Principles of Jewish Law
Join Rabbi Dovid Fink and explore the important principles underlying the halachic decision making process. What do we do when mystical, kabbalistic sources contradict halachic sources, when the Zohar and the writings of the great mystics contradict the Talmud and Rambam? What do we do in doubtful situations (safek) when the facts are unclear or when the great rabbis are divided and no final decision can be reached? What do we do when the fulfillment of one commandment interferes with the fulfillment of another? Source materials are in Hebrew and will be translated and analyzed in class.
Principles of Jewish Law: Lesson 1
When Halacha and Kabbala Collide: Our first topic deals with conflict between halachic and kabbalistic sources. What are we to do when the halacha based on the Talmud, Rambam, Shulchan Aruch, etc. conflicts with kabbalistic mandates based on the Zohar, the writings of the AriZal, etc? A link with Hebrew sources has been sent to all participants. In class we will translate and analyze these sources.
In addition to being one of Rabbi Brovender's first students, Rabbi Dovid Fink is an outstanding expertﾠand teacher of Halacha. Rabbi Fink received his Rabbinic ordination from ITRI and the Mir and was awarded his Ph.D in Semitic Languages and Linguistics from Yale University. Rav Fink has taught thousands of students from all over the world for over 35 years.