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HAFTR Upper School Judaic Studies

 
Each academic year, all students in grades nine through twelve will be learning the same Mesechta. In almost all circumstances, an effort is made to select a Mesechta from a different order of Shas. In this way, by the time a student has graduated, he has been exposed to four different orders of Shas.

Our Shiurim emphasize text reading, basic Aramaic and overall comprehension. This study includes the classic commentaries of Rashi and Tosfot. As students progress, more emphasis is placed on Talmudic analysis using the commentaries of the Rishonim and Acharonim. The Mesechtot which have been studied over the past few years include:

  • Kiddushin
  • Yoma
  • Brachot
  • Sukkah
  • Makkot
 
Chumash
 

Each grade delves into a different Sefer of Chumash each academic year. At the end of four years at HAFTR, each of our students will have studied from the Seforim of:

Shemot 9th Grade
Bamidbar 10th Grade
Devarim 11th Grade
Bereishit 12th Grade

Courses concentrate on understanding and analysis of the text along with a study of the classical commentaries, such as Rashi, Rambam, Sforno and others. There is also a component of Bekiyut learning so that students will attain familiarity with the entire Sefer. In addition to actual study of the text, teachers will apply the teachings of the Chumash to contemporary life and provide the moral guidance taught within the pages of the Torah. In this way, our students will understand the timelessness of our sacred texts.

Nach
 

HAFTR students will delve into selected books of the Neviim Rishonim and Neviim Acharonim in addition to selections from Ketuvim. Literary analysis, historical background and major philosophical themes are all studied with classical and modern commentaries. The Nach courses include the Seforim of:

Yona   Yishiyahu
Megillat Ruth   Megillat Esther
Yirmiyahu   Amos
Kohelet   Tehillim

Seniors who are preparing for the Bechina Yerushalayimit take an extensive course in Tanach as per the Hebrew University curriculum. The other seniors will do an in-depth study of the book of Shofetim.

Halacha
  Courses in this discipline include:

Hilchot Shabbat

This course examines the laws of Shabbat from candle lighting through havdallah. It also includes an in-depth study of the 39 Av Melachot. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of Halacha to common everyday problems.

Hilchot Kashrut

This course delves into some of the main principles of Kashrut. The basic Torah precepts are studied along with the Rabbinic injunctions. Lectures draw from the relevant Rabbinic literature as well as from the Shulchan Aruch. Students will learn what constitutes a "kosher kitchen" and what problems may arise. They will be instructed in how to present a question to their Rabbi. The student will gain an understanding of the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law.

Halacha and the Jewish Woman

In this course, students will study the special role of women in Jewish law. Particular emphasis will be placed on woman’s responsibility in Tefilah and other Mitzvot. There will also be classes which deal with the laws of Taharat Hamishpacha.

Jewish Philosophy
  Jewish Philosophy offerings include:

Basic Concepts in Jewish Philosophy

Topics include: Teshuva , Bitachon, Emunah and the study of a number of Mitzvot and their philosophic rationale.

The Thirteen Principles of Faith

A study of the thirteen principles as presented by the Rambam in his introduction to Perek Chelek, Mesechta Sanheidrin.

Pirkei Avot

A study of Pirkei Avot with major Rabbinic commentaries and practical applications.