Jewish Studies and Tanach 6-A

Week of 10/22

Last week there was an in class assignment where stuents began applying some of the traditional assumptions we have been studying to the narrative text of Noach. When were done, we had a brief introduction to documentary hypothesis on the same text.

I hope to complete our study of the Biblical verses related to our Mishnah and begin the Mishnah itself by mid week. I think it is critical to have a firm command of the Biblical text before moving on the Mishnah.

We have had our second oneg shbbat and the students participated with great (and loud) enthusiasm - it is a nice way to end the week and start to make the transition to Shabbat.

Note: There will be a quiz on the Bibilical passages this week. The emphasis is not on rote learning of the verses, but rather showing the beginning ability to ananlyze text.

Shavuah Tov

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Jersusalem Post

Haaretz

Jewish Daily Forward

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Week of 10/15

This week, we continue an intense study of the bibilical verses (Exodus 22:4-5 and Deuteronomy 22:1-4) which the describe the laws for returning lost objects. This will be the basis for our study of the Mishnah on this topic (Baba Metzia 2:2).

While the verses are few, we are spending time learning how to read a bibilical legal text. We have studied the basic assumptions of traditional biblical text interpretation. As we move on to the Mishnah we will learn about its background and context. As we move on to other texts I hope to see the students begin to apply these skills in an increasingly independent manner.

In Tanach, we are studying the story of Noach. In prepapartion we are looking at a genealogical chart of all of Sefer Bereshit that will help the students understand the complex family relationships that will have such an important later in the history of the Jewish people.

We have our first Tefillah and this will be followed up in the classroom through the study of the Amidah.

Current events is a regular part of the curriculum. We have gone online twice and there is a homework assignment due on 10/23 involving the critical reading of an article from selected publications.

If you need to reach me it best to use my e-mail address: agottlieb@akibaweb.org. I will get back to you as soon as possible.