Weekly class exploring practical topics in halacha
The paradox of mitzvos; are they about submission to the incomprehensible? Or are we meant to integrate Torah's perspective into our lives? In this class we examine the Rambam's assertion that all mitzvos serve to improve us, alongside his acknowledgement that some remain beyond human understanding. By analyzing all of his relevant works, we gain a clear picture that we can apply to our daily lives.
Finding the perfect balance between a personal and relevant Yiddishkeit and submission to the Divine will.
A few notes: 1) As the Maharsha and others point out, there are in fact many sources that attribute the mitzva of אותו ואת בנו to compassion on the animal. The specific question of Tosfos is that the Kalir instituted it to be said by the שליח ציבור during שמונה עשרה, which is precisely what the Gemara forbids and tells us to silence such a person! 2) Now that we have the full text of the קדושתא, it turns out that מחשבותיך לרחמנו is in fact an entirely unrelated phrase, designed to link the last word of the last pasuk (מאוד עמקו מחשבותיך) to the conclusion of the bracha. 3) Even on Rosh Hashana, we do in fact include מעין החתימה סמוך לחתימה by adding the words מלך עוזר ומושיע ומגן after זכרנו. In its original form though, the מעין החתימה of the Kalir substituted מלך עוזר...
A question about drinking water on Shabbos afternoon reveals a deep schism between Rabbeinu Tam and Rabbeinu Meshulam and the divergent worldviews that shaped their halachic approach.
Exploring the origins of this custom
In part 3 of this series we delve into the true meaning of Pesach and discover how Rashi changed the trajectory of Hagadahs for centuries.
Do you have to be the wise son in order to follow the Haggadah?
Making A Seder of The Seder
Exploring the meaning of the piyutim for taanis esther
A novel approach to the story of Megilas Esther
The impact of the planets on mundane activities performed on Shabbos
Overview of the laws of prayer in Aramaic and other languages other than Hebrew (Mic error - please excuse audio quality)
Why do we say kaddish in Aramaic? Did it used to be said in Hebrew? What do the angels have against Kaddish?
On the Rebbe's earliest published letter, 100 years later.
Exploring the structure and the meaning of selichos, and specificaly the piyutim that we recite on the fast of the 10th of Teves. Should we be fasting on the 5th or the 10th of Teves? When Rabeinu Tam argued with Moshe Rabeinu. Will Tzom Gedalya be transformed into celebration with the coming of Mashiach? Source sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sKfVwiXKZFFHlyFE7loTigYeLcltSnBi/view?usp=sharing
Chanukah Insights from the Books of Maccabees
In order for a bird to be considered kosher, we must have a tradition that explicitly tells us that this bird is allowed. How does a new-world bird such as the turkey come to be kosher? For an overview of the calendar topic mentioned in this class see here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LLQYeSi067muibodtjGGo?si=072fe88de7d54f54
The bracha on seeing Lot's wife, the smoke and infertile land in the region. Links to videos mentioned in class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh0q2NcVRfE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzjHE3UtE0A
Brief Overview & Highlights of Slichos for Tzom Gedalya
Brief Overview & Highlights of Slichos for Erev Rosh Hashana
Exploring the history, the reasons and the controversies related to the practice of saying the chapter during the months of Elul and Tishrei
Exploring a fascinating halachic controversy.
Overview of various customs, and of various approaches to the notion of confusing the Satan
In this class we discuss the underlying principles that pertain to one person making a bracha on behalf of another. Along the way we address many practical questions, such as: May a husband who has heard kiddush in shul make kiddush for his wife at home? When listening to havdala, do I recite my own bracha on bsamim? Should one sit or stand for Kiddush?
The origins of the Ashkenazi practice to limit the priestly blessing to yom tov.
Akdamus
Understanding this practice
Baking matza on erev pesach
Many Jews refrain from eating knaidlech, matzah brei or any wet matza on Pesach. What is the basis for this chumra? Link to video mentioned in class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czDhgQ0M_gM&t=853s
Many Jews refrain from eating knaidlech, matzah brei or any wet matza on Pesach. What is the basis for this chumra?
Overview of the history of the halachic considerations.
The marriage proposal between the Rebbe Mahara"sh & his niece and the ensuing turmoil
How to exact payment for damages in Torah law.
The history of celebrating the 15th of Shevat.
Did the Jews deserve to suffer so much in Egypt?
When should Jews in the southern hemisphere make the seasonal changes to their prayers? Does it make sense for them to be asking for rain when it would be detrimental to them?
The halachic ramifications of Israel occupying or annexing new territory
Can a husband unilaterally decide to move to Gaza and 'obligate' his wife to join him? Exploring the halachic complexities of the Gaza strip through the lens of 16th century halachic authorities. Source sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rx78sku-YY5KuvjWNASXHgo-xB-7QBkJ/view?usp=drive_link
What is the status of the 'Land of Pelishtim' in the 'Promised Land'? In Peshat and in Chasidus.
What makes Jewish mesirus nefesh unique? Source sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VKvDA5rcg_SNmXw0zeF-oripWO3m-Aup/view?usp=sharing
What does halacha say about paying exorbitant sums of money or releasing prisoners in exchange for Jewish hostages?
Understanding the basis for the eternal sanctity of the Holy Land based on an analysis of the verses in this week's parsha and on the Rambam.
We train children to do all mitzvos even before they turn 13. Is there any reason that tefillin should be different?
What exactly were Moshe & Aron at fault for?
Understanding the fabric of the Jewish calendar and various challenges that it faced over the years. Note: Ben Meir's view does indeed effect the regular 'noon' postponement. See our full Kiddush Hachodesh playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo9ktvnrkglK3GNxy8P-gP5L2LW1v3_OK
Are these laws suspended for a tzadik?
Clarifying some lose ends from previous episode - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eliyahu-rapoport/episodes/102--Tefilas-Haderech---Prayer-for-Dangerous-Journeys-If--When--How-e25777r
Overview of the laws pertaining to Tefilas Haderech.
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