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View the 2008–2009 Rabbinical School courses
Rabbinic Ordination
Ordination from Hebrew College within this transdenominational setting distinguishes graduates as rabbis who can serve in a wide range of congregations and noncongregational settings. In conjunction with ordination, all students earn a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies with a concentration in Rabbinics. Students who choose to train for service in a specific denomination (including possible Orthodox semikhah) will be supported in that effort.
 Focused Text Study
The curriculum demands a high level of textual skill and scholarship. At the same time, it is structured around cycles of Torah study and Jewish religious life, with a focus on texts that will be directly relevant to life in the rabbinate. The five-year program (plus a preparatory year, if needed) includes intensive study of each book of the Torah—both from a historical perspective and in the full range of Jewish interpretation—as well as ongoing study of Talmud and other classical sources. Text study is integrated with the exploration of major themes, including the Jewish year, the life cycle, Jewish communal structures and moral dilemmas, and various theologies of Judaism, both classical and modern.
A Blend of Academy and Yeshiva
Combining the best elements of the Western academic tradition and the traditional yeshiva, the curriculum enables students to examine the sources of Judaism—biblical, rabbinic, medieval and modern—both in historic context and from a personal religious point of view. Complementing formal classroom study, students are paired in hevrutot for intensive study of Jewish texts during daily bet midrash hours within a supervised study-hall setting. Students also have the opportunity to take graduate-level courses in subjects such as the psychology and sociology of religion, religion in America, contemporary Jewish life and introductions to other religions. Hebrew College's location, adjacent to a leading Christian theological school, offers unique opportunities for interfaith dialogue among students.
Building a Community of Learners
The experience of rabbinic training involves living as well as learning. Students and teachers in the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College help build a community that celebrates the Jewish year together, joining in prayer, in acts of community service—and in building a participatory fellowship that will serve as a model for communities that graduates will serve and help create in the future. Special attention is given in the program to developing each student's personal spiritual path and his/her unique religious quest. To aid in this process of personal growth, a program in "Spiritual Direction" is offered as part of the curriculum.
Real-Life Career Preparation
To prepare for the day-to-day aspects of rabbinic practice, including both the synagogue pulpit and other forms of rabbinic service, students engage in a combination of didactic and experiential learning—classroom study of relevant background materials complemented by a series of supervised internships under the guidance of experienced professionals, sensitive to both personal and professional growth. Beginning in the second year of study, all students will be placed in supervised rabbinic internships.
Opportunities to Specialize
Within the context of a small, innovative program, students will be encouraged to choose areas of specialization, both academic and practical, in which to receive additional training. In some cases, this may be accomplished via course work at one of the many accredited academic institutions in Greater Boston.
2008–2009 Rabbinical School Courses
General course listings
Fall 2008
Spring 2009
BIBLE
Torah Core 1: Bereshit
Bernat
Level: Year 1
Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-BIBLE 101
Syllabus [PDF]
This course concentrates on textual and exegetical issues in the Book of Genesis through selected readings in Bereshit Rabbah and other midrashic sources, as well as medieval commentaries, Hasidic homilies and modern/contemporary treatments of characters and themes that appear in the Genesis text.
Psalms
Bernat
Level: Year 1
Thursday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
6 sessions; Mar. 26–May 14 (no class Apr. 9 or 16)
RB-BIBLE 150
A reading of key psalms used in Jewish liturgy, including critical method and exegetical insights from traditional commentators. A portion of the course will be devoted to rabbinic use of the Psalter, both for private devotion and in various public settings.
Torah Core 2: Shemot
Jacobson
Level: Year 2
Monday and Wednesday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-BIBLE 201
Syllabus [PDF]
This course examines the Book of Exodus as the national saga of the Jewish people. Students will read selections from both Mekhilta and Shemot Rabbah, showing the uses of the biblical text in the halakhic and aggadic development of Judaism, as well as medieval commentaries and modern perspectives, including the importance of the Exodus and Sinai motifs in Jewish theology and the uses made of the Exodus paradigm beyond the bounds of Judaism.
Torah Core 3: VaYikra
Polen
Level: Year 3
Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-BIBLE 301
This course examines the Book of Leviticus and includes discussion of the themes of priesthood, ritual purity and holiness in biblical, rabbinic and later perspectives. Selected passages from Midrash Halakhah show the relationship between biblical/priestly and rabbinic law.
