We are accredited thru the Blitstein Institute, part of the Hebrew Theological College, or Skokie Yeshiva, girls division. The following is a detailed description of accreddited courses offered in Pninim:

BIBLE
CODES
PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY

BIBLE

Bible 211; Bible Themes I
Credits: 1

Bible Themes is an in-depth study of major concepts emerging from the book of Genesis, i.e. creation, Adam and Eve, Tree of Knowledge, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Abraham and Isaac. Material is researched and presented as units, using the classical, medieval and contemporary commentaries, with additional interpretations as found in writings of the authors of the Mussar Movement of the 19th and 20th centuries. Chassidic sources are also introduced where applicable and cross-references are developed throughout.

Bible 221; Bible Themes II
Credits: 1

An in-depth study of such major concepts as the Akeida, Twelve Tribes, Birchas Yaakov and the preparation for exile. Material is researched and presented as units, using the classical, medieval and contemporary commentaries, with additional interpretations as found in writings of the authors of the Mussar Movement of the 19th and 20th centuries. Chassidic sources are also introduced where applicable and cross references are developed throughout.

Bible 243; Biblical Literature: Numbers I
Credits: 2

This course covers the first half of the Book of Numbers from the portion of Bamidbar through Shlach. This is interpreted according to the classic commentaries, i.e., Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, Nachmanides and Ibn Ezra. Those commentaries and the text are studies in the original Hebrew. Supportive interpretation is taken from Targum Jerusalmi, Rashbam, and Sforno, and Midrashic extensions are added to heighten the moral and ethical lessons inherent. The portions of Numbers dealing with law are examined as codified by Maimonides and Shulchan Aruch.

Bible 253; Biblical Literature: Numbers II
Credits: 2

This course covers the second half of the Book of Numbers from the portion of Korach through Bechukotai. This is interpreted according to the classic commentaries, i.e., Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, Nachmanides and Ibn Ezra. Those commentaries and the text are studies in the original Hebrew. Supportive interpretation is taken from Targum Jerusalmi, Rashbam, and Sforno, and Midrashic extensions are added to heighten the moral and ethical lessons inherent. The portions of Numbers dealing with law are examined as codified by Maimonides and Shulchan Aruch.

Bible 213; Biblical Analysis II
Credits: 1

The student is directed in self-preparation of Chumash and is required to prepare the weekly Parsha with selected commentaries like Rashi, Siftei Chachamim, Ibn Ezra, Baal Haturim, Sforno, Rashbam, Ohr Hachaim and Ramban.
Lectures are then delivered upon selected sections of the prepared material.

Bible 313; Biblical Analysis II II
Credits: 1

The student is directed in self-preparation of Chumash and is required to prepare the weekly Parsha with selected commentaries like Rashi, Siftei Chachamim, Ibn Ezra, Baal Haturim, Sforno, Rashbam, Ohr Hachaim and Ramban.
Lectures are then delivered upon selected sections of the prepared material.

Prophets 213; Joshua I
Credits: 1

Intensive study of the text in the original with emphasis on the major traditional Jewish commentaries such as Rashi, Radak, Ralbag, Malbim and related Talmudic and Midrashic literature, Yalkut Shimoni, Midrash Shmuel and Raba. Significance of the books as a source of Jewish ethics, philosophy and history is stressed throughout.
Joshua – Entry into the land of Israel, division of the land, relations with neighboring countries and transfer of government to Judges.

Prophets 223; Joshua II
Credits: 1

Intensive study of the text in the original with emphasis on the major traditional Jewish commentaries such as Rashi, Radak, Ralbag, Malbim and related Talmudic and Midrashic literature, Yalkut Shimoni, Midrash Shmuel and Raba. Significance of the books as a source of Jewish ethics, philosophy and history is stressed throughout.
Joshua – Entry into the land of Israel, division of the land, relations with neighboring countries and transfer of government to Judges.

Prophets 215; Judges I
Credits: 1

Intensive study of the text in the original with emphasis on the major traditional Jewish commentaries such as Rashi, Radak, Ralbag, Malbim and related Talmudic and Midrashic literature, Yalkut Shimoni, Midrash Shmuel and Raba. Significance of the books as a source of Jewish ethics, philosophy and history is stressed throughout.
Judges – Conquest of the land after Joshua, stature of the judges as leaders of the people, the Ark at Shiloh, the moral and spiritual development of the people at the time, the Book of Judges as a chronological record.

Prophets 315; Judges II
Credits: 1

Intensive study of the text in the original with emphasis on the major traditional Jewish commentaries such as Rashi, Radak, Ralbag, Malbim and related Talmudic and Midrashic literature, Yalkut Shimoni, Midrash Shmuel and Raba. Significance of the books as a source of Jewish ethics, philosophy and history is stressed throughout.
Judges – Conquest of the land after Joshua, stature of the judges as leaders of the people, the Ark at Shiloh, the moral and spiritual development of the people at the time, the Book of Judges as a chronological record.

