10:04 PM
Gil Student
by Joel Rich
Question: Can anyone provide cases of actual practical application of the priority categories in Horiyot (woman/man), etc.? (e.g. – Tzedaka organizations, community fund allocation)
Speakers:
Rabbi Kenneth Brander
Rabbi Michael Broyde
Dr. Beni Gesundheit
Rabbi Dr. Aaron E. Glatt
Dr. Cliff Librach
Rabbi Dr. Avraham Steinberg
Click here for moreR' Steinberg
Big changes in technology and patient autonomy! Comparison of “secular” medical ethics based on 4 principles (which often conflict) and sh”ut case based approach which build up to principles (IMHO a bit of an oversimplification).
Tifferet Yisrael in Mesechet Yadaim – it’s mutual unless there’s a reason to assess. Dracheha Darchei Noam as an important principle – thus question is, is whatever is being examined a net plus in the eyes of the Posek. Need dual expertise (halacha & science) [me – would be interesting to test actual levels, e.g. Shabbat elevators to pick a random example]. Ex’s of specifics in Israel’s laws based on halacha.
R' Broyde
Interesting take on healthcare systems and halacha based on Chazal’s position on building your own defensive wall vs. town building wall. Also on the maayan priority gemara (one of my favorites – see Nedarim 80b). AIUI = Bottom line – if private system, I have no reason not to use resources I can pay for even if others could better benefit but if government system – they get to allocate scarce resource to unlimited demand (me – does halacha prefer a particular system, does this tie into individual vs. communal feeding the poor, etc.). I have no requirement to get vaccinated to increase your chance of survival.
R' Gesundheit (not kidding)
Medicine, halacha, hashkafa all seamlessly intertwined.
R' Brander
YU – supports open genetic testing (vs. Dor Yesharim system) sex selection – Gemara does mention methods! R’YBS we are HKB”H’s partners (don’t worry about what caused problem – we see challenges and deal with them). Specifics on PGD et al. Most interesting are meta issues – 1) where is the line of getting too involved in HKB”H’s business (me – the line will move over time); 2) the requirement is asakta bpiryah vrivyah, not the result!)
Have people say blessed is the God of xxxx after dealing with you (me – the rest is commentary).
Discussion of prohibition of gneivat data (false positive impression). Rambam puts in hilchot deiot not stealing implying it’s a character issue.
Note many intrapersonal issues aren’t covered in shulchan aruch (lashon hara, nekama (revenge)…) [me – perhaps concern if put in detail people would look for loopholes]
The issue of them vs. us is an issue for the whole orthodox community.
Beit Mikdash (B”M) requires Morah (fear/reverence) whereas Beit Knesiet (B”K) requires kavod (respect) which the gemara compares to what would do in home (R’YBS B”M HKB”H invites us to his home; B”K is our home.)
Kedusha of Beit Medrash flows from the TSB”P (oral law) being learned there, just as B”K flows from sefer torah.
2 possible sources for blowing shofar all Elul. Is the focus on Rosh Hashana or Elul? - some possible implications.
Torah readings for Rosh Hashana and the lessons from them for Bein adam/chaveiro (intrapersonal relations) and Bein Adam Lmakom (HKB”H and man) relations.
Reflection on mankind’s and Jewish history in Zichronot. R’YBS on shofar as a primal, bestial cry.
2nd in Choshen Mishpat series. Some interesting comments on”Torato Umnato” (he’s full time in torah learning) and halachot regarding a talmid chaham. General discussion of taking law into your own hands.
Lessons from the Akeidah-model for our children what we want them to be! (Do I have to quote Emerson again?).
First goes through the “proofs” of HKB”H’s existence (as in “Leida” – to know of his existence). R’YBS understands it in the sense of personal intimacy/closeness – HKB”H needs to be a presence in our lives.
For better closeness through prayer: 1) prepare (come early); 2) focus on the words; 3) place of prayer should be reserved for prayer only.
Blowing Shofar on Shabbat – see mishna re: maintaining original practice of beit hamikdash where there was a beit din. Why wasn’t this done for lulav as well? Perhaps it has to do with intense relationship with the theme of the day rather than just being a vehicle.
Is the change in wording a change in the form of the bracha or a minor amendation (and difference l’halacha). Think of Yaaleh V’Yavo – is it a din in the shmoneh esreh or a separate issue.
(low volume)
Lot’s of sources including whether manna was totally absorbed. Do angels have bodies? Do we fast to be like angels ( = overcome body) or to purify our bodies and much, much more.
Essence of tshuva – who we really want to be – accepts our tshuva “basher who sham” (my words) even if we change after the yamim noraim.
Good review of the basic “proofs” of HKB”H and Judaism 1) watchmaker; 2) historical (Mark Twain); 3) my father wouldn’t lie. (Apropos of our discussion 2 weeks ago!)
Beginning of a thought provoking series. Use of literary type analysis/definitions in biblical analysis (biblical puns, ambiguity, deliberate use of literacy devices).
An analysis of the similarity between Pinchas and Zimri – each had a completeness – Pinchas with HKB”H (self abegnation), Zimri with himself (self indulgence)!
Review of themes including mothers, need for sensitivity, realize you can change “destiny”, and repentance.
Wide ranging discussion of the nature of the “mitzvah” of asking forgiveness. Does failure to ask only impact that act/implication or is it much broader (a defect in you). Lots of interesting detail.
Is the model one of satisfying a liability or a broader need for shalom?
