TAUBER YESOD : THE TWO YEAR CORE PROGRAM

Yesod (which means “foundation”) is the centerpiece of the Tauber program. This two year curriculum is designed to impart knowledge of the central Jewish texts, thinkers, and ideas. Each trimester consists of 8-sessions. Classes are in English, taught in an interactive style by Bay Area scholars.  Combining lectures with hevruta (traditional partner study); Yesod creates a true community of learners.

 

Yesod Year One: The World of the Bible
Thursday Nights: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Fall: Torah (Pentateuch)
Themes: Creation, covenant, peoplehood, law, journeys, wrestling.
Readings: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

Winter: Neviim (Prophets)
Themes: Sacred history, leadership, social justice, destruction, comfort.
Readings: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Book of the Twelve.

Spring: Ketuvim (Writings)
Themes: Trials of the human condition, devotion, ecstasy and despair, biblical truth and fiction.
Readings: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles

2010 – 2011
Fall - October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18; December 2
Winter - January13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3
Spring - March 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14; May 5, 12, 19
 
 

Yesod Year Two:  The World of the Rabbis
(For Yesod students who have completed three trimesters of Yesod Year One: The World of the Bible)
 Thursday Nights: 7:00 – 9:00 pm


Fall: Rabbinic Period
Themes: Debate, interpretation, authority, community
Readings: Mishnah, Tosefta, Midrash Halacha, Midrash Aggadah, Jerusalem Talmud, Babylonian Talmud

Winter: Medieval Period
Themes: Biblical exegesis, Ashkenaz and Sephard, eschatology, rationalism, spirituality.
Readings: Rashi, Maimonides, Nachmanides, Ibn Ezra, Judah Halevi, Joseph Karo

Spring: Modern Period
Themes: Enlightenment, Theodicy, Denominationalism, Zionism, Feminism.
Readings: Spinoza, Mendelsohn, Buber, Heschel, Kaplan

2010 – 2011
Fall - October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18; December 2
Winter - January13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3
Spring - March 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14; May 5, 12, 19
 
 

Registration

Yesod Year One and Yesod Year Two are full year courses covering three trimesters.  
Yesod Year One and Yesod Year Two require registration.
 
Special Early Bird discount! Register before September 1 and receive a $50.00 discount!!!
Register by August 31: $190 member, $310 non-member.  
Register starting September 1: $240 member, $360 non-member
 
Click here to register

The Tauber Jewish Studies Program is made possible by The Laszlo N. Tauber Family Foundation,
reflecting the dynamic, generous, and enduring spirit of Dr. Laszlo N. Tauber.

A program of the Madeleine Haas Russell Institute of Jewish Learning.