LEARNING. GROWING. CONNECTING

Chumash classes at KTA seek to convey to students the eternal messages of Torah as understood through the prism of divrei Chazal, while giving them the textual proficiency necessary to become independent learners. Students study a different sefer each year: שמות, במדבר, דברים and בראשית. Instruction is offered at three levels – Honors,  Academic and Foundations  (Skill Building)- so that each student may progress at the pace best suited to her learning needs. At every level, students explore the Chumash through close analysis of pshat (text) and mefarshim (classical commentaries). The curriculum emphasizes both iyun (in depth) and bekius (survey) styles of learning, which stimulate conceptual thinking and foster skill development.

Chumash instruction at the Honors level trains students to analyze the pshat (text) and mefarshim (commentaries) and independently discover deeper levels of meaning. Through challenging experiences with textual reading, chavrusa learning, and independent preparation, the student develops a strong foundation of Hebrew and Aramaic vocabulary, as well as a comprehensive understanding of Biblical grammar and syntax (the way words, clauses and sentences relate to each other). Students gain exposure to a wide range of mefarshim, and learn to recognize and appreciate the unique perspective of each. By her senior year, the Honors level student will be able to independently research Chumash topics and will be prepared for acceptance into rigorous seminaries that expect a high level mastery of text study.

The Academic level Chumash program is designed to systematically develop the student’s understanding of the text and mastery of Biblical vocabulary, dikduk (grammar), and syntax. Emphasis is placed on the development of analytical skills and skill in reading and understanding mefarshim. Much attention is devoted to mastering Rashi and discovering the wealth of knowledge that is unlocked through an in-depth analysis of Rashi’s commentary. Students gain exposure to the commentaries of other Rishonim and Acharonim, as well, with the goal of inspiring them with an understanding of the deep hashkafic insights that intensive text study uncovers and revealing the relevance of Torah study to their personal lives.

The Foundations Chumash program is geared to students with less facility in Hebrew language, and focuses on developing the basic skills that will enable them to discover the deeper meanings embedded in the text. Much time is devoted to practicing the skills of reading and translating פסוקים and Rashi. Students learn how to analyze Rashi’s commentary, and to identify what Rashi is asking and why. They are introduced to the conceptual analysis of Rishonim and Acharonim, and are guided in exploring and discussing the Halachic and Hashkafic lessons that are derived from Chumash. Instruction is designed to be both didactic and inspirational, and to instill in students an appreciation for the beauty and relevance of Torah.

Kesuvim: The Kesuvim curriculum introduces students to מגילת אסתר, מגילת רות, to ספר משלי and ספר תהלים. Through close study of the text with mefarshim, students gain familiarity with the historical background of each of the מגלות, as well as in depth understanding of their language and timeless messages. The twelfth grade Tehillim course teaches students how to use ספר תהלים as a guide for fundamental Jewish השקפה. Students explore selected פרקים based on ראשונים, אחרונים, and modern פרשנים. The focus on דוד המלך’s detailed and poetic language is balanced with an emphasis on pulling threads of meaning through the פרק as a whole. Assessment in the course is varied and creative, in order to allow students with diverse learning styles to apply תהלים’s lessons in ways that are personal and relevant.

The Mishlei course covers selected topics that focus on תיקון המדות (self-improvement). Students analyze פסוקים together with selected ראשונים to construct an understanding of particular מדות and how שלמה המלך defines them. Class discussions explore relevant scenarios where a specific מידה can be applied in our daily lives, and how we can improve ourselves in those spiritual areas. Additional source materials from more modern commentaries and ספרים are used to enhance understanding and application of the concepts in משלי.

Halacha: The Halacha curriculum emphasizes both the principles of Jewish law and their practical application. Students are introduced to the four sections of Shulchan Aruch, with the goal of broadening their knowledge of everyday Halacha and deepening their understanding of the Halachic process. Halacha is taught by talmidei chachamim who are prominent Rabbanim in the community. The four year sequence addresses halachos bein adam la’makom, -including topics such as Jewish holidays, Shabbos, Brachos, Tefilla, and Kashrus – and halachos bein adam l’chavero ( interpersonal relationships) – including topics such as אונאת דברים, לשון הרע, יחוד, צדקה, אבלות, כבוד אב ואם, כבוד הרב, גמילות חסדים and Business Ethics.

Students  develop a clear understanding of Halachic practice by means of lecture, discussion, and audio-visual demonstrations, and gain an appreciation for a life dictated by Halacha, minhag, and mesorah.

Jewish History: The study of history is mandated by the Torah in Parshas Ha’azinu: זכור ימות עולם בינו שנות דור ודור (“Remember and learn from the events that have transpired”). For history to be meaningful, it must be put into a relevant perspective. Studying the glorious past of our nation – clearly seeing the hand of Hashem ensuring our survival in each era and following the unbroken chain of Torah transmission – serves to strengthen אמונה in תורה מסיני and to maintain belief in the ultimate גאולה. 

The sophomore year of Historia takes the student from the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdash, through the events of Galus Bavel, including the Purim story, and into the building and reconstruction of the second Beis Hamikdash. Through lecture, the text of the neviim, and thought provoking discussion, students gain an appreciation of what was lost with the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, the goal of galus and our role in it, and what will eventually be regained with the coming of Mashiach and the building of the third and final Beis Hamikdash. 

The junior year Historia course takes the student to the Middle Ages and begins with the development of Torah centers in Spain, France and Germany and the tremendous accomplishments of the ראשונים in those regions. The main focus is on the rabbinic personalities who served as guardians of the מסורה in each age. The course addresses the social and political climate in which European Jewish communities functioned, and ends with the catastrophic pogroms of 1648-1649.

Seniors study Modern Jewish History. This course traces the events of the Holocaust from historical and hashkafic perspectives. The educational objectives of this course are two-fold: to familiarize students with the history and chronology of this most tragic period in modern Jewish history, and to guide students in exploring complex and difficult religious and philosophical issues relating to the Holocaust from a Torah perspective.