The Netivot Israel Class on Tefilah

In this class we look at the incredible history of the prayer Le'Olam Yihei Adam, which is included in almost every rite. We study the suggestions as to its authorship and the development of the Nuschaot.

In this class we discuss the custom of saying the Torah portion of the Akeidat Yitzchak (the binding of Isaac) before Shacharit. We also discuss the prayer said before and after the portion, which is sourced from the Rosh Hashana prayers.

In this class we explore the origins of the Selichot prayers, and we trace the enormously complex layers of development that brought the modern collections into existence.

In this class we examine the many (optional) morning additions that appeared in the Siddurim of the Modern era, such as Adon Olam and Yigdal. We trace some to medieval times and others to more recent developments.

In this class we explore the long history of Birchas HaTorah, from the Biblical times until today.

In this class we look at the final blessing of the morning blessings, Hamaavir Sheina. We examine its early history from the first source in Talmud Bavli, and we see parallel prayers that may have competed for its place. We also examine the relevant Yehi Ratzon formulas.

In this class we study the most controversial and complex of the Berachot of the "Birchot HaShachar". These 3 negative-tense blessings have a long history worthy of much exploration and thought. For more advanced students, I would recommend beginning your research with Joseph Tabory's article "The Blessings of Self-Identity" in Kenishta v. 1 (English, Bar Ilan University Pr...

In this class we take a unique look at the Kinah as a genre, rather than as a survey of the texts. I offer some periodization for the development of the Kinah as it relates to Tisha B'Av.

In this shiur we learn about the morning blessings recited over the activities one performs upon awaking, as prescribed in the Talmud Berachot 60b. We study the history and background, touch upon the homiletics, and discuss some Halachic matters.

In this class we study the origins and development of Elohai Neshama, as well as some of the parallel prayers that were said in other communities. We also take a brief look at Modeh Ani.

In this shiur we study the Beracha of Asher Yatzar from the time of the Gemara (Late Antiquity) until modern times. We look at its textual development, theology, and Halachic development throughout Jewish history.

In this shiur we introduce the topic of the Birchot HaShachar, the Morning Blessings. We learn about the first source for this practice, and discuss how Netilat Yadayim shaped the way we find the blessings fixed and ordered in our Siddur.

In this class we study the history of the Beracha as a liturgical formula and liturgical unit. We examine how the Beracha became the de facto liturgical formula for the Rabbanim and the various stages of its development.

In this class we study the development of the Seder HaTefilah (Liturgy) into a fixed form, and how that liturgy was eventually canonized. We then discuss its evolution into the codex that we call the Siddur, and finally its entry into the world of print.

This class is the first in a series exploring Tefilah (Jewish Liturgy). I provide an advanced introduction for students and scholars interested in beginning their studies in this field.

In this shiur we learn about the life and the Piyyut of R' Avraham Ibn Ezra, one of the great Spanish Rishonim.

In this shiur we take a closer look at R' Yehuda HaLevi's literary output, including the Sefer HaKuzari and his Piyyutim. You follow along using this PDF: http://nextbookpress.com/download/The_Selected_Poems_of_Yehuda_Halevi.pdf

In this shiur we learn about R' Yehuda HaLevi. We study his life and times in preparation for understanding his profound influence on the Jewish people in general and on Piyyut in specifics.

In this shiur we meet one of the greatest Spanish Payytanim, Moshe Ibn Ezra. We learn about his life, his thought, and his Piyyut.

In this shiur we learn about the great Rosh Yeshiva and Payytan of Lucena, R' Yitzchak Ibn Ghiyyat (often mispronounced as Gayuss). We study his Piyyut, his Torah, and his life and times.

In this shiur we learn about Shlomo Ibn Gabirol, one of the greatest Payytanim of all time.

In this shiur we recap our introduction to Spanish Hebrew Poetry, and study some of the people in the orbit of Dunash. We then learn about the life and times of Shmuel HaNaggid, and his incredible poetry.

In this shiur we introduce ourselves to Spanish medieval Hebrew poetry and Piyyut with the first Payytanim of Spain: Menachem Ben Saruk and Dunash Ibn Labrat.

In this shiur we discuss how the Selichot today are recited, and how the contemporary practices came to be.

In this shiur we study the early history and development of the Selichot and how they evolved into the customs that we are familiar with today in the month of Elul.