Academics » Judaic Studies » The Chumash Department
The Chumash Department
Judaic Studies
|
|
Mrs. Rena Wolf - Chairperson
rwolf@yuhsg.org
Throughout the four years of high school, the
Chumash Department stresses the development of textual skills and a thorough comprehension of classical exegesis, including the commentaries of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Ramban, Sforno, and many others. Students are also introduced to the works of distinguished twentieth century thinkers like Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, as well as such scholars as Nechama Leibowitz and others. Through the analysis of events, personalities and law, the relevance of Chumash to our modern times is made apparent, and its study becomes a wellspring of ideas and hashkafa. By the time they graduate, students are well prepared with the general knowledge and skills necessary to pursue Bible studies on an advanced level. Grade Nine:
In the ninth grade, a close study of various
parshiyot in Sefer Bereishit gives students a sophisticated understanding of the lives and accomplishments of our patriarchs and matriarchs. Emphasis is placed on the skills necessary for students to analyze the classical commentaries on their own. Independent research and
chavruta (cooperative) study are stressed. Special emphasis is placed on demonstrating the relevance of Chumash to our own lives. Among the topics studied in depth are the tests of
Avraham (with particular focus on Akeidat Yitzchak), the importance of the Land of Israel, and the matriarchs as role models. Grade Ten:
Sefer Shmot
is studied in the tenth grade. The students explore the events which forged the Jewish nation and defined its identity. Among the topics studied are the nature of the enslavement of the Jewish people, the birth and mission of
Moshe, the Ten Plagues, the Korban Pesach, the Exodus, the splitting of the Red Sea, Matan Torah, Aseret Hadibrot, and selections from Parshat Mishpatim. Students continue to hone their skills in independently analyzing more sophisticated and complex commentaries, as well as continuing to participate in cooperative
chavruta study. Grade Eleven:
The course of study in the eleventh grade is devoted to
Sefer Vayikra and Sefer Bamidbar. The challenging study of Sefer Vayikra begins with the sacrificial rites of the Temple service and continues with their connection to prayer which replaces them in our lives today. Additional topics include the death of Aharon’s sons, the laws of kashrut, honoring one’s parents, the concept of sanctity, aspects of idolatry and witchcraft, laws of lashon hara, with a special emphasis on the ethical development of the Jewish people and our relationship with Hashem. The second semester is devoted to the study of
Sefer Bamidbar, the generation which left slavery, its challenges as a nation living in the desert, its failure to enter the land of Israel, and the emergence of the generation that entered the land of Israel. Grade Twelve:
In the twelfth grade, the study of
Chumash is once again divided into two semesters, with the first semester devoted to the study of Sefer Devarim. The philosophy and purpose of this sefer are examined, as well as the more detailed topics of Va’Etchanan, Parshat Hamelech, sugiyot hamilchamah, eglah arufah, shoftim, and others. During the second semester, as graduation approaches, students are now ready to “begin” their studies anew and learn the most complex of all
parshiyot, Parshat Bereishit. Among the topics studied are Creation, the role of humankind in the world, and the sin of Adam and Eve. Special emphasis is placed upon the encounter between the world of Torah and the secular world.
Search
Contact Us
Site Map
Home