Torah Core 4: Bemidbar
Polen
Level: Year 4
Monday and Wednesday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-BIBLE 400
This course examines the Book of Numbers from critical and classical Jewish and contemporary perspectives. Questions of leadership and the relationship of leaders to community, as reflected in both text and commentary, are a part of the class discussion.
HEBREW
Hebrew VI
Instructor TBA
Level: Mekorot
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-HEBRW 206
See general course listings for complete description.
Hebrew VIII
Bock
Level: Year 1
Monday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
Thursday, 2:15–4:15 p.m. (Feb. 5–Mar. 26)
Friday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m. (Apr. 3–May 15)
RB-HEBRW 208
See general course listings for complete description.
Aramaic
Bock
Level: Year 2
Friday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-HEBRW 211
See general course listings for complete description.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
Bet Midrash
Bet Midrash staff
Level: All
Days and times vary by class
Mekorot—RB-INTD 051
Year 1: RB-INTD 101
Year 2: RB-INTD 201
Year 3: RB-INTD 301
Year 4: RB-INTD 401
Year 5: RB-INTD 501
Regular Bet Midrash participation is a required part of the Rabbinical School program. Complementing formal classroom study, students will be paired in hevrutot for intensive study of Jewish texts. This takes place during daily Bet Midrash hours within a supervised study hall setting, where tutors are available to help students work with the original sources and to discuss ideas and issues that emerge from the text study.
JEWISH THOUGHT
Contemporary Jewish Thought
Rose
Level: Year 5
Thursday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-JTHT 518
This course addresses the vast changes wrought in Jewish life by modernization and secularization in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Responses to modernity by the leading Jewish thinkers of the era, including Martin Buber, Franz Rosenzweig, J.B. Soloveitchik, Mordecai Kaplan and Abraham Joshua Heschel, will be examined.
Sifrut HaMusar
Schimmel
Level: Year 4 and 5
Tuesday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
JTHT 544
Sifrut HaMusar, ethical-devotional literature, integrates theology, religious spirituality, psychology and ethics, for the purpose of instructing its audience to advance along the path of piety, devotion and ethical behavior. Students will study selections from some of the classics of this literature, such as Hovot HaLevavot (Ibn Pakuda), Tomer Devorah (Moses Cordovero), Mesillat Yesharim (Moses Luzzatto), Orot HaTeshuva (Abraham Isaac Kook) and the writings of Israel Salanter and his disciples. Class time will be spent on careful reading and study of these texts in Hebrew. The goals of the course include mastery of concepts and improvement of linguistic skills in reading and understanding this genre of literature. In addition to the primary sources, there will be assigned readings from the scholarly literature on Sifrut HaMusar.
Hasidic Texts on Tefillah
Leader
Level: Year 1
Friday 9:00–11:00 a.m.
JTHT 605
Amud Hatefillah is a collection of teachings on prayer attributed to the founder of Hassidism—the Ba’al Shem Tov. In this course we will study selections from this compilation and attempt to understand the vision and experience of tefillah that is depicted in them. Texts will be studied in the original Hebrew.
LITURGY
Liturgy and Poetry: Yamim Noraim
Lehmann
Level: Year 2
Thursday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-LITGY 225
Students will study the classic liturgy for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, including the history of the mahzor and close reading of piyyutim (liturgical poetry). Texts will be taught in Hebrew.
PRACTICAL RABBINICS
Issues in Rabbinic Counseling
Landy
Level: Year 3
Fridays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-PRAC 312
This course will explore the major components of rabbinic counseling, including listening skills, journeying through lifecycle events and responding to the many challenges and opportunities in the rabbinate. Class will include guest lecturers and skill-building opportunities.
RABBINICS
Jewish Living Core 1: Berakhot
Steinberg
Level: Year 1
Monday and Wednesday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-RAB 101
This semester concentrates on the traditional laws of Berakhot, beginning with classical sources that furnish basic categories and concepts. Then, guided by Rabbi Jacob ben Asher's influential Arbaah Turim and Rabbi Joseph Caro's Bet Yosef, the course explores the structure of the daily liturgy, with special attention paid to the ways in which rabbinic authorities in successive post-talmudic generations dealt with apparent anomalies and varying liturgical traditions. Important figures and texts in the history of the development of rabbinic law are introduced.
