Rav Yitzchak Berkovits, founder and director of The Jerusalem Kollel (www.thejerusalemkollel.com), is a widely respected authority on Halachah and well known for his telephone tapes on Shmiras Halashon. He is well known as a teacher and lecturer throughout Jerusalem and was ordained at the Mirrer Yeshiva, Jerusalem.
A frequent source of conflict between parents and children revolves around what right parents have to direct their children's lives. If a child chooses a lifestyle that differs from his parents' wishes, does this imply a lack of hakoras hatov? This lecture defines the requirements and boundaries of the mitzva of kibud av va'em. Essential listening material for every parent and child.
Who is considered a talmid chacham and how should we respect him? This lecture explores the relationships between a rebbi and his talmid, as well as between a rav and his congregation, and discusses the responsibilities of each party toward the other. Additionally, Rav Berkovits presents the Torah perspective on whether full-time Torah study is an ideal profession.
Charity is an integral part of every Jewish society. The Torah even allows us to 'test' Hashem to help us see that He's the source of all bounty. Hear the tzedaka obligations of each individual. Who is considered a pauper, and how much should the community give to one who is destitute?
If you are unable to give tzadaka to everyone in need, how should you choose who takes precedence from all the individuals and organizations asking? How far do you need to investigate the authenticity of a cause? And from which types of income must you separate ma'aser and which can be considered deductible? Rav Berkovits sorts out this doubt laden topic.
How should we react when seeing a respected observant Jew eating in a non-kosher restaurant? Must we judge favorably and seek an unrealistic conclusion to justify his action? Rav Berkovits delineates the parameters of this subject - dispelling many popular myths.
Verbal abuse is a common problem in marriage, with children and in the classroom. Whom is it permitted to insult? When is it permissible to embarrass someone? Which people must be spoken to with greater sensitivity? Rav Berkovits clarifies what is considered taking advantage of others.
How are we to relate to the typical non-observant Jew today? Do we consider him an apikorus? Does he have a portion in olam habah? This lecture explores the positions of Rav Chaim Brisker and Rav Elchonon Wasserman. Rav Berkvoits gives us a practical framework for understanding those who are not yet religious.
Outreach is so beautiful and heartwarming but is it really an obligation? The Chofetz Chaim enumerates four fundamental responsibilities, incumbent upon every Jew, which require his involvement in kiruv rechokim. Rav Berkovits develops them beautifully and demonstrates why outreach is truly an obligation.
It is not justified to violate halacha when helping someone become observant. However, kiruv involves many halachic issues which relate to lifnei iver (stumbling blocks), such as; how can we teach Torah to someone who has not recited birkas haTorah; can we give food to someone who will not recite a blessing on it; is it justified to cause someone to sin for the sake of outreach? Rav Berkovits offers novel conclusions to many important kiruv issues in this important class.
How does deceit relate to the topic of Communism? And within deceit itself, can we define to what extent 'truth' can be exaggerated or bent? Rav Berkovits draws principles from 'Ethics of our Fathers' to formulate a contemporary understanding of this interesting phenomenon.