Scriptures 203; Books of Jonah and Esther
Credits: 2

A thorough study of the books of Jonah and Esther from the original text, focusing on the major ideas throughout including Sin and Punishment, Repentance, Divinity, Miracle and Nature, Mazalot and Divine Providence. Based on the traditional commentaries such as Rishonim, with particular focus on the Malbim, the Gra and Chassidic sources.

Scriptures 204; Book of Ruth and Hagadda
Credits: 2

A thorough study of the Book of Ruth and Hagadda of Pesach from the original text with commentaries, including Rishonim, Malbim, Gra and Chassidic sources. Focusing on topics such as Redemption, Chesed (kindness), Divine Providence and Laws of Geirut (conversion).

Scriptures 205; Psalms I
Credits: 1

A study of selected chapters of the first half of the Book of Psalms in the original Hebrew text with the classical commentaries and supporting Midrashic sources, with emphasis on chapters included in the liturgy. Study of the Psalms of David as a divinely inspired expression of the individual and national voice. The primary commentary used throughout is the Malbim.

Scriptures 206; Psalms I
Credits: 1

A study of selected chapters of the second half of the Book of Psalms in the original Hebrew text with the classical commentaries and supporting Midrashic sources, with emphasis on chapters included in the liturgy. Study of the Psalms of David as a divinely inspired expression of the individual and national voice. The primary commentary used throughout is the Malbim.

Scriptures 212; Ecclesiastes I
Credits: 1

Intensive study of the book of Koheles in the original Hebrew, according to the traditional commentaries: Rashi, Radak, Ralbag, Malbim and Metzudas David. Modern Hebraic and Judaic commentaries are also introduced. Midrashic sources are interpreted for their moral and ethical lessons, and correlations are drawn to modern day issues, with discussion on application to daily life.

Scriptures 222; Ecclesiastes II
Credits: 1

Intensive study of the book of Koheles in the original Hebrew, according to the traditional commentaries: Rashi, Radak, Ralbag, Malbim and Metzudas David. Modern Hebraic and Judaic commentaries are also introduced. Midrashic sources are interpreted for their moral and ethical lessons, and correlations are drawn to modern day issues, with discussion on application to daily life.

Scriptures 215; Proverbs I
Credits: 1

In depth study of King Solomon’s epic of Mussar with applications for self-improvement in different areas of life. Based on classical commentaries such as Rabeinu Yonah, the Gra and Malbim. This course focuses on the ethical lessons as they apply to the behavior of the Jew as well as the universal truths that apply to the world as a whole.

Scriptures 315; Proverbs II
Credits: 1

In depth study of King Solomon’s epic of Mussar with applications for self-improvement in different areas of life. Based on classical commentaries such as Rabeinu Yonah, the Gra and Malbim. This course focuses on the ethical lessons as they apply to the behavior of the Jew as well as the universal truths that apply to the world as a whole.

CODES

Codes 212; Jewish Law - Halacha
Credits: 1

Laws governing the family and community as relating to the Sabbath and the Holidays, including the thirty-nine prohibitions of work, and the sanctity of the Sabbath and the three primary holidays. Explanation and detailed study of the concepts of issur, minhag and chumrah. Reference to the Kitzur by Danzig is used throughout.

Codes 222; Social and Religious Law I
Credits: 1

This course concerns Laws relating to the Jewish life style such as Prayers, Blessings, Kashruth (Dietary Laws), and Yichud, which are studied in minute detail. Practical aspects and problems are fully discussed. Sources are cited from the original text. Exams are given on all material taken.

Codes 232; Social and Religious Law II
Credits: 2

This course discusses the social obligations of the Jew in his society as related to Tzedaka (Philanthropy), school, synagogue, maaser (tithes), and the laws relating to social involvements. Sources are derived from original texts of Rambam, Shulchan Aruch, Kitzur and Chaye Adam, as well as studying numerous responsa from throughout the generations, with analysis of real life situations in light of these sources. Exams are given on all material taken.

Codes 242; Prayer I
Credits: 1

An in depth study of the Siddur (Prayer Book), with emphasis on literal meaning, sources and philosophical background based on Rishonic, Achronic and contemporary commentaries. A study of all the laws (Halachot) concerning prayer is an integral part of this course. Exams are given on all material taken.

Codes 252; Prayer II
Credits: 1

An in depth study of the Siddur (Prayer Book), with emphasis on literal meaning, sources and philosophical background based on Rishonic, Achronic and contemporary commentaries. A study of all the laws (Halachot) concerning prayer is an integral part of this course.

PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

Philosophy and Ethics 212; Exegesis I
Credits: 1

A selection of Jewish writings of the Achronic period up to Modern times is studied in the original. These writings follow the Jewish migrations and form a panorama of Jewish thought development up to Rabbi Dessler’s Michtov M’Eliyahu. Included are prefaces to various works and examples of Mussar discourses which are studied for both the thought and the language.

Philosophy and Ethics 312; Exegesis II
Credits: 1

A selection of Jewish writings of the Achronic period up to Modern times is studied in the original. These writings follow the Jewish migrations and form a panorama of Jewish thought development up to Rabbi Dessler’s Michtov M’Eliyahu. Included are prefaces to various works and examples of Mussar discourses which are studied for both the thought and the language.

Philosophy and Ethics 201; Discussion Groups I
Credits: 1

Mentored discussions in a small group setting on various Hashkafic issues that pertain to the students on a more personalized level. This allows the students to request the topics they wish to have discussed. Students are required to prepare and deliver a mini-lecture on the relevant topic on a weekly basis.

Philosophy and Ethics 202; Discussion Groups II
Credits: 1

Mentored discussions in a small group setting on various Hashkafic issues that pertain to the students on a more personalized level. This allows the students to request the topics they wish to have discussed. Students are required to prepare and deliver a mini-lecture on the relevant topic on a weekly basis.

Philosophy and Ethics 243; Jewish Philosophy I
Credits: 2

This course consists of a series of lectures and discussions on Jewish-ideology and “weltanschauung”. It covers concepts of Judaism which relate to the basic beliefs of the Jewish faith and discusses fundamental bases of Judaism such as:
1. Belief in G-d
2. Torah from Heaven
3. Reward and punishment – the Holocaust
4. Nature and miracles
5. Chosen people

The student is introduced to the central concepts of Judaism as a response to the questions facing modern man and its relevancy to the twentieth century. The student will gain clarity and ability to explain Judaism to non-religious or anti-religious persons. The class meets twice weekly and includes lecture, discussion and dialogue.

Philosophy and Ethics 343; Jewish Philosophy II
Credits: 2

This course consists of a series of lectures and discussions on Jewish-ideology and “weltanschauung”. It covers concepts of Judaism which relate to the basic beliefs of the Jewish faith and discusses fundamental bases of Judaism such as:
1. The philosophy of Jewish Laws
2. After life
3. Creation
4. The Jew’s obligation to the world
5. Restraint in Behavior

The student is introduced to the central concepts of Judaism as a response to the questions facing modern man and its relevancy to the twentieth century. The student will gain clarity and ability to explain Judaism to non-religious or anti-religious persons. The class meets twice weekly and includes lecture, discussion and dialogue.

Philosophy and Ethics 252; Mussar I
Credits: 1

This course concentrates on the writings of the Mussar giants of Eastern Europe, mainly the school of thought of Rav Nosson Tzvi of Slobodka (Der Alter) and Rav Yerucham of Mir. Many talmudic and Midrashic sources as well as modern day rabbinic sources are cited. Emphasis is put on self-improvement and self-actualization. Real life situations are analyzed in the light of these sources.

Philosophy and Ethics 352; Mussar II
Credits: 1

This course concentrates on the writings of Rabbi Yisroel of Salant and his disciples. Many Talmudic and Midrashic sources as well as modern day rabbinic sources are cited. Emphasis is put on self-improvement and self-actualization. Real life situations are analyzed in the light of these sources.

Philosophy 262; Development of Jewish Thought I
Credits: 1

The course consists of the comprehensive study of contemporary and relevant topics of Jewish thought as elucidated through Rabbi Yehuda Halevi’s Sefer HaKuzari. From the topics studied are: Judaism Christianity and Islam as the main 3 religions in the world, the giving of the Torah and Prophesy.

Philosophy 362; Development of Jewish Thought I
Credits: 1

The course consists of the comprehensive study of contemporary and relevant topics of Jewish thought as elucidated through Rabbi Yehuda Halevi’s Sefer HaKuzari. From the topics studied are: The creation and levels in creation, Free will, The Jewish Calendar, language of sacredness and the age of the universe according to Jewish Philosophy.

Philosophy and Ethics 312; Maharal I
Credits: 1

This course concentrates on the writings of the Machshava giants of Western Europe, most notably the Maharal of Prague. References is made to the Maharalian thought as explicated in his commentary on Chumash and Talmud.

Philosophy and Ethics 322; Maharal II
Credits: 1

This course concentrates on the writings of the Machshava giants of Western Europe, most notably the Maharal of Prague. References is made to the Maharalian thought as explicated in his commentary on Chumash and Talmud.