Jewish Living Core 2: Mo'ed
Margalit
Level: Year 2
Monday, 2:15–4:15 p.m. and Thursday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-RAB 201
The spring semester's study prepares students for the holidays of the coming fall (with a view to students' preparation for work in the field). Talmudic sources from tractates Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkah and Shabbat lay a conceptual groundwork for the holidays. Independent learning projects and presentations augment the course and build rabbinic skills.
Hilkhot Hagim uMoadim
Leader
Level: Year 2
Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 216
This course focuses on the festival laws and examines basic issues in the workings and historical development of halakhah.
Jewish Living Core 3: Nashim uGevarim
Steinberg
Level: Year 3
Tuesday, 10:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 301
This course is an intensive, textually based exploration of gender and sexuality as constructed in biblical, classical rabbinic, halakhic, mystical, folk, and contemporary Jewish sources. The course will be grounded in the study of talmudic and midrashic texts, the sources they draw upon, and the Jewish traditions that they influence, with a view to present-day concerns. Contemporary scholarship and Jewish thought will also be explored.
Talmud 3: Hilkhot Kiddushin uGittin
Kanarek
Level: Year 3
Monday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 316
This course covers the laws of marriage and divorce. With a view to practical rabbinic applications, it surveys the essential rules and regulations that traditionally govern the Jewish marriage ceremony, as well as divorces. Having laid the groundwork for classical concepts and practices, the course considers present-day innovations, the challenges they pose and the opportunities they provide.
Hilkhot Nezikin
Perkins
Level: Year 4
Thursday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-RAB-415
An investigation of Talmudic and halakhic sources regarding various areas of Jewish interpersonal ethics, including treatment of workers, property rights, proper speech and other selected topics.
Kashrut
Steinberg
Level: Year 5
Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 426
This course explores key concepts and traditions in Jewish dietary laws. The course focuses on the roots and elaborations of these laws in rabbinic sources and codes and also considers academic and anthropological perspectives and contemporary approaches to kashrut.
Talmud 4: Bava Kamma, Perek Ha-Hovel
Kanarek
Level: Year 4
Thursday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-RAB 527
In this course, we will study selected sugyot from chapter 8 of tracate Bava Kamma. Through the lens of the Gemara and its medieval commentators, we will examine rabbinic legislation of torts. As we look at how the ancient rabbis constructed a system of compensation for injury, we will gain insight into rabbinic understandings of human dignity. Attention to contemporary legal understandings of human dignity will also shape our study as we reflect on how these ancient conceptions may inform our modern ones.
Talmud 5 (Advanced)
Kanarek
Level: Year 5
Thursday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 528
In this course, we will study the third chapter of tracate Ta'anit. The goal of the course will be to help students become independent learners and teachers of Talmud. Through learning a page (an amud) of Bavli each week, students will gain exposure to the methodology of bekiut study. In addition, by researching and teaching sugyot, students will strengthen their pedagogical skills for their future work as rabbis.
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Fall 2008
BIBLE
Torah Core 1: Bereshit
Bernat
Level: Year 1
Monday, 9:00–11:00 a.m. and Thursday, 11:15–1:15 p.m.
RB-BIBLE 100
Syllabus [PDF]
This course concentrates on textual and exegetical issues in the Book of Genesis through selected readings in Bereshit Rabbah and other midrashic sources, as well as medieval commentaries, Hasidic homilies and modern/contemporary treatments of characters and themes that appear in the Genesis text.
Torah Core 2: Shemot
D. Jacobson
Level: Year 2
Monday and Wednesday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-BIBLE 200
Syllabus [PDF]
This course examines the Book of Exodus as the national saga of the Jewish people. Students will read selections from both Mekhilta and Shemot Rabbah, showing the uses of the biblical text in the halakhic and aggadic development of Judaism, as well as medieval commentaries and modern perspectives, including the importance of the Exodus and Sinai motifs in Jewish theology and the uses made of the Exodus paradigm beyond the bounds of Judaism.
Torah Core 3: VaYikra
Polen
Level: Year 3
Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-BIBLE 300
This course examines the Book of Leviticus and includes discussion of the themes of priesthood, ritual purity and holiness in biblical, rabbinic and later perspectives. Selected passages from Midrash Halakhah show the relationship between biblical/priestly and rabbinic law.
Torah Core 5: Devarim
Kates
Level: Year 5
Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-BIBLE 500
Syllabus [PDF]
This course examines the book of Deuteronomy as a source of Jewish religious teachings and values, including readings from the midrashic, medieval and modern interpretive sources. It also discusses the place of Devarim in the emergence of rabbinic Judaism, including both halakhic and devotional values.
