• December 2, 2023
  • 19 5784, Kislev
  • פרשת וישלח

Reasons for Mitzvot

Reasons for Mitzvot

One of the great discussions in Judaism is the question of reasons for mitzvot. Do the mitzvot have an inherent value that we must discover or is their significance due only to the fact that they are an expression of the Divine will? Join Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman as he explores this issue through classical Jewish texts.

February 7, 2022 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Reasons for Mitzvot: Reasons for Mitzvot
Class description

We Jews are always being asked a very simple question. That question is, “Why?” Most often the question is posed by people who are curious about our religion. “Why don’t you eat pork?”  “Why can’t you push the elevator button yourself?” is a particularly awkward one. But when we take a moment to look inward we all must address this why question since we must be open to what is a most important question. Why indeed do we live our lives this way? What is Hashem asking of us?

The why question is important and many different answers have been proposed. In this series of sessions we will discuss some of these answers.

February 14, 2022 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Reasons for Mitzvot: Reasons for Mitzvot
Class description

Hello Everyone,

In today’s sessions we will discuss the opinions regarding the issue if every mitzvah does indeed have a reason.

February 21, 2022 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Reasons for Mitzvot: Reasons for Mitzvot
Class description

Hello Everyone

In today’s final session on the subject of “Reasons for Mitzvot” we will see where the Rambam and Ramban had their great falling out regarding this subject.

Rabbi Dr. Stuart Fischman graduated from Yeshiva University in 1980 and the dental school of Columbia University in 1985. In 1989 he began studying and teaching at Yeshivat Hamivtar and now studies and teaches at Yeshivat Machanaim in Efrat. He has rabbinic ordination from Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg.