Courses

September Classes

Methodology: The Garden of Eden
Dr. Shoshana Zolty
Dr. Zolty introduces her approach to teaching Bible. She will define basic terms, such as the written Torah, the oral Torah, pshat/the plain meaning of the text and drash/interpretation, as well as the methodologies of the commentators Rashi and Rashbam. Although this class is geared toward new students, everyone is welcome.

Monday, September 13, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue
Pre-register by September 11.

Trees and Teshuvah
Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner
In the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, join us for coffee, conversation and a text study on the power and possibility of t’shuvah, repentance, utilizing the lessons from chapter 14 of the prophet Hosheia where agricultural imagery is used to describe G-d reviving and restoring his people. No charge, per-register as space is limited.
Men and women welcome.

Tuesday, September 14, 9:45 to 11 a.m.
At the home of Dalya and Farohk Hakimi, 44 Forest Wood

Introduction to the Garden of Eden
Dr. Shoshana Zolty
This free class will review the discussions of Dr. Zolty’s 2009-10 class pertaining to the Tree of Knowledge with an overview of Maimonides’ discussion on this topic. The review will provide a background to ‘Adam and Chava in Gan Eden’ (see below). Anyone considering taking this course is encouraged to attend. Current students who would like a review are welcome. Please pre-register to ensure enough copies of source material are available. No charge.

Wednesday, September 15, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue

 

Year long courses

The Garden of Eden: Adam and Chava, Kayin and Hevel
Dr. Shoshana Zolty
We will examine and compare the approaches taken by different classical commentaries in analyzing the Torah text by focusing on elements of language and structure to uncover and interpret literary patterns. Studying Genesis, chapters 3 and 4, we will examine the themes of the purpose of creation and the role of human beings, tikkun olam, divine initiative, human initiative, good and evil, divine punishment, rehabilitative vs. punitive punishment and “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The course encourages group discussion and inquiry. The overall goal is to demonstrate the richness of ideas that are contained in each verse.  This course is accessible to those with extensive or minimal textual skills.

Tuesdays evening, October 5 – May 24, 7:45 to 9:30 p.m.
Or Chaim Yeshiva, 159 Almore Avenue
No classes December 21, 28, April 12, 19, 26

Wednesday mornings, October 6 – May 25, 9:45 to 11:30 a.m.
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue
No classes December 22, 29, April 13, 20, 27

 

Prophets: Yoel, Ovadiah, Yonah and Michah
Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner

A text-centered journey into Trei Asar, the Bible’s often-overlooked collection of twelve prophets. While relatively brief, each packs an important educational punch. We will pay close attention to the structure, content, style, historical context and unique message of each book and examine its relationship to other books of the Bible. This course is open to students of all levels and backgrounds offering something for everyone. Join us for one session or all four.
Men and women welcome.

Yoel predicts Divine punishment as well as redemption and educates the Jewish nation in paths of repentance and prayer.

Ovadiah, a convert from the religion practiced in Edom, lived at the time of Eliyahu and his disciple Elisha and was chosen to deliver the message of Edom’s doom.

Yonah, one of the most well-known of the minor prophets, is sent by G-d to prophesy the destruction of Nineveh, but tries to escape the divine mission. This is the haftarah for the afternoon of Yom Kippur due to its telling of G-d’s willingness to forgive those who repent.

Michah, who is often compared to Hosheia, calls the nation of Judah back to G-d.
 
Tuesdays, October 5 - June 14, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue
This course is co-sponsored by Zichron Dov: Yeshiva University Torah mi’Tzion Kollel and Shaarei Shomayim Congregation

Talmud: Bava Kama
Rabbi Shlomo Gemara

We will study the second chapter of the tractate Bava Kama and explore various forms of damage, liabilities and the compensation owed for them, conditions in contracts and guarding property.  This course will teach Talmudic structure and terminology and is designed to enhance skills in reading Mishna and Gemara. The course presumes a certain facility with Hebrew text, but does not require it. One can follow the arguments by listening carefully.

Sundays, October 10 - May 29, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Or Chaim Yeshiva, 159 Almore Avenue
No classes December 19, 26, January 2, March 20, April 17, 24

NEW THIS YEAR!

Bat Mitzvah and Beyond Learning
The Book of Esther
Rifka Sonenberg

Let your bat mitzvah be just the beginning. Girls in grades 7 and 8 are invited to join their friends and unlock the treasure that is Torah learning. Discover a true Jewish heroine, Esther, who was more than just a pretty face. Together with your friends, delve into the text of Megillat Esther with commentators and midrash and form the unique bounds forged through Torah study.
 
Sundays, October 10 - December 12, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
At the Eizicovics home, 182 Arnold Avenue
No classes November 7, 21

 

Mini Courses

The Yearning for Inner Heart: Inner Torah
Rabbi Michael Skobac

The 11th century classic Chovos HaLevavos (Duties of the Heart), by Bachya Ibn Pakuda, highlighted the need to cultivate an inner spiritual consciousness and relationship with G-d This class will explore selected passages from this work as well as other texts from Chassidic and Mussar sources dealing with this dimension of developing our souls.
Men and women welcome.

Thursdays, October 14 - November 4, 9:45 to 11 a.m.
Prosserman Jewish Community Centre, 4500 Bathurst Street

The Warsaw Ghetto Rebbe’s Sermons from the Fire
Dr. James Diamond

In a sustained act of supreme resistance, the Hasidic master, Kalonymous Kalman Shapira (1889-1943), the Piaseczner Rebbe, more popularly known as the Warsaw Ghetto Rebbe, vigorously maintained his role as Rebbe to his followers even in the face of unimaginable pain and loss. His collection of sermons, The Holy Fire (Esh Kodesh), delivered in the Warsaw ghetto between the fall of 1939 and the deportations of the summer of 1942, transcribed, buried, and then fortuitously retrieved after World War II, is a rare and vital testament to both console his followers and wrest spiritual meaning out of evil of such magnitude as to defy all theological reason. These sermons are profoundly unique in the entire body of Holocaust literature in their desperate attempt to come to grips with the challenges posed to divine justice and providence by the mind-numbing barbarism and suffering of the Shoah.
Men and women welcome.

Wednesdays, October 13 - November 3, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Or Chaim Yeshiva, 159 Almore Avenue

The Binding of Isaac: A Family Drama
Sarit Kattan Gribetz

In this three-part course, we will analyze the story of the binding of Isaac from the perspective of three of its protagonists: Abraham, Isaac, and Sarah.  We will begin with the biblical text (Genesis 22) and then explore interpretations of the story found in literature from the Second Temple and rabbinic periods as well as medieval and modern texts.  In each session, we will focus on a different central character and the themes that emerge when the binding of Isaac is read through his or her eyes.  What did it mean for Abraham willingly to bind his son to the altar?  Did Isaac know and accept his fate?  What role did Sarah play?  Each ancient and modern interpretation offers us a different and compelling way to understand this perplexing and disturbing tale.    
Men and women welcome.

Wednesdays, November 10 - 24, 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Shaarei Shomayim Congregation, 470 Glencairn Avenue

 

To join ongoing classes call 416-877-2050