Study modules for the Rabbinical Studies Program at the Abraham Geiger College Module: Introduction to the Rabbinate This module should be completed in the first and second semesters. Content This module presents an introduction to both the structure and content of the Abraham Geiger College Rabbinical Studies program. Structural and organizational topics addressed include the ethical principles and components of the training, as well as the rules and regulations (stipulated in the Study Handbook for the Abraham Geiger College School of Jewish Theology). In terms of content, the module serves as students’ first introduction to issues of the rabbinate. The office of the rabbi is explained, along with its beginnings in Jewish religious history, its legitimization and its current challenges. In particular, the present-day organizational structure of Judaism as well as collaborations with national and international Jewish organizations will be elucidated. Interaction with the media will also be discussed. The module also introduces the community internship, which begins in the third semester (see Community Internship in the above-mentioned handbook). Content and Objectives of the Module Objectives Students familiarize themselves with the basic principles and components of training at the Abraham Geiger College, as well as the applicable rules and regulations. They learn about the development and evolution of the rabbinate over the course of religious history, as well as the legitimization of the ordination and current challenges to the post. Students understand that they will develop their individual profile as a rabbi over the course of their studies. They shall become acquainted with the important structures of present-day Judaism and the collaboration between various Jewish organizations. Students are taught that their training as a rabbi will make them into a public figure. They will acquire an understanding of the media and how to interact with journalists, as well as how to explain issues and present themselves in interviews. In the introduction to the community internship, students learn about the basic requirements, length of time and evaluation of the internship period. Preparation and Seminars Class time Examination follow-up time (in hours) (in hours) Introduction to Studying at the AGC 5 - - Introduction to Rabbinical Studies 6 2 - Introduction to the Structure of Present- Day Judaism and Various National and 4 2 - International Organizations Media Seminar 4 - - Introduction to the Community Internship 2 - - Duration 1 – 2 Semesters Module: Weekday Services and Kabbalat Shabbat This module should be completed in the first semester. Content This module is focused on the prayers, in particular the weekday service and the opening Shabbat blessings. The Halakhah LeMa’aseh seminar introduces the central halakhic texts and concepts, along with the spiritual significance of prayer, ritual, mitzvah and minhag in classical rabbinical Judaism, the Middle Ages, the Kabbalah and modernity, and the present. Topics discussed include the traditional daily routine and the juxtaposition of personal practice, life in the community, and the larger secular or post-secular global context. The seminar on applied liturgy also teaches the rubrics of the daily prayer and the Shabbat blessing, as well as their texts and possible configurations: Birkot haShachar, Pesukei deZimra and closing prayers; Shema and Birchoteha; the Amidah (Shacharit, Minchah, and Ma'ariv); Torah reading and Drashot; and Kabbalat Shabbat. Content and Objectives of By conducting a practice service alongside individual coaching, the modes for Shacharit, the Module Minchah and Ma’ariv leChol are learned. Objectives Students familiarize themselves with basic halakhic and ritual themes and concepts that constitute a religious life. They learn to interpret traditional categories and apply them to current issues. They are taught the significance of prayer and ritual and develop the awareness that these should be subject to continual reflection. They learn to recognize the importance of a reflective and active prayer life – for themselves and for the community. Students become acquainted with the structure of the Siddur and the various services, and develop an understanding of the prayers’ history, text and meaning. They learn how to lead their own weekday service. Class time Preparation and Seminars Examination (in hours) follow-up time (in hours) Service: Geiger – Fraenkel Applied Liturgy 25 6 Kabbalat Shabbat Applied Halakhah 25 12 - Individual Coaching 4 8 Presentation Practice Service 9 9 - Duration 1 Semester Module: Shacharit Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and Havdalah This module should be completed in the second semester. Content This module addresses the entire halakhic and ritual framework of religious life with the Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and the ‘Israeli holidays.’ This is the bridge to the internship. The readings for the Halakhah of the Shabbat seminar consist of traditional and contemporary halakhic, aggadic, kabbalistic and philosophical texts. The seminar addresses topics such as the historical development of the Shabbat, prohibited activities (39 melachot), atmosphere of the Shabbat, and the Shabbat in the modern and contemporary world. Then, the block seminar on applied liturgy discusses the differences between weekday services and Shabbat services: Pesukei deZimra and Amidah (Shacharit, Mussaf, Minchah and Motz'e Shabbat); Torah and Haftarah readings; Rosh Chodesh, Hallel and Counting of the Omer, and Content and Objectives of Havdalah. the Module The modes for Shacharit, Minchah and Ma’ariv leShabbat are taught as part of the practice service and individual coaching sessions. Objectives The module aids students’ understanding of the role of the rabbi or cantor, as well as supporting them with individual profiling and making responsible decisions. Students familiarize themselves with the halakhic themes and concepts that make up the Shabbat. They learn to interpret traditional categories and apply them to current issues. They are taught the meaning and importance of the weekday and Shabbat services and will be able to lead a Shabbat service on their own. Class time Preparation and Seminars Examination (in hours) follow-up time (in hours) Service: Geiger - Fraenkel Applied Liturgy 25 6 Shacharit Applied Halakhah 25 12 - Individual Coaching 4 8 Presentation Practice Service 9 9 - Duration 1 Semester Basic Module: Torah Reading This module should be completed in the first semester. Content Students learn the names of the Pentateuch tropes and sing them in thematic combinations (e.g. Mercha-Tipcha-Munach-Etnachta). Content and Objectives of the Module Objectives Students will be able to sing tropes in the most common combinations, with practical application to the first and last sections of the Shema Yisrael text. Class time Preparation and Seminars Examination (in hours) follow-up time (in hours) Introduction to Cantillation of the 3 6 Group practice Pentateuch Cantillation of the Pentateuch Using the 3 6 Group practice Shema Yisrael Text Individual Coaching 3 8 assessment/colloquium Duration 1 Semester Advanced Module: Torah Reading This module should be completed in the second semester. Content Students practice reading the Torah using the skills they acquired in the basic module to sing the tropes in thematic combinations. Content and Objectives of the Module Objectives Students will be able to give a spontaneous presentation of one to two Aliyot of any Parasha of average difficulty level using the Neginot. Class time Preparation and Seminars Examination (in hours) follow-up time (in hours) 5- to 10-minute solo Cantillation of the Pentateuch in Practical 4 6 presentation on a text chosen by Application the instructor Individual assessment/colloquium or service, where the student Individual Coaching 4 8 presents an Aliyah of a complete Parasha with an appropriate amount of preparation time Duration 1 Semester Basic Module: Haftarah This module should be completed in the third semester. Content Students sing the tropes learned in Basic Module: Torah Reading as thematic combinations (e.g. Mercha-Tipcha-Munach-Etnachta) in the Haftarah mode. Content and Objectives of the Module Objectives Students will be able to recite the tropes from memory as thematic combinations in the Haftarah mode and use them for any Haftarah reading. Class time Preparation and Seminars Examination (in hours) follow-up time (in hours) Group practice 1: Presentation of tropes in thematic combinations. Cantillation of the Haftarah 2 4 Group practice 2: Presentation of a Haftarah, one section by each participant Presentation of a Haftarah within Individual Coaching 4 8-12 a colloquium or service Duration 1 Semester Advanced Module: Haftarah/ Megillot This module should be completed after the fourth semester. Content Students learn about special aspects and variations of Haftarah tropes (Western/Eastern Europe). They learn to sing the tropes learned in the basic module using the Megillot mode, primarily Megillat-Esther, possibly also Ruth, Kohelet, Echa, ShirHaShirim. Content and Objectives of Objectives the Module Students will be able to present a Haftarah according to the needs of the community the student serves (Western/Eastern style); they will be able to present the Esther Megilla in the correct cantillation and with the appropriate emphasis. Students acquire a basic understanding which will allow them to complete other Megillot and their specific cantillations over the course of their