Summer Beit Midrash Schedule
The Summer Beit Midrash offers a wide array of fascinating classes taught by world-class Torah educators.
Classes are taught at 3 different levels: Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced.
- Beginners Level is for students with little to no background in textual learning. No Hebrew required.
- Intermediate Level is for students with some background in textual learning, who are comfortable with some Hebrew with translations provided.
- Advanced Level is for students with a high level of experience with textual learning who are comfortable learning sources in Hebrew without being given a translation. Many Advanced shiurim are taught entirely in Hebrew.
When you arrive at the Summer Beit Midrash, Program Director Rabbanit Navit Tzadik will meet with you to help you choose the class schedule most suited to your level and interests.
Orientation
Thursday, July 3
9:00-11:00 Dormitory Check-In
11:00-13:00 Academic Registration for full-time students
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-15:00 Shiur
15:00-18:30 Free Time
18:30 Dinner and activity with the Madricha
Friday, July 4 Group Trip
Shabbatot
July 4-5 Shabbat at Nishmat
July 11-12 Free Shabbat
July 18-19 Away Shabbat location TBD
There will be special programming in the afternoon for the 17th of Tammuz on July 13.
Week 1: July 6-10
Underappreciated Women of the Tanach: Dina, Timna, Serach bat Asher, Osnat, Nitzevet – Rabbanit Nechama Goldman
Sun, July 6- Wed July 9, 10:00-12:00
In this shiur, we will explore the lives of five often overlooked women in the Tanach—Timna, Serach bat Asher, Osnat, Dina, and Nitzevet. While the Tanach contains the stories of many well-known and celebrated women, these figures remain relatively obscure, yet their roles are significant and deserving of recognition. We will delve into traditional Jewish sources, including the Midrash, Talmud, and Chassidus, to uncover deeper insights into their identities, their struggles, and their contributions to the broader Jewish narrative. Through examining these women’s stories, we will not only learn about their individual lives but also reflect on how their experiences, choices, and legacies have shaped the Jewish people in ways both large and small. This course seeks to provide a more nuanced and holistic understanding of their importance in Jewish history.
Jewish History Crash Course: Our Story – Dina Blank
Sun, July 6- Wed July 9, 12:00-13:00 (12:00-1:00pm)
In this survey course we will follow the big trends of Jewish history, beginning with the Middle Ages. Using first hand documents — from tefillot, to introductions to various writings, to responsa literature, to historic chronicles — we will be introduced to some of the major developments in the Jewish world, major figures, watershed events, and better understand the story of our people in the Diaspora.
Sensing Hashem: Making a Blessing With Our Different Senses – Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
Sun, July 6- Thurs, July 10, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
In this class, we will explore some lesser-known blessings that we recite throughout our lives. We’ll learn about the blessing made after seeing a friend we haven’t seen in a while, blessings on sights and animals, a blessing seeing a new town in Israel, and blessings for both good and bad news. A blessing upon seeing brilliant people and kings. We will learn different approaches to making these brachot today in different situations. Hopefully the class will give us a deeper understanding to what it means to say a bracha.
Becoming a Person of the Book – Rav Chaim Tabasky
Sun, July 6- Thurs, July 10, 15:40-16:40 (3:40-4:40pm)
In this class we will survey Torah sources from Scripture to modern texts, and try to “taste” the delicious varieties of Torah texts that have developed throughout the ages. Through this study experience we hope to gain some familiarity with the classic Jewish library.
An Exploration of Tefila – Rav Chaim Tabasky
Sun, July 6- Thurs, July 10, 16:50-18:00 (4:50-6:00pm)
Prayer is a spiritual experience that unites the text (the formal or informal “prayer”) with the person who prays (the “prayer”) Through study of some texts and halachot of tefilla we will consider how we as people are affected by our own prayer and how the prayer experience can be meaningful and energizing.
Jewish History: First Hand Accounts – Dina Blank
Sun, July 6- Wed July 9, 10:00-12:00
So much of rabbinic literature hides beneath its surface allusions to historic events, conflicts, and successes. In this course we will explore the untold tale in our siddur, our responsa, and our commentaries to highlight the Jewish story and memory that rabbis in every generation sought to preserve. We will journey through the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period and meet some of our unsung heroes and reflect upon their trials, tribulations, and victories.
