The core of Jewish learning is Torah study. Each week, the Jewish people study a particular reading from the Five Books of Moses, from Genesis through Deuteronomy. In this series of classes, you will learn how the Torah came together as historic literature. You will then be guided through each, individual Torah portion, leading up to the Book of Deuteronomy. Once you are in Deuteronomy, you will step back from the weekly learning cycle, and focus instead of the text of Devarim (Deuteronomy) as a series of sermons by Moses, a climactic, intense literary experience.
Sefer Bereishit (The Book of Genesis)
From Creation to Egypt
12 videos 12 handouts
From the creation of the world to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. See how the universe began and chart the course for the Jewish people in Egypt.
Intro to the Hebrew Bible
Historical development of the Torah
4 videos 2 web resources 2 handouts
How did the Torah develop? Who were the ancient Israelites who wrote the previously oral traditions of ancient Israel? In what context was the Torah written, and what historic events shaped the way that this sacred text was understood? Drawing from archeology, ancient history and biblical scholarship, we will learn more about how to core Jewish text that would later become the Hebrew Bible came to be.
Sefer Shemot (Book of Exodus)
From Slavery to Freedom
11 videos 11 handouts
Learn how the Israelites leave slavery in Egypt through the strength of God, who has remembered the covenant with the patriarchs. Led by Moses, the Hebrews will encounter God at Mount Sinai, entering into a covenant with God who gives them their laws and instructions for the Tabernacle through the wilderness.
Sefer Vayikra (Book of Leviticus)
Laws of purity and holiness
10 videos 10 handouts
In the book of Leviticus, God tells the Israelites and their priests how to make offerings in the Tabernacle and how to conduct themselves while camped around the holy tent sanctuary. We learn more about the ritual, moral and legal practices of the Israelites, including the concepts of holiness and purity. The focus of Leviticus is on how one must behave in order for God to continue to dwell amongst the people.
Sefer Bamidbar (Book of Numbers)
Strife and lessons before entering the Promised Land
10 videos 10 handouts
The Israelites begin their journey into the Promised Land, but not without turmoil. The book of Numbers tells the story of political and social upheaval, spies, curses, and even fiery serpents. A generation will perish in the desert before entering the Promised Land. Learn why in the book of Numbers.
Sefer Devarim (Book of Deuteronomy)
The law and Israel
5 videos 5 handouts
On the plains of Moab, Moses delivers the sermons that make up the Deuteronomist Code, which became the Book of Deuteronomy. These sermons recount the years of wandering in the wilderness, pleas to remain holy in the eyes of God, and on keeping the eternal covenant.
This track is designed for students who are only interested in the weekly parshah and Torah study. Classes taken in the Torah Study track do not transfer to the Darshan Training Track.
