Encouraging and empowering every Jewish woman to continue studying Torah
Chemdah, a unique online program, was designed to encourage and empower women of all ages and all walks of life to continue learning Torah. Interactive community style courses, or independent studies, think of Chemdah as an online shiur for women that provides the flexibility to attend and participate as their schedules allow. Women learn when they want, how they want, with the materials provided to them and a teacher available to answer to guide them through.
Courses
Accelerated Chumash 101: Part 1
How to navigate Chumash Pronouns: feminine
Gematrias
Prefixes alone and in combination.
Prepositions
Prepositional Prefixes
Specific Direct Object
Nouns: Feminine and Masculine
Nouns: Singular and Plural
Adjectives: Feminine and Masculine
Adjectives: Singular and Plural
Nouns and adjectives with the definite prefix ה
Demonstratives
סמיכות: When 2 nouns are placed next to each other: Different implications
Pronouns: Subjective, Objective, Possessive
Masculine
Demonstratives
Verb Tenses: Future
Weak Letters of a שורש, or root letters of a verb
The ו׳ that switches tenses from future to past
טעמיה מקרא: The musical notes for reading the Torah
Integrating the concepts in the lessons above.
Accelerated Chumash 101: Part 2
Prepositions: more complex ones than before
Pronoun suffixes
יש/אין: What there is/What there is not
ה׳ השאלה: The letter ה that indicates a question
Start integrating your knowledge in longer passage translations
Possessive Pronouns
Ordinal Numbers
Verbs with Pronoun Suffixes
Objective Suffixes
Verb Tenses: Present, Feminine and Masculine
ה׳ ההגמה: The ה that indicates “to”
Verb Tenses: The whole picture
ה plus a present tense verb
VerbTenses: Command
Objective Suffixes
Verb Tenses: מקור
Binyanim: קלונפעל ,פיעלופועל ,הפעיל והופעל ,התפעל, Lots on מקור בנינים
This course on the Baal Haturim and the Kli Yakar is the third in the 4-part Chumash series highlighting different commentaries in each course. Each course was finely prepared to give the student an inspiring look at the persona of each commentary and an insight into the depth and meaning of their writing.
Rashi is one of the first and prime commentators on Chumash, holding a special place amongst the gallery of giants who have given us clarity and insight into the Torah.
Rashi’s comments are so inextricably interwoven with the Torah, that it is universally accepted that the starting point to understanding the Torah's intention, is to study Rashi's hand-in-hand with the verses. It is therefore appropriate that this course starts with understanding the structure, methodology, nuances, and layers of Rashi and howthese give us a greater awareness of the meaning and depth of the Torah.
Due to Rashi’s critical role in understanding the Torah, there are many super-commentaries who unpack the vision and meaning of Rashi. We will also examine what these luminaries bring to our appreciation of Rashi – the first teacher ofJewish students for over 900 years.
In this course, Students will delve into Rashi’s commentary on the Chumash, specifically on the sections of the שש זכירות.You will come away with a clearer understanding of themost common commentaries on Rashi that illuminate why Rashi thinks and commentsthe way that he does. One of the goals of this course is for students to gainindependence in the study of מפורשי רש״י so that they can study them regularlyand with ease in their own learning projects.
Ramban presents us with a panoramic view of the Torah. Incisive examinations of Torah sections flow into profound explorations of the foundations of Judaism. P’shat and Medrash are coupled with innovative explanations of both the rationale and the benefits of theMitzvos. Here, for the first time, a wider readership was introduced to Kabbalistic explanations of the Torah.History is woven in touts fabric, the natural world a part of its canvas. Both lovingly respectful ofhis great predecessors and fiercely independent, the Ramban forged a unique path in Torah.In this course, you will walk that path and be enriched by its panoramic view.
Chassidus is a soaring philosophy that addresses the most profound issues of G-d, man, nature, good and evil, the purpose of life, and traversing spiritual worlds. It is a fascinating intellectual pursuit that can delve into the most abstract and spiritual topics, yet also speaks to our human emotions and character development. It is deeply contemplative, yet a constant call to action. It is an inward-looking guide to our personal spiritual self-perfection and an outward-looking vehicle to perfecting the world.
Are all these contradictory qualities simply disjointed, unrelated features or are they somehow inter-related? Rabbi Fishman shows us how they are related, and how the power of these connections can enrich our lives.
In this course, we will plunge into the deep wisdom of Sefer Koheles and learn how it can be applied to our personal lives in a practical manner.
The course is divided into 12 units based on topic such as:
1. Searching for True Value
2. A Time forEverything
3. UnderstandingApparent Injustice
4. Purpose ofLife, Human Interactions
5. Interesting Characters- The poor, smart boy and the old, foolish king, The Evil Woman
6. MeaningfulSpeech
7. MaterialWealth and Possessions
8. Prioritizing- Greater Than and Maximize Life!
And more! Each unit includes a video lecture as well as a discussion board forum where students can discuss and concretize the lessons learned.
Some units have relevant homework assignments to further enhance appreciation of the topic. Together, we will come to appreciate whatis truly valuable and how to lead a deeply meaningful life based on the teachings of Shlomo HaMelech.
Come join us as we delve into the deep and timeless lessons of Sefer Mishlei, Shlomo HaMelech’s eye-opening sefer, providing guidance on many aspects of life.
