Navi and Ketuvim

Neviim Rishonim (early prophets), Acharonim (later prophets), and the books of the Ketuvim, including Tehillim, the five Megilot, Mishlei, and Kohelet, are studied through a student’s four year stay at Ilan.

Although there are manifold truths found in every verse of the Torah, the selected sefarim have clear and palpable lessons. Unlocking these secrets in our own texts inspires Ilan students to continually delve in and find a bounty of rewards from their learning. Through the study of Neviim and Ketuvim, students acquire a working knowledge of Jewish history, heritage, and the trials of early generations of our nation as they realize the sacredness and timelessness of the messages conveyed.

Ilan students attain a clear understanding of the halachot as they pertain to the Jewish woman. Throughout four years of study, the laws of Shabbat, holidays, and prayer are taught in a methodical fashion. Students emerge with the ability to integrate the intricacies of Jewish law into their lives. The lasting value of this course is seen by alumnae who comment that they often refer back to their Ilan halacha notes for years to come.

This program is designed to ensure that all students emerge with a fluency in the Hebrew language. Classes are divided according to levels of proficiency so that every student can advance at her own pace.  Hebrew is studied as a living language, linking us to generations past and connecting us with our brethren in Israel today.  The program includes a strong emphasis on modern conversational Hebrew and Hebrew literature. Hebrew grammar, oral presentation and writing skills are also stressed.

This is a survey course of Jewish history beginning just after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and continuing through the modern period. Students examine the scope and sequence of Jewish history focusing on key events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Jewish history is studied within the context of world history, focusing on the hashgaha pratit in the trajectory of Am Yisrael and using the lessons of the past as guideposts for the future.

This class focuses on a selection of Mishnayot from the inspirational guidance of Pirke Avot to enhance everyday life. The mussar and wisdom of our sages is elaborated upon through a focused and meaningful presentation. Each detail gleaned from this text gives forth profound lessons about human nature, and inspires a striving toward perfection of character.

This most important area of a Jewish woman’s life is explored to provide the student with an understanding of the deeper meaning behind prayer. A keener appreciation of the themes and structure of tefilla significantly enhances the student’s own experience in prayer.

This is an honors level course in which Ilan students study excerpts from the ethical writings of the mussar classics in their original text. It is designed to inspire students by making their Judaism alive and vibrant. Some of the sefarim being studied are Chovot HaLevavot, Kuzari, Derech Hashem, Ohr Yisrael, Siftei Chaim, and Michtav Me’Eliyahu. Many of the topics studied relate to the holidays. Students are required to understand the language of the text and to research biographical and historical information about the author and the time period in which the books were written.

This course comprises an in-depth study of the Jewish holidays. When an Ilan student completes this course, she is familiar with the laws and customs of all Jewish holidays and has been exposed to fundamental Jewish thought about them.

Young Jewish women often find themselves in a chaotic and confusing world. With heavy emphasis on translating philosophical concepts into practical application, this course can help ease some of the difficulties of growing up. These lively, thought-provoking classes are extremely popular with students due to the wide range of issues covered and the clarity of Torah direction provided.

Rabbi Diamond delivers a stimulating weekly lecture crystallizing complex topics of the perasha. Students learn to interpret complicated issues directly and honestly. This much anticipated class affords our students the rare opportunity to forge a relationship with our esteemed Rabbinical adviser.

A most highly sought after lecturer in our community, Rabbi Mansour delivers fascinating and thought provoking weekly classes on a wide range of Torah topics.  These dynamic presentations’ vast breadth of knowledge serve to enlighten and inspire our students.