Class Descriptions

The following are descriptions of the regular classes offered through Shevet Achim. Please see the Education page for schedule information and the Events page for details on classes regarding specific holidays.

 

Daf Yomi
Gemara
Mishnah Berurah
Parshat HaShavua
Pirkei Avot
Sixth Aliyah of the Weekly Torah Portion
Tanya
Torah Ohr

Women's Learning & Discussion Group
Women's Oneg

 

Daf Yomi

This refers to a system of studying a page (daf in Hebrew) per day (yomi in Hebrew) of the Babylonian Talmud.  Given the full cycle of about seven and a half years to complete all 2,711 pages of the Talmud, this regimen enables Jews all over the world to participate in comprehensive simultaneous learning of the ideas therein. Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Pietrkov and Lublin proposed this unique study method initiated on Rosh Hashanah in 1923.  The 12th cycle of Daf Yomi study began on March 2, 2005, and concludes in August 2012.

 

Although it seems impossible to master all aspects of the Oral Law and Jewish religious law (halacha) in one’s lifetime, those who are able to summon the discipline to structure one’s learning around one’s family, professional obligations, and even inclement weather are likely to gain a deeper understanding of traditional and authentic Jewish ethics and practices in order to find more meaningful and practical insights in his daily life.

 

Gemara

The main learning resource in traditional Orthodox Judaism is the Talmud meaning “instruction, learning” from the Hebrew root “teach, study”).  One part of the Talmud is the Mishna, the entire body of Jewish religious law (halacha) that was developed before 200 CE, prior to which it was transmitted orally.  The other part is called the Gemara and includes rabbinic commentaries which when reviewed properly give deep insight into reasons for the laws enacted by religious authority, along with additional discussions of ethics, customs, and history.

 

Mishnah Berurah

(Hebrew meaning "Clarified Teaching') is a work of halacha (Jewish law) by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, better known as The Chofetz Chaim (Poland, 1838 - 1933). It is a commentary on Orach Chayim, the first section of the Shulchan Aruch (laws of prayer, synagogue, shabbat and holidays), summarizing the opinions of the Acharonim (post-Medieval rabbinic authorities) on that work.

 

Parshat HaShavua

A discussion of the Torah reading of the week.

 

Pirkei Avot

On Shabbat afternoons, during Shalosh Seudot, members are encouraged to give their own D'var Torah. During the summer months, Pirkei Avot is studied. At other times, the subject matter is selcted by the indivdual. Pirkei Avot (Hebrew- Chapters of the Fathers) is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims of the Rabbis of the Mishnaic period. Because of its contents, it is also called Ethics of the Fathers. The teachings of Pirkei Avot appear in the Mishnaic tractate of Avot, the second-to-last tractate in the order of Nezikin in the Talmud. Pirkei Avot is unique in that it is the only tractate of the Talmud dealing solely with ethical and moral principles; there is little or no halacha found in Pirkei Avot.

 

Sixth Aliyah of the Weekly Torah Portion

This usually includes Rashi's commentary on the passages. Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki) is a medieval French rabbi famed as the author of the first comprehensive commentary on the Talmud, as well as a comprehensive commentary on the Torah.

 

Tanya

Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of Chabad, first published this early work of Hasidic Judaism in l797, also titled Likkutei Amarim (Hebrew for “collection of statements”).  Tanya (“it was taught in a beraita” meaning “outside”, i.e., outside the six orders of Mishna) is the main text dealing with Jewish spirituality, theology, and psychology from a perspective of Hasidic and Kabbalah-based philosophy (Jewish mysticism). It offers advice for each individual on how to serve G-d in their daily life.

 

Torah Ohr

Classic Chassidic Text on Parshah HaShavua, compiled works of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi by Menachem Mendel Schneersohn (also known as the Tzemach Tzedek).

 

Women's Learning & Discussion Group

To meet the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of family, community and Ahavat Yisroel, Jewish women gather weekly in a private home to listen, learn and discuss. Rabbi Kornfeld provides myriad sources, wit and wisdom to guide, encourage and ultimately address our individual goals and questions.

 

Women's Oneg

During the Spring and Summer months, when Shabbat is longest the women of CSA gather at someone’s house (members rotate hosting the Oneg) for a D’var Torah (word of Torah) by the Rebbetzin or another member, and a lively discussion. Refreshments are also served at this opportune event to gather with other women and learn.