Semikha Program - Torah Ve-Ahava

In this session we discuss the importance of listening to different voices, relying on the common sense of the people, and adjusting halakha to people's needs.

chapter 328 of Shulhan Arukh Orah Haim - Saving a life on Shabbat

Siman 261 in SH. The origin, meaning, and practices of candle lighting

The laws of Kiddush - Shulhan arukh 269-272

Here we wrap up the laws of Kiddush and continue into the laws of Shabbat prayers.

In chapter 301 the Tur explains his methodology in presenting the laws in the order he did. He speaks about general concepts of Shabbat. Chapter 302 (as well as parts of 301) is dedicated to the care of clothes.

This episode covers chapters 253-261. We discuss the issue of leaving food on the stove before shabbat and the way to determine the beginning of Shabbat.

Chapter 250 in Shulhan Arukh is the basis for the discussion of using timers or delayed action on Shabbat. You'd be surprised how many things can be done with the help of timers.Also, we discuss the term יש אומרים and the different approaches and style of Maimonides, the Tur, and R. Yosef Karo.

A continued discussion of transportation before and during Shabbat. Using bicycle. Also - a discussion of the methodology of the Shulhan Arukh and how to determine on your own what to do in a given situation.

Chapter 248: Traveling before Shabbat by boat, train, or plane. What happens if the journey continues into Shabbat?

Chapter 243 in Shulhan Arukh: Renting or leasing a facility of factory to a non-Jew for use on Shabbat, and related laws of commerce.

chapter 242 in Shulhan Arukh speaks of honoring Shabbat. the parallel chapter in Arokh HaShulhan expands on the 39 melakhot and several important Halakhic concepts which pertain to Shabbat.

This is the conclusion of our discussion of Melakhot Shabbat, how the list was formed, and its connection to the mishkan.

Introduction to the list of 39 melakhot of Shabbat following the research of Prof. Gilat

In this session we continue discussing the methodology of the Halakhic process. Which books and genres to use, electronic databases, and other research methods. We also discuss the importance of distinguishing between rabbinical and biblical laws.

In this session we examine the development of halakha and the process of making halakhic decision, based on questions raised by participants of the Semikha Program of Torah Ve-Ahava

In this session we cover the last chapters of Shulhan Arukh on Avelut, from 391 to 403. among the topics discussed: participating in a joyous activity, displaying sorrow on Shabbat, shiva and shloshim curtailed by holidays, staying at home during shiva, visiting the cemetery during shiva, prayers.

In this session we cover chapters 380-390 of Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah which speak about the prohibitions during Shiva and Shelohim, including shaving, bathing, washing clothes, working, attending celebrations and more.

In this session we discuss the Kaddish, which is barely mentioned in Shulhan Arukh. Where did the Kaddish come from? how did it become the piece most associated with mourning? why are such rigid rules among the Ashkenazim about who is entitled to say it? can a woman say kaddish? can you say Kaddsh for a non-Jew?

In this session we discuss the custom of washing hands upon leaving the cemetery, and some of the restrictions posed on the mourners.

In this session we discuss chapters 375-378 from the Tur Yoreh Deah. The Tur speaks of the practices at the funeral. The concept of Maamad and how it has changed and evolved over the centuries. we also speak of the sensitivity one should develop when offering condolences and visiting the mourners.

In this session we cover chapters 359-367 in Shulkhan Arukh Yoreh Deah. We speak about the different practices regarding the presence of women at funerals and in that context, the mystical influence on R. Yosef Karo. We review chapter 362 which speaks about the position of the body at burial and the different ways to conduct burial and cover the body and the coffin. Finally, in chapter 367 we discussed our responsibility towards non-Jews and we have expanded the discussion from taking care of the dead to saving life on Shabbat, with the conclusion taht we must treat all humans equally.

In this session we discuss Chapters 347-353 of Shulhan Arukh Yoreh De'ah. These short chapters open up an interesting discussion of quasi-pagan practices such as burying one's tools of trade with him, or throwing garments into the grave. We also discuss the shrouds, the washing and purification of the body, organ donation, and whether the face of the deceased should be revealed or covered.

This is the second session of our discussion of the authority of the contemporary posek. We analyze rabbinic sources which illuminate different facets of halakha, from the flexible to the rigid.

This is the first session of a course which will explore the tools at the Posek's disposal. We start with an analysis of Rabbinical sources which show that in every generation, the posek must address current problems and not be helplessly bound by past rulings. Those rulings must be studies and understood, but the posek has the authority to challenge them. This is supported by many statements in the Mishnah and Talmud which are often neglected or distorted.

In this session we conclude the discussion of the proper practices for funeral, shiva, and mourning for a person who has committed suicide. According to R. I.M. Hazzan, all cases which seem to indicate suicide should be treated as any other cases of death, and even greater care and attention should be given to the family. we also started the discussion on the origin of the idea of burial in the ground and what is the attitude towards cremation.

In this session we summarize the practices of Keriah- rendering garments. We discuss the evolution of eulogies for and by women (chapter 344 in shulhan arukh) and continue to discuss suicide (ch. 345)

We wrap up the theme of End of Life and continue to ch. 341 in SHA which speaks of rendering garments.

Shulhan arukh chapters 335-339. Visiting the sick; obligations and rights of doctors; end of life

Introduction. Review of related biblical sources.

In this session we discussed the last leg of the introduction of R Ovadia Yosef to his Yabia Omer. He deals with the posek’s authority and his ability to disagree with the rulings of previous generations.

in this session we discuss contradictions in the presentation of the methodology of Psak Halakha

Final session on R Epstein’s ערוך השלחן - an interesting and challenging presentation on the history of Jewish communities and the formulation of shulhan arukh.

R. Epstein discusses the phenomenon of disputes and argues they all are the word of One God.

R. Yosef Megas was a disciple of R. Yitzhak Alfasi, and the master of Maimonides’ father. Maimonides considered him and R. Alfasi his direct masters.

From the introduction of R Epstein we branch to a discussion of the methodology of studying Talmud.

Seminal responsa of Rabbi Yitzhak Alfasi, 11th C

Part 2 of the introduction of Aroch HaShulhan.

First part of the introduction of Rabbi YM Epstein to his Aroch haShulhan. Insights about the life of Orthodox Jews on Eastern Europe and apparently a dialogue with bible critics.

Mishnah Berurah is arguably the most influential halakhic book of modern times. It has shaped the mindset of the orthodox Ashkenazi world, and to an extent, impacted the Sephardic work as well. Here we examine the introduction and the rationale of the work.

In this class we compare the analysis found in the Bavli and Yerushalmi, emphasizing methodological differences.

In the last part of the introduction, Rabbi Karo explains his method of deciding Halakha. It sheds light on some hidden aspects of Shulhan Arukh.

Three options are offered to explain why one who committed many transgressions on Shabbat will be liable for each one of them.

Shabbat 49:2 and 96:1 in the Talmud. Figuring out the origin of the prohibitions on Shabbat