Teachers who want to learn how to educate children with special needs within the Jewish classroom can now achieve that goal at Hebrew College's Eli and Bessie Cohen Summer Institutes. Beginning this June, the College will offer the first of two intensive summer sessions plus supervised field work during the school year, enabling participants to earn a Certificate in Jewish Special Education by the end of summer 2005.

The concentrated program, equivalent to Hebrew College's existing special education curriculum, is designed to accommodate the schedules of Jewish educators who work during the academic year. Jewish Special Education Director Dr. Scott M. Sokol says that the summer format "will help to network Jewish special educators as well as set the agenda for Jewish special education nationally."

Also new this summer, students of all levels and backgrounds, college-age and above, can participate in a 10-day, intensive study program at the Rabbinical School's Bet Midrash, led by Assistant Professor of Rabbinics Dr. Jonah Steinberg and Bet Midrash Instructor Or Rose. Combining classroom and hevrutah study, the program will address Authority and Diversity in Classical Rabbinic and Hasidic Sources. Students will participate in seminar-format discussions and first-hand encounters with primary sources, exploring the fellowship of learning with peers who have diverse approaches to Judaism. Guest speakers and scholars will enhance the program with lunchtime and evening presentations.

As in previous years, the 2004 Summer Institutes will include: Hebrew language instruction; two-week, graduate-level courses, including one on origins of Hasidism taught by Dr. Gershon D. Hundert, professor and chair of the Department of Jewish Studies at McGill University; as well as weeklong intensives for Hebrew teachers and Hebrew College Online master's students. Hebrew language instruction will span seven levels, offering students the opportunity to study with outstanding instructors and complete the equivalent of up to two semester-long courses in one summer. Ulpan immersion classes will be offered as well.

Summer programming has expanded at Hebrew College in response to growing student interest. "Summer institutes at Hebrew College have quickly become a real learning destination," says Provost Barry Mesch.

Summer Institutes run June 14–August 20. For dates, schedules and financial aid information, log on to hebrewcollege.edu/summer2004, call 617-559-8610 or email admissions@hebrewcollege.edu.

Photo by Ben Harmon

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