Jewish Studies

Online Adult Jewish learning
JIS Mission




Jewish Interactive Studies’ Vision

Jewish Interactive Studies (JIS) seeks to provide accessible Jewish education to Jewish adults of all educational and religious backgrounds. JIS will use the Internet for offering structured online courses that are based on study of classical Jewish texts.

Providing Jewish Adults with Accessible, Quality Jewish Education

Increasing numbers of Jewish adults seek to acquire or strengthen their Jewish education that was not available to them or that ended in their childhood. However, they are commonly held back as a result of time constraints and travel distances to attend live classes, academic discomfort in studying material that is above their level of Jewish education, and/or inability to pay course fees.

Since 1998, Jewish Interactive Studies has been developing an effective online program that has provided Over 4000 participants with accessible, quality Jewish education.

JIS courses offer you:

Convenience: course lectures can be read on or offline at participants’ convenient times and places.
Introductory-level study of classical Jewish sources: courses present Judaism through direct study of its classical texts. All texts are translated and explained in English, allowing adults at all levels of Jewish education to appreciate this treasure of Jewish knowledge and wisdom.
Relevance: courses demonstrate the timeless lessons of Judaism; course topics are of contemporary interest – e.g. "Origin of Judaism," "The Role of Prayer," "Encounters with G-d: principles of love and fear of G-d," "Getting along with other people – and yourself."
Personalized correspondence: participants can respond to optional questions posed in course lectures or submit their own questions or comments via email, and receive personalized responses from JIS staff.
Free courses: JIS courses are a free service to the Jewish community.
I invite you to view course information and a sample lecture from any of our online courses. Go to the left sidebar of links under "What We Offer." You can then register online at the "Course Registration" link.

Looking forward to welcoming you…

Rabbi Moshe Zauderer
Director, Jewish Interactive Studies

JIS Director


Rabbi Moshe Zauderer, director of JIS, is a former lecturer of Talmud, Jewish Law and Bible at Ohr Somayach College of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, Israel, where he directed the Jewish Educational Extensions Internet program.

Rabbi Zauderer received his Bachelor of Talmudic Studies from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland (USA), and has since been engaged in continuous post-graduate study in Jewish Law and Philosophy. He is also a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Maryland. Rabbi Zauderer currently lives with his wife and seven children in Jerusalem.




Bible Series:

Isaac

© 2007 Moshe Zauderer


Explore the Genesis narratives of the life of Isaac, father of the Jewish people, using classical Torah commentaries.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Marriage & Love
G-d's Historical Blueprint
Death & Burial
Balancing Spiritual and Material Pursuits
Modesty and clothing

Bible Series:
Jacob

© 2007 Moshe Zauderer


Explore the Genesis narratives of the life of Jacob, father of the Jewish people, using classical Torah commentaries.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Why G-d Wants Man to Pray
G-d's Promise of Jewish Continuity
The Jewish Work Ethic
Lessons of Survival in Jewish History
A Successful Connection to G-d
Qualities of Jewish Nationhood
Understanding Jewish Alone-ness

Holiday Handbook Series:
Purim Handbook

© 2007 Moshe Zauderer


Study The Structure And Deeper Meanings Of The Purim Holiday.

TOPICS INCLUDE:
Why do we commemorate the Purim story after two millennia?
The Historical Background to the Purim Story
Exchanging Food Gifts on Purim
Why We Masquerade on Purim
Historical Conflict between Amalek Nation and the Jewish People
The Lesson of Giving Charity on Purim
Purim Wine
Step-By-Step Study of the Megillah (Book of Esther)

Jewish Ethics Series (1):
Getting Along with People – and Yourself

© 2007 Moshe Zauderer


Probe the wisdom of King Solomon and the Sages.
Friendships: Making and keeping friends
Strife & Anger: Avoiding pitfalls
Judgment & Public Opinion: Character assessment
Integrity: At home and at work

Study the classical ethical sources...
Proverbs (9th century BCE) - The wisdom of King Solomon
Ethics of the Fathers (4th century BCE - 2nd century CE) - Compendium of ethical sayings of Jewish sages
...and their commentators:
Rabbi Shlomo [Rashi] (1040-1105, France)
Maimonides (1135-1204 Egypt)
Rabbi Yonah (1180-1263, Spain)
Rabbi Samson Hirsch (1808-1888 Germany)