The Netivot Israel Class on Tefilah

In this shiur we learn about the blessing for health, and we study the effects of Rabbinic attempts to safeguard the Nusach of Tefilah.

In this class we study the Beracha of Redemption/Salvation, and we also discuss the concept of classification.

In this class we study the blessing of Selicha, the 6th Beracha of the Amidah. We also study how the genre 'Selichot' evolved from Piyyutim designed for this Beracha.

In this class we examine the development of the fifth blessing of the Amidah, and some problems with the old versions. We also briefly explore the Jewish theology of repentance.

In this class we study the 4th blessing of the Amidah, the blessing for Daat. Sometimes translated as 'Guidance' or 'Knowledge' - we explore how this blessing evolved from ancient times until today.

In this class we study the legacy of Piyyut on Shavuot, with a focus on the Azharot. The Azharot are a genre of Piyyut that enumerate the Mitzvot in a didactic list-poem.

In this class we explore the earliest versions of the Beracha we know as Atah Kadosh, and we discuss the genesis and development of the Kedusha.

In this class we explore the origins and development of the second blessing in the Amidah, and we discuss the theologies of resurrection and life-giving.

In this shiur we begin a study of the individual Berachot of the Amidah. I emphasize how important it is to compare the 2 earliest recensions of the Amidah, and how to study the nature of those recensions. We then learn the relevant sources that constitute the background for the text of the first Beracha.

In this shiur we examine the many approaches taken by scholars throughout the generations to interpret and find meaning in the Amidah.