Families in the Book of Genesis (B’reishit); Brothers and Women in the Bible

The topic “Brothers” deals with the complexity of fraternal relations in the Biblical story. Starting with relevant stories in Genesis, we discuss human nature, emotions, and family relationships, then expanding these issues to address relationships between individuals, population groups, and whole nations.

The topic “Women” meets the needs of students by teaching about female role models in Bible stories.

Studying the plain – or literal – meaning (pshat) of the Biblical text is accompanied by a diverse range of supplements including commentators, expounders, thinkers, and artists who handed down to us landmarks from their spiritual voyages with the Bible. Our curriculum emphasizes the multiplicity of voices in the Bible and also in the wealth of commentary on it. We use these to develop each student’s ability to create new interpretations and ideas within his/her own culture and tradition.