Join women of all ages for inspiring and meaningful Torah-study and an opportunity to hone your text skills.
Nishmat offers weekly classes, holiday Yemei Iyun, a Winter Seminar and a Summer Program for English-speakers.
SUNDAY
9:00-11:00 ET/
16:00-18:00 Israel Time
Introduction to Talmud
Rachel Seidenberg
Aug. 29, 2021-Jan 30, 2022
This class will serve as an introduction to the world of Talmud. We will explore concepts of the Oral Law throughout the class, including development and relevancy of the Oral Law, relationship to the written Law and fundamental principles of the Oral Law. We will be studying topics in prayer from the tractate Brachot, with both guided Chavruta time as well as lecture time for understanding and analysis of the text. There will be an emphasis on tools for understanding of the text, terminology and structure of both the Mishna and the Gemara.
Fee: NIS 1440/$415
Sundays 4:00-6:00pm IL,
9:00-11:00am ET
Intermediate Talmud
Rav Hanan Schlesinger
The Varieties and the Dilemmas of Capital Punishment
17 meetings
This class will study the second half of the ninth chapter of Talmud Tractate Sanhedrin beginning from the top of page 81b. The fascinating and illuminating material found there – all under the rubric of the laws and conditions of capital punishment – deals with the treatment of incorrigible repeat offenders, extra-judicial execution, religious zealotry in which one takes the law into his own hands, the desecration of God’s name, and the death penalty for anyone but the sons of Aaron haCohen who would serve in the Temple.
The two-hour Zoom sessions will be divided between hevruta study of the texts on the one hand, and on the other hand, frontal presentation and class discussion. The frontal presentations will deal both with the skills of critical textual analysis and with the philosophical and theological issues suggested by the texts.
This is in intermediate level class. It is for women who have already studied for some time in-depth Babylonian Talmud. Students are expected to be familiar with most of the pivotal Aramaic words that direct the flow and logic of Talmudic discourse.
Fee: NIS 1360 / $390
Sundays 4:30-6:30pm IL, 9:30-11:30am ET
Beginners Talmud
Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
Kiddushin, Kedusha, and Holy Matrimony
Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
17 meetings
In this course we will begin to learn the language of the Babylonian Talmud and as active members of the Bet Midrash we will try to understand the halachic and meta halachic discussions in the study halls of the sages. We will become familiar with the terminology and flow of the Talmud and attempt to grasp the wisdom and depth of the Talmudic discussion.
We will learn the first chapter of Kiddushin that discusses the halachot of creating a stable marriage based on love, responsibility and holiness as the foundation of a healthy family unit. The chapter continues to discuss other aspects of family relationships including the laws of respecting parents and educating children. We will compare and contrast parallel passages from the Jerusalem Talmud to learn from their differences.
Each class starts with an introduction and about an hour of chevrutah learning followed by frontal presentation and class discussion. This is a beginners course and no background in Talmud is expected or necessary.
Fee: NIS 1360/$390
Sundays 6:45-8:45pm, 11:45am-1:45pm
Rav Chaim Tabasky
The Laws and Intricacies of Meat and Milk -Rav Chaim Tabasky
17 meetings
In the coming year we will study the eighth chapter of Masechet Hullin, that deals with the prohibition of mixing milk and meat. Our base text will be the Gemara and we will concentrate on the development and analysis of the sugya, with help from Rashi and other early commentators. Because of the practical relevance of the material, we will also refer to Shulchan Aruch and other sources of halachic decisions.
The two-hour zoom sessions will be divided between chevruta study of the text and frontal presentation with class discussion. We will focus both on skill building as well as analysis and understanding in depth the issues the Talmud addresses, along with learning the halachic rulings based on the various sugiyot.
This course is an advanced level class. It is for women who have already studied in- depth Babylonian Talmud for some time and feel comfortable learning at a somewhat fast paced shiur and are familiar with many Aramaic words and terms in the Talmud. Students are very much encouraged to ask questions and open discussions during class on the material being studied.
Fee: NIS 1360 / $390
Sundays 8:00-9:00pm, 1:00pm- 2:00pm
The World of the Sages
Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
The World of Sages
Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
17 meetings
While most of the Talmud revolves around practical halachic discussion, inspiring stories and wise advise are peppered throughout, giving us a peek into the lives of our sages, inside and outside of the Bet Midrash. In this course, we delve into the lives of some of the major sages in the Talmud to help put their wise words and traditions into context
Fee: NIS 510/$145
MONDAY
Mondays
4:00- 6:00pm IL/9:00-11:00am ET
Sefer Devarim: Moshe’s Last Lecture
Rabbanit Neima Novetsky
Sefer Devarim: Moshe’s Last Lecture – Neima Novetsky
16 meetings
In this course we will explore Sefer Devarim, Moshe’s “last lecture” and final messages to the nation on the eve of his death. He touches on past sins, express hopes for the future, but mostly lays down a template for building both a relationship with Hashem and a working society in the Land of Israel. As such, the book combines narrative, halacha, theology and philosophy, raising a swarm of ever relevant questions and topics. What does it means to love God? How do we balance trust in Hashem and individual effort? What should an ideal society, and its ideal leaders, look like? Does Torah believe in “separation of church and state”? What is fair in love and war? As we learn, we will turn to both classic and modern commentators, delving deeply into the text and its eternal messages.
