College Credits and Transcripts

A number of colleges and universities in the United States offer a Joint Program with Michlelet Esther (Touro College and Teacher’s Institute in Skokie,IL) , whereby the student is accepted both at the home college and at Michlelet Esther. While attending Michlelet Esther, the student is considered a registered student of the home college and pays tuition to that college. In turn, the home college issues an official college transcript for credits taken at Michlelet Esther.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Jewish Concepts

Major topics covered in the course are the approach of various schools of Jewish thought and their Biblical/Rabbinic roots. Maimonidean rationalism, Strive for Truth – Rabbi Dessler, through the reading and discussion of the teachings of Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, the prominent 20th century religious philosopher, students become acquainted with the main principles of Jewish ethical thought. Topics from his work include giving of oneself and personal ambitions, givers and takers in marriage, faith and personal efforts, the "miraculous ness" of nature, and free will as it relates to pleasure. Ramchal and Lurianic mysticism – Zohar.

Survey of Biblical Themes

Major topics covered in the course are selected ethical, moral and theological themes from the Five Books of Moses in relation to the weekly Torah reading.

Em Biyisroel

Major Topics covered in the course is the Jewish approach to femininity, sexuality, and homemaking. The course also provides an in-depth study of the laws of family purity.

Contemporary Jewish Philosophy and Ethics

Presented is a general introduction to contemporary European German-Jewish ethics within its geopolitical, cultural, and historical context. Themes also examined are repentance and reconciliation; knowledge of G-d; the prophetic experience; and poetic and literary conceptions.

Ethics and Religion

To examine rationalist approaches of aspects of traditional Jewish faith doctrine. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to analyze the case for the existence of G-d and aspects of the Jewish faith doctrine argued in rationalist terms; the substantive argumentation of opposing position; and the problematic ramifications of a faith commitment untempered by the rationalistic dimension. Major topics covered in the course are arguments for the belief in G-d and arguments for Divine origin of Torah. Methods of instruction include lecture and discussion.

Advanced Jewish Concepts

In depth study of the Aleph Beit- commentators and interpretations. Understanding the power of the Hebrew Language.

Chassidic Thought

Through the examination of primary and secondary source materials, fundamental concepts of Hasidic thought are analyzed. Topics covered are the Hasidic view of worship, prayer, Torah study, ritual performance, the righteous master, and conceptions of G-d. The ideological conflict separating Hasidim and Mitnagdim is also discussed.

Rambam

In depth study of commentaries on various works written by the Rambam

Genesis (Bereishit)

A survey of Bereishit including: the creation of the world and man; Noah and the flood; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Jacob’s sons, and the descent to Egypt.

Hebrew Language

Hebrew language taught at beginning and intermediate levels

Studies in Jewish Law: Blessings (Brachot)

The course surveys the general principles of blessings; the formal structure of blessings; biblical and Talmudic sources of blessings; sequence of blessings; diverse types of blessings; and blessings for life-cycle events.

Studies in Jewish Law: Sabbath & Holidays

Examined are the general principles of Jewish laws and rituals; formal structures of Jewish law in practice; and biblical and Talmudic sources of Jewish law in regards to the Sabbath and holidays.

Interactive Life Skills

Group work on individual and general issues, making choices, relationships affirming growth, celebrating goals and achievements. Practical applications in personal growth, discipline, commitment and responsibility

Tutorial

One on one tutorial assistance from young married women with students to help student better understand material covered in the classroom. These young women serve as role models as well as informal instructors.

Prayer

The course surveys the texts of prayers; the setting for prayer; preparation for prayer; and devotion during prayer. Examined in depth is the Shemoneh Esreh, the silent devotion prayer -- its components, themes, and laws.

Practical Hashkafa

This course explores the foundations of relationships on 3 levels: Between Man and himself, Man and others, Man and G-d

Jewish History and Outlook/Past and Present

An overall survey of Jewish history from the biblical era to the modern era. The first semester is devoted to biblical history ending with the Second Commonwealth and continues through the Diaspora period. The second semester deals with the medieval period and continues through modern Jewish history, with a concentration on the Holocaust and the birth of Israel. In open class discussions, current world events are viewed from a traditional Jewish outlook and moral perspective.

Machshava -Introduction to Jewish Philosophy

Examines and analyzes the major philosophical/theological issues in medieval Jewish thought from a variety of conceptual perspectives. Students learn to analyze the central questions underlying each issue and its broader conceptual implications, as well as the dialectic subtleties separating diverse positions and their identification with larger schools of opposing ideological thought. Selected readings from the Hebrew texts of medieval philosophic/ theological literature are studied.

Contemporary Issues and Commonly Asked Questions.

Kashrut, Interpersonal Relations, the Role of Women in Judaism, Jews and Non Jews, State of Israel, Metaphysical Questions