Prerequisite: Biblical Hebrew I and II or equivalent. Some Aramaic experience is helpful, though not required as translations will be offered.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the numerous laws and customs of Pesach as described in Mishna Pesachim. The participant will come away with a foundational and practical knowledge of bedika, biur, bitul, the Mishnaic seder, and how those interpretations are applied in a practical manner during Nisan.
This course is 2 credits towards smicha
Credits Earned
2 elective credits towards smicha
Learning Verification Method
Students will be asked to demonstrate fluency in the Mishnaic text and present a final project on creative Seder activities.
What Students Will Learn
A large focus of the text comes from Chapter 1,2 and 10 of the Messechet. We will use commentary from both the Kahati and Bartenura (Obadiah ben Abraham, 15th-century, Italy) to better understand terms that are ambiguous in the Mishnaic text. We will examine various Talmudic passages from Messechet Pesachim as well. Additionally, the student will learn the significance of the number four and how it applies to almost every aspect of the Seder and the holiday itself.
Materials Needed
Haggada and Chumash
Typical Meeting Times, Availability & Course Price
Typical Meeting Times & Availability
Weeknight evenings (5:00-8:00pm EST) and Sundays.
Course Price (USD)
$600 for the course over 5-7 sessions
Payment Methods Accepted
To be determined
Getting Started
Reach out to the educator via email at: ewasser@jewishpluralism.org
