The Mishna in Pirkei Avot teaches us that there are 48 ways in which Torah is acquired. What does it mean to “acquire” Torah?  Maybe the end goal could be understood by taking a deeper look at the journey.  Each one of the 48 ways is a unique piece – a character trait that has to be identified, analyzed and then worked on.  Each one offers another window into the depth of human psyche and psychology. The class offers the students a fascinating exploration of these “kinyanim” and the questions they beg of us to explore, such as: What is the spiritual significance of hearing? How does one achieve the definition of being “beloved”? Is conformity a positive trait? and many more.  The main goal of the Kinyanei HaTorah class is for the student to look at different paths to “acquire” Torah, and gain practical insights into applying those lessons to one’s personal development and perspectives on life.  As a discussion-based course, students’ participation and involvement in the exchange of ideas with their peers and instructor is imperative to gaining from the material.

In this sensational course, Rabbi Seltzer examines the question of how a Jew is supposed to relate to life, through a variety of Torah sources, fascinating questions and answers, concepts which you thought you knew and understood and of course, his trademark stories. You will find yourself excited and challenged as you are introduced to an entirely new way of relating to the concepts you thought you knew.

This course provides students with the tools to respond to challenges to our religion by instilling within them a proper understanding of the fundamental tenets of Judaism, as well as a deep sense of confidence in these convictions. Topics include: evidence for God’s existence; the authenticity of Torah; the philosophical underpinnings of prayer; hashgacha pratit; and the development of diverse opinions in Judaism.

“She seemed so cold”  “They showed no appreciation to me”  “What is she wearing?” “Why would she say that to me?”  Whether these are thoughts that enter our head or actual questions we think we surely know the answers to, the bottom line is that there’s probably a broader picture that we just don’t see. In this class we will dig deeper into the concept of ‘viahavta lireacha kamocha’ and try to understand how to achieve true ahavat chinam from a Torah persective, as well as a psychological interpersonal perspective. Together let’s learn and understand the groundwork for loving and accepting our fellow jew by taking a step back to see some bigger pictures.

In this course we will explore the Hashkafa of “The Rav” – Rav J.B. Soloveitchik through  his work – על התשובה. Some of the topics we will delve into are the Torah’s view of Humanity – balancing Gashmiyus and Ruchniyus, how can Hashem whose “signature is Emes (truth)” let us get away with our Aveiros by letting us do Teshuva?  What is “Modern Orthodox”? Is it a legitimate Torah Hashkafa? For Whom?  …and much, much more.

This course discuses tools for building ourselves, our relationships (present and future) and eventually our homes. We will cover emotional and spiritual techniques such as self-awareness, prioritizing, bitachon and communication to become the people we want to be and to live the life we choose and not the life that happens. We will also discuss strategies for overcoming life’s daily challenges, specifically those in the life of the Jewish woman.

A study of the sefer Chovat Hatalmidim by the Piazecna Rebbe, Rav Klonymus Kalman Shapira. This sefer was written specifically for teenagers and is a guide for personal growth and development.  Students will learn the Rebbe’s perspective on avodat Hashem, through his Chassidic lens, and delve into his detailed prescriptions for building oneself, step by step. A fascinating sefer which is as timely today in dealing with the challenges young people face, as it was when it was written in Poland of the 1930s.

For many, Avodat Elokim is an ambiguous term, that intimidates rather than inspires. A life dictated by Torah comes along with many obligations that can be hard to synchronize with our wants and needs. In studying Chovot Halevavot, a mussar Sefer relevant to Jews in every generation, we will gain a deeper understanding of how our obligations as Jews help us thrive in this world. The course covers the various components of our role as an eved Hashem with a strong focus on making the learning practical and enjoyable. Through developing a relationship with ourselves and our Creator, we will learn how to tap into our natural instincts of reciprocation and love our role as an Eved Hashem.

This text-based course looks at classic works of Jewish thought and mussar. Utilizing a variety of texts, important ideas in Jewish philosophy are studied.

Covenant and Conversation: The thoughts and theories of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.  Rabbi Sacks z”l was an international religious leader, philosopher, award-winning author, and respected moral voice. He had an incredible ability to explain Torah thoughts in a relatable manner and show us all how relevant Torah is to our generation. This course will explore the impact of Rabbi Sacks through his books and through video clips from his classes and speeches. Some topics we will be exploring are Chosenness, Israel, Family, Science and Religion, Leadership, and Anti-Semitism. (You will need to do some reading each week before class

One of the most important aspects of your time in Tomer Devorah will be discovering who you truly are. Psychology may have a lot to say about the mind, but Judaism speaks about something even deeper, the Soul. In this shiur you will get to know the most authentic version of yourself. As you journey through life, the common denominator of all your relationships –who you marry, what type of children you raise, what role you play in your community and your profession — will be an outgrowth of who you are as a person. You owe it to yourself to gain a deeper understanding of your essence thus strengthening the core of who you are in the world.

