1. Halacha Methodology
An in-depth study of 5-6 halachic sugyot, with a focus on the methodology of psak from the Gemara through contemporary Poskim. Here the focus is on method as much as on the practical halachah. Over the course of the year there will be an opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of Rishonim, Achronim, and Poskim, in order to master the array of essential halachic works and learn their approach to the mechanism of determining halachah le-maaseh. Taught by Rabbi Dovid Fink.
The following topics will be selected to round out new areas not previously covered:
- Parameters of ‘bediavad’ and ‘lechatchila’ in halachah (stringencies and leniencies in decision making).
- Safek, s’fek sfeika and uncertainty as a halachic category.
- Birth control.
(Included with this course is a mandatory midterm exam, mandatory final examination, and optional weekly preparation/review session.)
2. Hilchot Shabbat Intensive
A review of essential topics in Hilchot Shabbat – both topics previously covered, but now in greater depth, as well as material not yet studied. The curriculum for this course will largely overlap with the Hilchot Shabbat exam that was administered for semicha by Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg Z”l and will include some other topics in Orach Chaim, as the schedule allows. Taught by Rabbi Yehoshua Geller.
(Included with this course is a mandatory midterm exam, mandatory final examination, and optional weekly preparation/review session.)
3. Independent Study
Students will undertake an independent study (individually, or with chavruta) of the classical text Shemirat Shabbat KeHilkhata, vol. 2, by Rabbi Yehoshua Yeshaya Neuwirth zt”l (which is available in English). Some of the topics included in this volume are: Aveilut on Shabbat and Yom Tov, Havdala and end of Shabbat topics, and Chol HaMoed, and involves a variety of subjects not covered in the years 1-3 curriculum, as well as an opportunity to review some of the material previously studied. A bekiut exam will be administered toward the end of the year.
Students who complete all materials, course exams, and bekiut test (as described in #3) will receive semicha issued from WebYeshiva and signed by Rabbi Brovender.