Navi

Navi is taught on a two-year cycle with one year devoted to Sefer Yonah, Sefer Ezra-Nechemia, Megillat Esther and Megillat Rut and the second year devoted to Melachim Aleph & Bet.  Commentaries include Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Radak, Ralbag, Metzudat David, Alshich, Da’at Mikra, Herzog College Teaching Aid material and Megadim Torah Journal.

Year One

1) Sefer Yonah

Topics and themes include the logic of Teshuvah, the relevance of Sefer Yonah to Yom Kippur, the attempt to run away from Hashem, and the relationship between Am Yisrael and the nations of the world. Discussions are encouraged so that students can share their perspectives on these major philosophical issues. The rebbe, in turn, provides students with the tools necessary to grapple with these issues in the future from a Torah perspective.

2) Sefer Ezra-Nechemiah

Students are taught about the challenges of the rebuilding of Yerushalayim and the second Beit Hamikdash, providing them with a greater level of sensitivity to the gradual process of monumental achievement. Commentaries are selected that demonstrate the foreshadowing that the Tanach provides about the contemporary rebuilding of Jewish life in Eretz Yisrael.

3) Megillat Esther

The story of Purim is studied in depth with an emphasis on the many halachic and hashkafic problems that Mordechai and Esther experienced. Students are introduced to one of the most famous examples of a נס נסתר (hidden miracle) and are encouraged to see the hand of G-d behind the scenes in their own lives.

4) Megillat Rut

Students study the loyalty and dedication Rut demonstrated amidst the great turmoil in her life. Her reactions are studied as a way of viewing Hashem’s guidance and ultimate reward.

Year Two: Melachim Aleph & Bet

The in-depth study of Melachim Aleph and Bet gives the students an understanding of the importance of strong leadership and the responsibility that such entails. Religious nationalism and the centrality of the Beit Hamikdash are themes that are discussed as students study various topics including the death of King David, the inauguration of King Shlomo, the construction of the Mikdash and the reign of the kings of Judah and Israel.