Shiur Bet (Intermediate) is appropriate for students with some Jewish knowledge of  Torah learning and wish to develop their learning skills and broaden their philosophical knowledge, particularly through the study of Chumash with classical commentaries.

This level is appropriate for students when they can read Torah texts with proficiency and are comfortable with basic commentaries as well. Chevruta-style learning allows

for students to help each other learn, with two students paired for the chevruta portion of the class. Material learned during the study session is further developed and expounded upon by the teacher during the lecture. An instructor is available to assist and guide students, but the students are encouraged to develop their own skill to explore the texts.

· Chavruta – In the morning classes, our students prepare texts for a lecture and discussion that follows. This preparation is done in pairs, (“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.

A sample Shiur Bet  schedule can be found here.

Class Curriculum

· Halacha (Jewish Law) - A clear, concise presentation of practical Jewish Law, along with an explanation of the background and the reasons for the observance.

· Hashkafa - Presentation and discussion of the basic issues of Jewish faith.
· Interpersonal Relationships - In this course, we discuss the philosophical understanding and practical applications of laws regulating relationships between man and man. Sources include texts from the Torah through modern-day rabbinic writings. Students are encouraged to find practical application 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.
· Megillot - In-depth study of the books of Esther, Song of Songs and Ruth, incorporating literary analysis and intensive study of the commentaries. Each Megillah is presented as a unique work with its own structure and themes.
· Midrash - Analysis and discussion of major philosophical themes found in the Midrash.

· Mishlei - A study of the Book of Mishlei (Proverbs), with the interpretations of the classic commentators.
· Parsha (Weekly Torah Portion) - A philosophical look at themes and topics from the weekly Torah reading.
· Rambam - The Philosophy of Maimonides - An exploration of the philosophy of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides). Selections from his works will be studied.
· Studies in Bereishit - Students will study the life story of Abraham in depth, as it is presented in Genesis. Basic study skills and the analysis of the commentary of the Ramban (Rabbi Moses ben Nachman) are taught in this class.
· Studies in Shemot - Intensive study of the book of Exodus, utilizing the traditional literary analytical approach to the text, with emphasis on developing the skills to undertanding Rashi's commentary.
· Studies in the Prophets – An intensive study of the Early Prophets, using the classical commentaries. The historical background of the narratives is explored along with the literary features of the text and the philosophical implications of the stories.
· Survey of the Prophets - A detailed review of the prophetic books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. Students are expected to prepare for class by reading the text for the upcoming lecture, either in English or Hebrew.
· Tefilla - The purpose of prayer and ways to acquire the “art of tefille” are studied in-depth. A detailed explanation of the structure and words of prayer is provided in order to integrate the course’s philosophical ideas into daily prayer.