Friends of Mayanot Canada » Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies

2024-2025 school year

Women

Men

Test Online

In this class, students examine the most physical and ordinary life events through Chassidic lenses. Drawing inspiration from the weekly Torah portion, the Jewish calendar and current events, students explore Divinity in all of creation.

Bringing Heaven Down to Earth

Chassidut - Jewish Mysticism 101

This is a lecture-only course, and acquaints the student with some of the fundamental ideas which form the basis for Chassidic Philosophy. There are no prerequisites to this course as far as Hebrew language skills or previous study of Chassidut. However, it is highly recommended that the student bring an open mind and spirit coupled with a willingness to draw upon life experiences.

Chassidut - Jewish Mysticism 201

This course, which is part lecture and part independent one-on-one study, equips the student with the tools to study through a Chassidic Discourse independently. This includes the ability to understand the correct syntax and language usages as well as follow the logical development of the core concepts in the discourse.

The prerequisites for this course are:
1) A basic knowledge of Hebrew language, reading and comprehension.
2) A basic understanding of some of the fundamental ideas of Chassidut.

Chassidut - Jewish Mysticism 301

This course, which is part lecture and part independent one-on-one study, introduces the student to the depth and complex logic employed by Chassidut. It also features certain Chassidic discourses which are considered to be the core curriculum of Chassidut CHaBaD.
The prerequisites for this course are:
1) A fluency in basic Hebrew language, reading and comprehension.
2) The ability to study through a Chassidic discourse independently.

Chassidut - Jewish Mysticism

This course is part lecture and part independent one-on-one study. It introduces the student to the depth and complex logic employed by Chabad Chassidut. It features certain Chassidic Discourses which are considered to be the core curriculum of Chabad Chassidut.

Chumash

This course introduces the student to the text of the written Torah. The course is divided into two parts with two distinct goals. One furnishes the student with the necessary skills to analyze the classic commentary of Rashi, the other introduces the student to sophisticated analysis of a particular topic in the weekly portion.

Chumash

This is a challenging, in-depth Chumash class, focused on the development of key Chumash skills. Students are guided to prepare sections of the Hebrew text on their own, including the commentaries. The key commentaries, including Rashi, Ramban, Kli Yakar, Ohr Ha'chaim, Ibn Ezra, Baal Haturim, and Sifsei Chachamim, are all studied in their original Hebrew. Understanding the styles and questions of the different commentaries is a focus of this class. Besides the layers of insight and understanding which students gain into the passages of the Chumash, they leave with the priceless gift of being able to learn Chumash on their own. Basic knowledge of reading and understanding Hebrew is a prerequisite for this course.

Chumash and Halacha Quiz

In this interactive class students review questions based on the previous Torah portion with Rashi’s commentary. Students come to class having independently researched the answers to these questions in advance.

Chumash and Rashi

Rashi is considered to be the key commentary on the Tanach. In this class students learn the skill of how to properly study Rashi focusing on the weekly Torah portion.

Chumash and Rashi Review

This class helps students prepare for the weekly quiz. Students learn how to decipher Rashi’s answers to the many questions.

Conflicts in Genesis

This class is an in depth analysis of the stories in Genesis through the eyes of the commentaries, the Midrash, and Chassidut. Discussion is encouraged as students delve into some of the conflicts in the first book of the Torah.

Contemporary Halachic Issues

This course introduces the student to the methodology of contemporary Halachic derivation and legislation. This course includes a survey of Jewish legal texts and responsa which shed light on contemporary issues confronting Halacha, such as euthanasia, abortion and business ethics.

Contemporary Halachic Issues

This course provides students with an overview of the Halachic perspective to contemporary issues. The course focuses on the interface between Torah and the modern world and draws from the classical texts of Judaism, including the vast storehouse of responsa literature. This is a lecture style class and there is no Hebrew language prerequisite.

Essential Discourses In Chassidut

This is a lecture only course that aims to acquaint the student with some of the fundamental ideas which form the basis for Jewish Mysticism. There are no prerequisites to this course as far as Hebrew language skills are concerned, nor is previous knowledge or experience in the study of Mysticism necessary.

Forays in Jewish Thought

A survey style lecture course of study of the philosophical foundations of Judaism. Readings of classical Jewish philosophical and theological works with an emphasis on their contemporary relevance.

Footsteps of Jerusalem

In this class students are guided on short trips in and around Jerusalem to sites of biblical, archaeological and historical interest, as well as to some nature sites. Each site is brought to life with stories about the people who lived there and events that took place at each location.

