The Dean's Blog: Shiurim and Source Sheets Online

On the Goals of Jewish Education

"Our goal should be to make it possible for every Jewish person, child or adult, to be exposed to the mystery and romance of Jewish history, to the enthralling insights and special sensitivities of Jewish thought, to the sanctity and symbolism of Jewish existence, and to the power and profundity of Jewish faith. As a motto and declaration of hope, we might adapt the dictum that says, ‘They searched from Dan to Beer Sheva and did not find an ‘am ha’aretz" ‘Am ha’aretz, usually understood as an ignoramus, an illiterate, may for our purposes be defined as one indifferent to Jewish visions and values, untouched by the drama and majesty of Jewish history, unappreciative of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Jewish community, and unconcerned with Jewish destiny. Education, in its broadest sense, will enable young people to confront the secret of Jewish tenacity and existence, the quality of Torah teaching which fascinates and attracts irresistibly. They will then be able, even eager, to find their place in a creative and constructive community."

From "A Time to Act," by Professor Isadore Twersky, the late Talner Rebbe, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University, and member of the Commissionon Jewish Education in North America. Presented at a meeting of the Commision on June 12, 1990.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Shiurim and Source Sheets Online

Today's parsha shiur as well as last week's are now available online, as are their accompanying source sheets. This week we moved ahead with the Neziv's introduction to Ha'amek Davar and also added in an insight from Harhev Davar which focuses on Rosh Hashanah. Our plan is to finish the introduction to the commentary next week, look at his introduction to Sefer Bereishit the week after, and then, following Sukkot, begin exploring passages from parashat hashavua begining with Bereshit.

We are excited to announce that we will shortly be launching a brand new website at www.mhafyos.org which will directly host all of these shiurim. So, instead of waiting for the blog post, you'll be able to go directly to the downloads section of the site and get the latest shiur as well as thos you might have missed.

For the time being, though, here are the links:

Shiur #1 / Source Sheet #1

Shiur #2 / Source Sheet #2

Shiur #3 / Source Sheet #3

Shiur #4 / Source Sheet #4

Enjoy!