An in depth investigation of the classic sources and the inner resources of Jewish prayer

Goals

The student will achieve a comprehensive knowledge of the laws of prayer and their roots, and be able to articulate a broad and deep appreciation of their meaning.

The student will explore and struggle with the theological and mystical sides of Jewish Prayer, discovering his own beliefs and understandings in the context of the spectrum of traditional approaches.

The student will experience a diverse selection of practices and exercises in prayer, refining his personal avodah, and opening up new options in leadership and facilitation of communal prayer.

Course Descriptions (Core Program)

Gemara Berachot

The core learning for the coming year at Sulam Yaakov will be in massechet Berachot. There will be three primary avenues of approach –

The Breadth of Berachot and Tefillah (Gemara Mastery)

A traditional, fast paced gemara class through which students will see all of massechet Berachot in the course of a year. Its goals include an exposure to the span of ideas presented in the tractate and the development of gemara reading skills. These goals are achieved through a daily, rapid review of previous material and a guided reading of the page at hand. This is a real opportunity to taste the wholeness of the gemara and acquire a learning method that will last a lifetime.

The Path of Berachot and Tefilhah (Halachah In-Depth)

An thorough examination of the halachot around, prayer, liturgy and community found in the early chapters of tractate Berachot. Questions encountered in the flow of the text will be pursued in the works of the Rishonim on through the Tur and Shulchan Aruch and up to the opinions of modern day decisors. The goals of this avenue of learning are the acquisition of practical halachic knowledge and development of skills necessary for navigating the halachic literature. Intensive self-guided study will be supplemented by the availability of advanced learners for questions and a culminating class each week.

The Depth of Berachot and Teffilah (Gemara In-Depth)

A deep engagement with the fundamental issues of prayer explored in massechet Berachot. The primary tool will be an intensive analysis of select topics in the context of relevant passages in other massechtot and classical commentaries. This investigation will be integrated with a reflective approach to broad themes and essential questions on prayer which emerge from the text. The goals are the development of analytical gemara learning skills and an exposure to the profound depth of rabbinic thought.

Service of the Heart – Avodah SheBalev

The culmination of the week at Sulam Yaakov is a day devoted to prayer as relationship. This program focuses on the teachings of Rav Aaron of Strasalia, a chassid of the Alter Rebbe – R. Shnuer Zalman of Liadi zt”l. Text-based learning is supplemented by an experiential element consisting of preparations for prayer, meditation and guidance in connecting to the liturgy. The goals of the class are to expand our conception of prayer and develop pathways to approach its challenges.