Introduction to the Tanya (Chabad Chassidus) – Rabbanit Nechama Goldman
Sun, July 6- Wed July 9, 12:00-13:00 (12:00-1:00pm)
This course provides a foundational understanding of the Tanya, the seminal work of Chabad Chassidus, authored by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad Chassidus. The Tanya offers profound spiritual teachings, guiding individuals towards greater self-awareness, emotional refinement, and a deeper connection to Hashem. It serves as both a philosophical text and a practical guide for personal growth.
Hilchot Shabbat – Rav Da’vid Sperling
Sun, July 6- Thurs, July 10, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
The world of Halacha is both all encompassing, complex, and visionary all at the same time. We will focus in our class at both applying halacha to our lives in a practical way, and reaching a deeper understanding of the depth of wisdom found in its teachings. This year we will focus our learning on the laws of Shabbat including Kiddush and meals (night and day), heating up food, making a salad – borreh and tochain, cup of tea and coffee, candles (and Havdallah), as well as time for Q&A and fine tuning our own observance of Shabbat.
Entrepreneurship in Halacha – Rav Daniel Mann
Sun, July 6- Thurs, July 10, 15:40-18:00 (3:40-6:00pm)
This series of shiurim and guided study will both take a panoramic view of monetary Halacha as it affects businesses and individuals, as well as dive into the intricacies of specific case studies. The study will include textual analysis and open discussion of legal and philosophical underpinnings of the Torah’s approach to business ethics and adjudication (and a “mock trial” to round out the experience).
נביאים אחרונים: נביאי שיבת ציון וחתימת הנבואה- Rav David Sabato
Sun, July 6- Wed July 9, 10:00-13:00 (10:00am-1:00pm)
חגי, זכריה ומלאכי הם הנביאים האחרונים בשרשרת הנביאים בישראל, והם חיו ופעלו בירושלים בעשורים הראשונים והסוערים לאחר שיבת ציון. בסדרת השיעורים נעמיק בנבואותיהם ונעמוד על קווי הייחוד שלהן בהשוואה ל’נביאים הראשונים’ – נביאי בית ראשון, ביחסם למקדש, לחוק ולפער העמוק בין חלום הגאולה למציאות החלקית והפגומה עמה התמודדו השבים בירושלים. נבחן גם את הסגנון הייחודי של נבואותיהם, הנקשר למעמדם כחותמי עידן הנבואה המקראית
An In-Depth Study of טבילת כלים – Rav Ezra Schwartz
Sun, July 6- Thurs, July 10, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
We will look into the reasons to immerse utensils purchase from non-Jews and the categorization of which utensils require immersion and which do not. We will also focus on the status of utensils that were not immersed, may one eat in the home of an individual who does not do טבילת כלים.
Masechet Bikkurim (Talmud Yerushalmi) – Rav Jonathan Ziring
Sun, July 6- Thurs, July 10, 15:40-18:00 (3:40-6:00pm)
In this class, we will study the Yerushalmi tractate of Bikkurim. Through this mitzvah, we will explore the topics connected to the holiness of the Land of Israel, gratitude, prayer, conversion, and other issues that appear throughout.
Week 2: July 13-17
Jewish History Crash Course: Our Story – Dina Blank
Sun, July 13- Wed July 16, 10:00-12:00
In this survey course we will follow the big trends of Jewish history, beginning with the Middle Ages. Using first hand documents — from tefillot, to introductions to various writings, to responsa literature, to historic chronicles — we will be introduced to some of the major developments in the Jewish world, major figures, watershed events, and better understand the story of our people in the Diaspora.
Moshe: The Man Behind the Leader – Rabbanit Neima Novetsky
Sun, July 13- Wed July 16, 12:00-13:00 (12:00-1:00pm)
In this survey course we will follow the big trends of Jewish history, beginning with the Middle Ages. Using first hand documents — from tefillot, to introductions to various writings, to responsa literature, to historic chronicles — we will be introduced to some of the major developments in the Jewish world, major figures, watershed events, and better understand the story of our people in the Diaspora.
