This in-depth advanced class discusses the various shittos of understanding sheker (falsehood). Many everyday examples are given to show the parameters. Some questions discussed are: to what extent can I mislead someone even if what I'm technically saying is the truth? Can I lie if it has no consequences whatsoever, or even if it's no one else's business anyway?
Can you leave the dryer running as Shabbos enters? Are there problems besides the light that goes on when opening the door of the fridge? Rav Berkovits has compiled scores of little-known Shabbos halachos that most people won't chance upon without spending serious time studying the intricate laws of Shabbos.
On Tisha B'Av, a serious day of mourning, there are several halachos that only apply to this day. Rav Berkovits reviews these laws in detail and how we also need to keep the spirit of the day even though we know certain actions are technically permissable. Hear also the exceptions to the general rules.
Rav Berkovits in his naturally systematic and orderly way, goes through all the laws of the month of Adar and the Purim day itself. A thorough lecture to learn or review most of the laws relating to Purim.
Nedarim is one of the least known areas of practical halacha. Generally, we are discouraged from making nedarim, but there are times when they are appropriate. Rav Berkovits elucidates the distinction between hafara and hatara and when to use the overused phrase 'bli neder.'
Can the laws of the spiritual dimension be clearly defined? Does God really care how exact we are about Jewish law? Why do Orthodox Jews say that some rabbis are legitimate and others not? Other subjects discussed include the role of the soul, God's relationship to His creations, and that passionate Jewish thirst for justice.
The Torah sternly warns us against misjudging another's actions negatively. But likewise, living with a blind eye in this tough world is also fraught with problems. With extraordinary sensitivity, Rav Berkovits turns this ever present dilemma into a valuable tool for getting better in touch with your own judgmental tendencies, and for learning how to react to another's actions with greater patience and forbearance.
What better way to introduce the mitzvah of Tefillin than by explaining how donning them increases a person's material abundance. On the practical side, what should I think before I put on Tefillin, and does it matter? Why are we so careful to put them on the muscle of our arm, and above our forehead? What do I perform first, Tzitzit or Tefillin - and why? And for Sepharadim who love to say brachot - why don't they recite two brachot, one on the Tefillin Shel Rosh and one on the Tefillin Shel Yad as the Ashkenazim and Chassidim do?
All men have a few burning questions here. Why do women have a monopoly on this mitzvah, and is there a small portion of this mitzvah that also applies to them? How and where should a husband light when he stays in a hotel on a business trip? We also learn where and when to light on college campuses and in dorm rooms. Hear how various halachic authorities trace the Sephardic Minhagim back to the Shulchan Aruch.
Even though the Torah is absolute, the rabbis were given permission to tweak it at times in order to compensate for the world's declining state. Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg zt"l gives examples of how even a small tikun (change), unapproved by the Gedolim can tragically alter the inner balance of Jewish life. He also discusses how certain actions and thoughts, which don't necessarily make you 'feel' closer to God, can create a hidden spiritual energy to strengthen your emunah and avodah.