Class Description:
Many modern-day, fundamental seforim have been written to demonstrate the organic relationship between -- the inseparability of -- the Written and Oral Torahs. Rav Hirsch’s commentary, Ksav vhaKabbalah, Malbim, Ha'amek Davar, & Torah Temimah - Each of these monumental works was composed to demonstrate this inseparable relationship between Written and Oral Torah. They were written in response to modern challenges to belief in the unity of our holy Mesorah. We all have an obligation to strengthen ourselves in this awareness of the fundamental unity between these two aspects of the Mesorah. This course focuses on a particular aspect of this unity by introducing the participants to the process of examining the text in order to identify the halachic principles that lurk behind, and animate, every exchange, every decision, and every nuance and stylistic irregularity in the wording of a pasuk. Indeed, the Text cannot be properly understood without acknowledging the constant presence and influence of the Oral Torah embedded within every pasuk. If we cannot confidently account for the stylistic irregularities and nuances within the Text, if we cannot explain why a pasuk is formulated the way it is, then we cannot justifiably claim to have understood the Text. The course demonstrates [1] the unity and inseparability of the Written and Oral Torahs, [2] the greatness of the Fathers and Mothers of the Jewish people, [3] the sophistication and elegance and joy of learning Torah properly.