This level is appropriate for a student with a basic familiarity with Hebrew reading, and a willingness to delve into real, hands-on learning. Level 1 students are provided with source books to facilitate their progress in Hebrew text, as well as professional tutors to assist

with their chevruta learning. Chevruta-learning pairs up two students of similar abilities, allowing them to assist each other build skills.  Level 1 is further divided in Torah, allowing students to chose between beginner text (level 1a), and fluency with text (level 1b). Morning classes are divided between study sessions and lecture, with the teacher elucidating and clarifying the text during the lecture.

A sample Shiur Aleph  schedule can be found here.

Class Curriculum

· Chavruta - From 9 to 10:15am every day, our students prepare texts for a lecture that follows. This preparation is done in pairs, called chavruta, and is supervised by the course instructor. Tutors assist the study pairs and are available to answer questions during this time. Many of our other classes include a shorter chavruta time within the scheduled class period.
· Interpersonal Relationships - In this course we discuss the conceptual understandings and practical applications of laws regulating relationships between man and man. Sources include texts from the Torah through modern-day rabbinic writings. The instructor uses examples of practical applications of the concepts in their lives.
· Jewish History – This thematic view of stages in Jewish history and the challenges and contributions of each stage will reveal the unfolding of the magnificent saga of Jewish destiny, reflecting G-d’s divine plan and the awesome greatness of the Jewish people.
· Jewish Law (Halacha) - A clear, concise presentation of practical Jewish Law, along with an explanation of the background and the reasons for the observance.
· Chumash - Students will study the story of Joseph and his brothers in depth. In addition to understanding the straightforward meaning of the text, the story's implications and its relationship to every day life will be explored. Basic reading, translation and Rashi study skills are taught in this class.
· Parsha in Depth - An in-depth look at major topics in Jewish life and beliefs which arise from the weekly Torah portion.
· Personal Growth Through Torah - Selections from contemporary Torah giants such as Rav Wolbe and Rav Eliyahu Dessler which deal with themes ranging from basic Torah beliefs to ethics. This class challenges students to use the values of Torah to change the way the way they relate to others and the world around them.
· Pirkei Avos - The moral philosophy of Judaism; individual and social problems in light of the wisdom of the Talmudic sages as explained by the classical commentaries, including Bartenura, Rabbenu Yona, Rambam and Rav Hirsch.
· Prayer - The structure and content of the prayer book is studied, with special emphasis on understanding philosophical concepts contained in the prayers.
· Rambam - The Philosophy of Maimonides - An exploration of the philosophy of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides). Selections from his works will be studied.

· The Jewish Calendar - In this course we take a tour of the Jewish year, discovering how the festivals are relevant to modern life

· Survey of the Prophets - A detailed overview of the prophetic books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings emphasizing the geography and an overview of the History of the Jews in Israel before and during the First Temple time.

· Women in Tanach – A textual analysis of the Biblical account of the lives of great women in Jewish history. Using rabbinic literature, Jewish philosophical texts, and ethical treatises we explore the lives of seven women, searching for the universal values and lessons which we can use to enrich our own lives.