Guided Independent Learning

Also known as Chavruta (Aramaic for "friend"). This is a traditional approach to Jewish learning, in which pairs study a shared topic in invigorating discussion and lively debate. Students are encouraged to team up with each other and explore any chosen subject. A teacher is present to assist and answer questions.

Halacha 101

This course introduces the student to basic laws essential to practical Jewish living. The course surveys the laws of Kashrut, Shabbat and Prayer as well as the laws pertaining to topical Jewish festivals. There are no Hebrew text ability prerequisites for this course.

Halacha 101

In this course, students learn day-to-day, practical Jewish laws, customs, and rituals.

Halacha 200

In this course, students learn how to trace Jewish law back to its original source in the primary texts and follows through the different stages of its development leading to the practical Halachic implications as it features in the Shulchan Aruch, the Code of Jewish Law. Basic knowledge of reading and understanding Hebrew is a prerequisite for this course.

Halacha 201

This course introduces the student to basic Halachic texts in the original Hebrew. The 'Shulchan Aruch' and 'Shulchan Aruch HaRav' are some of the texts studied. The course focuses on selected topics including lifecycle events, daily practice as well as laws topical to the Jewish calendar. To enter this course the student should have a basic but solid grasp of Hebrew reading and a rudimentary level of comprehension.

Halacha 401

This advanced course in Halacha consists primarily of guided one-on-one study ('chavruta'). The course introduces the student to the complex methodology of Halacha through in-depth study of the texts, including Tur, Shulchan Aruch, Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Sha"Ch, T"aZ and the Magen Avraham. To enter this course of study the student must have proficient Hebrew reading and comprehension skills and has generally graduated from Talmud 204.

Inner Dimensions of the Parsha

In this class, students analyze the Parsha through the eyes of Kabbala and Chassidut. It is fascinating to uncover the layers of meaning within each week's Torah portion and to apply the deep lessons to our own lives.

Inner Perspective

This class explores different topics that often have misconceptions attached to them. This a discussion type class where we do some “Myth Shattering”, showing the authentic Jewish perspective on various theoretical and practical themes.

Jewish History

This introduces the student to the history of Jewish tradition and the development of Torah in the context of, and with particular emphasis on its relation to, World and Jewish History throughout the ages. The course begins at the point of creation in the book of Genesis and concludes with the creation of the State of Israel in modern times.

Jewish History

In this lively class students will travel the course of Jewish History from creation until today. Students meet amazing personalities, visit various interesting communities and stop at the high and low points in our history.

Jewish Life Cycles

This class explores the special ceremonies and celebrations that mark important stages in a Jewish person's journey through life. This includes occasions such as Bris (circumcision), Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, marriage, happiness and mourning.

Jewish Philosophy

In this class students study the Thirteen Fundamental Principles of Faith derived from the Torah by Maimonides. Maimonides refers to the Thirteen Principles of Faith as the primary pillars of Judaism and its very foundation. The Thirteen Principles of Faith are the authoritative articulation of the fundamentals of the Jewish Faith.

Judaism 101

This class engages the students in heated discussions on all topics and areas in Judaism. Students are encouraged to question; then, the class addresses these issues, bringing it all the way back to its source. The time allotted for this lesson is never enough.

Living Torah

This class takes each weeks Torah portion and relates it to everyday events and issues. Through this class, students learn how to apply this timeless wisdom to their contemporary life.

Love, Dating and Marriage

In this class students discuss love, dating and marriage according to the perspective of Kabbala, Chassidut, and an observant Jewish life-style, with lively discussions, debates, eye-opening games, activities, personality typologies, and more.

Mishna

Mishna is the primary rabbinic text. In this class students learn to analyze Mishna by breaking it into cases and Halachot. This class consists of Chavruta (study partners) learning followed by a class, and requires basic skills in reading and understanding Hebrew.

Mishna

This course introduces the student to the methodology of the Mishna. The student learns to delineate and define the text of the Mishna into the two subcategories;
1) Case
2) Law
Additionally, this course plays a pivotal role by introducing the student to classical Hebrew through the Mishnaic text. The class is divided into equal parts preparation (one-on-one study) and interactive group learning.

