Semikha Program - Torah Ve-Ahava: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Haim Ovadia
The Semikha Program is free and open to all. You can listen to and read select lessons and texts at your own pace, from anywhere. Your academic and Judaic background, as well as non-formal classes you attend, will be counted.
To join, email R Ovadia at rabbiovadia613@gmail.com
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.
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
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.
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
An in depth - iyyun, analysis of the list of 39 works and how it was understood by the Yerushalmi and Babylonian Talmud
In his introduction to Arbaa Turim Rabbenu Yaakov explains the rationale and structure.
Chapter 5 of berakhot speaks of the Amidah and chapter 6 of blessings before and after food.
This discussion concludes the introduction of Maimonides. We have highlighted the original approach and the problems which ensued from it. Also a discussion of theoretical arguments or mental gymnastics
Introduction to the work of Maimonides. The problematic aspects of his own introduction.
Introduction to the oral law and Midrash Halakha- authors, methods, and development. We discuss the essential difference between the school of Rabbi Akiva and the school of Rabbi Ishmael
In this session we discuss the rest of Deuteronomy and the books of prophets up to Ezekiel.
In this session we discuss Deut. 18:9-24:15. Many concepts seem to be irrelevant today but as a matter of fact reveal a hidden layer of the biblical law.
The bankruptcy of government and faith crisis in the book of Numbers. The concept of red heifer as therapy. The failure of negative prayer. Idolatrous mourning practices. Eating meat. Rejection of monarchy. Importance of contemporary judge.
Lev. 19-Num. 11. We examine the intricate system of mitzvoth which guarantees a healthy society by connecting human relationships to religious reverence and devotion. The Golden Rule. Why handicapped cohanim are barred from serving in the temple. Shemita. The political science of the Torah.
Lev. 10-18. Among the topics here: The death of the dons of Aaron. Responsibilities and boundaries. Artificial factors in spirituality. Kosher consumption. Niddah. Incestuous relationships. Sexual orientation. Second Decalogue.
In this session we start the book of Leviticus. We explain the purpose of sacrifices, the role of religion in society according to evolutionary theory, and the problem with prayers today.
We look at other books in the Tanakh and their perspective.
We discuss the concept of the integral Torah. All parts are important and connected. It is reflected in the listing of mitzvoth of disparate categories together, and in the equation of embezzlement and deception with paganism and rebellion against God.
In this episode we review some of the details of the chapters immediately following the Ten Commandments. The Torah emphasizes personal responsibility and caring for others. There is a push towards the abolition of slavery but also some laws which seem very harsh.
We discuss the problem of Religious OCD and how the focus of observance has shifted since biblical times.
We also discuss the role of the Jewish people as understood from Moshe's negotiations with God following the sin of the golden calf.
Finally, we discuss the problem of sacred prostitution and its presence in Shemot.
In this episode we explore the deep message of the Ten Commandments which are truly not Commandments. We learn what should we focus on in our religious life. We review the laws of slavery, vendetta and sacrifices as stemming from the need to address a different society in the past.
In this session we wrap up the book of Genesis. We look at the different types of government the Torah considers and rejects. The idea of capital punishment and the responsibility of the human court. The rejection of human sacrifices and maybe animal sacrifices. Akedah, martyrdom and suffering for religion. Jacob's deceptive acts and his punishment as a lesson for upholding honesty. Dilemmas because of the clash of religious and humane values. Can we change or update the fences created by the early sages?
The story of the Tree of Knowledge presents many problems. The solution offered here has fundamental ties to understanding Halakha
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The focus of the program will be on the development and methodology of Halakha, and providing participants with tools of critical thinking and analysis, so they will be able to decide Halakha in their own, whether for personal or communal purposes. With that goal in mind, courses will cover the full spectrum of rabbinic literature including: Tanakh, Mishna, Talmud, Midrash, the writings of the Geonim and Rishonim, the Shulhan Arukh and its commentaries, and finally modern Halakhic decisors. Also covered in course work will be the place of philosophical, psychological and Kabbalistic thought on the Halakhic process.
Each subject will be examined with its relationship to the Halakhic process and with its context within the Jewish world at the time of its creation or publication. Thus, for example, we will deal with the question of the role of Midrash in Halakha, or with the question of the status of the Shulhan Arukh and whether it was globally accepted.
In the first session of the first course we discuss the differences between the first two chapters of Beresheet and what they come to teach us. Also discussed is Rashi's commentary on the Torah and how authoritative it is.