The Anatomy of Halacha

How does the Halacha (Jewish law) work? How does a law get from Mount Sinai to today? Ever wondered how a rabbi determines what is permitted or forbidden? What makes certain opinions authoritative while others are not? Join Rabbi Doron Chitiz on a five-part journey to unpack the intricate Halachic process as it progresses from its Talmudic origins through the medieval codifiers and into contemporary times. This course will take you behind the scenes of Jewish law, exploring the various Halachic works - from the Mishna and Gemara through the Rif, Rambam, and Shulchan Aruch - examining their authorship, understanding their diverse methodologies, and providing an in-depth analysis of how the halachic system evolved and functions today.

Through careful study of actual halachic cases and their development across the generations, we'll trace the fascinating journey of Jewish legal reasoning. Discover the principles of psak (halachic decision-making), understand the role of minhag (custom) and sevara (logical reasoning), and learn how contemporary poskim navigate timeless questions in modern contexts.

Join the Academy in seeing what lies beneath the flow of Halacha: the underlying principles that animate it, the mechanisms that preserve it, and the wisdom that continues to make it relevant. Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this living tradition that has guided the Jewish people across the ages.