Genres and Themes of Biblical Literature
Bernat
Level: Mekorot
Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-BIBLE 502
Syllabus [PDF]
See general course listings for complete description.
Biblical Prophecy
Brettler
Level: 4
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
8 sessions; Sept 9, 23, Oct 28, Nov 4, 11, 25, Dec 2, 9
RB-BIBLE 515
Prerequisite: Hebrew VII and VIII
Syllabus [PDF]
See general course listings for complete description.
CANTORIAL
Basic Nusah for Jewish Professionals
Buhr
Level: Year 2 (Elective for years 4 and 5)
Friday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-CANTR 517
See general course listings for complete description.
EDUCATION
Rabbi as Educator
Kaunfer
Level: Years 2 and 4
Thursday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-EDUC 921
Syllabus [PDF]; Required course pack
This course deals with approaches to adult education in the synagogue and community contexts. It includes training in supervision of religious education in the small congregational context.
HEBREW
Hebrew V
Instructor TBA
Level: Mekorot
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-HEBRW 205
See general course listings for complete description.
Hebrew VII
Bock
Level: Year 1
Monday, 2:15–4:15 p.m. and Wednesday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-HEBRW 207
Syllabus [PDF]; Required course pack
See general course listings for complete description.
HISTORY
History of Zionism
Starr
Level: Year 4
Monday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.; begins Sept. 15
RB-HIST 510
Syllabus [PDF]
See general course listings for complete description.
INTERDISCIPLINARY
Jewish Life and Practice I
Lehmann
Level: Mekorot and Year 1
Monday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-INTD 015
See general course listings for complete description.
Bet Midrash
Bet Midrash staff
Level: All
Days and times vary by class.
Mekorot—RB-INTD 050
Year 1: RB-INTD 100
Year 2: RB-INTD 200
Year 3: RB-INTD 300
Year 4: RB-INTD 400
Year 5: RB-INTD 500
Regular Bet Midrash participation is a required part of the Rabbinical School program. Complementing formal classroom study, students will be paired in hevrutot for intensive study of Jewish texts. This takes place during daily Bet Midrash hours within a supervised study hall setting, where tutors are available to help students work with the original sources and to discuss ideas and issues that emerge from the text study.
JEWISH THOUGHT
Theology of Jewish Prayer
Green
Levels: Years 1 and 2
Tuesday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-JTHT 100
This course examines Jewish prayer in its theological richness and historical diversity. A variety of Jewish reflections on prayer, both classical and modern, are examined, including teachings from the mystical tradition.
Liturgy: Structure and History
Steinberg
Level: Year 1
Friday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
6 sessions: Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 17, 24, 31
RB-JTHT 105
This course considers the structure of the classical Jewish prayer services and their historical origins. Students will gain an understanding of the underlying structures of the liturgy and familiarity with the essential rubrics of Jewish prayer. The course will also examine the evolution of various modern versions of Jewish prayer.
Jewish Theological Literature: Zohar
Green
Level: Year 5
Thursday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-JTHT 608
An introduction to the Jewish mystical tradition and the reading of its central text, theZohar. Students will be taught the symbolic language of Kabbalah and will learn to read passages in the original Aramaic, but also using the new translation and commentary of the Pritzker edition.
PRACTICAL RABBINICS
Lifecycles and the Rabbi
Judson
Level: Year 2
Friday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-PRAC 220
In this course, we will explore the sources and development of the major Jewish lifecycle rituals: brit, weddings, and conversions (funerals will be covered in a third-year course). We will also look at the various ways contemporary rabbis perform these lifecycle rituals, and we will address important issues related to the lifecycle process such as: premarital counseling, interfaith questions, innovative rituals and conversion counseling.
Rabbi as Counselor
Landy
Level: Year 3
Friday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-PRAC 310
This course provides an overview of pastoral counseling, focusing on the counseling relationships that rabbis encounter. Students will gain an understanding of counseling, family systems, transference, self-care and other topics relevant to the role of rabbi as counselor.
Internship Seminar
Judson
2 semesters
Level: Year 3
Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-PRAC 349
We will be exploring the variety of issues that confront contemporary rabbis in synagogue and institutional settings, and begin to develop an individual vision of a future rabbinate.
Rabbinical Internship/Group Supervision
Anisfeld and Lehmann
2 semesters
Levels: Years 3 and 5
Year 3: RB-PRAC 350
Third-year students will be placed in internships at synagogues and other Jewish institutions in Greater Boston. Internships are designed to enable students to understand the relationship between their theoretical education and their practical learning.
