Hebrew Seminary of the Deaf lists the following online courses:
Tuesdays 10:30am – 12:00pm cdt
“Bereshit – An In-depth Study of its Defining Stories”
Rabbi Shari Chen
Rabbi Shari Chen, Hebrew Seminary Executive Director, Professor of Hebrew
The first book of our Torah Bereshit (Genesis) is full of stories that define us as a people. From the Creation of the world through the story of Joseph, Bereshit is full of stories that connect us to our Judaic roots, while at the same time teach us about our relationship with God, our relationships with one another & our relationship with this world that God created, IN THE BEGINNING!
In this course we will read primary texts, from the Torah, we will then not only study the biblical Hebrew used, but also the significance of the who, what, where, when, and most importantly the why behind each story. We will also explore how these stories have been used in the past and are still currently being used to guide us in Judaic ethics and practices.
Wednesday 12:30-2:30pm cdt
“Jewish Death: a Jewish Perspective on a Universal Experience”
Cantor Rabbi Michael Davis
Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis, Professor of Midrash
Death is the beginning of Jewish community. The first thing a Jewish community is required to do is set aside a Jewish cemetery. And with the first burial, that community is tied to that place. Cemeteries are the last thing that remains of old Jewish communities. At no time in living memory has our mortality been so much part of everyday concern for such an extended period time at the last year plus. Jewish burial is the most universally observed Jewish ritual, much more than any other Jewish ritual, lifecycle or otherwise. The Jewish textual engagement with the subject of death is vast.
In this course we will study traditional, primary texts about death including Tanakh and Rabbinic literature. We will study texts from the Tanakh and Chazal.
Some questions to ponder: – How odd that the first death in the Tanakh is not a natural one. The first death is a violent one, an act of murder. Who was the first figure in Tanakh to know he was going to die soon and what did he do with that knowledge? What does Torah teach us about what is a good death? What do the final utterances of the great rabbis of the Talmud on their deathbeds teach us about what is a good life? – How have Jewish attitudes to death changed over time?
Thursday 1:00-3:00pm cdt
“Eclectic Teachings of the Talmud”
Rabbi Daniel Vaisrub
Rabbi Daniel Vaisrub, Professor of Talmud
Curriculum guided by student’s curiosity, past studies, and the times we live in. An exploration of how the wisdom found in our ancient texts can not only give us insight but can support us through these difficult days in our lives.
With pre-registration, tuition for non-credit, non-enrolled students is $150.
Please note which session you are registering for.
