ISR310 -- Israel Advocacy in the 21st Century
Instructor: Adam Korn
To some Israel is the Holy Land; to others it is a land of culture and innovation. Some think of Israel’s beaches, while others think about its archeological sites. Many people associate Israel with war and struggle, specifically, to what has become known as the Arab-Israeli conflict. Throughout this course, we will learn about the major issues dividing Israelis and Palestinians and why the political landscape is so difficult to resolve. What are the historical, political, and cultural elements that separate these two peoples? While this conflict makes up only one piece of Israel’s society, understanding the conflict is critical to understanding Israel today. In this course we will be exploring key primary-source documents along with critical thinking assessments and classroom debates. Our goal is to develop an appreciation of the complexities of this conflict through an examination of its origins, the actors involved, and the key historical and political factors that have shaped it.
Period 4
ISR290 – Krav Maga
Instructor: Yigal Pe’eri
Krav Maga is the Israeli self-defense method designed for face-to-face combat. We learn how to react to an attack while using the aggressor energy and power against him. Mostly we will train our brain in staying calm in front of any emergency situation.
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Jewish Thought
Period 1
JT100 -- I am That I am: Introduction to Jewish Philosophy
Instructor: Matt Lowe
Who (or What) am I? How should we treat each other? Who (or What?) is God? We will ask and answer these questions, with some inspiration from biblical, rabbinic, medieval, and modern Jewish thinkers.
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Period 2
JT392 -- Theology for Skeptics II: Constructive Theology
Instructor: Matt Lowe
Theology for Skeptics is exactly what it sounds like--a challenge to God-friendly students to engage skepticism, and challenge to skeptics to engage theology. We will consider popular and traditional reasons for skepticism about God, and explore and variety of alternatives to classical theology. Be ready to expand your notion of God.
JT416 -- Homosexuality and Jewish Law
Instructor: Rabbi David Ehrenkranz
In this course the student will analyze classical (and not so classical) texts as it relates to the particular issue of Homosexuality and Judaism. This course will present many sides of the issue as it relates to Jewish Law and homosexuality. The student will gain a better understanding of the classical sources and develop and more humane way of looking at Jewish Law as well as his/herself. The crux and mainstay of this course will be on classroom discussions. Ideally, each student will deepen his/her empathy and sympathy to those around them.
Period 3
JT250 –- Comparative Religions
Instructor: TBD
Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Shiva... the New Testament, the Koran, the Bhagavad-Gita... you may recognize them, and you may even know something about them. But what do they really represent, and how do they impact us as Jews? Learn about some of the world's other major religions, find out what makes them "tick," and discover what connects us all.
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Period 4
JT260 -- Pray Per View: Spirituality on Demand
Instructor: Jennifer Stevens
What's the difference between praying during organized services and saying a prayer when the feeling moves you? Why do some prayers have lots of rules about where, when, and by whom they're said, while others seem to fit in a variety of situations? And who gets to make these decisions, anyway? In this course, we'll take a look at the praying in the synagogue through history, and we'll think about the evolution of prayer at home in an exploration of finding distinctness and holiness in everyday experiences. Students will discover what our most common prayers really say, find new ways they resonate with our lives today, and create prayer texts to reflect their experiences.
JT415 -- Maimonides Study: A Hitchhiker's Guide to Intergalactic Perplexity
Instructor: Jason Happel
Maimonides's Guide for the Perplexed carries on the Platonic tradition of providing a maze-like path for readers of a special sort to discover hidden things on their own. If you are up for unexpected surprises and puzzling-out clues to a mystery of Biblical proportions, then you'll see for yourself (rather than repeating someone else's opinion) what extraordinary delights are in store for truly perplexed Jews.
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Performing Arts
Period 1
MUSIC330 -– Klezmer Band
Instructor: Glenn Dickson
One of the most exciting art electives for our Prozdor musicians is the extraordinary Klezmer Band. This is an authentic Klezmer band and plays the vibrant music of Eastern European Jewish origin. It is a performance oriented group which will perform fall and spring concerts at Prozdor, the Prozdor graduation and other events when possible.
Open to all students who play band or orchestra instruments including woodwinds, brass, strings, guitar, bass and piano. We especially need low brass and strings, but all are welcome. Ability to read music on your instrument is important. A second period is offered this year for those who want a more in-depth study. If you only want one period, enroll in period one.
THETR316 – Jewish Readers Theatre: Joseph
Instructor: Talya Sokoll
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: A musical adaptation of the Bible story, this class will focus on listening, reading and acting out the story of Joseph, a hero of the Jewish people with problematic dreams. We will also watch some of the film version throughout the semester.
