Programs

Student Leadership Training Program

It is crucial that Judaism remains relevant in the lives of modern Jews. To prevent stagnation and apathy we need to examine our tradition's foundations and reveal its multi-colored expression. We must be able to stand up to challenges both from outside and from within. Therefore Judaism should be studied in-depth – with the support of biblical, rabbinic, and other classical sources – and in comparison to other religions and ideologies. When done properly, such study creates a framework in which traditional Judaism stands out as a sublime response to modernity.

Click here to meet our fellows.

Based on this understanding, the DCA offers the Student Leadership Training Program, providing a unique and unprecedented part-time preparation for future rabbis, teachers, and community leaders.

Class Schedule 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. William Kolbrener, 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 American (R. Soloveitchik) and French Jewish thought (E. Levinas and the R. "Manitou" Ashkenazi).

Jewish Thought and the Outside World: Rabbi Dr. Yehudah Schnall, Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Shore, Staff
Tuesdays 8:50 - 10:00 pm (Semester 2)

The course will compare Jewish and non-Jewish outlooks on ethics, revelation and other core issues. Students will concentrate on possible Jewish perspectives about the validity and invalidity of competing ideological positions.

Fellowship Courses

Contemporary Perspectives Seminar: Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Tuesdays 6:15 - 7:15 pm

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

Click here to apply.