MIDRASHA MODULE OUTLINE
Each module is composed of 21 hours of learning, divided into 2 introductory sessions followed by 12 weeks (1.5 hours per session).
INTRODUCTORY SESSIONS
1. HISTORY TIMELINE
The goal of this session is to familiarize the participants with the major eras of Jewish History. At the end of the session, students will have a timeline template with a few of the most important dates marked. As the courses progress, students will mark all other relevant events and/or names on the timeline. Students will be encouraged to use color coding so that the timeline is easily understood.
The periods will be divided as follows:
1. Creation; From Abraham to Moses (until 1500 BCE)
2. From Moses to King David (from 1500 to 1000 BCE)
3. From King David to Ezra (from 1000 to 500 BCE)
4. From Ezra to Hillel (500 BCE to 1 CE)
5. From Hillel to Rav Ashi (Talmudic Period - from 1 to 500 CE)
6. From Rav Ashi to Rashi (from 500 to 1000 CE)
7. From Rashi to Joseph Karo (from 1000 to 1500 CE)
8. From Karo the the 21st century (from 1500 to 2000 CE)
Note that as we look at the different periods, we will touch on names which will be discussed in the next introductory session as well.
2. TEXT TIMELINE
The goal of this session is to give the participants an overview of Jewish literature. The major Jewish writings will be put into their historical timeline, as well as the most important authors of these texts. The following texts (and their authors) will be covered in this session:
1. Torah
2. Early Prophets
3. Later Prophets
4. Writings (Ketuvim)
5. Mishnah
6. Talmud (Jerusalem and Babylonian)
7. Zohar
8. Halachot
9. Siddur
10. Mishneh Torah
11. Shulchan Aruch
12. Modern Responsa
FOUR MODULES:
MODULE 1 - OUR TRADITIONS (Jewish Concepts and Practices, and Life Cycle)
MODULE 2 - OUR CELEBRATIONS (Jewish Holidays)
MODULE 3 - OUR BELIEFS (Jewish Theology)
MODULE 4 - OUR MORALITY (Jewish Values and Ethics)
MODULE 1 - OUR TRADITIONS (Jewish Concepts and Practices, and Life Cycle)
MODULE 2 - OUR CELEBRATIONS (Jewish Holidays)
MODULE 3 - OUR BELIEFS (Jewish Theology)
MODULE 4 - OUR MORALITY (Jewish Values and Ethics)
MODULE 1 - OUR TRADITIONS
(JEWISH CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES AND LIFE CYCLE)
The Synagogue - The Sanctuary
Jewish Prayer
Brachot
Mezuzah, Tallit and Tefillin
Kashrut
Birth
Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation
Conversion
Marriage
Divorce
Death
Burial and Mourning
MODULE 2 - OUR CELEBRATIONS
(JEWISH HOLIDAYS)
The Jewish Calendar
Shabbat
Rosh Chodesh
Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
Sukkot
Shemni Atzeret and Simchat Torah
Chanukah
Purim
Pesach
Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut
Shavuot
Tu B'Shvat, Lag B'Omer, Tisha B'Av and Minor Fasts
MODULE 3 - OUR BELIEFS
(JEWISH THEOLOGY)
Belief in G-d
Humanity Created in G-d's Image
Revelation
Mitzvot
Messianic Age
Life After Death
Connection to the Land of Israel
Miracles
Sin and Satan
Jewish Mysticism/Kabbalah
Ahavat Israel/Community
Justice and Tzedakah
MODULE 4 - OUR MORALITY
(JEWISH VALUES AND ETHICS)
Being Holy and Tikkun Olam
Speech Ethics
Personal Relationships Ethics
Medical Ethics I: Beginning of Life Issues
Medical Ethics II: End-of-Life Issues
Business and Work Ethics
Money Ethics: Wealth and Poverty
Internet Ethics
Copyright Ethics
Environment Ethics
Judaism and Politics (Church and State)
War and Peace Ethics