Period 2
MUSIC312 – A Capella
Instructor: Elijah Botnick
A cappella music, singing without instruments, is one of the most popular Jewish art forms on college campuses, and now it comes to Prozdor! Add your voice to the close-harmony blend of Prozdor’s newest performing group. No experience is necessary, but you should have a good voice and a great attitude. We’ll be singing a variety of Jewish and Israeli music, with performances at Prozdor in May, as well as at some area events.
MUSIC331 -– Klezmer Band
Instructor: Glenn Dickson
One of the most exciting art electives for our Prozdor musicians is the extraordinary Klezmer Band. This is an authentic Klezmer band and plays the vibrant music of Eastern European Jewish origin. It is a performance oriented group which will perform fall and spring concerts at Prozdor, the Prozdor graduation and other events when possible.
Open to all students who play band or orchestra instruments including woodwinds, brass, strings, guitar, bass and piano. We especially need low brass and strings, but all are welcome. Ability to read music on your instrument is important. A second period is offered this year for those who want a more in-depth study. If you only want one period, enroll in period one.
Period 3
DANCE341 -- Nilhav Dance Troupe (Year Long Course)
Instructor: Ilana Huz
Have you ever wanted to be on stage? Well here’s your chance! Nilhav is a group of dedicated teenagers who love to dance. You’ll learn Israeli dance – ranging from the more traditional, to hip-hop and salsa. Over the course of the first semester, you will master a 5 minute choreographed dance piece. Second semester, we perform at the amazing Boston and New York Israeli dance festivals as well as at our own Yom Tarbut. Boys and girls are welcome! All students participating in Nilhav must make a commitment to the rehearsal and performance schedule, which includes some time outside of Prozdor. Nilhav dances for joy, because what else do we need!
Performances: MIT’s annual Israel Folk Dance Festival (plus a tech rehearsal at MIT the week before) and New York City for its dance festival
THETRE250 –- Slam Poetry
Instructor: Emilia Diamant
There's nothing easy about expressing yourself. In this course we'll use spoken word artistry, one of the oldest and most dynamic ways of telling others about who you are and what you care about. Slam poetry competitions have also become a mainstay of urban youth culture, branching to the suburbs and beyond. Spoken word poetry is performative, political, and personal all at the same time. Come if you've done it before or if it's your first time--just be ready to take risks and have fun!
Period 4
DANCE341 -- Nilhav Dance Troupe (Year Long Course)
Instructor: Ilana Huz
Have you ever wanted to be on stage? Well here’s your chance! Nilhav is a group of dedicated teenagers who love to dance. You’ll learn Israeli dance – ranging from the more traditional, to hip-hop and salsa. Over the course of the first semester, you will master a 5 minute choreographed dance piece. Second semester, we perform at the amazing Boston and New York Israeli dance festivals as well as at our own Yom Tarbut. Boys and girls are welcome! All students participating in Nilhav must make a commitment to the rehearsal and performance schedule, which includes some time outside of Prozdor. Nilhav dances for joy, because what else do we need!
Performances: MIT’s annual Israel Folk Dance Festival (plus a tech rehearsal at MIT the week before) and New York City for its dance festival
THETRE350 – Cabaret the Musical
Instructor: Talya Sokoll
Cabaret is a classic musical of the 1960s. Based on the 1951 play, I Am a Camera, by John Van Druten, it tells the story of 1930s Berlin and the shift that happened as Hitler and the Third Reich came to power. Focusing mainly on the experience of a British nightclub singer named Sally Bowles, this is a powerful story with fantastic musical numbers that shows how people can remain ignorant to change, even in the face of major shifts in politics and power. In this class we will read, listen and watch the musical script as well as the parts of the 1972 film.
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Politics and Government
Period 1
GOVT350 -- Obstacles to Peace: A Journalistic View
Instructor: Charlie Radin
The instructor is a former Middle East correspondent for The Boston Globe. During the second intifada, he wrote a series of in-depth articles on key obstacles to resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle which remain major obstacles today. Students will consider the structure of the journalism, critique the quality of the analysis and compare the series to more recent journalism about the struggle.
GOVT400 -- The Art of Ruling: Political Lessons from Shakespeare
Instructor: Jason Happel
We won't read entire plays, but we'll look at scenes from a few plays to note what they teach about the art of ruling and leadership. Shakespeare's political wisdom has been recognized by astute politicians, from Abraham Lincoln to the Earl of Shaftesbury...and we could use some nobler views of politics today. What is a tyrant? How honest can a king be? What are the limits of politics, and how does one prepare for leadership?