Philosophy and Ethics 201; Independent Research I
Credits: 1

Student must choose a topic of her choice in Jewish ethics and research it through the use of classical and contemporary Jewish texts.The topic must be approved by the Department Head, who assigns four dates for 1)approval of topic; 2)submission of sources; 3)completion of rough draft; 4)finished term paper complete with bibliography and annotated text. Term paper must show extensive work in research of commentaries and must cover many references to topic.

Philosophy and Ethics 202; Independent Research II
Credits: 1

Student must choose another topic of her choice in Jewish ethics and research it through the use of classical and contemporary Jewish texts. The topic must be approved by the Department Head, who assigns four dates for 1)approval of topic; 2)submission of sources; 3)completion of rough draft; 4)finished term paper complete with bibliography and annotated text. Term paper must show extensive work in research of commentaries and must cover many references to topic.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

History 211; History of Jewish Philosophy
Credits: 1
The past 1000 years in the History of the Jews and its parallels to the legacies of the great personalities of those times.
* Debating God's Image - Maimonides
* The Rise of Kabbalah - Cordovero
* The Aftermath of False Messiahs - Luzzatto
* Pure Intellectual Judaism - Vilna Gaon
* Blending Intellect with Spirituality - Reb Tzadok HaKohein

History 342; Historical Geography of Israel
Credits: 1
This course, which is a geographic history of the land of Israel, visits all the notable sites throughout the land which are prominent through the many years of Israel’s history. Biblical, Tanachic, Medieval and modern centers of population and sites of events are studied and, where possible, visitations to those areas are arranged.

EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY

Education – Methodology 246;The teacher in Torah Education I
Credits: 2

A practical methodology of Education, stressing raising and dealing with children. The course will deal with practical solutions to problems that arise both in education in the school setting and at home and will give methods of educating young adults as they face the challenges of modern society.

Education – Methodology 256; The teacher in Torah Education II
Credits: 2
A practical methodology of Education, stressing raising and dealing with children. The course will deal with practical solutions to problems that arise both in education in the school setting and at home and will give methods of educating young adults as they face the challenges of modern society.

Education – Methodology 226; Jewish Outreach I
Credits: 1

The course discusses the practical rationale behind the Mitzvot (commandments) and the application of the philosophy of the individual Mitzvot to current times, with examples from every day situations and occurrences. That together with Approaches to Kiruv (Outreach) to the non-religious, putting an emphasis on the application of basic Torah philosophy, coupled with practical advise on building bridges to the secular society.

Education – Methodology 236; Jewish Outreach II
Credits:1

The course discusses the practical rationale behind the Mitzvot (commandments) and the application of the philosophy of the individual Mitzvot to current times, with examples from every day situations and occurrences. That together with Approaches to Kiruv (Outreach) to the non-religious, putting an emphasis on the application of basic Torah philosophy, coupled with practical advise on building bridges to the secular society.

Education 251; Child Development and Psychology I
Credits: 1

This course is designed to provide a basic overview of child development and is geared to help a teacher and/or parent deal realistically with a child as an individual. Areas studies include Parental Development, the Neonatal Period, the infant, the toddler and the pre-school child. Topics discussed at each level of development include the emotional and the social needs of the child. His behavioral development, thinking and perception are guidelines for reasonable expectations in these areas.

Education 261; Child Development and Psychology II
Credits: 1

This course is designed to provide a basic overview of child development and is geared to help a teacher and/or parent deal realistically with a child as an individual. Areas studies include Parental Development, the Neonatal Period, the infant, the toddler and the pre-school child. Topics discussed at each level of development include the emotional and the social needs of the child. His behavioral development, thinking and perception are guidelines for reasonable expectations in these areas.

Psychology 291; The Woman in Judaism I
Credits: 1
The role of the Jewish woman as it appears in Rabbinic Literature and Jewish History. This course studies the Halachic, Agaddic, and incidents, as well as psychological observations that form the image of the Jewish woman and manifests it in a practical manner that applies to the students.

Psychology 391; The Woman in Judaism II
Credits: 1
The role of the Jewish woman as it appears in Rabbinic Literature and Jewish History. This course studies the Halachic, Agaddic, and incidents, as well as psychological observations that form the image of the Jewish woman and manifests it in a practical manner that applies to the students.

Psychology 271; Jewish Psychology I
Credits: 1

This course studies various topics in psychology according to Torah philosophy and thought. References are brought from classic sources and commentaries to highlight the topic discoursed.

Psychology 371; Jewish Psychology II
Credits: 1

This course studies various topics in psychology according to Torah philosophy and thought. References are brought from classic sources and commentaries to highlight the topic discoursed.