This class is an eye-opening, thrilling look into the days leading up to the coming of Mashiach, the events that will unfold with his arrival, the resurrection of the dead and Olam Haba.

This course will explore the deep, eternal and spiritual connection between Kal Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael through the lessons of the weekly Torah portion. As this treasure is revealed, students will discover their own personal connection to the Land of our Heritage, its impact on their observance and channel their yearning to grow in the place we all call home.

Hashkafic class exploring the Torah views of marriage and chinuch. This class is experiential, with students engaging in the material through discussions, self-reflective assignments, and role-playing of communication techniques. Material ranges from theoretical and hashkafic, to practical and hands-on.

In this class, we will be delving into the deeply relevant sefer קרבה אל נפשי; and with Rav Kluger’s help, begin the process of getting to know our truest selves. We often encounter discomfort in many of our relationships; this sefer will help us understand how all of these obstacles are rooted in the lack of harmony between נשמה and גוף. We will use this sefer as a guide to building deep and authentic relationships with others, ourselves, and Hashem. Through honest and open conversation, we will work together to find each of our unique paths in עבודת ה׳.

Explore the fundamentals of Judaism and Jewish thought through a clear and simple program. Packed with dynamic learning and fascinating ideas, this curriculum by Rebbetzin Leah Kohn spans every part of Torah and life from knowledge of God  to Techiyas Hameisim. There is so much core fundamental knowledge in Yiddishkeit that we may have skipped over in school. Hakivun will shine a light onto so much untapped philosophy, information, and history.

Sefer HaKuzari, written by Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, is one of the most fundamental works in Jewish thought, proving the truth of Torah as well as giving a deep understanding of the Torah laws. An ancient debate between a gentile king and a Jewish sage set the groundwork for exploring many vital concepts in Judaism.

This class will explore the potential for growth at different points of the year.  By understanding the events that we are celebrating during each holiday, we will build an understanding of its relevance to our lives.

This class explores fascinating topics relating to physical wellbeing, mental health, emergency medical care, non-conventional reproductive methods, doctor-patient relationships, and much more. Some of the topics include:

• Should mental health issues be revealed for shidduchim purposes?

• Is there a Yichud problem with a health care provider or therapist?

• In a mass casualty scenario, who should be rescued first?

• Halachic issues relating to suicide

• • Is it permitted to clone humans?

• How do we determine the halachic end of life?

• Is it ever permitted to perform an abortion?

• Is it permitted to sign or execute a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) request?

• Can we use DNA samples to determine lineage?

• What are the halachic obligations of those suffering from OCD, anorexia and other mental health issues?

In a world storming with fears, pressures, and worries, how do we maintain an internal sense of calm and stability? Picture for yourself the ultimate state of menuchas hanefesh – serenity. In this class, we will define what it means to have menuchas hanefesh, and gain practical tools to find more of it in our daily lives.

This course will cover some of the major fundamental concepts in Jewish philosophy, basing itself on Rav Dessler’s Michtav M’Eliyahu. It will focus on practical insights concerning how to seek, discover, and develop ourselves to be able to fulfill our purpose in this world. Some of the subjects discussed will be: “Happiness”, “Bad things and Good People”, Nature vs. Miracle, Emunah, Bitachon, Bechirah, and “Enjoyment”. Questions and class participation are very much encouraged.

Mussar vaad is a class that focuses on growing and finding the Torah hashkafa on essential day to day topics. One will develop perspectives in the most essential areas of ones life through the teachings of the baalei mussar.

Be uplifted and enlightened:  from the creator of the Shulcan Aruch to contemporary mekubalim, this class will engage and inspire.  Learn about the miracle workers who through their lofty lifestyles, miraculous encounters and fascinating teachings impacted the Jewish people forever.

Using the popular sefer “Netivot Shalom” we will explore the weekly Torah portion through a Chassidic perspective and flavor. Reading through the text the class asks very grounded questions on the weekly Parsha but the answer takes on a whole new flavor and meaning once explored through a Chassidic bend and approach. The class is often referred to as “The neshama” behind the Parsha.

Elevating Mitzvos by exploring and understanding their meaning and depth.  This new course by Rabbi Y. Perkal has been expanded to include more than just elevating shabbos and will now take us on a journey to deeper appreciation for the mitzvos we do every day!

In this course, students will explore the Orchot Tzaddikim, studying the
middot with a focus on the sefer’s unique approach to each one. The words
of the sefer will take on a personally relevant meaning, as we delve into the
underlying philosophy of each trait, and its applications in everyday life.
Through this course, students will learn practical tools to work on
themselves, as well as gain a deeper appreciation for one of the classic
Seforim of the mussar world.