My Jewish Family and Myself

This class aims to explore the meaning of building a Jewish home against the backdrop of who I am and where am I coming from. By becoming aware of one's inner reality and shaping influences, one's goals and dreams, and the Torah's directives, we can develop the awareness to choose and grow toward our ideal home in a healthy, balanced and integrated way. Students also have fun expressing their creative side in art, writing, and music.

Nach

This class intends to give students insight into our foremost text, the Tanach. Students delve into the text and traditional commentaries, as well as gaining a contemporary perspective which connects the text to the land and the people. Basic knowledge of reading and understanding Hebrew is a prerequisite for this course.

Navi

In this course, students analyze the book of Samuel as the book that records the Jewish people's transition from twelve tribes living in proximity to each other, to an organized and unified kingdom, and the growing pains that all of that entails. The course also uses the book of Samuel as a springboard to launch students into familiarity with academic as well as traditional Bible study and Jewish philosophy.

Navigating Jerusalem with Biblical Episodes

This exciting course explores particular episodes and stories of the Prophets and the Writings which are related to specific locations in and around Jerusalem. Culminating in an extensive tour with sources in hand, the stories come alive in front of you.

Parsha

This course gives an overview of the weekly Torah portion, including its pertinent message to us today. This is a lecture style class and there is no Hebrew language prerequisite.

Pirkei Avot - Ethics of our Fathers

This interactive class on Pirkei Avot, the archetypal book on Jewish ethics composed 2,000 years ago, explores how relevant and enlightening those words are today. Students share their life experiences and measure them against these ancient words of wisdom. Topics include typologies, societal norms, true love, women and the Jewish home.

Philosophy of the Rambam (Maimonides)

This course will introduce the students to selected readings of the Rambam (Maimonides), which form the basis for discussion of the fundamental concepts of Jewish thought. Free will, reward and punishment, the world to come, Divine service based on love and fear, the messianic age and redemption are among the topics discussed.

Readings in Maimonides

In this class students will get familiar with the writings of one of the foremost pillars of Jewish Law and Philosophy - Maimonides.

Shulchan Aruch - Jewish Law

In this class students will study practical Jewish Law from the Shulchan Aruch - The Code of Jewish Law.

Soul of Song

Singing has been a part of the Jewish tradition since the splitting of the sea after the exodus from Egypt. Thousands of years later, the Chassidic masters placed a great emphasis on the singing of nigunim – tunes without words - making soulful melodies a part of Chasidic daily life and worship. This class teaches the historical nigunim of many Chassidic Rebbes.

Stump the Rabbi / Rebbetzin

Students fearlessly tackle any and every question they have about Judaism. Be prepared to challenge and be challenged! The only requirement for this class is an open mind.

Talmud

This class introduces the student to the methodology, terminology, logic and basic structure of the Talmud. In this class students learn the skills to independently be able to decipher a Talmudic passage. The method used in this class is the “SQAP” (Statement – Question – Answer – Proof) method, introduced by Rabbi Boruch Kaplan, a senior Talmud teacher at the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies.

Talmud

Utilizing a goal-oriented curriculum, Mayanot’s innovative Eight-Step Talmud Program gives students, with little or no background in Jewish learning, the necessary skills to be able to study Talmud on their own.

1. Talmud – 101:
Introduction to the Methodology of the Talmud
Understanding historical and textual context.

2. Talmud – 102:
Introduction to the Terminology of the Talmud
Familiarization with terminology, logic, and structure.

3. Talmud – 201:
Comprehension of the Talmud
Understanding the text with a tutorial.

4. Talmud – 202:
Advanced Comprehension of the Talmud
Understanding the text independently.

5. Talmud – 203:
Rashi
Acquiring the tools to navigate the classic commentary of Rashi.

6. Talmud – 401:
Tosafot
Acquiring the tools to navigate the commentary of the Tosafot.

7. Talmud – 402:
Lomdus
Analyzing the text utilizing the unique Talmudic process.

8. Talmud – 403:
Sugyot
Application of Talmudic logical process to Jewish legislation.

Talmud - Tractate Taanit

In this class students learn ancient Jewish wisdom from its original source - the Talmud (Gemara). In this beginners course students are trained to decipher the questions and answers of the Gemara and acquire the skills for future study.

Tanach: A Survey Course

This course is a lecture style survey of selected texts of the Prophets and the Writings. The curriculum follows the structure of the weekly Haftara (selection from the Prophets, read in synagogue weekly on Shabbat) enabling the student to acquire a broad-base knowledge while simultaneously appreciating the context of the selection within the text, and its fundamental relationship to their respective weekly Torah portions. The course uncovers the richness of the prophets by exploring their works against the backdrop of the Biblical Jewish journey.

