Fundamentals of Learning Tanach

Service Description

This course will investigate some of the fundamental background knowledge that is necessary for a proper study of Tanach, in addition to some of the techniques that can make this study successful. A major source will be a relatively unknown work, “Mavo L’Torah Neviim U’Khetuvim” by the 20th century baal-mussar, R. Shmuel Hominer z”l. Rav Hominer z”l collected sources on this topic from Talmud, Midrash, Zohar, and commentators, and presented them in a clear, organized fashion that can serve as a springboard for in-depth investigation. The course will also delve into some advanced principles for understanding Rashi’s commentary on Tanach. Rav Yochanon Joseph's area of special interest is Rashi's commentary on the Torah. He is fascinated by the "technical" aspects of interpreting Rashi, such as categorizing the different types of questions Rashi asks, understanding Rashi's placement of his comments, and understanding the exact type of circumstances in which Rashi will supplement his literal interpretations with selections from the worlds of halacha and aggadah. He is just as excited about understanding the lessons about life and Torah that the content of Rashi can teach us. Rav Joseph has published three books about Rashi: Directions in Rashi, Hamikraos al Sidram, and Hakol Bi'chtav. A retired NYC public school teacher, Rabbi Joseph now spends his time learning and teaching Torah. Rav Joseph will share all of the necessary sources. Recordings will be available for this class. This course will be 5 sessions - January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27

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