In its pursuit of far-reaching new imperatives in Jewish
education, the David Cardozo Academy initiates and carries out
a variety of innovative and inspirational programs that span
the Jewish world.
Course Descriptions 2008-2009
Core Courses:
Explorations in Halachic Thought: Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo, Rabbi Francis Nataf, Rabbi Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein
Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:25 pm (Semester 1 and 2)
The course will explore the possibilities for meaning and relevance in the halachic system.
Study will be broken down into three separate units, addressing the historical development
of halacha (R. Nataf), attempts to translate the halacha into inspirational practice
(R. Goshen-Gottstein) and innovative directions for the future of halacha (R. Cardozo)
respectively.
Jewish Thinkers of the Modern Period: Prof. Susan Handelman,
Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore, Prof. Ephraim Meir, Rabbi Zvi Leshem
Tuesdays 8:50 - 10:00 pm (Semester 1)
A survey of some lesser understood Jewish thinkers of the Modern period,
focusing on certain topics in Chassidut (R. Nachman and the Piasezner Rav),
post-War French Jewish thought (E. Levinas and the R.
"Manitou" Ashkenazi).
Jewish Thought and the Outside World: Rabbi Dr. Yehudah Schnall, Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore, Prof. William Kolbrener, Staff
Tuesdays 8:50 - 10:00 pm (Semester 2)
The course will compare Jewish and non-Jewish outlooks on ethics,
revelation, scientific models of thought and other core issues.
Students will concentrate on possible Jewish perspectives about the
validity and invalidity of competing ideological positions.
Students will review articles and present independent papers on issues of contemporary interest
such as the interaction of Jewish and Israeli law, the Role of Women in Judaism, Bible Criticism, etc.
The Theology of Bereishit: Rabbi Zvi Grumet
Fridays 9:30 - 11:00 am
The Torah presents us with a basic understanding of God's interaction with the world. All too often,
that understanding is filtered by various layers of interpretation. This course will explore the theology
of the Torah looking behind those filters. Using a variety of literary methods this course will examine
texts of the Torah, primarily in Bereishit, with a focus on the intersection between theology and parshanut.
CALENDAR 2008-2009
Tuesday November 4 - Classes Commence
December 23-29 - Chanuka break – No classes
December 22 - Yom Iyun
January 9-10 - Fellowship Shabbaton
February 13 - Last Day of First Semester
February 14-16 - Mid-year Recess
February 17 - First Day of Second Semester
March 10 - Purim - No classes
March 20-21 - Invitational Student Shabbaton
April 5-20 - Pesach Break
April 21 - Classes resume
April 28 - Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut – No classes
June 12 - Last Day of Second Semester
June 14 - Culmination Ceremony
All classes are held at the OU Israel Center, 22 Keren Hayesod, Jerusalem
Lectures and Shabbatonim
Under the auspices of the Cardozo Academy, Rabbi Nathan Lopes
Cardozo, Rabbi Francis Nataf and other well-known lecturers and
scholars bring original, unconventional perspectives on Jewish
issues to audiences across the United States, Israel, Europe and
South Africa. Frameworks for these educational experiences
include shabbatonim, seminars and lectures for synagogue and
community groups, young professionals, business groups,
university students and other audiences.