Hilchot Shabbat – Rav Da’vid Sperling
Mon, July 14- Thurs July 17, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
The world of Halacha is both all encompassing, complex, and visionary all at the same time. We will focus in our class at both applying halacha to our lives in a practical way, and reaching a deeper understanding of the depth of wisdom found in its teachings. This year we will focus our learning on the laws of Shabbat including Kiddush and meals (night and day), heating up food, making a salad – borreh and tochain, cup of tea and coffee, candles (and Havdallah), as well as time for Q&A and fine tuning our own observance of Shabbat.
Becoming a Person of the Book – Rav Chaim Tabasky
Mon, July 14- Thurs July 17, 15:40-16:40 (3:40-4:40pm)
In this class we will survey Torah sources from Scripture to modern texts, and try to “taste” the delicious varieties of Torah texts that have developed throughout the ages. Through this study experience we hope to gain some familiarity with the classic Jewish library.
An Exploration of Tefila – Rav Chaim Tabasky
Mon, July 14- Thurs July 17, 16:50-18:00 (4:50-6:00pm)
Prayer is a spiritual experience that unites the text (the formal or informal “prayer”) with the person who prays (the “prayer”) Through study of some texts and halachot of tefilla we will consider how we as people are affected by our own prayer and how the prayer experience can be meaningful and energizing.
Moshe: The Man Behind the Leader – Rabbanit Neima Novetsky
Sun, July 13- Wed July 16, 10:00-12:00
So much of rabbinic literature hides beneath its surface allusions to historic events, conflicts, and successes. In this course we will explore the untold tale in our siddur, our responsa, and our commentaries to highlight the Jewish story and memory that rabbis in every generation sought to preserve. We will journey through the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period and meet some of our unsung heroes and reflect upon their trials, tribulations, and victories.
Jewish History: First Hand Accounts – Dina Blank
Sun, July 13- Wed July 16, 12:00-13:00 (12:00-1:00pm)
Course description coming soon.
An Overview of מאכלי נכרים – Rav Ezra Schwartz
Mon, July 14- Thurs July 17, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
There are many foods which are forbidden to eat because they were produced by non-Jews. This list includes foods cooked by a non Jew, bread baked by a non-Jew, cheese and milk of a non-Jew and many more. We will explore the reasons behind these prohibitions and their scope based on analysis of the Gemara, and rishonim through the Shulchan Aruch and practical Halacha.
Entrepreneurship in Halacha – Rav Daniel Mann
Mon, July 14- Thurs July 17, 15:40-18:00 (3:40-6:00pm)
This series of shiurim and guided study will both take a panoramic view of monetary Halacha as it affects businesses and individuals, as well as dive into the intricacies of specific case studies. The study will include textual analysis and open discussion of legal and philosophical underpinnings of the Torah’s approach to business ethics and adjudication (and a “mock trial” to round out the experience).
זוגיות בספר בראשית Rabbanit Ilana Hadad
Sun, July 13- Wed July 16, 10:00-13:00 (10:00am-1:00pm)
במהלך הקורס נתבונן בזוגות השונים בספר בראשית וננסה ללמוד דרכם על אופנים שונים בעבודת השם ובבניין המשפחה
לחוש את הקב”ה: הלכות ברכות פחות מוכרות בימינו – Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
Mon, July 14– Thurs July 17, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
מסכת ברכות מלאה בברכות על מלא אירועים בחיים. על מראות, על ריחות, על אנשים ועל חיות. מה קרה לברכות אלו בחיי היום יום שלנו? איך עלינו לעשות במצבים שונים הלכה למעשה? נלמד יחד מהמקורות הראשוניים ועד הפוסקים בימנו
Masechet Bikkurim (Talmud Yerushalmi) – Rav Jonathan Ziring
Mon, July 14– Thurs July 17, 15:40-18:00 (3:40-6:00pm)
In this class, we will study the Yerushalmi tractate of Bikkurim. Through this mitzvah, we will explore the topics connected to the holiness of the Land of Israel, gratitude, prayer, conversion, and other issues that appear throughout.
Week 3: July 20-24
Torah Foundations: The Fundamental Teachings of the Five Books of the Torah – Geula Twersky
Sun, July 20- Wed July 23, 10:10-13:00 (10:10am-1:00pm)
Course description coming soon.
