Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Second Quarter Syllabi

Columbus Torah Academy
Rabbi Zvi Kahn

Jewish Philosophy: Monthly Syllabus

DATE
TOPIC
READING
11/2
Quiz #3 Rambam’s Life and the First Principle

11/3
The Second Principle: The Unity of G-d
Bleich 37
11/4
Movie: Praying with Lior

11/5
No Class

11/9
Guest Lecturer: Rabbi Ackerman

11/10
Second Principle (cont’d)
Bleich 107-110
11/11
Third Principle: G-d’s Incorporeality
Bleich 37-38
11/12
Third Principle (cont’d)
Bleich 179-180
Group Two 191-192
11/16
Guest Lecturer: Rabbi Weisz

11/17
Guest Lecturer: Professor Goldish

11/19
Quiz #4: Principles 2-3

11/23
Sixth Principle: Prophecy
Bleich 38, 273-275
11/24
Sixth Principle (cont’d)

11/25
Test #3: Rambam’s Life and Principles 1-3

11/30
Guest Lecturer: Rabbi Zack

Friday, September 11, 2009

Sept. 11

This is a new post to test this site

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Introduction to Jewish Philosophy

Jewish Philosophy

Jewish Philosophy: Monthly Syllabus

Jewish Phil Syllabus

Jewish Philosophy Course Syllabus

Columbus Torah Academy
Rabbi Zvi Kahn

Jewish Philosophy: Monthly Syllabus

DATE TOPIC READING
8/26 The Death of Socrates Hand-out #1

8/27 The Syllabus

8/31 The Three Fathers of Greek Philosophy Hand-out #2
T 9/1 The Socratic Method Hand-out #3
W 9/2 Plato Hand-out #4

Th 9/3
Aristotle
Hand-out #5

M 9/7
No Class – Labor Day

T 9/8
Quiz #1 – The Fathers
Of Greek Philosophy
Hand-out #5 cont’d

W 9/9
No Class – Period 3 Block

Th 9/10
Movie (Double period)

M 9/14
The First Jewish Philosopher
Hand-out #6

T 9/15
Intro to Jewish Philosophy
Bleich 1-12

W 9/16
Dogma in Judaism
Bleich 1-12

Th 9/17
Test #1 – Greeks and Jews

M 9/21
Rambam
Hand-out #7

T 9/22
Rambam’s 13 Principles of Faith
Bleich 13-19

W 9/23
Existence of G-d
Bleich 75-79

Th 9/24
Existence of G-d cont’d

M 9/28
No Class – Yom Kippur

T 9/29
R. Yehuda HaLevi
Hand-out #8

W 9/30
The Kuzari
Bleich 86-87

Th 10/1
Quiz #2: Rambam and the 13 Principles

Jewish Philosophy Class Description

Columbus Torah Academy
2009-2010
Rabbi Zvi Kahn 12th Grade


Introduction to Jewish Philosophy
Text: “With Perfect Faith” by Rabbi J. David Bleich

Course Description: This course will introduce the fundamental belief system of Judaism as presented in the works of the great Jewish medieval philosophers. The course will be built upon the framework of Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith. Some of the topics to be covered are: The Existence of G-d, Prophecy, Prayer, Reward and Punishment, Moshiach and Resurrection (Techiyat HaMaitim).

The second semester of the course will focus on Zionism and the modern state of Israel. Special attention will be given to issues that confront Jewish students on college campuses.

Expectations: Students will have the opportunity to select between two groups with different levels of expectations. Group One will be responsible for the basic readings and class discussions. Group Two will receive additional readings and assignments. All students are expected to come to class punctually, bring the textbook or appropriate reading and be prepared to participate in discussions and take notes.

The most important class requirement is to show respect to your classmates and together to develop a safe, comfortable and enjoyable learning environment.

Weekly Schedule: The class will not meet on Fridays. Students should use the Friday period as a study hall and must be in the library unless meeting with a teacher or administrator.

Grading System:

Quizzes, Tests and Projects 75%
Classwork and Homework 15%
Attitude and Participation 10%

Your quarterly grades will be an exact reflection of your average according to the above break-down. I do not curve marks, give re-tests or offer extra credit.