Talmud

Our Talmud program prepares Academy men and women with the requisite skills to make Talmud study a life-long endeavor. At every level, students become familiar with the halachic problem-solving process, acquiring the necessary tools to critically examine text. Students study classical texts, including Shulchan Aruch, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Mishna Berura and responsa This study, enables Talmud students to observe the manner in which the Talmudic process leads to Halachic conclusions, and how the process applies to modern life. Beyond skill mastery, students develop an appreciation of the Talmud’s indispensable place in Jewish life and learning, preparing them for advanced study in Israel. Academy graduates are accepted to the most prestigious Torah institutions in both Israel and the United States.

The four-year sequence Yeshiva Program is required for all boys. During sophomore year, girls select either the Yeshiva Program or its academic parallel, the Advanced Jewish Studies Program. Both AJSP and Yeshiva Program are three-year sequence programs for girls. All girls take required courses in Chumash, Navi, Mishna and Ivrit.

Placement into courses is determined by recommendation of prior instructors and past achievement in Talmudic and related studies. The Honors classes are intended for students who possess strong vocabulary, terminology, and familiarity with the Talmud text. Students in Regular classes who demonstrate high motivation, and who master necessary skills, are encouraged to move to the Honors Program.

Boys' Talmud Sequence

Talmud 1B – Regular: 2 Credits

In this introductory course, the primary purpose is to help the student see the Talmud as the foundation of day-to-day practice. The Rebbe stresses critical thinking and analytical skills in understanding the Talmudic thought process. The format of the class includes both conventional and cooperative (chavruta) study. This course covers Masechet Berachot and the study of practical Halacha, with special emphasis placed on Hilchot Berachot, Hilchot Tefillah and Hilchot HaChagim. Students learn how to read and comprehend Aramaic text, terminology, and working vocabulary. Also, students study selected Rashi commentary and Tosaphot to help understand Rashi’s role as a primary aide in the study of Talmud. In addition, students are introduced to the historical and analytical process used to determine contemporary Jewish Law (Halacha).
Texts: Berachot, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-Mevo-ar, Halachic sourcebook
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 1A – Honors: 2 Credits

In this Honors Talmud course, the primary goals are to help students appreciate the Talmud as the foundation of day-to-day practice and to acquire the necessary skills to make Talmud study a life-long process. The format of the class includes conventional and cooperative (chavruta) study. At this level, students must demonstrate knowledge of general Hebrew and Aramaic vocabulary, Talmud terminology and display understanding of the Talmudic thought process. These skills allow students to engage in the independent study of the Talmud. Special emphasis is placed upon utilizing Rashi as a primary tool in understanding the Talmud. This course covers in-depth Masechet Berachot and the study of practical Halacha from Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura, with special emphasis placed on Hilchot Berachot, Hilchot Tefillah and Hilchot HaChagim. In addition, students are introduced to the historical and analytical process used to determine contemporary Jewish Law (Halacha).
Texts: Berachot, Mishna Berura
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 2C – Regular: 2 Credits

In this course, emphasis is placed on the Talmud structure and its unique problem-solving process, as well as the terminology that must be mastered for successful Talmudic study. The purpose of this course is to help each student master the basics of Talmud study. The Talmud is studied with nekudot (vocalization) to facilitate proper reading and pronunciation, and students are familiarized with the components of the Talmudic page and the function of each segment. In addition, students master Rashi script and the reading of his selected commentary.
Texts: Talmud Megilla, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-Mevo-ar
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 2B – Regular: 2 Credits

This course stresses the need for strong reading, pronunciation, and comprehension skills. Students study key phrases, terminology, and transition words to prepare for future independent study. Students are introduced to the hierarchy of Halachic authority to help students understand the practical difference between Mishna and Braitha and between Tannaic and Amoraic statements. Also, students learn how to analyze Talmudic statements and the implications that are derived from them. In practical Halacha, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch is studied because of its clarity and brevity.
Texts: Talmud Megilla, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch
Homework expectation: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 2A – Honors: 2 Credits

In this advanced level course, students build on skills acquired in Talmud 1A. The pace of this course is intensified because of the expectation that students have mastered transition words and phrases, which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. At this level, students develop a working knowledge of the “mapping” of the Talmudic page. Students study selected Tosafot from the text and practical Aramaic grammar. Also, students evaluate the presentation of two conflicting ideas, the practical differences between them, and support for each side. Students are trained to conceptualize principles of a topic under discussion, and to identify a legitimate Talmudic difficulty and its resolution. Increased attention is given to the study of Mishna Berura, which provides a background that enriches the understanding of the issue while exposing students to the terminology and vocabulary they will encounter throughout their Talmudic studies.
Texts: Bava Metzia, Practical Talmud Dictionary, (Frank), Mishna Berura
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 3C – Regular: 2 Credits

