Ta'amei HaMitzvos

Service Description

Ta'amei HaMitzvos: Reasons for the Mitzvos Do the mitzvos have reasons, and are these reasons accessible to the human mind? And if they are accessible, what are the general principles behind the mitzvos? These are questions that have occupied great Jewish minds for centuries, from the Sages of the Midrash and Talmud, to the Rambam and Ramban, to later thinkers such as Rav Hirsch. This course will explore selections from these and many other sources. Rav Yochanon Joseph's area of special interest is Rashi's commentary on the Torah. He is fascinated by the "technical" aspects of interpreting Rashi, such as categorizing the different types of questions Rashi asks, understanding Rashi's placement of his comments, and understanding the exact type of circumstances in which Rashi will supplement his literal interpretations with selections from the worlds of halacha and aggadah. He is just as excited about understanding the lessons about life and Torah that the content of Rashi can teach us. Rabbi Joseph has published three books about Rashi: Directions in Rashi, Hamikraos al Sidram, and Hakol Bi'chtav. A retired NYC public school teacher, Rabbi Joseph now spends his time learning and teaching Torah. Recordings will be available for this class. Dates (10 sessions) - Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1