Part I: Between individuals and their fellows, individuals and society

During the first semester, we will explore different perspectives on the nature of human relationships, as they were understood by the Sages from the time of Chazal, through the Middle Ages, and until today. We will study the insights of the Talmudic sages, halakhic decisors, and Jewish philosophers throughout the generations.

Part II: Individuals and family

In the second semester, we will focus on relationships in the family, covering such issues as intimacy and parenthood during different life stages.

For women only. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

Part I: Between individuals and their fellows, individuals and society

During the first semester, we will explore different perspectives on the nature of human relationships, as they were understood by the Sages from the time of Chazal, through the Middle Ages, and until today. We will study the insights of the Talmudic sages, halakhic decisors, and Jewish philosophers throughout the generations.

Part II: Individuals and family

In the second semester, we will focus on relationships in the family, covering such issues as intimacy and parenthood during different life stages.

For women only. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

We will select chapters relevant to the Jewish calendar, focusing on the historical context as well as the universal emotions expressed in each. We will explore the text through various musical adaptations representing a wide range of styles and origins that include Israeli songs as well as classical works. We will study the sounds and the history of the music, its sources (expect surprises), the circumstances in which it was composed, and changes it underwent. We will endeavor to understand how music has been “recruited” for different purposes, and how alternative melodies and productions grant different meanings and significance to texts and events.

For women only. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

We will plumb obscure chapters in Jewish history such as the lost Ten Tribes, the holy vessels of the Temple, and the treasures of the Copper Scroll. We will wrestle with questions like, “Who was the real Josephus – Yoseph ben Matityahu or Josephus Flavius? Why did Bar Kokhba disappear over the years? Who were the Khazars (Kuzarim)? We will explore the stories of Dona Gracia, the Maharal of Prague and his Golem, and others.

Open to men & women. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

This course will discuss the seminal sites of Jewish history and examine how, why and when they were imprinted on the memory of the People of Israel. Some highlights: The Covenant on Har Gerizim, Kabbala in Tzefat and Meron, Reclusion and Rebellion in the Judean Desert, the Temple Mount – Jerusalem’s Beating Heart. We’ll examine each place through the eyes of the Tanach, and in the writings of one or more Zionist leader or author.

Class is open to men & women. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

Separate registration for accompanying day tours.

Explore thought-provoking ideas and questions from the Parsha, based in classical sources, and trigger lively family discussions.

Class is open to women only.   At Matnas Gush Etzion.

Dance & Movement for the body and soul. A simple, guided dance form performed to a variety of musical styles, aims to help you connect to yourself and to your body. Through concentration on the music, and its effect on movement, the dancer learns to release, relax, and unwind. Listen, Breathe, & Move.

For women only. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

We will mark eighty years since the beginning of World War II, focusing on the Holocaust and the Jewish fight for survival.

This course will be given in participation with Yad Vashem’s School of Continuing Education.

Class is open to men & women.

Through the study of selected passages, we will familiarize ourselves with Talmudic structure and commentators, and the thinking behind Talmudic debates. We will assess the relevance of the texts for our times.

The learning is dynamic, with students’ active participation. Beginners warmly welcome.

For women only. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

We will explore the development of Am Yisrael from a tribal-based people to a unified nation with a king. We will study the religious, social and military challenges faced in the book of Shoftim and continue through the rise of the monarchy in the book of Shmuel. The narratives and the characters will spring to life as we begin to understand them through the eyes of the prophets, while paying special attention to the sites where they took place.

Class is open to women only.

Individual day tours to the focal sites of these narratives will accompany the course (separate registration and payment).

On dates of scheduled individual day tours with Shulie Mishkin, this course will not take place.

Individual day trips in English, with expert tour guide Shulie Mishkin, on selected Wednesdays throughout the year. The sites visited will accompany the material learned in both Shani Taragin’s Tanach course and Sara Jo Ben Zvi’s Jewish History course.

Open to men & women.  All tours will leave from Efrat.

Price: Annual Course (6 day tours): 1,050 NIS.

Registration for annual tour course by July 16th: 900 NIS

Individual day trip: 220 NIS

#1   The Forming of a Nation:  Weds, Nov 7, 2018 

A view to the natural amphitheater where we entered into a covenant with God, and a visit to an ancient people who believe they are the true Jews.

Sites: Lookout to Shechem and Kever Yosef, Samaritan Visitors’ Center, Har Gerizim archaeological site. Times: 8:30-18:00.

#2   Philistines Upon You! : Weds, Dec. 19, 2018

The story of one of Israel’s worst enemies.

Sites: Tel Bet Shemesh, Kever Dan, Tel Tzora, Ashdod Museum ייתכן שינוי בתיאור ואתרים

Times: 8:30-14:00

#3   Build Me a Tabernacle: Weds, Jan. 23, 2019

The role of Shilo throughout the ages.

Sites: Bet El, Shilo, Tel Shilo. Times: 8:30-14:00.

#4   Saul’s Last Days: Weds, Feb. 13, 2019

The drama of the final battle of King Saul against the Philistines. Sites: Gilboa, Ein Yizrael, Bet Shean National Park. Times: 8:30-18:30.

#5   Devorah and Gideon: Weds, March 27, 2019

A visit to the sites of the dramatic stories of Deborah and Gideon in Sefer Shoftim. Where did the battles take place? What was at stake?
Sites: El Ahwat,  הר הקפיצה, מעיין חרוד. Times: 8:30-19:00.

#6   Canaanites in the Land: Weds, May 22, 2019

Who were the adversaries of Am Yisrael when they first entered the land? Where does the story of the Givonim take place? A visit to Tel Gezer, a large and powerful Canaanite city that becomes one of Shlomo’s royal cities. Sites: Nebi Samuel, Tel Gezer.  Times: 8:30-14:30.

For women only. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

Jewish History from 1917 to 1948: The thirty-year period of the British Mandate had extraordinary impact on the country that was to become Israel. We will learn about the events, personalities, and institutions that served as the foundation of our modern state.

For women only. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

Open to men & women. At Matnas Gush Etzion.

Semester I: We will study a variety of commentators – both classical and modern – and examine their approaches.

Semester II: Introduction to the Oral Law and methodologies of learning.