Fee:NIS 960 / $275
Mondays
8:15-9:15pmIL/1:15-2:15pm ET
The Laws of Tefillah
Rav Da’vid Sperling
The Laws of Tefillah
16 meetings
The Laws of Tefillah – Rav Da’vid Sperling
In-depth study of the laws of tefillah (prayer). Our course will cover a study of the laws of tefillah from the Gemara through the early rabbis and up to modern day halachic rulings. We will address such questions as the obligation of praying, times of prayer, the language and nusach of prayer. As always in our learning at Nishmat, we will be looking at sources in their original Hebrew and translating them in the course of our study.
Fee: NIS 480/ $140
TUESDAY
Tuesdays
9:00-11:30am IL
Brothers: Yaakov and Esav and Yosef and His Brothers*
Simi Peters
Brothers: Yaakov and Esav and Yosef and His Brothers – Simi Peters
14 meetings
The year will begin with an in depth exploration of Akeidat Yitzchak. After the Chagim: Our exploration of Sefer Bereshit will focus on the parshiot relating to two sets of brothers: Yaakov and Esav, and Yaakov’s sons. We will discuss different approaches in Midrash and Parshanut to the personalities who shaped history and their relationship with each other.
Fee: NIS 1050 / $300
Tuesdays 11:45am-12:45pm IL
The Laws of Tefillah*
Rav Da’vid Sperling
The Laws of Tefillah
14 meetings
The Laws of Tefillah – Rav Da’vid Sperling
In-depth study of the laws of tefillah (prayer). Our course will cover a study of the laws of tefillah from the Gemara through the early rabbis and up to modern day halachic rulings. We will address such questions as the obligation of praying, times of prayer, the language and nusach of prayer. As always in our learning at Nishmat, we will be looking at sources in their original Hebrew and translating them in the course of our study.
Fee: NIS 420 / $120
Tuesdays 8:00-9:00 pm Israel Time 1:00-2:00pm ET
The Rise and Reign of David Hamelech
Simi Peters
The Rise and Reign of David Hamelech – Simi Peters
15 meetings
In this course we will explore the complex life and personality of King David, starting with his early years and his relationship with King Shaul. The primary source for this course is the Book of Samuel.
Fee: NIS 450/ $130
WEDNESDAY
3:00-5:00pm IL/8:00-10:00am ET
הדרך למלכות דוד: פוליטיקה, מוסר וקדושה עיון בספר שמואל ב
(in Hebrew)
הרב דוד סבתו
15 meetings
הדרך למלכות דוד: פוליטיקה, מוסר וקדושה [עיון בספר שמואל ב]
סיפורו המופלא של דוד המלך עיצב את זיכרונותיו, חלומותיו ותקוותיו של עם ישראל במשך אלפי שנים, מאז ועד היום. רועה הצאן האדמוני, שהפך לגיבור מלחמה ולמנהיג נרדף, מייסד לבסוף את שושלת המלוכה – בית דוד, ובונה עיר הקודש הנצחית, ירושלים. סיפורי מלכות דוד מזמנים עיון ונוקב במגוון סוגיות עומק, כגון מתחים בין מלך ונביא, פוליטיקה ומוסר, ואף יחסי אבות ובנים, גברים ונשים. בין דפי ספר שמואל אנו נפגשים בדמויות ססגוניות ומרתקות נוספות, כולן מוצגות בשיעור קומתן האנושי, על אורותיהם וצלליהם, נעות בין גדולה מוסרית ודתית לתככים פוליטיים שפלים. בשיעור נעמיק בניתוח הפרקים, תוך שימוש במגוון כלים פרשניים וספרותיים ותשומת לב להקשרים ומקבילות, במטרה לחשוף את משמעותם הרעיונית והרוחנית.
Fee: NIS 900 / $260
8:30-9:30pm IL/1:30-2:30pm ET
כשרות סביב העולם; התמודדות עם סוגיות כשרות מורכבות
הרב קובי גיגי
כשרות סביב העולם; התמודדות עם סוגיות כשרות מורכבות
הרב קובי גיגי
16 meetings
כשרות בחוץ לארץ מציף אתגרים סביב שאלות של בישול גויים, חלב ופת גויים, אכילה במסעדות צמחוניות וטבעוניות ועוד. בשיעורים נתעמק במקורות ההלכה מהפסוקים ועד הפסיקה למעשה בימינו, יחד עם הבנה של המציאות בחוץ לארץ ומתוך כך ניסיון להגיע לפסיקה בנושאים השונים
Fee: NIS 480 / $140
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00pm IL/1:00-2:00pm ET
Women in Jewish Law
Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
Women in Jewish Law
17 meetings
As proud modern women, we are fortunate to live in a time when we are accepted as equals and have the same opportunities as men. When building a religious foundation, we might struggle with what seems to be discrimination against women in many areas of halacha. Why do women have fewer Mitzvot? Are they encouraged to pray and study Torah the way men are? Do the laws of modest dress over sexualize women’s bodies? Why must married women cover their hair and not married men? Can women become Rabbinic or Halachic leaders?
We tackle these and other issues with an open mind and honest approach. In our (virtual) Bet Midrash, you are encouraged to ask questions and no topics are off limits as we shape an understanding of women’s role in Jewish law.
NIS 510/$145
Teachers will be teaching new material at the start of each session/semester.
*This class will take place simultaneously at Nishmat and over Zoom.
