Synagogue 2000 Curriculum

Torah Study Resources

The enclosed study texts have been selected with the themes of the Sacred Community curriculum in mind.

Each four-page study handout is self-contained. They include an introduction to the text and/or author, vocalized Hebrew text, translation and two sets of questions: one set about the text itself and a second set of questions about the connection between the text and our selves and our congregations.

These materials can be used in a variety of ways: for Torah study with the S2K team, as chevruta study material, or in other teaching and learning settings in the congregation. The texts come from a variety of sources, ranging from biblical and rabbinic classics to teachers of Musar, Hasidism and contemporary feminism. For example, the first set about chevruta study juxtaposes selections from Pirkei Avot and Rachel Adler. These "camera-ready" files are in PDF format, and are ready to printed or viewed with Adobe Acrobat. The files were originally designed to be printed as small, folded booklets (11x17) with the Hebrew and English facing each other, but of course you can print them on regular 8.5x11 paper, or read them on your screen.

You can also download a PDF version of the table of contents, which contains additional information about these texts.

These materials are copyright (C) 2002 by Synagogue 2000 and have been created for the exclusive use of Synagogue 2000 teams and their congregations. Please contact us for permission before any other use, reproduction, or distribution: 310-440-1218. Thank you.

We welcome your comments and reflections. Please feel free to contact us at staff@s2k.org.

1. Studying Torah With A Partner
   Mishnah, Pirkei Avot 1:6
   "The Juxtaposition of Text and Person"
2. Who Makes Up Our Community?
   The Prayers Ha-tzadikkim and Mi Shebeirach for the Congregation
3. Guidance on the Journey
   Genesis 37:12-18 and Commentaries
4. All For the Sake of Heaven
   Leviticus 1 and 2 and Commentaries
5. "Reprove Your Neighbor": Mutual Responsibility
   Midrash Tanhuma, Mishpatim 7
6. "Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue"
   Chafetz Chayim, "Laws Prohibiting Lashon Hara" 10:12
7. "A Communal Bill of Rights and Responsibilities"
   The Obligations of the Association of Rabbi Moses Cordovero
8. "Expand the Circle, Lift the Spirit"
   Likkutei Moharan #23