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Columbia University

Sponsoring Agency: Chabad @ Columbia University

Columbia University
625 W 113 Street, New York, NY 10025 USA
Office: 212-531-3999
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.chabadstudentcenter.com

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Past Courses

Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
About the Course

Course Overview

The Ten Commandments are one of the most well-known passages of the Bible, and are significant to non-Jewish people as well. During the eight weeks of the course, three primary questions will be explored:

1. What, if anything, is Jewish about the Ten Commandments? Aren’t these ethical principles that have been adopted by most religious communities? Does Judaism understand them in a particular way, or is the foundation of the Jewish religion universalistic in its orientation?

 

 

2. Why these ten? There are many possible ways to articulate a foundational  manifesto of purpose. Yet the Ten Commandments select only ten of hundreds of possible commandments to be conveyed by G-d directly to the Jewish people. What is special about these ten? In what way do each of them represent a sphere of significance?

3. How does this commandment make a difference to your life? Most of us don’t grapple with whether to murder or not, and idol worship is currently out of fashion. Are these ten still of central relevance to us today? Do they continue to speak to us today?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Syllabus

Orientation Session

In this session, you will review the goals and requirements of the program.

Lesson One: If You Were G-d

In this lesson, you will examine the structure and order of the ten commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson Two: Who Am I?

In this lesson, you will examine the Jewish concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish belief. You will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson Three: To Be or Not to Be

This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Sabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Field Trip One

You will have the opportunity to observe and participate in a Shabbat dinner with your instructor.

Lesson Four: The Creators

This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect 

parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

 

 

Lesson Five: The Breath of Life

This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson Six: Born To Marry

This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Field Trip Two

Lesson Seven: For Love or Money ( Do Not Steal; Do Not Covet)

This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and how it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson Eight: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth

This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the
importance of honest and true words. We also examine classical Jewish thinking
regarding the authenticity and truth of the Jewish tradition.

 

Read More

Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, October 10 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
1st session is two hours - all subsequent classes are 90 minutes.

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, October 17 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, October 24 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, October 31 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, November 7 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, November 11 2007 9:30 AM - - 3:30 PM
Trip leaves Chabad House at 9:30am returns to Chabad House by 3:30pm

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, November 14 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, November 16 2007 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, November 28 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, December 5 2007 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Graduation -
Tuesday, December 11 2007 8:00 PM - - 9:30 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, February 20 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM
All subsequent classes run from 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, February 27 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, March 2 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
Exact time and venue to be announced.

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, March 5 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, March 12 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, March 26 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, March 28 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, April 2 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, April 9 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, April 23 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Graduation -
Wednesday, May 7 2008 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
Graduation date subject to change.


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Course dates to be determined.

Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
-1
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Thursday, October 16 2008 7:30 PM - - 10:00 PM
In this session you will review the goals and requirements of the program, and you will examine the structure and order of the ten commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Field Trip -
Sunday, October 19 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
Sinai Scholars Field Trip. Details to follow. Times approx.

Lesson 2 -
Thursday, October 23 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
In this lesson, you will examine the Jewish Concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish Belief. You will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, October 29 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Shabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Shabbaton -
Friday, October 31 2008 6:00 PM - - 9:30 PM
You will have the opportunity to observe and participate in a Sabbath dinner with your instructor.

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, November 5 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, November 12 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, November 19 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, November 26 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and how it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, December 3 2008 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM
This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and teh importance of honest and true words. We also examine classical Jewish thinking regarding the authenticity and truth of the Jewish tradition.


Calendar URL help
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, February 25 2009 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, March 1 2009 10:00 AM - - 5:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, March 4 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, March 11 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, March 25 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, March 27 2009 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, April 1 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, April 22 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, April 22 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, April 29 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Graduation -
Wednesday, May 6 2009 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, October 14 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, October 21 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, October 25 2009 10:00 AM - - 4:30 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, October 28 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, November 4 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, November 11 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, November 13 2009 4:30 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, November 18 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, December 2 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, December 9 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Graduation -
Wednesday, December 16 2009 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM


Calendar URL help
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, October 6 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, October 13 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, October 17 2010 10:30 AM - - 4:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, October 20 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, October 27 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, October 29 2010 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, November 3 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, November 10 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, November 17 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, November 24 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Graduation -
Wednesday, December 8 2010 7:30 PM - - 9:30 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.

Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
About the Course

A Jewish Educational Experience
Do you enjoy fun and lively conversations?

