JUDS 1466 - L The Festivals II: Survey

Abstract

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The course will cover a variety of topics relating to Yomim Tovim. Certain topics will be studied in depth, tracing the halacha from earlier sources in chazal and rishonim, until the Shulchan Aruch, later poskim and contemporary she’elos u’teshuvos. There will be an emphasis on understanding the halachic process and how normative halachic practice emerges from careful analysis of the issues. In addition, we will survey a selection of halachos relating to each Yom Tov, explaining and often expanding upon halachos discussed in the Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura. This will provide the student with an awareness and understanding of various halachic issues that relate to each Yom Tov. During this semester, we will study halachos relating to Parshas Zachor, Purim (Ta’anis Esther, Megillah, Mishloach Manos, Matanos Li’Evyonim), Pesach (Halachos relating to the Seder), Sefiras HaOmer, Shavuos.