Course Description
The Psalms are an ancient and enduring part of Jewish life, integrated into our worship, celebrations, and days of mourning. Yet the texts can be challenging – they are sometimes judgmental, other times vengeful. This Havrutah explores the Psalms as ‘Pivot Prayers’ that connects our ancient to contemporary worship, pivoting among our emotions and across time.
This course is .5 credits towards smicha
What You Will Learn
Students will explore ways to bring understanding and instruction to the Tehillim texts – especially those sections that challenge us and (often) make us uncomfortable.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should be comfortable reading brief passages in Hebrew – translations will be made available.
Materials
The instructor will provide the texts.
Credits Earned
.5 elective credits towards smicha
Meeting Time Availability & Course Price
Available Meeting Times
Wednesdays 1:30 pm–8:30 pm (Eastern)
Thursdays 7 pm–8:30 pm (Eastern)
Course Price
$360 for four 75-minute lessons
Payment Methods Accepted
Venmo, Zelle, or check
Getting Started
Reach out to Rabbi Alison Brody by email: rabbibrody@runbox.com
Meet Your Instructor
Rabbi Alison Brody studied at The Jewish Theological Seminary and Mesifta Adath Wolkowisk, and has taught Talmud and Midrash in high school and adult education programs. Rabbi Brody works as a community chaplain with people in nursing care facilities and prisons, providing religious advocacy and support.
Smicha, Mesifta Adath Wolkowisk
MSW, Yeshiva University
Learning Verification Method
- Students will prepare either a teaching or a guided rabbinic conversation that uses a challenging text from Tehillim as a Pivot Prayer.
- When you complete the havrutah, have your educator fill out the form below and give it back to you. Please provide the form to them if they do not already have it. Then upload the filled-out Brit Limmud to the quiz associated with this havrutah course.
