Inside the EWS Curriculum

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Judaic Studies

  • Judaic Studies I

    Judaic Studies I: Rabbinic Thought 
    Grade Level: 9th
    Length of Course: 2 semesters
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Course Description:
    What do Jews believe? What do we do about it? Using the teachings of the rabbis from the Mishnah to today, students investigate Judaism’s core beliefs, values, and history, students develop an understanding of how they relate to and connect with Judaism and Jewish community.   Having established a foundation in traditional beliefs, students investigate how these values are expressed and applied in contemporary Jewish life as members of a multi-cultural society through the concepts of Tikkun Olam and Jewish Pluralism. This course offers an opt-in Honors level.

  • Judaic Studies II

    Judaic Studies II: Diaspora Studies 
    Grade Level: 10th
    Length of Course: 2 semesters
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description:
    Since the destruction of the 2nd Temple in 70 CE, Jews and the Jewish community have lived in a continual state of exile. Students will explore 2000 years of dispersion in lands governed by others, at times tolerated, oppressed, persecuted, and welcomed. What rituals, beliefs, practices and structures came to support Jewish life through our wanderings? How have we responded to the uniquely welcoming opportunity of Modernity and America? What are the range of opportunities available to us today? These are the important questions each student will consider as they chart a personal spiritual and religious path. This course offers an opt-in Honors level.

  • Judaic Studies III

    Judaic Studies III: Jewish Ethics and Philosophy
    Grade Level: 11th
    Length of Course: 2 semesters
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description:
    This course gives students an introduction to several sub-fields of Jewish studies that they might pursue individually or at colleges and universities. Students will investigate Biblical criticism, comparative religion, Jewish mysticism, Jewish history, Jewish philosophy, and Jewish ethics. The unifying focus of the course is the reading and discussion of critical academic scholarship in combination with the primary textual sources. This course offers an opt-in honors level.

  • Judaic Studies III: Critical Studies in Contemporary Judiasm

    Judaic Studies III: Critical Studies in Contemporary Judiasm 
    Grade Level: 11th
    Length of Course: 2 semesters
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description:
    This course gives students an introduction to several sub-fields of Jewish studies that they might pursue individually or at colleges and universities. Students will investigate Biblical criticism, comparative religion, Jewish mysticism, Jewish history, Jewish philosophy, and Jewish ethics. The course's unifying focus is reading and discussing critical academic scholarship in combination with the primary textual sources. This course offers an opt-in Advanced level.

  • Judaic Studies IV: The Holocaust - Its History and Legacy

    Judaic Studies IV: The Holocaust: Its History and Legacy
    Grade Level: 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semesters
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description:
    This course examines the history of the Holocaust and its profound significance in Jewish and world history, exploring the historical roots of antisemitism, the rise of Nazi Germany, and the devastating impact of the Holocaust on European Jewry and global society.  This course also prepares students for their senior trip to Poland and offers the necessary content and context necessary to respond to antisemitism and Holocaust Denialism. All students are required to take the course in their senior year.

  • Judaic Studies IV: Zionism - The History of Modern Israel

    Judaic Studies IV: Zionism: The History of Modern Israel
    Grade Level: 12th
    Length of Course: 1 semesters
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description:
    This course offers an in-depth study of the history of modern Israel from the inception of the Zionist movements to the present day. Issues discussed include: the ideological foundations of the State, the structure of the old and new Yishuv, waves of immigration, the British Mandate era, the challenges and achievements of sovereignty, religion and state policy interaction, sociological and cultural issues, the political and economic systems, Israel-Diaspora relations, Arab-Israeli wars and the peace process with Arab neighbors. This course also focuses on current events involving Israel. Students are asked to not only follow and report the news but also offer critical analysis. Students learn vital techniques and strategies that enable them to speak intelligently about Israel on college campuses and beyond.

    The course also engages students in study of the important archaeological sites they visit in Israel in the Spring. Students are challenged to appreciate how archeology can inform our understanding of the evolution of Israel into a holy land for three religions, and how this is reflected in the shaping of modern Israel. Students grapple with issues of modern Jewish identity as they present themselves through the archaeological lens. In addition, the class includes a daily mini-crash course in Hebrew to prepare the students for their trip to Israel. All students are required to take the course in their senior year.

  • Judaic Studies Seminar Advanced

    Judaic Studies Seminar Advanced
    Grade Level: 12th
    Length of Course: 2 semesters
    Prerequisite: None
    Course Description:
    Judaic Studies Seminar Advanced is a rigorous, college-level humanities course designed for highly motivated students seeking an in-depth and sophisticated engagement with Jewish texts, thought, and contemporary issues. This application-only seminar emphasizes advanced research, textual analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly discussion. Students will explore selected topics in Tanakh, Rabbinic literature, Jewish philosophy, Halakhah, and modern Jewish thought, with attention to historical context and contemporary relevance.

    The course requires a high level of preparation, intellectual curiosity, and independent learning. Students will conduct independent research projects that involve source-based inquiry, synthesis of multiple perspectives, and the production of sustained, scholarly work. Students may choose to engage primary sources in the original Hebrew where appropriate.

    At the end of this year-long course students will have produced a substantial final-written product (10-12 pages, academic formatting) that presents the student’s findings and that reflect on the skills and knowledge developed over the course of the project.

    Link: Judaic Seminar Advanced Application

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