Do you want to challenge the status quo?

Do you have questions about Judaism that are important to discuss?

Do you want to discover how Judaism is relevant and forward-thinking?

Do you want to join a warm community?

Then join the club! Sinai Scholars is for you! This learning experience is different from any class you have ever attended!

Sinai Scholars is not a series of lectures; it is a series of interactive discussions. It is not a repeat of what you experienced in Hebrew school; it is fun, stimulating, deep, and relevant. It is not a time to listen; it’s a time to question. It is not geared to tell you what to think; it provides an opportunity to explore Judaism’s rich heritage at your own pace with you in the driver’s seat.

Sinai Scholars is a platform upon which participants explore central elements of Judaism that are relevant, interesting, and empowering for all Jews, irrespective of background, education, and level of commitment. By the end of this journey, you will have a richer appreciation for some of the core elements of Jewish heritage and Jewish identity, along with a deeper understanding about how these interface with modern life.

Session One
A Question of Identity: Perspectives on Jewish Identity in the Modern World

You meet a Jewish person who says, “You know, I don’t know why people consider me Jewish. I do not support Israel; I do not ever visit a synagogue; and I do not celebrate any Jewish holidays.” How would you respond?

What does it mean to be a Jew? Is Judaism a religion, culture, nationality, or some combination thereof?

Since the dawn of time, individuals and groups sought to define and explain their identities, and Jews throughout the ages questioned the meaning of their Jewish identity. Today, the shifting sands of Jewish life require that this conversation persist but with newer insights and profounder definitions.

Session Two
A People with a Purpose: Exploring Foundational Elements of the Jewish Ethos

If you were G-d and you were going to address a once-for-all-time message to all of humanity, what would you say?

What messages does humankind need to hear today?

Mark Twain noted that while many nations filled the planet with sound and splendor, all of them soon faded and vanished. But the Jews are different, he noted. “All things are mortal,” he wrote, “but the Jew.” For Jews, survival is not celebrated for survival’s sake; survival is seen as a call to a purpose. A dialogue about the nature of this purpose is one crucial step in making this world a better place.

Session Three
Reason and Ritual: On the Significance and Meaning of Jewish Observances

In medieval times, a despotic ruler once agreed to release a Jew from jail for one day each year to practice religion. The Jew was now in a quandary. Should that day be Yom Kippur? Passover? Rosh Hashanah? Some other day? How to choose?

What would you choose?

This leads into a broader discussion about Jewish rituals, which often seem foreign and archaic. In what ways can we find meaning and value in some of these observances?

Session Four
An Oasis in Time: The Gift of Shabbat

Life is continuous and unrelenting. Might there be some benefit in a creative pause?

Enter the Jewish Sabbath. It is difficult to imagine a society functioning without a weekend, but this institution was unheard of in the ancient world. What meaning did Jews find in their Sabbath that allowed them to shrug off their cultural isolation?

Examining this question is relevant to those who are troubled that today’s society is insufficiently happy and inadequately connected in meaningful ways.

 

Read More

Date

Orientation / Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, October 18 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Chessed Project -
Wednesday, October 25 2017 6:00 PM - - 7:00 AM
(Date subject to change)

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, October 25 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Interview -
Tuesday, October 31 2017 11:00 AM - - 4:00 AM
(Date subject to change)

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, November 1 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbos Night -
Friday, November 3 2017 3:00 PM - - 10:00 PM
(Date subject to change)
Pegisha.nyc

Havdallah -
Saturday, November 4 2017 6:30 PM - - 9:00 PM
(Date subject to change)

Field Trip -
Sunday, November 5 2017 9:00 AM - - 1:00 PM
(Date subject to change)
Pegisha.nyc

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, November 8 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, November 15 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbos Day -
Wednesday, November 15 2017 9:00 AM - - 5:00 PM
(Date subject to change)
Pegisha.nyc

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, November 29 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, December 6 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, December 13 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Graduation -
Sunday, December 17 2017 6:30 PM - - 8:30 PM
Date & Time - Subject to Change


Calendar URL help
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.

 

Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Interview -
Wednesday, January 24 2018 12:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Orientation / Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, February 6 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Tikun Olam -
Tuesday, February 13 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, February 20 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, February 27 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, March 6 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, March 20 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, March 27 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, April 3 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
Chol Hamo’ed Pesach

Graduation -
Tuesday, April 10 2018 7:00 PM - - 0:00

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, April 10 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.

Apply as Intern: Intern Application