Course List and Descriptions
Judaism 101
This course is designed to instill in the student a lifelong dedication to Judaism and Jewish studies. Students will learn what it means to be ‘Jewish’, how important each and every one’s role is in Judaism, and how to interact with the Jewish community. They will learn how important Jewish ideals, such as Chesed (kindness) and Tzedakah (charity) are to their community, to the entire Jewish people and to the world at large. Students will develop a lifelong love for their community and an appreciation for those community leaders who shape and build Jewish communities all over the globe.
Jewish Philosophy
This course addresses three (or more) of the main areas of philosophy: metaphysics, logic, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy, and aesthetics. Students will learn critical-thinking skills, the main ideas expressed by philosophers from a variety of the world’s traditions, how to develop and explain their own philosophical ideas, and how to apply those ideas to contemporary social issues and personal experiences. The course will also help students refine the tactics they use in researching and investigating topics in philosophy.
Jewish History
This course will cover every major event in Jewish history from creation to current events in Israel. Both ashkenazik and sephardic history will be studied as part of the course.
Beginner’s Hebrew
This course is designed to accommodate those who have some background in Hebrew language, either through a Jewish Day school, Israeli upbringing, Hebrew school, or the equivalent and was created to enable students to begin to communicate with native speakers of Hebrew. In class, students will use intermediate language, and they will read age and language appropriate passages for various purposes, which will also help them experience religious and social customs in an exciting new way. While the presentations, reports, debates, and seminars, will help their mastery of the language, these tools will assist them in another respect as well: They will help students learn to work cooperatively, develop thinking and communication skills, and acquire self –confidence. Both print and technological resources will be used.
Intermediate Hebrew
This course is designed to accommodate those who have a more extensive background in the Hebrew language, either through a Jewish Day school, Israeli upbringing, Hebrew school, or the equivalent, and it is intended primarily for those students who have successfully completed the prerequisite course. The course emphasizes the further development of oral communication, reading, and writing skills in Hebrew. Students will build on, and apply, their knowledge of Hebrew, while exploring a variety of themes. This will be accomplished by using a selection of short stories, articles, and poems that serve as stepping stones to oral and written activities. Students will translate, interpret and understand authentic text in the Hebrew Language.
Rock Band jew.0
Study music theory and history through playing in a band. Learn both secular and Jewish music through the ages. Previous instrument knowledge required. This cannot be taken in the same semester as Krav Maga, Culinary Arts, or Guitar.
Commando Krav Maga
Used by the Israeli defense forces, Commando Krav Maga (aka CKM) is considered by many experts to be the most devastating fighting system in the world. In CKM, you’ll learn to defeat attackers (even multiple attackers) armed with knives, guns, bottles, sticks, baseball bats etc. Additionally, you’ll learn how to debilitate your opponent immediately irrespective of his size, training background or experience level. Most importantly, you’ll see immediate results. The system is based on simple and reflexive moves that could save your life! The effectiveness of the techniques has been battle tested time and time again. Remember, CKM is taught to the most elite commando units and SWAT forces in Israel and around the world. Most importantly, you’ll also be training your mind to be a winner as you will be able to confidently handle any of life’s innumerable challenges. Learn the history of the IDF by training the same way Israeli soldiers do. This course is open to high school students only. This course cannot be taken in the same semester as Rock Band, Culinary Arts, or Guitar.
There will also be a separate Krav Maga class give at the Stroum JCC on Mercer Island on Thursday nights from 730-930 for ages 17 and up.
Beit Midrash
This course is primarily a one-on-one partner learning open to all. Use this opportunity to study the Jewish text of your choice. Come with a learning partner or have us arrange one for you. There will be teachers to advise and help you master the text as well as fellow students. There will be occasional speakers and seminars.
Guitar
Learn how to play guitar while learning about Jewish music at the same time. This is for beginner and lower intermediate students. This course cannot be taken in the same semester as Rock Band, Culinary Arts, or Krav Maga.
Culinary Arts
This course offers practical and creative culinary training. Learn how to make kosher recipes with a modern twist. This isn’t a kugel-making class by any means. You will learn how to use spices and ingredients to cook Italian, Greek, Israeli, Mexican, American, and more. Holiday foods will be introduced for Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, etc. This course cannot be taken in the same semester as Rock Band, Krav Maga, or Guitar.
Video Editing and Filmaking – From Mt. Sinai to Miramax
What does a director do? What does it mean to produce a movie? How does Judaism relate to film making? This course will survey everything from screenwriting to editing (and everything in-between). The goal of the class is to demonstrate how film as a medium has many strong Jewish foundations. We will learn this by planning and filming a self-produced 5-10 minute film illustrating Jewish themes and topics while at the same time providing a much deeper understanding of how the film making process works. For those interested in film, the course will provide an opportunity to test your skills in various aspects/roles of the film making process. For those who simply like movies, they will have the chance to enhance their knowledge in the field, and get a taste of how Jewish Ideals and film making work hand in hand. Classes will alternate in style from interactive lessons (analysing scenes, styles, themes), to “hands on” film making (setting up shots, costuming, etc.) No prior film experience required.
*This course cannot be taken in the same semester as Rock Band, Krav Maga, or Guitar or culinary arts. More information coming soon.
Mercer Island Courses
Classes take place at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, Thursday nights, 7-9pm.
Women’s Studies
Commando Krav Maga
Used by the Israeli defense forces, Commando Krav Maga (aka CKM) is considered by many experts to be the most devastating fighting system in the world. In CKM, you’ll learn to defeat attackers (even multiple attackers) armed with knives, guns, bottles, sticks, baseball bats etc. Additionally, you’ll learn how to debilitate your opponent immediately irrespective of his size, training background or experience level. Most importantly, you’ll see immediate results. The system is based on simple and reflexive moves that could save your life! The effectiveness of the techniques has been battle tested time and time again. Remember, CKM is taught to the most elite commando units and SWAT forces in Israel and around the world. Most importantly, you’ll also be training your mind to be a winner as you will be able to confidently handle any of life’s innumerable challenges. Learn the history of the IDF by training the same way Israeli soldiers do.