Gershenfeld Booklet for Learning Chumash and Gur Aryeh
Gershenfeld Booklet for Learning Chumash and Gur Aryeh
[edit | edit source]Type: Curriculum Booklet / Study Guide
Author: Rabbi Beryl Gershenfeld
Series: Rabbi Gershenfeld — Learning Chumash
Format: 35-page illustrated study workbook (PDF)
Download: Gershenfeld Booklet for Learning Chumash and Gur Aryeh (PDF)
Description
[edit | edit source]This 35-page booklet is Rabbi Gershenfeld's primary curriculum guide for the structured study of Chumash with Rashi and the Gur Aryeh (Maharal of Prague). It is organized parsha by parsha through Sefer Bereishit and serves as the foundational learning framework for the Machon Journey Vaad's Chumash program. The booklet combines curated Rashi selections, structural overviews, grammatical and stylistic notes, vocabulary tables, and class presentation prompts into a single integrated study tool.
The booklet's design reflects Rabbi Gershenfeld's pedagogical approach: before engaging with the details of any parsha, the learner first acquires the "IMAX" — the overarching structural and thematic framework — and then fills in the details through Rashi and Maharal. Each unit is self-contained and can be used for independent study or as a classroom guide.
Structure of Each Parsha Unit
[edit | edit source]Each parsha unit in the booklet typically includes the following components:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| I. Crucial Rashis | A curated list of the most important Rashi commentaries for that parsha, organized by chapter and verse |
| II. Structural Overview | A high-level outline of the parsha's narrative structure, themes, and key events |
| III. Rashi's Style | Notes on grammatical and literary features of Rashi's commentary relevant to that parsha (e.g., use of the prefix "ל", transitive "vav", Targum Onkelos references) |
| IV. Vocabulary | A table of key Hebrew words from the parsha with translations, organized by chapter and verse |
| V. Grammar | Notes on grammatical forms and constructions that appear in the parsha |
| Class Presentations | Guided questions and discussion prompts for classroom or chavruta use |
Parshiot Covered
[edit | edit source]The booklet covers the following parshiot in Sefer Bereishit, with additional material for Shemos and Vayikra referenced in the companion Gur Aryeh reference sheet:
| Parsha | Sefer |
|---|---|
| Bereishit | Bereishit |
| Noach | Bereishit |
| Lech Lecha | Bereishit |
| Vayera | Bereishit |
| Chayei Sarah | Bereishit |
| Toldot | Bereishit |
| Vayetzei | Bereishit |
| Vayishlach | Bereishit |
| Vayeshev | Bereishit |
| Mikeitz | Bereishit |
| Vayigash | Bereishit |
| Vayechi | Bereishit |
How to Use This Booklet
[edit | edit source]This booklet is designed to be used in conjunction with a Chumash text, a Rashi commentary, and the Gur Aryeh. The recommended learning sequence for each parsha is as follows:
- Review the Structural Overview to understand the parsha's narrative arc and key themes before reading the text.
- Study the Crucial Rashis listed, reading each in context in the Chumash.
- Use the Vocabulary and Grammar sections to build fluency with the Hebrew text.
- Consult the Gur Aryeh reference sheet to identify which Maharal passages correspond to the Rashis being studied.
- Work through the Class Presentation questions for review and deeper engagement.
Related Resources
[edit | edit source]- Crucial Gur Aryehs for Bereishit, Shemos, and Vayikra — the companion 3-page Gur Aryeh reference index
- Shabbos: The Framework of Oneg and Kedusha — example shiur page from the Rabbi Gershenfeld Vaad series