Halakhah Studies
Navigate primary halakhic texts, trace the development of psak, and apply halakhah thoughtfully to daily Jewish living.
Program Overview
The Halakhah Studies course at JETS provides students with a comprehensive and practical framework for understanding and applying Jewish law. Centered on Orach Chaim of the Shulchan Aruch, the course trains students to navigate primary halakhic texts, trace the development of psak, and apply halakhah thoughtfully to daily Jewish living.
This course is designed to cultivate halakhic literacy and methodological clarity through sustained study of Orach Chaim in the Shulchan Aruch. Students engage the original rulings of Maran Beit Yosef and the Rama (Mapah), and then follow the halakhic conversation through the Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Mishnah Berurah, and Kaf HaChaim.
The curriculum emphasizes understanding how halakhah develops—from Talmudic sources to codification and practical application. Students learn to compare Sephardic and Ashkenazic approaches, identify underlying principles, and appreciate how later authorities address changing circumstances. Throughout the course, halakhic study is consistently anchored in lived practice, enabling students to connect textual learning with real-life observance.
Core Areas of Study
Structure and Methodology of Shulchan Aruch
Students learn the organization of Orach Chaim, the relationship between Beit Yosef and Shulchan Aruch, and the role of the Rama’s glosses. Emphasis is placed on understanding halakhic language, structure, and decision-making style.
Comparative Psak
Through side-by-side study of Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Mishnah Berurah, and Kaf HaChaim, students explore differing halakhic approaches and minhagim. Attention is given to methodology, weighting of sources, and practical implications.
Daily Halakhic Practice
Selected topics from Orach Chaim address tefillah, berachot, Shabbat, Yom Tov, and daily Jewish conduct. Students learn how halakhic rulings shape routine religious life and communal norms.
From Text to Application
The course consistently bridges textual study and practice. Students analyze real-life scenarios, trace halakhic reasoning across sources, and articulate clear, responsible conclusions.
Skills Developed
- Fluency in navigating halakhic texts
- Understanding halakhic structure and terminology
- Comparative analysis of poskim
- Clear formulation of practical halakhic rulings
- Sensitivity to minhag and communal practice
- Responsible application of halakhah to daily life
Assessment and Growth
Student learning is evaluated through:
- Textual comprehension assessments
- Source comparison exercises
- Written halakhic summaries
- Oral explanations and case analysis
- Consistent preparation and participation
Assessment emphasizes clarity of understanding, methodological accuracy, and practical reasoning.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Halakhah Studies course will:
✔ Navigate Orach Chaim of the Shulchan Aruch with confidence
✔ Understand the development of halakhic rulings across major poskim
✔ Apply halakhah thoughtfully to daily Jewish life
✔ Appreciate both Sephardic and Ashkenazic traditions
✔ Articulate halakhic reasoning clearly and responsibly
✔ Possess a strong foundation for continued halakhic study and leadership