days, Kashrut, prayer and daily life. In addition, students develop the skill of tracing a Halachic practice through the Shulchan Aruch to determine the conclusive ruling.
Texts: Mishnayot sourcebook, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Mevo-ar
Homework requirement: 1 hour per week
nternalize important concepts and principles of Talmudic and Halacha study, and to acquire the vocabulary and terminology necessary for independent Talmud and Halacha study. Through the study of Mishnayot selected from various Masechtot, students are introduced to the analytical process of the development of contemporary Jewish Law as it relates to Shabbat, Holy Days, Kashrut, prayer and daily life. Students also develop the skill of tracing a Halachic practice through the Shulchan Aruch to determine the conclusive ruling. During the final quarter of this course students experience the Talmudic thought process when formal Gemara learning is introduced and Aramaic vocabulary is taught. This course is intended for students with strong critical thinking skills, good Hebrew comprehension, and some prior study of Mishnayot. Students who enter the Honors class have demonstrated high motivation in their Torah studies and have developed a proficiency in Hebrew reading and comprehension skills.
Texts: Mishnayot sourcebook: Sukka, Berachot, Sanhedrin, Makkot, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Mevo-ar
Homework requirement: 2 hours per week
Texts:
Homework expectation:
In this advanced level course, students build on skills acquired in Talmud 1A. The pace of this course is intensified because of the expectation that students have mastered transition words and phrases, which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. At this level, students develop a working knowledge of the “mapping” of the Talmudic page. Students have mastered transition words and phrases which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. At this leve students develop a working knowledge of the “mapping” of the Talmudic page. Students study selected Tosafot from the text and practical Aramaic grammer. Also, students evaluate the presentation of two conflicting ideas, the practical differences between them, and support for each side. Students are trained to conceptualize principles of a topic under discussion, and to identify a legitimate Talmudic difficulty and itsresolution. Increased attention is given to the study of Mishna Berura, which provides a background that enriches the understanding of the issue while exposing students to the terminology and vocabulary they will encounter throughout their Talmudic studies.
Texts: Talmud Megilla, Mishna Berura, Kitzur Hilchoat Shabbat
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week
In this course, the primary purpose is to help students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills in understanding the Talmudic thought process. The format of the class includes conventional and cooperative (chavruta) study. This course covers the study of practical Halcha, with special emphasis placed on Hilchot Berachot, Hilchot Tefillah and Hilchot HaChagim. Students learn how to read and comprehend Aramaic text, terminology, and working vocabulary. Also, students study selected Rashi commentary to help them understand Rashi’s role as a primary aide in the study of Talmud. In addition, students are introduced to the historical and analytical process by which we determine contemporary Jewish Law (Halacha).
Texts: Gittin, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-Mevo-ar
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week
Texts:
Homework expectation:
In this Talmud Honors class, students are expected to prepare Talmud independently and master the technical elements of reading and comprehension that are essential for future independent learning. Significant time is given for students to engage in cooperative study (chavruta), which reinforces these independent learning skills. Students are introduced to the fast pace of b’kiyut, in which an entire Maseschet (30-35 Talmudic folios) is completed within the course of the year. Classroom discussions include the introduction of Rishonim and Acharonim, and comparative analysis of their respective positions. By nature, the study of Tosafot elevates skills of comparative analysis and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore alternative interpretations of a common text. Students learn to utilize the En Mishpat (Halachic reference for Mishneh Torah, Tur Shulchan Aruch, and S’MaG.) Methodology is learned to enable the student to follow a sugya from initial debate to the rendering of a halachic decision. This class is conducted almost exclusively in Ivrit.
Texts: Megilla (Nehardea Edition), Mishna Berura (Vocalized)
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week