In this course, we will explore Sefer Mishlei based on topics and come to a deeper appreciation of: 1. TrueWisdom
2.The Power of Speech
3. A TorahPerspective on Wealth
4. Enhancing our Interpersonal Relationships
5. The Eishes Chayil
6. Chinuch Messages and Positivity.
And more!
This stimulating course will include video lectures, analysis of textual sources, meaningful discussions and creative assignments that will convey the eternal relevance of Sefer Mishlei.
In this Pirkei Avos course, we will analyze teachings of the Mishnah that impart Torah ethics about our relationship with G-d, Torah and our fellow human beings. A focus is placed on practical application of these lessons into our personal lives.
The course is divided into 12 units including:
1. Avodas HaMiddos
2. Appreciating the Torah
3. Planning for the Future (עולם הבא)
4. Learning and Teaching
5. Judging Favorably
6. Influence of our Environment
7. Taking Responsibility
8. InterpersonalRelationships
9. Understanding our World in Multiples of 10
10. The Chapter of the Acquisition of Torah
And more!
Each unit includes a video lecture as well as a discussion board forum where students can discuss and concretize the lessons learned. Some units have relevant homework assignments to further enhance appreciation of the topic. The timeless lessons of Pirkei Avos build us into better people who can impact the world positively.
11th Century Torah Scholar Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki is renowned for his clear, concise, and comprehensive commentary on the Torah. His commentary, referred to simply as “Rashi”, has been studied for generations by young and old alike. And it’s no surprise – Rashi wrote his commentary with the goal of it being understandable and accessible to all. In Rashi’s own words, “I have come to explain the most basic interpretation of the Torah.”
In many of his published talks, the Lubavitcher Rebbe takes a unique approach in his scholarly analysis of Rashi. He derives meaningful, practical life lessons from the texts.
In this course, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the Rebbe’s approach to learning Rashi. Through the text-based study of multiple Sichos, you’ll develop the skills necessary to learn Rashi Sichos independently and learn insightful lessons, with practical applications for the Jewish woman in the 21st century. By engaging in the Rebbe’s unique style of study and internalizing his worldview, you’ll walk away informed, inspired, and empowered by the message of Jewish Femininity.
In this groundbreaking course, Rabbi Jacobson gives us insights and skills into his inimitable style of public speaking. There are so many opportunities in life where public speaking skills will add to your success, and you will walk away with this valuable skillset.
This series incorporates both the Hashkafa and Halacha, the ethics and practice related to Jewish Family Life.Mrs. Sara Karmely lectures extensively around the world in college campuses, synagogues, and other venues about all aspects of Family Life from the perspective of Torah observance. Included in this course is a PDF of pictures and summaries of all the units included. We hope you find this enlightening and interesting.
This course is designed as an Independent Study course that outlines the structure of the calendar that couples keep aspart of the מצוה of טהרת המשפחה. In 42 minutes, you will gain clarity into the structure of the calendar which makes asking questions so much easier. It is based according to the teachings of the Shulchan Aruch Harav. Any questions that you personally have should be addressed to your Rav who is competent in this area of הלכה.
Highlighting the lives of 10 women, some of whom you may not yet have heard of, let alone studied, welcome to Women in Nach: Biblical Figures, Contemporary Lessons.
Featuring: Chanah, Devorah, Rus,Rachav, Michal, Avigail, the Tekoite, the Shunamite, The wife of Ovadia, and Esther.
This course involves reviewing the text with basic commentaries of the woman being studied either alone or with a friend. Then, you will learn from Mrs. Touger's presentation work about other commentaries and perspectives. You will be enlightened by Gemara's, Yalkut Shimoni, Malbim and others.
Everything has been translated from the original. Although you do not have to write papers or take tests, all ofthe resources and topics to research independently are available in the course material for you to read alone. The major focus of these independent assignments is for the student to think out of the box and see how the lives of these women can truly be role models for us in the 21st Century.
After all, there were prophets, נביאים, as numerous as those who left Egypt. What happened to them?Why do we notknow who they were?Because their messages did not have the impact foreternity. That these stories and prophesies are available to us to learn from is a sign that they are meant for us to study and learn from in a personal way.
This course covers both first and second Bais Hamikdash time periods. This course enables the students to benefit from the origonal biblical sources in an interactive way.
As well, studetns will become familiar with archeological discovereies related to this era.
This highly interactive course is a full 20 modules of the biblical laws of Jewish life of Shabbos in the contaxt of the modern kitchen. It is developed by both lecture and sophistic simultaneous graphics in the modern context demonstrating the framework and application of the laws. The Shabbos laws are most intrricate and the practical depiction of them is both unique and mandetory in it's scope. The modern technological advances bring nre challenges in the application of Halacha and must be addtreessed for the benefit of lay leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Welcome back! Chemdah has courses available for beginners from all walks of life. These courses are more basic and focus on skill building, packed with knowledge.
Yes, happily! We have courses to strengthen your Judaic skills by building on what you already know. We’ll help you brush up, so you can keep up.
No tests, no homework. Just quality Torah learning where written and video materials are provided to enhance your learning experience. You have access to the course and course materials for an average of 12 weeks. Learn at ease, on your schedule.