(Courtesy of YU) Yeshiva University’s Graduate Program of Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS) has launched a new online learning program called “Inside the GPATS Beit Midrash” to provide expert, in-depth analysis of core Jewish texts. People from all over the world will now join the classrooms of renowned faculty and alumni of GPATS as they teach six-part courses online in Gemara, Tanach and Halacha. The goal of the program is to leverage technology to share the insights of GPATS faculty and alumni with a much wider audience.

Nechama Price, director of GPATS, will teach Hilchot Niddah in the in-depth, textually rooted style that she uses in her advanced course at Stern College. She will provide students with a deeper understanding of the rules and practical halacha of niddah in today’s society. This course will take place on Saturday nights from 8-9 p.m. (December 3-January 7).

“The inspiration for these online courses is that we regularly hear from community members that they want to take GPATS classes as members of the wider public,” said Professor Price. “This gives everyone the opportunity to be part of the GPATS community and experience the amazing scholarly insights of our renowned teachers.”

Dena Block, assistant director of Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Center, and alumna of GPATS, will teach a Gemara (Sanhedrin) skills crash course on Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m. (November 30-January 4). The class will help students acquire basic Gemara learning skills, including reading, understanding and analysis.

Dr. Michelle Levine, associate professor at Stern College for Women and an expert in the Tanach track of GPATS, will be offering a six-part series on Mondays from 8-9 p.m. (January 23-February 27) on “Parshanut: Medieval Commentators’ Methodologies.: This class will explore the analytical methodology of medieval commentators as they aim to elucidate the dynamics of biblical texts using the tools of peshat and derash including Rashi, Rashbam, Ramban and Seforno.

GPATS is a two-year master’s program that provides women with advanced Torah knowledge and skills.

The new online program is funded by a generous donation from the Walder Foundation. The classes are recorded and available exclusively to those who register for the program, so if participants miss a class, they can still view the recording. A suggested donation for the course is appreciated.

Sign up for classes at the following link: www.yu.edu/gpats/learning