| The Me’ohr Bais Yaakov Academic Year |
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The Me’ohr Bais Yaakov academic year follows
the Jewish calendar. It begins before the Rosh Hashana
holiday (August/September) and ends after the Shavuos holiday
(May/June). The year is divided into fall and spring semesters of
approximately 15 weeks each, excluding holiday
vacations.
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| Class Schedules |
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Classes take place Sunday through Thursday in the morning, early afternoon, and evening. On Tuesday, classes end at 2:15 P.M. An open forum is scheduled every Friday with Rabbi Greenwald, the director of Me’ohr.
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| Course Descriptions |
RELIGION
REL 175 Topics in Prophets and
Hagiographa
Topical study of several later prophets.
Correlation with biblical texts is emphasized.
REL 207 The Early Prophets
(Neviim Rishonim): Samuel I & II
An in-depth analysis of major topics in the books
of Samuel I & II. Emphasis is on the use of the commentaries of
the classical exegetes as a tool to refine the student’s analytic
skills. Lectures draw upon relevant contributions to rabbinic and
Midrashic literature to gain further insight to the meaning of
assigned biblical narratives.
REL 232 Studies in Jewish Law:
Blessings (Brachos)
Study of the laws of blessings and
their halachic sources. Major topics covered in the course
are general principles of blessings, formal structures of blessings,
biblical and talmudic sources of blessings, sequence of blessings,
diverse types of blessings, and blessings for life cycle
events.
REL 245 Overview of the Weekly
Torah Portion
General overview of weekly portion. Students gain a
broad knowledge of the biblical text with Rashi’s commentaries.
REL 250 Analysis of Hebrew
Scriptures: Genesis
An in-depth analysis of major topics in the book of
Genesis using Midrash and a wide spectrum of medieval and
post-medieval exegetes. Emphasis is on refining the student’s
analytical and critical reading skills so that students develop
competency in independent study on a sophisticated level.
REL 260Analysis of Hebrew
Scriptures: Deuteronomy
Textual study of major topics in the book of
Deuteronomy with an in-depth analysis of text and commentaries.
Emphasis is on developing analytic skills utilizing the
contributions of the medieval and post-medieval
exegetes.
REL 338 Midrashic and
Aggadic Literature
A survey of Midrashic literature.
Students are exposed to the interrelation between biblical works and
the rabbinic tradition. The different rules of analysis and
interpretation basic to the Midrashic literature are examined.
Students become acquainted with some of the major works of Midrashic
literature.
REL 349 Proverbs:
(Mishlei)
Major topics covered in the course are: authorship,
literary form and use of metaphor, wisdom and its didactic
influence, virtue, issues of youth and age, and providence.
REL 385 Survey of Biblical
Themes
An understanding is given of the breadth of
ethical, moral, and theological motifs implicit in the biblical
text. Students analyze the ethical and philosophical messages
inherent in the texts and their ramifications for contemporary
issues.
REL 455 Biblical
Exegesis
Major topics covered in the course are analysis of
exegetical approaches to parallel passages in the Bible, the 13
hermeneutical principles, exegetical approaches to identifying
biblical commandments, and classical biblical translations and their
exegetical implications.
PHILOSOPHY
PHI 180 Philosophical and
Theological Foundations of Jewish Prayer
An in-depth analysis of the "Amida" (19
benedictions), stressing its structual components and philosophic
underpinnings.
PHI 210 Topics in Jewish
Philosophy
Discussion workshop on the Jewish orientation to
current issues and problems.
PHI 280 Ethics of the Fathers:
(Pirkei Avos)
General overview. Emphasis on major topics such as:
charity, altruism, humility, and centrality of the Torah.
PHI 310 Introduction to Jewish
Experience
Philosophic analysis of specific biblical
commandments with related texts
PHI 373 Jewish Philosophy:
Interpersonal Relationships
An understanding is given of the psychological and
emotional elements in human relationships with focus on the need for
self and mutual respect and communication skills.
PHI 375 Studies in the Writings of Luzatto II
Systematic approach to philosophic teachings. Major
topics covered are: the Creator, the purpose of creation, free will,
essence of sin, and commandments.
PHI 455 Psalms:
(Tehillim)
An in-depth study of the book of Psalms based on textual study with
commentaries. Particular emphasis is placed on influence on the
man/man and man/G-d relationships.
HISTORY
HIS 230 History of the Jewish
Community in the Land of Israel
An examination of major historical events,
ideologic trends, and key Rabbinic personalities in the land of
Israel in the context of the larger historic currents of the modern
era.
PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 210 Psychology: Principles
of Education
Teaching methods in the classroom are studied.
Major topics covered are the goals and objectives in education, the
child as an individual, desirable teacher traits, the lesson plan,
questioning techniques, and the use of multi-media in the
classroom.
EDUCATION
EDU 101 Introduction to
Methodology
Study of classroom management and student
evaluation. Major topics covered include principles of discipline,
levels of response, formative and summative evaluation,
communication with parents, creating a classroom environment, and
effective teacher communication.
EDU 102 Child Development
Introduction to major concepts in child
development. Familiarization with physical, cognitive, social, and
moral milestones in human development.
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