Life Yeshiva Class - Congregation Shearith Israel

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Life Yeshiva

Introducing... Life Yeshiva, a series of classes open to all 11th graders in the community. Join us for this wonderful learning opportunity with teen educator Joey Heyman!

The underlying theme of the Life Yeshiva program is Machloket L’Shem Shamayim, how to engage in tricky situations for the sake of Heaven. This will be the lens through which we explore each of the topics of study in Life Yeshiva. We will explore these essential questions: What value do ancient texts hold in my modern life? Why is it so difficult for some individuals/groups to communicate on hot-button topics? Why is it important to maintain open channels of communication with people with whom I disagree? What are topics/subjects that I am passionate about pursuing independently?

Enroll Here

Enduring Understandings:

The texts of our Jewish tradition hold enormous insight into modern living, for both minimalists and maximalists.

Forming trusting communities is at the heart of Jewish living and practice

“Open reproach is better than concealed love” (Pr 27:5) Growth and depth of life come through engaging in difficult conversations rather than from hiding in complacency.

Talmud Torah is a unique set of skills that can and will apply to enhance other scholarly and worldly pursuits.

Essential Questions:

What value do ancient texts hold in my modern life?

Why is it so difficult for some individuals/groups to communicate on hot-button topics?

Why is it important to maintain open channels of communication with people with whom I disagree?

What are topics/subjects that I am passionate about pursuing independently?

Goals of Life Yeshiva:

Students will solidify familiarity with Jewish texts to recognize which texts to look to for which subjects.

Students will recognize moments of genuine interest as entryways to further inquiry.

Students will develop a tool box for engaging in constructive conflict.

Students will practice engaging in a dispute from another person/group’s perspective.

All classes will be held in-person and outside, with all students socially distanced and masked, on Shabbat afternoon following services and the Kiddush luncheon.