Tanya

Written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), Tanya is the central text of Chabad Chassidut. It's stated aim is to show a path to realizing ones purpose and developing a deeper relationship with G-d.

Tanya

Tehillim - Psalms

This class is an in-depth study of King David’s Tehillim (Psalms). This is used as a springboard for learning how to speak to G-d both in organized prayer and in a personal individual manner.

Topics in Chassidut - Jewish Mysticism

An inspiring weekly seminar course focusing on a specific concept of topical spiritual significance. This course introduces the student to the world of Chassidut – a unique form of mystical Judaism, fusing reason and faith within the context of a coherent theosophical system.

Topics in Talmud

In this class students take topics in Halacha (Jewish Law) and trace them from their source in the Talmud and then down to their practical application. The ability to read Hebrew is a prerequisite for this class.

Ulpan 101

This class is an introduction to Hebrew and motivates the students to learn Hebrew in depth. The course includes learning popular songs, reading jokes and magazines, and learning handy phrases, basic grammar, slang, and practical Hebrew. Additionally, students discuss Israeli society within history, politics, and religion, while constantly expanding their vocabulary and understanding of life in Israel.

Ulpan 200

This is a classical Ulpan where the focus is on learning the verbs, vocabulary, and Modern Hebrew so students can go outside and speak. In addition to textbook learning, the students also learn stories about places and people in the history of Israel, songs, and current events.

Ulpan 101

Studying Hebrew in English, this beginner level of Ulpan introduces students to the Hebrew language based on the renowned immersion methodology of Rabbi Shlomo Eitan. The main focus is basic written and spoken Hebrew with minimal attention on grammar.

Ulpan 102

Studying Hebrew in Hebrew, this intermediate level of Ulpan emphasizes Hebrew Grammar and conversational Hebrew. You can study in Ulpan 101 and this course concurrently.

Ulpan 103

Studying Hebrew in Hebrew, this advanced level emphasizes Grammar and Classical Hebrew readings from the Tanach.

Women in Tanach

In this class, students learn about feminine personalities throughout the Tanach - matriarchs, prophetesses and other prominent women. Students explore the character traits, relationships and actions of these historic women, and try to apply it to their lives.

Women

Men

Yeshiva 2

Yeshiva 1

JSP

inspirational

skills

knowledge

*Unless otherwise noted, the first day of all men’s programs start at 4:00pm and all women’s programs at 2:30pm.

*For any questions, please email Admin@Mayanot.edu

Please scroll to the bottom for:
Gap Year Program Dates (PHS + Shana Bet)

Spring 2025

SPRING SEMESTER

Monday, January 13th, 2025 – Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
13th of Tevet, 5785 – 28 of Sivan, 5785

PESACH BREAK

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 (no classes this day) – Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025
5th of Nissan, 5785 – 24th of Nissan, 5785

Classes Resume – Wednesday April 23rd, 2025 – 25th of Nissan, 5785

Post High School Program / Shana Bet – See dates below.

Summer 2025

SUMMER PROGRAM

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 – Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
6th of Tammuz, 5785 – 12th of Av, 5785

Dorms open – Tuesday July 1st, 2025 – 5th of Tammuz, 5785

Fall 2025

FALL PROGRAM

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 – TBA
9th of Elul, 5785 -TBA

Gap Year Program Dates (PHS + Shana Bet)

Program Dates

The Mayanot gap year program begins Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at 4:00 pm and ends Sunday, June 8th 2025.

The dormitories will be opening on Tuesday, September 3rd for students to settle down into.

There will be classes until the day after Yom Kippur.

Then there is a sukkot break from Sunday, October 13th until Monday, October 28th. The dormitories will remain open.
Classes will resume Tuesday, October 29th.

Chanukah Break is from Friday, December 27th – Wednesday, January 1st at 9:00am.

Pesach Break is from Sunday, March 30th until Wednesday, April 23rd.

Classes will resume Thursday, April 24th at 9:00am. Students must arrive back from Pesach break on time for classes.

The program ends on Sunday, June 8th. Students are not to leave before then. Dorms Close Tuesday, June 10th.

Short Term Educational Program

Lone Soldier Residential Center

The Beit Midrash Program

Post High School Learning Program

Experiential Jewish Education Program

Birthright Extension Educational Program

Start Up Idea Lab

Israel Advocacy Training