Jewish Roots Institute Classes

Bachelor of Arts Program 613 Laws I An in-depth analysis of each of the 613 Laws of God as enumerated in the Torah. Deals with such questions as: Is God?s Law relevant to Christians? Which laws are applicable to Jews today? Which laws are applicable to non-Jews? What is the purpose behind dietary laws? Which laws were culturally, rather than spiritually, relevant? What about God?s grace? 613 Laws II A continuation of the previous course, with emphasis on guilt offerings and daily Temple service. Covers commandments listed from Leviticus 5:6?20:14. 613 Laws III Continuing with the previous course, covering Leviticus 21:1?Numbers 35:7. Discusses religious purity, divorce, vows and sanctified vessels. 613 Laws IV A continuation of the previous course, examining each negative and positive commandment listed from Numbers 35:12?Deuteronomy 20:16. 613 Laws V Continuation of the previous course, covering Deuteronomy 20:16?31:19. 613 Laws VI Continuation of the previous course Apocalyptic Literature Examines the prophetic literature in both the Jewish and Christian canons of scripture, with discussion about the application of these passages to possible future events as well as historic events. Bedouins Basic reading and writing for the purpose of researching biblical and extra-biblical texts. Currently open to residents only. Bible and the West Bank Explores the history of the current Arab-Israeli conflict and the biblical perspectives concerning this small but significant and hotly-contested strip of land along the Jordan River east of Jerusalem. Biblical Archaeology Covers the people and events connected with important discoveries throughout the Holy Land during the past 300 years. Will make your Bible come alive. Biblical Festivals and Holy Days An overview of the major feasts, festivals and Holy days as practiced in both ancient and modern Judaism. Additional research may be required. Canon of Scripture A historical examination of how the present-day Bible was compiled, and the people and events connected with this centuries-long process. Christian Beginnings in Judaism (Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith) - A Histroical survey (prerequisite course) Explore the earliest interconnection between Christianity and Judaism, the departure of Christianity from its Jewish foundation, and the resultant misunderstanding, intolerance, and hostility between the two groups. Church History I Traces the origins and development of the Christian Church, from the time of Jesus through the Reformation. Church History II A brief overview of some of the basic concepts which characterize early Judaism and, thus, impacted the early Christian Church. Covers such topics as language and literature, education, marriage, family and aging. This is one of our most outstanding courses! Church History III Continuation of Part II, with focus on the individuals who were most responsible for leadership and formation of church theology after it left its Jewish roots. Dead Sea Scrolls A brief overview of the history of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Qumran community from which they may have originated. End Times Designed to answer the ever-present questions regarding the last days. Discusses verses such as Matthew 16; 24, Mark 13; Luke 21; Acts 17; Revelation 20 from a Hebraic perspective. Famous Archaeological Sites Examines numerous sites throughout the Holy Land, as well as the history and methods of biblical archaeology and excavation. Geography A study of the geology, geography, history and biblical significance of the terrain of the Holy Land. Gods and Goddesses of The Bible A study of the 40 different dieties mentioned in scripture, as well as the religions of the Babylonians, Canaanites, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Hebrew Christians Examines the different groups and doctrinal issues associated with the establishment of the early church, whose members were Jewish and held to Jewish customs and practices. Heresies of the Early Church A study of the numerous heretical doctrines and practices which crept into the early church from its inception, and which continue to influence the church today. Hermeneutics Designed to help the student develop the science and art of properly interpreting the biblical text. Examines rules of interpretation as used historically in the Church, as well as rules developed in various Hebrew schools of study during Old and New Testament times. History of Jerusalem From the earliest known records to the modern state of Israel, an overview of history-shaping events involving one of the oldest and most important cities in the world. History of Rome Examines the politcal, cultural, reiligious and military impacts of this great city upon the ancient world and the early years of Christianity. Israel Today I An overview of the history of the modern state of Israel, as well as various identifying characteristics which make it a unique presence on the global scene. Israel Today II A continuation of Israel Today I, with emphasis on political developments in the 20th-century. Jewish Culture I (Required course) A general survey of the culture, traditions, practices and structure of first century Judaism and its influence on the development of Christianity. Jewish Culture II (Required course) Continuation of Part I. Topics include: The Boyhood of Jesus, The Temple Mount, and The Aramaic and Greek Theories of the Language of the First Century and Synoptic Gospels. Jewish Prayer Looks at the various methods of praying used by both ancient and modern Jews and the various customs associated with them. Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith (Christian Beginnings in Judaism ) - A Histroical survey (prerequisite course) Explore the earliest interconnection between Christianity and Judaism, the departure of Christianity from its Jewish foundation, and the resultant misunderstanding, intolerance, and hostility between the two groups. Jewishness of Jesus (Required course) Provides conclusive support that the first-century Church was indeed a ?denomination? of Judaism, and that Jesus, Paul, and other Church leaders were Jewish in their approach to kingdom living. Josephus A study of the life and times of this eminent Jewish historian and his contribution to our understanding of the first-century Church, as well as the Mediterranean world at large. Messianic Concepts of the 1st Century (Required course) An in-depth look at what the Jews were expecting in their Messiah, the biblical foundation for those expectations and the various messianic figures in Jewish history who presumed to fulfill those expectations. Mishnah I The historical development, structure, and context of Judaism?s Oral Law. Mishnah II A continuation of Mishnah I, with an in-depth look into the six orders and tractates of the Mishnah. New Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha An in-depth look at the extra-canonical writings of the early Church, with an evaluation of their authenticity, as well as their historical and cultural significance. Paul, the Jewish Theologian Pharisees A thorough investigation of this misunderstood sect of pious Jews, including their relationships with the common people, Jesus and His disciples, the early church and other Jewish sects. The Presence of the Lord Instructions on how to walk and live "face to face" with God. Role of Women in Biblical Times An historical and cultural examination of the place of women in the synagogue and early Christian church, as well as the impact of noted church leaders in invalidating the vital role of women in official church ministry positions. Temple I A detailed look at the history and significance of the Temple in Jerusalem, its physical and administrative structure and its activities. Temple II A continuation of Temple I, focusing on the duties of the priests and Temple services. Tour of Twelve Cities An illustrated guide to the historical, cultural, archaeological and scriptural significance of such cities as Tiberius, Pella, Hebron and Gamla. Understanding Biblical Idioms A thorough investigation of idioms throughout scripture, focusing on those which are difficult to understand due to Semitic and cultural concepts not commonly taught today. Understanding Hebrew Thought (foundational course) This course compares the basic Hebraic thought to Greek or Western thinking. Topics include: The Jewishness of the biblical times; Gentiles, Jews and the special emphasis of Jewish heritage; Judaism and the earliest church; Heretics and the Jewish revolts; Anti-Semitism and the church; The Old Testament Hebraic foundation of the church; The ideas involved in Hebraic thought; The church and error; Marriage and family through Jewish eyes; Passover and the Last Supper; Jews, Christians and the land of Israel; and Jewish methods of teaching and Hebraic education. What is the Talmud? An overview of the fundamental teachings of what is known as the Oral Law and commentary concerning such topics as the spirit world, free will, repentance, slander, prophecy and numerous others. What We Believe and Why This course cuts through several difficult and often ignored subjects such as: The Holy Spirit, Judgments, Salvation, Tithes, The Eucharist, Heaven, Hell, Angels and Church Order. Wisdom of Ancient Jewish Sages Examines the teachings of first-century Judaism?s great thinkers and their influence in Jewish and Chrisitian culture. World History A review of whom many scholars consider to be the most significant individuals in the history of the ancient world, from the first pharaoh to Thomas Aquinas. The Jewish Roots Institute offers diplomas, Bachelor of Arts and Master's Degrees in Middle Eastern Studies. Non-degree students are welcome to audit courses for personal growth and learning.   Return to Jewish Roots Institute Home page from directions to Jewish Roots Institute classes