Welcome to the TOVAH Institute

TOVAH is the Adult Education Program of the UMJC.

TOVAH's goal is to make high quality adult education courses available to  UMJC congregations.

What TOVAH Can Do For You!

What does your synagogue’s Adult Education program look like?  Several congregations now use TOVAH as an integral part of their ongoing adult education program, hosting sessions annually, semi-annually, even quarterly. 

Since its inception in 2003, TOVAH has brought 18 classes to 9 different locations, and taught over 300 students.  TOVAH enables you to bring any of a number of excellent Messianic scholars to your synagogue to teach from a broad selection of topics, such as Shabbat Observance in the Home; individual books of the Bible; The Jews In America.  Watch for classes to be announced.

                                                Director:  Rabbi Barney Kasdan

MESSIANIC JEWISH BIBLICAL STUDIES

Torah: A Messianic Perspective

A survey of the Books of Moses with special emphasis on issues relevant to   Messianic Judaism.

Former Prophets : Joshua - II Kings

 A survey of the Rishonim with attention given to the  spiritual lessons found in this foundational time of Israel's history.

Later Prophets : Isaiah - Malachi

A survey of the Achronim with attention given to the message and context of these    dynamic personalities of Israel's history.           

The Holy Writings : Psalms - II Chronicles

An overview of the poetical literature along with the history and lessons found in       the Ketuvim.

The Gospels in Their Jewish Context

A fresh look at Yeshua within his context of first century Judaism. Special emphasis will be given to the message and application of Messiah's teaching     within Messianic Judaism.

Acts: Messianic Jewish History

An important survey of this historical book of the New Covenant.  It will highlight     the development of first century Messianic Judaism within the Jewish community as well as among non-Jews.

The New Covenant Letters in Their Jewish Context

A survey of the history, background and theology of the various epistles of the first  century messianic community (Romans - Jude).

Messianic Jewish Hermeneutics : Tools For Study

A study of the important methods for interpretation and application of the Scriptures to  the life of the believer.  Special attention is given to both rabbinic and Christian approaches.

Messianic Jewish Apologetics : Reasons To  Believe  ( I & II)

            I. Messianic Prophecy - A survey of key messianic predictions and fulfillment in the                                                            Scriptures.

            II. External Evidences- A survey of other sources that confirm the veracity of the                                                                 Scriptures (e.g. outside historical writings, archaeology).

Israel, the Middle East and Future Events

            A detailed study of the central place of Israel as a people and the modern nation in               relation to the Middle East.  Based on prophetic passages of the Tenakh with a special         focus of the Book of Revelation.

Messianic Jewish Theology  (I, II & III)

            A topical survey of these foundational doctines of  Messianic Judaism.

            I. Scripture, God, Messiah

            II. Man, Salvation, Holy Spirit

            III. Synagogue Life,  Messianic Kingdom

*Any Bible course may be a survey or divided into individual books

TOPICAL JEWISH STUDIES

Jewish History from Talmudic Times to Modern Israel  (I, II & III)

            I. Classical Judaism - Talmud to Medieval Period   (70 CE - 650 CE)

            II. Medieval Judaism - Medieval Period to Spanish Expulsion  (650 CE - 1492 CE)

            III. Modern Jewish History - Spanish Expulsion to Modern Israel  (1492 CE - Present)

The Holocaust

A detailed focus on the events, history and effects of the Shoah upon the Jewish community.    

Biblical Hebrew  (I & II)

            I. Beginning - Alef Bet to reading

            II. Intermediate - Selected Readings In The Tenakh

Introduction to Talmud  (I & II)

            I. Survey - An overview of Talmudic thought, philosophy and theology.

            II. Readings - Selected readings in the Mishna and Gemara.

Shabbat Observance In The Home

A practical workshop delving into the Scriptural and traditional practices for Shabbat.

Jewish Holy Days 

A biblical and rabbinic overview of all the festivals with special emphasis on traditional   practices and application in the life of Messianic believers.

Jewish Lifecycle

A biblical and rabbinic overview of all the Jewish lifecycle events and their related   customs such as Brit Milah, Bar/Bat Mitzah, wedding and the Jewish perspective on death and mourning.

Jewish Customs

A biblical and rabbinic overview of the major customs and traditions within Judaism and  how they apply to the Messianic believer such as kashrut, mezuzah, tallit and tefillin.

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

Messianic Jewish Leadership

Principles for successful leadership in the local synagogue.

Messianic Jewish Children's Education

Philosophy and programs for a fruitful children's and youth program in the local synagogue.

Worship Music Workshop

Philosophy and application of worship music within the local synagogue ministry.

Liturgy Workshop

Philosophy and application of liturgical worship within the local synagogue ministry.

Dance Workshop

Philosophy and application of dance worship within the local synagogue ministry.

Outreach In The Community

Philosophy and programs for a fruitful messianic outreach into the local community.

Creative Synagogue Programs For Growth

Philosophy and application of principles for fruitful growth in the messianic synagogue        ministry.

Vision and Policies for the UMJC TOVAH Adult Education Program

The Vision of TOVAH

The vision TOVAH (Teaching Our Values and Heritage) is to provide the synagogues of the UMJC with a vibrant Adult Education Program.  While there are other venues for training rabbis within our movement, TOVAH is designed to equip and encourage the adult lay community in our local synagogues.  By strengthening the adults in our congregations, we will be strengthening the overall ministry and effectiveness of our messianic communities.

The Structure of TOVAH

TOVAH classes are designed to be short and intensive so that the maximum amount of people can take advantage of their benefits.  Each class is structured around an 8-hour shabbaton format in the the local synagogue.  A list of approved courses is available from the TOVAH Director.  The class could take place within a full day on a Sunday (eg. 9:00am-5:00pm) or it could be split on both Shabbat and Sunday (eg. 3:00pm-6:00pm Shabbat; 10:00am-3:00pm Sunday).  Providing a class in this short format will make the TOVAH program very accessible even to those who have full-time employment.  Likewise, since the course is brought to the local congregation, there is no need for the extra expense of travel or hotel.  TOVAH courses may be audited or taken for credit by taking a final exam and writing a 5-page paper on a relevant topic of the class.  Upon completion of 10 TOVAH courses for credit, a student will be eligible for a TOVAH Certificate in Messianic Jewish Studies.

The Fee For a TOVAH Course

A minimal fee of $40 per student will encourage a larger group of students to attend each class. 

The Responsibilities of the Local Synagogue For a TOVAH Course

A local congregation which desires to host a TOVAH course has some key responsibilities.  They must choose a class and an approved instructor.  A completed TOVAH Course Request Sheet must be completed and submitted to the TOVAH Director for approval.  Once these details are confirmed, the synagogue is responsible to provide all travel expenses for the approved instructor, a hotel or private room in a home and a $500.00 honorarium for the instructor.  An appropriate and comfortable classroom for the course must be provided with any requested tools (overhead projector, powerpoint, etc).  The local synagogue must provide all printed materials (syllabus, etc.) and order the appropriate textbook for the course.  The honorarium for the instructor is guaranteed by the synagogue and may be taken from the class registration fees.  All associated costs can likewise be deducted also from the registration fees.  Whatever profit remains from the fees are to be split evenly between the local synagogue and the UMJC.

The Responsibilities of the Instructor

TOVAH courses are to be taught by leaders approved by the TOVAH Administrative Committee.  The TOVAH Director will keep a list of approved teachers and the classes which they are able to teach.  This may include congregational leaders within the UMJC or approved teachers not affiliated with the UMJC.  The Instructor is required to submit a syllabus and textbook information to the congregation no less than 30 days before the class is taught.