Year 5: RB-PRAC 550
Fifth-year students will be placed in internships and student pulpits at synagogues and other Jewish institutions in Greater Boston.
Homiletics
Anisfeld
Level: Years 3 and 4 (elective for year 5)
Monday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-PRAC 490
One of the most important modes of communication between a rabbi and a community is the sermon or dvar torah. It can be an opportunity for the rabbi to teach, challenge, inspire, acknowledge and uplift a sacred occasion or to offer comfort during a time of sorrow or crisis. It is one of the ways that members of a community discover who their rabbi is and what he or she considers important. This course will explore the theory and practice of writing and delivering sermons and divrei torah, with an emphasis on understanding preaching as an opportunity for dialogue between the rabbi and the members of his or her community.
Leadership Seminar
Shevitz
Level: Year 5
Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-PRAC 510
This course provides training to serve in leadership roles in Jewish religious and institutional settings. It will cover how to be a leader who carries forth a vision and yet allows others to grow and participate in aspects of Jewish leadership, and how to work with institutions, including synagogues, to foster growth and creative change.
Senior Seminar: Issues in Contemporary Jewish Practice
Lehmann
Level: Year 5
Tuesday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-PRAC 515
Students will have an opportunity to discuss and consider their own views on some of the more controversial and cutting-edge issues in contemporary Jewish life, as celebrated in various denominational contexts and in current innovative practice.
RABBINICS
Introduction to Rabbinic Texts I
Schimmel
Level: Mekorot
Tuesday and Thursday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 010
Note: Required Bet Midrash, Tuesday and Thursday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Syllabus [PDF]
See general course listings for complete description.
Jewish Living Core 1: Berakhot
Steinberg
Level: Year 1
Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-RAB 100
Through intensive, guided study of one full chapter of the tractate Berakhot, this first semester inducts first-year rabbinical students into the discipline of traditional rabbinic learning. Coursework covers essential themes in the field of liturgy while building skills that are necessary for reading, understanding, appreciating, analyzing and participating in talmudic discourse and for accessing the full range of classical rabbinic sources.
Jewish Living Core 2: Mo'ed
Kanarek
Level: Year 2
Tuesday and Thursday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 200
Syllabus [PDF]
Intensive study of the tenth chapter of the tractate Pesahim and related sources and commentaries focuses on the theme of separating and sanctifying time. The course explores the rituals and practices that demarcate appointed times—in particular, Kiddush and Havdalah, and the role of wine, lights and food in shaping celebrations of the festivals. In addition, readings from scholarly books and essays inform weekly discussions of perspectives and approaches.
Hilkhot Shabbat
Schimmel
Level: Year 2
Monday, 2:15–4:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 215
Syllabus [PDF]; Required course pack
This course delves into the laws and traditions of the Sabbath and will also serve to give students experience reading and researching the halakhic codes, especially those of Maimonides and Caro.
Jewish Living Core 3: Nashim uGevarim
Kanarek
Level: Year 3
Monday, 10:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 300
Syllabus [PDF]; Required course pack
A study of essential talmudic sources in Seder Nashim introduces classical rabbinic concepts, categories and practices concerning the roles and status of women and men. Students will read these classical rabbinic sources for their own understanding in light of the present day. They will consider issues that surround gender roles in contemporary Jewish practice through readings and discussions.
Hilkhot Avelut
Perkins
Level: Year 3
Thursday, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
RB-RAB 315
Syllabus [PDF]; Required course pack
This course reviews the laws and practices of mourning, as well as surveys the essential concepts in halakhah for rabbis who perform funerals and guide the bereft through the stages of Jewish mourning.
Talmud 4: Sanhedrin and Makkot
Schimmel
Level: Year 4
Wednesday, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
RB-RAB 402
Syllabus [PDF]
This course will explore several talmudic sugyot from Masekhtot Sanhedrin and Makkot that deal with judicial procedure, capital and corporal punishment, murder and accidental homicide, and the use of force to prevent the commission of a sin or crime. In addition to the texts from the Talmud Bavli, students will examine the Tosefta, Midreshey Halakhah and the codes, especially Rambam's Mishneh Torah, as well as modern scholarly literature. They will be given the opportunity to use, and build upon, knowledge and skills already acquired in the study of rabbinic literature.
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