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Period 2
GOVT220 -- So you want to be a Journalist: Foundations of News Writing
Instructor: Charlie Radin
Learn the components and structure of news stories. Practice composing your own stories. Discuss how this structure affects the way news is presented, and consider how this method of organizing information may be of use in written communication (such as school work) that is not news-related.
GOVT363 –- Case Studies in Israeli Law: A Jewish and Democratic State
Instructor: Jason Happel
How do you balance the Jewish identity and security of Israel with the principles of liberal democracy? Navigating between them is one of the many interesting issues in Israeli law. Security fences, settlements and military actions have been addressed by the courts, and we can learn about these serious issues from a legal perspective which provides a way to begin to think about difficult and complex social and political issues.
Period 3
GOVT260 -- What the Heck is Going On?
Instructor: Charlie Radin
A current events discussion; led by a veteran reporter and news analyst, who now writes the "Annals of a Recovering Journalist" blog for the Jewish Journal and The Forward. Participants will receive a weekly e-mail with links to events that will be discussed the following Sunday. Participants will be encouraged to propose topics in the news for discussions.
GOVT280 -- Timeless Problems in Politics: How to Decorate the Oval Office
Instructor: Jason Happel
Politics pivots on fundamental questions: how should a nation be organized, who should rule, why justice, what color tie to wear on TV? Answers to these questions have been offered in books and in real-life politics, but the questions remain. We'll identify problems in politics from the point of view of those who are or were engaged in politics, and those who thought about those problems, such as Thucydides, Machiavelli, Tocqueville and others.
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Period 4
GOVT320 -- The Evolving Politics of Anti-Semitism
Instructor: Charlie Radin
A look at the development and uses of anti-Semitism from its origins in the early and middle Christian eras, to the Enlightenment and Nazi era, to current criticism of the State of Israel. Some outside reading will be essential.
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Social Justice
Period 1
SJ320 – Immigration: Jews on the Move
Instructor: TBD
Jews immigrate, we emigrate, we move around…sometimes by choice, sometimes by force. We've been all over the world, spread to the far corners of Asia, Africa, the Former Soviet Union, and the Americas. There are new tribes of Jews popping up all the time--so how did we get there? What patterns of immigrations have led to this dispersal? And, perhaps most importantly, what does this say about how we react to contemporary questions about immigration in America? Explore our historical patterns and debate contemporary issues.
Period 2
SJ352 -- Privilege and Power and Jews, Oh My!
Instructor: Emilia Diamant
The path of the Jews in America has been twisty and turny. We've gone through eras of being treated as the other, to rising through the ranks and achieving acceptance from the larger community. What role do we have, as American Jews, in identifying systems of power that keep others oppressed, and prevents them from reaching the level of power and prestige that Jews have in America today? Spend some time learning about our history, but mostly focusing on the present and future. This class will use the text "How Jews Became White Folks" by Karen Brodkin as a guiding text.
SJ355 -- Moses, Trotsky, Goldman, and More: Jewish Revolutionaries
Instructor: TBD
Throughout the eras, Jews have revolted against systems of power. Moses spoke up against Pharaoh. Leon Trotsky led the revolution against Joseph Stalin. Emma Goldman was one of the most controversial activists in America. Let's see what they have in common, and what we think today's revolutionaries might need to start speaking up about. Bring your rebellious spirit!
SJ360 – Prozdor Gay Straight Alliance
Instructor: Talya Sokoll
Using the Keshet educational curriculum as well as other texts, this class/club will offer a space for GLBTQA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Allies) students to learn and discuss the positive ways in which Judaism affirms all sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as delve into how we can work together to make the Jewish community a more inclusive place for everyone.
Period 3
SJ260 –- Food Justice
Instructor: Laura Bellows
Jews like to eat, but what does it mean to eat ethically? To make sure our food, from the moment it begins to grow, is something that we can feel good about consuming? We'll learn about fair trade farming, social enterprise in developing countries, and modern food justice movements related to growers rights. We'll also examine what the American food landscape looks like today--from farmers markets accepting SNAP benefits to what a food desert is. All of this will be infused with Jewish texts, ideas, and learning.
Period 4
SJ100 –- Judaism and Social Justice
Instructor: TBD
We tend to throw around the phrase "Tikun Olam," but what does it really mean? How do we, as Jews, interpret our commandments to live a life of justice and to repair the world? Come learn about the long and deep history of Jews and Social Justice, from the Tanakh to today. This course will be a survey of Social Justice and Judaism, and will serve as the backbone for future studies in this department.
SJ210 –- Making Wrong Right
Instructor: Rachel Wurtman
Do you know how to correct social injustice? Do you know how to address animal abuse, elder abuse, unjust laws, poverty within the Jewish community, and other social problems? Find out how to be effective in making the world a better place for others.
