Hebrew Seminary, a rabbical school for Deaf & Hearing has announced its online classes for Fall Semester which is open to non-credit students. The semester runs Oct 5, 2020 to January 21, 2021.
Reading the Tanach as a Whole
Cantor Rabbi Michael Davis
Tuesdays 12:45 – 2:15pm
Begins Oct 6
Purpose of this survey course is to read all of Torah, Nevi’im and (the non-wisdom parts of) Ketuvim as a whole. Goals of the course are:
To become conversant with the Tanakh as a whole; To develop an understanding of Rabbinic editing of liturgy and the lectionary, and; students read assigned selections and discuss in class. Rabbi Davis will present reflections and commentary on the material.
Pirke Avot
Rabbis Dr. Douglas Goldhamer and Shari Chen
Wednesdays 12:00 – 1:30pm
Begins Oct 14
Rabbis Dr. Douglas Goldhamer and Shari Chen will discuss the early ethics of the Talmud, as presented in the classic Pirke Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, written circa 300 CE. Traditional and mystical commentaries will expand your understanding of Pirke Avot and reveal its timelessness and importance in the world today.
The Zohar on Beresheet — In the Beginning
Rahmiel Hayyim Drizin
Sundays 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Begins Oct 14
Class will continue to delve into the beginning of the Holy Zohar, with teachings tied to Creation and the theme of “Beresheet“–“in the Beginning.” We will learn from the wonderful Pritzker Edition translation by Daniel Matt in English by focusing on the nuances of the original Aramaic text and relating it to our current life. Join us on our journey back to our own origins, with purposeful intent to recognize where we came from and where we are holding now.
A Jewish and Christian Perspective of the Book of Psalms
Rabbi Dr. Douglas Goldhamer & Reverend Rick and Mary Mercer
Sundays 3:15 – 4:45 pm
Begins October 18
Rabbi Dr. Douglas Goldhamer and Reverend Rick and Mary Mercer will interpret a number of the 150 Psalms of David to open a conversation that will include a lively and free-flowing debate in support of understanding both the Jewish and Christian interpretations of the texts. In Christian commentaries, the Psalms of David forecasts the advent of Jesus. (Jesus is descended from the lineage of David.) Reverend Mercer is associate minister of the Missionary Tabernacle Baptist Church of Evanston, and Mary Harris Mercer is superintendent of the Missionary Tabernacle Baptist Church of Evanston Sunday school. An entree to understanding how the Jewish and Christian traditions are similar and unique. At the same time, you may find that you expand and fine-tune aspects of your own personal theology.
Classes are open to non-credit students. Tuition is $150. For more information [email protected].
Source: Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf
