Halakhic Methodology- Rabbi Haim Ovadia

Why some people don't fold their tallit on Shabbat? Because of a misunderstanding of a Hebrew word which now means "to fold". We also discuss cleanliness standards which have changed dramatically since the time of the Talmud and the Shulhan Arukh.

In this session: the definitions of Shabbat domains; There is no public domain today; Sepharadim can rely on any Eruv just like Ashkenazim; You always follow the most lenient opinion on Eruv, and there are plenty. According to R. Yosef Messas, you can carry anywhere without an Eruv.

In this session we discuss the issue of running, jogging, exercising, playing ball, and visiting museums or the Zoo on Shabbat. We explained that the idea of exercising is a relatively new one as in the past people worked physically during the week and wanted to rest on Shabbat.

In this session we cover the practices of the ritual. Why we have so many verses before and after. Different practices and customs: recited while sitting or standing, braided candle, flames, drinking spilling or laughing with the wine. What type of candles can be used, why do we smell fragrant herbs. What kind of wine can be used and can you use water. What if you didn’t do it on Saturday night and how much to eat, if at all, on Saturday night.

You can pray arbit of motzae Shabbat 2 hours before Shabbat is over.

The Great Kiddush is actually minor. Don’t avoid drinking or eating before Kiddush. Three meals are not mandatory and don’t drive yourself crazy.

Yes, you can put out a candle, but indirectly (unless there’s danger).

We also discuss the custom of reading the Parasha twice in Hebrew and once in Aramaic.

A blackout during a blizzard - what to do? Also, a brief discussion of the halakhic status of electricity re Shabbat

In this session we speak about the concept that Kiddush must be in the place where you eat and we show that you could rely on the person who did the kiddush and drank the wine. We also learned that you don’t have to eat bread on the meals of Sabbath unless you want to eat it. And we also talk about using candles and lights on Sabbath - what is a permissible and convenient way.

The first session in a series meant to debunk the myth of modesty as a concept defined by the rabbis. The series follows and critically analyzed the book עוז והדר לבושה - Modesty an Adornment for life. Here we discuss the three verses that allegedly mandate modesty. We then analyze p. 1-20 of the book.