SJ311 – Judaism and Sustainability
Instructor: Laura Bellows
Join us for our year of exploration into eco-Judaism and environmental sustainability. In the spring semester of this class (new students welcome), we will dive into ancient and modern Jewish learning on topics such as agricultural and environmental justice, energy conservation, caring for animals, thinking globally about climate change – and acting locally to build our own Hebrew College garden! This class, offered through TELEM and the Teva Learning Alliance, includes occasional field trips, guest speakers, and lots of hands-on fun to help protect our planet.
STEM
Period 1
STEM100 – The Intersection of Judaism and Science
Instructor: TBD
STEM 100 provides an introduction to each of the elements in STEM as seen through a Jewish lens. This course will give the students an understanding of the natural integration of STEM in every element of Jewish life and experience. You will engage rigorously in the hard sciences and dry labs while also studying Jewish studies in a rigorous context. This course is divided into the 4 areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and will have several lessons dedicated to each subject area. Each lesson will be both rooted in primary and modern Jewish text that speak to the particular subject area themes and will include hands-on activities that integrate the text and Jewish content with a tactile activity. These classes are intended to inspire you and allow you to see that STEM is very much a part of the Jewish experience. Some areas that will be explored will be geology, light and darkness, water, urban planning, cooking and chemical reactions, architecture, robotics, environmental sciences, zoology, the five senses, gematria and math, calendar studies, bioinformatics and more.
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Period 2
STEM300 –- Medical Ethics and Jewish Thought
Instructor: Rachel Wurtman
In the introductory course, students will discuss contemporary issues in Jewish medical ethics. The students may watch television clips and listen to guest speakers. The topics covered in the class will vary, and may include the following: abortion, conjoined twins, surrogacy, organ transplantation, euthanasia, psychiatric medication, medical marijuana, frozen pre-embryos, smoking, and suicide. The instructor will provide source material from a broad range of sources including newspaper articles, Jewish websites, commentaries on Israeli court cases, and secular websites. The students will not be expected to have prior experience reading philosophical texts, although such experience will be useful for this class.
The students who work as teams to research and prepare debates on a range of topics of their choosing and members of the class will role-play as members of a "hospital ethics committee." At our "hospital committee," students will present both Jewish and secular arguments.
This course is open to students in all grades; however the reading level and the content are more appropriate for students in grades 10 and 11 than for students in lower grades.
STEM381 –- Feast, Fast, Foliage
Instructor: Jennifer Gordon
From High Holidays to Hanukah, Jews eat everything from brisket to donuts to nothing at all; build rustic hats; brandish branches and citrus fruits as passerby. We'll look at some of the science involved in the Fall holidays, from the chemistry of traditional foods to the physiology of fasting to the ecology of etrogim.
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Period 3
STEM301 – Medical Ethics and Jewish Thought II
Instructor: Rachel Wurtman
This course will be for students who have taken the basic course and who are interested in studying the topics covered in that course and others in greater depth. The advanced course will use a text, "Matters of Life and Death: A Jewish Approach to Modern Medical Ethics," by Elliot Dorff. Dorff, a Conservative Rabbi, weaves together science, medicine, Jewish Law, the decisions, of American courts, philosophy, and psychology. Students will be expected to participate actively in class discussions and to generate personal responses to the reading material.
Due to the difficulty of the reading level, this course is intended for students who are in grades 10 and 11.
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Period 4
STEM320 –- Game Theory: Playing Games with God
Instructor: Jennifer Gordon
Should Adam eat the fruit, or not? Eve's already had a bite. What will she do if he doesn't also nosh? If he does? What will God do? Will the consequences of not eating be worse than the consequences of eating? -- It's all fun and games until somebody gets kicked out of Eden. Game theory uses math to work out the best moves a "player" can make in a "game" involving several decision-makers. In this class we'll learn the basics of game theory as we apply it to human-human and human-God interactions in the Tanakh. What makes a decision "the best"? What makes a game "fun"?
STEM400 –- Intergalactic Judaism
Instructor: TBD
The whole universe was in a hot dense state...and then everything happened. While the debate about Creationism and Evolution will not be resolved in this class, there is a lot of science, math, and philosophy that we'll be dealing with as we grapple with some big questions. How might the Genesis narrative and the Big Bang Theory (the real one, not the TV show) complement each other? How can we find traces of the Divine in the edges of math, infinity, and repeating decimals? On a more fantastical level we will ask questions about what Jewish community might look like on the moon--how would the months be measured without a lunar calendar, for example--and about how Jewish scientists have grappled with big questions that present a tension between Judaism and Science.
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Visual Arts
Period 1
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