In this course, emphasis is placed on the development of Jewish Law, and its application and connection to Jewish life. Cooperative (chavruta) study is used to help students to gain self-confidence in their ability to decipher the flow of the topic. This course explores the Talmudic sources for addressing modern issues. The standard Talmudic text is studied without “nikkud” (vocalization). Students study key phrases, terminology, and “transition words” to prepare for future independent study. Students are introduced to the hierarchy of Halachic authority to help students understand the practical difference between Mishna and Braitha and between Tannaic and Amoraic statements. Furthermore, students learn to analyze Talmudic statements and the implications that are derived from them.
Texts: Bava Metzia, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, sourcebook of Talmudic selections
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 3B – Regular: 2 Credits

In this course, students are given the opportunity to engage in cooperative learning (chavruta), which allows students to put into practice the skills that they have learned and to examine ideas presented with peers. The pace of this course is intensified because of the expectation that students have mastered transition words and phrases, which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. Students build on the skills acquired in their sophomore year. Students study selected Tosafot from the text and practical Aramaic grammar. At this level, students evaluate the presentation of analysis of two conflicting ideas, the practical differences between them, and support for each side. Students are trained to conceptualize principles of a topic under discussion, and to identify a legitimate Talmudic difficulty and its resolution. This class provides increased attention to the study of Mishna Berura.
Texts: Mishna Berura, Kitzur Hilchot Shabbat (Posen), Dictionary of the Talmud (Frank), Pesachim
Homework requirement: 2 hours per week

Talmud 3A – Honors: 2 Credits

In this Honors level class, students receive significant time to engage in cooperative study (chavruta) to further reinforce independent learning skills that have been mastered up to this point. Classroom discussions include the introduction of Rishonim and Acharonim, and comparative analysis of their respective positions. Students are expected to identify the key transition words in Tosafot that indicate a question, an answer or a proof. The technical elements of reading and comprehension are essential for future independent learning. By nature, the study of Tosafot elevates skills of comparative analysis and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore alternative interpretations of a common text. Students learn to utilize the En Mishpat (Halachic reference for Mishneh Torah, Tur Shulchan Aruch, and S’MaG). Methodology is learned to allow the student to follow a sugya from initial debate to the rendering of a Halachic decision.
Texts: Talmud Bava Metzia, Mishna Berura, Shaarei Tosafot (MaMafkid) (Machon TaM), Dictionary of the Talmud (Frank)
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 4C – Regular: 2 Credits

This course builds on skills acquired during junior year. Students receive the opportunity to engage in cooperative learning (chavruta), which allows students to put the skills they have learned into practice and to examine new ideas with peers. The pace is intensified because of the expectation that students have mastered “transition words and phrases” which are key to comprehension of the Talmudic text. Students develop a working knowledge of the “mapping” of the Talmudic page. Also, students study selected Tosafot the Talmud and practical Aramaic grammar. At this level, students evaluate the presentation of analysis of two conflicting ideas, the practical differences between them, and support for each side. Students are trained to conceptualize principles of a topic under discussion, and to identify a legitimate Talmudic difficulty and its resolution. This class provides increased attention to the study of Mishna Berura. Students are exposed to a number of modern Halachic problems. Through reading responsa and researching articles on specific topics, students can see how the principles of Halacha are used to address even the most complex problems of modern society.
Texts: Bava Metzia, Mishna Berura (Vocalized)
Homework requirement: 2 hours per week

Talmud 4B – Regular: 2 Credits

In this course, students receive significant time to engage in cooperative study (chavruta) to further reinforce independent learning skills that have been mastered up to this point. Classroom discussions include the introduction of Rishonim and Acharonim, and comparative analysis of their respective positions. Students are expected to identify the key transition words indicating questions, answers and proofs in selected Tosafot. The technical elements of reading and comprehension are reinforced. By nature, the study of Tosafot enhances skills of comparative analysis and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore alternative interpretations of a common text. . Students learn to utilize the En Mishpat (Halachic reference for Mishneh Torah, Tur Shulchan Aruch, and S’MaG.) Methodology is learned to enable the student to follow a sugya from initial debate to the rendering of a Halachic decision.
Texts: Gittin, Mishna Berura, Dictionary of the Talmud (Frank)
Homework requirement: 2 hours per week

Talmud 4A – Honors: 2 Credits

This course is designed to consolidate all the skills acquired in previous years as students learn to engage in Talmud study in depth (iyun) and in breadth (b’kiyut). Significant time is designated for cooperative study (chavruta). Texts covered include tractate Gittin, which is studied B’Iyun with Rashi and Tosafot, shiyurim (lectures) with selections from Rif, Rosh, and other Rishonim and Acharonim. Additionally, a second tractate is studied for the purpose of acquiring general knowledge of concepts found in ShaS. This study culminates in a siyum where students celebrate the completion of an entire tractate of the Talmud. Students utilize skills in Ein Mishpat to follow the Halachic process to psak. In addition, Shelot u’Teshuvot (responsa), Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura are studied in depth to help students learn Halachic perspective.
Texts: Gittin, Mishna Berura, Dictionary of the Talmud (Frank)
Homework requirement: 2.5 - 3 hours per week

Girls' Talmud Sequence:

