Semikha Program - Torah Ve-Ahava

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.