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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Yeshivas Toras Moshe | Evaluated Learning Experience

Talmud Brachos (Talmud 163e, 263e, 363e)

Length: 
42 hours (13 weeks); in addition, 156 hours of supervised peer study.
Location: 
Toras Moshe, Jerusalem, Israel.
Dates: 

April 2004 - December 2015. 

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Talmud 163e: Students will be able to: discuss the substance and essence of the talmudic text of the sixth chapter of Brachos; apply analytical skills in talmudic explication; follow the dynamics of talmudic argumentation leading to halakhic conclusions and resolutions, focusing primarily on the commentaries of Rashi and Tosafos, utilize the major medieval, modern, and contemporary commentaries to comprehend the underlying assumptions and consequences of the legal principles implicit in the text. Talmud 263e or 363e: In addition to the above outcomes, utilized in a more complete fashion, students are introduced to the full range of commentary in the understanding of the text. In addition, students are introduced to techniques in advanced conceptualization of talmudic text and commentaries. The difference between the two levels is in the focus on conceptual development. As students become more adept at textual mastery, the focus changes more to conceptual development.

Instruction: 

Talmud 163e: Major topics include: the sixth chapter of Brachos, dealing primarily with the laws governing blessings over food and drink, is addressed. Students prepare the applicable talmudic texts as well as the major halakhic opinions of various rishonim and acharonim, including Rashi, Tosafos, and the other commentaries as assigned by the instructor. The instructor guides students in understanding the issues raised, and assists them in deducing and elucidating the crux of these issues. Instruction includes, but is not limited to, discussion of the major relevant halakhic topics. Talmud 263e or 363e: In addition to the above, students are introduced to techniques in advanced conceptualization of talmudic text and commentaries. Topics include: the fundamental issues of blessings on food and the source for saying brachos and the order of blessings; blessings for fruits and vegetables, mixtures containing grains, bread, juices, and wine. NOTE: Students in all three courses study the same course materials. While the scope of instruction is the same, the depth of study and nature of analysis depends upon which course the student is enrolled in.

Credit recommendation: 
Talmud 163e: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion. Talmud 263e or 363e: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion. (6/05) (6/10 Administrative Review). NOTE: Credit should only be awarded once for Talmud 163e, 263e, or 363e.

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