Talmud 1B – Regular: 2 Credits

In this introductory course, the primary objectives are to equip students with the skills to internalize important concepts and principles of Talmudic and Halacha study, and to acquire the vocabulary and terminology necessary for independent Talmud and Halacha study. Through the study of Mishnayot selected from various Masechtot, students are introduced to the analytical process of the development of contemporary Jewish Law as it relates to Shabbat, Holy Days, Kashrut, prayer and daily life. In addition, students develop the skill of tracing a Halachic practice through the Shulchan Aruch to determine the conclusive ruling.
Texts: Mishnayot sourcebook, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Mevo-ar
Homework requirement: 1 hour per week

Talmud 1A - Honors: 2 Credits

In this Honors Talmud course, the primary objectives are to equip students with the skills to internalize important concepts and principles of Talmudic and Halacha study, and to acquire the vocabulary and terminology necessary for independent Talmud and Halacha study. Through the study of Mishnayot selected from various Masechtot, students are introduced to the analytical process of the development of contemporary Jewish Law as it relates to Shabbat, Holy Days, Kashrut, prayer and daily life. Students also develop the skill of tracing a Halachic practice through the Shulchan Aruch to determine the conclusive ruling. During the final quarter of this course students experience the Talmudic thought process when formal Gemara learning is introduced and Aramaic vocabulary is taught. This course is intended for students with strong critical thinking skills, good Hebrew comprehension, and some prior study of Mishnayot. Students who enter the Honors class have demonstrated high motivation in their Torah studies and have developed a proficiency in Hebrew reading and comprehension skills.
Texts: Mishnayot sourcebook: Sukka, Berachot, Sanhedrin, Makkot, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Mevo-ar
Homework requirement: 2 hours per week

Talmud 2A – Honors: 2 Credits

In this Honors Talmud course, the primary goals are to help students appreciate the Talmud as the foundation of day-to-day practice and to acquire the skills to make Talmud study a life-long process. The format of the class includes both conventional and cooperative (chavruta) study. At this level, students must demonstrate knowledge of general Hebrew and Aramaic vocabulary, Talmud terminology and display understanding of the Talmudic thought process. These skills will allow the student to engage in the independent study of the Talmud. Special emphasis is placed upon utilizing Rashi as a primary tool in understanding the Talmud. This course covers the study of practical Halacha from Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura, with special emphasis placed on Hilchot Tefillah and Hilchot HaChagim.
Texts: Megilla, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-Mevoar
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 3A – Honors: 2 Credits

In this course, the primary purpose is to help students develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills in understanding the Talmudic thought process. The format of the class includes conventional and cooperative (chavruta) study. This course covers the study of practical Halcha, with special emphasis placed on Hilchot Berachot, Hilchot Tefillah and Hilchot HaChagim. Students learn how to read and comprehend Aramaic text, terminology, and working vocabulary. Also, students study selected Rashi commentary to help them understand Rashi’s role as a primary aide in the study of Talmud. In addition, students are introduced to the historical and analytical process by which we determine contemporary Jewish Law (Halacha).
Texts: Gittin, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch-Mevo-ar
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week

Talmud 4B – Regular: 2 Credits

This course builds upon skills acquired in Talmud 3. The pace of this course is intensified because of the expectation that students have mastered transition words and phrases, which are key to comprehending the Talmudic text. In class, students are given the opportunity to engage in cooperative learning (chavruta). This small group work allows students to put into practice the skills that they have learned and to examine ideas presented with peers. At this level, students develop a working knowledge of the “mapping” of the Talmudic page. Students study selected Tosafot from the text and practical Aramaic grammar. Also, students evaluate the presentation of two conflicting ideas, the practical differences between them, and support for each side. Students are trained to conceptualize principles of a topic under discussion, and to identify a legitimate Talmudic difficulty and its resolution. Increased attention is given to the study of Mishna Berura, which provides a background that enriches the understanding of the issue while introducing students to the terminology and vocabulary that they will encounter throughout their Talmudic studies. This essential commentary helps students to see how divergent views on Halachic questions are resolved by the Chofetz Chaim, author of the Mishna Berura.
Texts: Mishna Berura, Kitzur Hilchot Shabbat, Dictionary of the Talmud (Frank)
Homework requirement: 2 hours per week

Talmud 4A – Honors: 2 Credits

In this Talmud Honors class, students are expected to prepare Talmud independently and master the technical elements of reading and comprehension that are essential for future independent learning. Significant time is given for students to engage in cooperative study (chavruta), which reinforces these independent learning skills. Students are introduced to the fast pace of b’kiyut, in which an entire Maseschet (30-35 Talmudic folios) is completed within the course of the year. Classroom discussions include the introduction of Rishonim and Acharonim, and comparative analysis of their respective positions. By nature, the study of Tosafot elevates skills of comparative analysis and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore alternative interpretations of a common text. Students learn to utilize the En Mishpat (Halachic reference for Mishneh Torah, Tur Shulchan Aruch, and S’MaG.) Methodology is learned to enable the student to follow a sugya from initial debate to the rendering of a halachic decision. This class is conducted almost exclusively in Ivrit.
Texts: Megilla (Nehardea Edition), Mishna Berura (Vocalized)
Homework requirement: 2-3 hours per week