Hilchot Shabbat – Rav Da’vid Sperling
Sun, July 20- Thurs July 24, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
The world of Halacha is both all encompassing, complex, and visionary all at the same time. We will focus in our class at both applying halacha to our lives in a practical way, and reaching a deeper understanding of the depth of wisdom found in its teachings. This year we will focus our learning on the laws of Shabbat including Kiddush and meals (night and day), heating up food, making a salad – borreh and tochain, cup of tea and coffee, candles (and Havdallah), as well as time for Q&A and fine tuning our own observance of Shabbat.
Becoming a Person of the Book – Rav Chaim Tabasky
Sun, July 20- Thurs July 24, 15:40-16:40 (3:40-4:40pm)
In this class we will survey Torah sources from Scripture to modern texts, and try to “taste” the delicious varieties of Torah texts that have developed throughout the ages. Through this study experience we hope to gain some familiarity with the classic Jewish library.
An Exploration of Tefila – Rav Chaim Tabasky
Sun, July 20- Thurs July 24, 16:50-18:00 (4:50-6:00pm)
Prayer is a spiritual experience that unites the text (the formal or informal “prayer”) with the person who prays (the “prayer”) Through study of some texts and halachot of tefilla we will consider how we as people are affected by our own prayer and how the prayer experience can be meaningful and energizing.
Relations between Israel and her Neighbors, In War and Peace: Pirkei David u’Shlomo as a Foundation for Today’s Greatest Issues – Rabbanit Chana Henkin
Sun, July 20- Wed July 23, 10:10-13:00 (10:10am-1:00pm)
A four-part series, with chavruta and shiurim in Tanach by Rabbanit Henkin and a guest Presentation by Dr. Yagil Henkin on Milchemet Charvot Barzel’s successes and failures.
Sensing Hashem: Making a Blessing With Our Different Senses – Rabbanit Navit Tzadik
Sun, July 20- Thurs July 24, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
In this class, we will explore some lesser-known blessings that we recite throughout our lives. We’ll learn about the blessing made after seeing a friend we haven’t seen in a while, blessings on sights and animals, a blessing seeing a new town in Israel, and blessings for both good and bad news. A blessing upon seeing brilliant people and kings. We will learn different approaches to making these brachot today in different situations. Hopefully the class will give us a deeper understanding to what it means to say a bracha.
Saving a Life on Shabbat: How Far Does It Go? Mishna, Gemara and Real Life Questions Today – in War and Peace Rabbanit Gilla Rosen
Sun, July 20- Thurs July 24, 15:40-18:00 (3:40-6:00pm)
Course description coming soon.
Villains in Tanach – Rabbanit Neima Novetsky
Sun, July 20- Wed July 23, 10:10-13:00 (10:00am-1:00pm)
We often group the many characters of Tanach into neat categories of “good” and “evil”, placing such figures as Yishmael, Esav, Bilam and Korach squarely into the second grouping and labeling them “villains”. Upon actually reading Tanach’s account of these figures, though, it is not always so clear if they are as bad as we make them out to be. It is Yaakov who appears to swindle Esav and not vice versa, so why is it Esav who gets the bad rap? When Bilam is asked to curse Am Yisrael, he responds that he can only do as God says, and heads out only after being given permission by Hashem, so why is Hashem so angry at him? Were people like the spies, Datan and Aviram, or Korach motivated by rebellion, or were they simply scared or legitimately disappointed in Moshe’s perceived nepotism and failed leadership? Why do Chazal paint all these people so negatively? This course will turn to Tanach, Midrash, and our classical parshanim to explore these questions.
ספק פיקוח נפש דוחה שבת: האם מותר לחזור הביתה? חידושים וסוגיות אקטואליות ברפואה ובמלחמת חרבות ברזל Rabbanit Gilla Rosen
Sun, July 20- Thurs July 24, 14:30-15:30 (2:30-3:30pm)
Course description coming soon.
Masechet Bikkurim (Talmud Yerushalmi) – Rav Jonathan Ziring
Sun, July 20- Thurs July 24, 15:40-18:00 (3:40-6:00pm)
In this class, we will study the Yerushalmi tractate of Bikkurim. Through this mitzvah, we will explore the topics connected to the holiness of the Land of Israel, gratitude, prayer, conversion, and other issues that appear throughout.
Notes
Evening activities will be planned twice a week.
*Tiyulim and volunteering activities are included for full-time and half-time students. Part-time students can sign up for an additional fee.
**Evening activities are included for full-time students. Half-time and part-time students can sign up for an additional fee.
