אין מקרא יוצא מידי פשוטו

Service Description

If the Torah – Written and Oral – was given by The One Giver and informs our behavior and perspectives as Torah-Jews, it follows that they create one consistent system. There are, however, apparent contradictions that arise between the Torah text and the Oral Torah / halachic system. This poses a vexing challenge to the core belief that the Torah – Written and Oral – was given directly from G-d. In this class we will explore how to approach these apparent contradictions. Chazal articulated a basic principle that Eyn Mikra Yotzei Midei Pshuto, we never dismiss the Torah text, even when it seems to contradict the Oral system. We are still left with this overarching question: How do we understand contradictions between the Torah text and the explanations and halachos that are presented in the Oral Torah? Rav Yehuda Copperman zt”l, in his magnum opus, Pshuto Shel Mikra, explains this principle and elucidates the approach of Chazal and the Meforshim in understanding the relationship – and reconciling the contradictions – between the Oral and Written Torahs. He guides his audience to a much deeper, more profound understanding of the Torah system – including both the halacha and the hashkafah – that G-d gifted the Jewish people. Students will gain a fundamentally new approach to the study of Chumash, as well as a deeper appreciation of the richness and precision of the halachic system and a greater understanding of the hashkafah that flows from precise analysis of the Torah literature. A proper analysis of the legal portions of the Torah reveals layers of meaning within the halachic system in general as well as within individual halachos. Students will also gain an appreciation of the place of parshanut in the halachic process and the contribution of halacha to parshanut. Sample Units: Eyn Mikra Yotzei Midei Pshuto: Two Approaches Pshat Teaches the Halacha Alongside Midrash Halacha Pshat Teaches What Should Take Place on the D’Orayta Level Pshat Teaches the Essence of a Mitzva Pshat Teaches Mitzvos D’Rabanan & Midas Chassidus Mephorshim: Do they stay loyal to halacha? Elisheva Friedman is an instructor of Jewish Studies at Touro College and Founder and Executive Director of Livnos. Recordings will be available for this class. This course will be 10 sessions - Jan 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27

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