The course examines the ebb and flow of the Jewish Year through fascinating classes on Yomim Tovim, the parsha of the week and many unexpected and interesting events that occur throughout the year of a Jew. We meet countless historical figures along the way (both good and evil) and identify key historical events in the Jewish year and life – emerging with a clearer understanding of what it means to be a Jew in today’s turbulent times.

This course will be taking a refreshing deep dive into this timeless classic, using its lessons as a launchpad to explore and solidify all of the core relationships in our lives – between us and ourselves, Hashem, His people and His Torah. Join us on a journey within, as we get to know our deepest selves better, and touch on topics such as vulnerability, self-worth, exploring our inner child, true love, and much much more.

What is the truth? And what is Emet? Is it the same thing? This weekly rollercoaster takes students on a fast-paced ride through truth and falseness. With vivid examples and hilarious anecdotes, learning how to identify the truth – and how to grab onto it and live by it – has never been this exciting or fun.

Tefillah is so much more than the words we say from the siddur each day. It is a relationship, a conversation. And like all forms of communication, there are different styles, techniques and modes of tefillah. In this course we will learn the text of Rav Pincus’s Shearim Betefillah, which will help us discover and unlock new gates of connection to Hashem.

Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, the famed  rosh hayeshiva of Yeshivas Mir, goes through the weekly parsha and brings out profound mussar ideas that are applicable to every day life. Together we will be going through these powerful lessons and applying them specifically to our lives as seminary girls who are striving to grow.

There are many concepts in Judaism and life itself which are difficult to understand. In this course – “Simply Complex” Rabbi Seltzer will delve into the depths of the hows and the whys – through a variety of sources that will deal with the underlying principles and concepts which provide the foundations for the way we live our lives. It will be thought provoking and challenging. The question is – Are you ready?

This class will cover secrets of the Torah including God’s grand master plan, גלגולים , letters of the א-ב, the entire תורה in the word בחירה, the structure of the תורה, Kabalah and more.

In Tomer Devorah we teach authenticity. Be the real you. The true you. But how can we be authentic, how can we be truly ourselves? How do we cultivate and honor authentic self expression? And how do we balance that will submission to the Divine Will? In this shiur, we will explore a Torah true and Psychologically healthy pathway to developing the Self which will include individual self-expression balanced with our deep human need to connect with the Divine.  We will learn what it means to be truly a growth oriented person, ultimately unleashing the real you.

Did you ever wonder what life is all about? No, never, Rabbi. Okay, okay. Did you ever wonder what your purpose is or what you’re supposed to be doing with your life? Wow, Rabbi, I never thought of that! Thanks! Okay, okay. Drawing from deeper parts of Torah, this class will both offer you some clarity on some of these big-picture issues, and at the same time break things down to the nuts and bolts of character development as the focal point of life. You will learn that you are in this world in a relationship with Hashem and you can deepen and strengthen that relationship by tapping into the spiritual power of your neshama, your soul. In addition to covering the basics of spiritual reality, this class will train you in the use of some practical tools – such as davening, meditation, and role playing – to help you understand yourselves, your role in the world, and even Hashem. Please note that this class is meant for students who are serious about growth, able to embrace new ideas, and willing to stretch themselves to try new growth-oriented experiences.

Each class will deal with a different mitzvah- taking it from its initial source in the text through the system of texts and commentaries (full sources given and explained in every class) with analysis to understand how it applies to us practically and personally. Making theoretic ideas and complicated rules real and tangible where it’s usually hard to grasp.

In this course, we will delve into Sefer HaTanya through the broader lens of Chassidut as a whole; using the revolutionary work as a means of living with Hashem in our daily lives. Following the derech of the Baal HaTanya, together we will grapple with the deepest questions in the heart of a Jew, and use them to better understand each of our specific places and unique roles in Avodat Hashem.

Can a regular Jew – meaning someone like you and me, not a prophet – actually predict the future? What role does astrology play in Jewish thought?  We all probably know that Rosh Ha-Shanah is in the Fall (Tishrei), Pesach is in the Spring (Nisan), and Tishah Be-Av is in the Summer… but why? What is the real spiritual reason why these times of the year are the right times for these chagim, and how can that help us understand the unique power of each of these months? In this fascinating course, we will look at the Jewish approach to time. We will explore the unique potential of each Jewish month, and you will discover practical insights that will enable you to tap into the spiritual power of each time of year.

In this class we will explore the value of money and the role it plays in our lives.  We will learn practical budgeting skills, the psychology of spending and how this all affects our spiritual aspirations.

Shemona Prakim is the Rambam’s introduction to Pirkei Avot. These Eight Chapters reflect the Rambam’s philosophical approach to life and focus on the essence of our humanity, middot and character development and the power of bechira.