Outreach is so beautiful and heartwarming but is it really an obligation? The Chofetz Chaim enumerates four fundamental responsibilities, incumbent upon every Jew, which require his involvement in kiruv rechokim. Rabbi Berkovits develops them beautifully and demonstrates why outreach is truly an obligation.
An understanding of the laws of interpersonal relationships requires a solid grasp of the halachic system. Under what circumstances are we to apply our own logic in deducing what is right and wrong? When are we limited to what the halacha tells us? Rabbi Berkowitz introduces this series with an outline of when to apply our own sensitivities in the development of halacha. This lecture is "a must" for any serious student of basic Jewish law.
A frequent source of conflict between parents and children revolves around what right parents have to direct their children's lives. If a child chooses a lifestyle that differs from his parents' wishes, does this imply a lack of hakoras hatov? This lecture defines the requirements and boundaries of the mitzva of kibud av va'em. Essential listening material for every parent and child.
Which is worse lashon hara or rechilus? Improper speech causes two forms of damage. In order to work on speaking in a more dignified manner, we must understand the fundamental issues behind shemiras halashon. In this lecture, Rabbi Berkovits includes the practical steps for doing teshuva for speaking lashon hara.
The concept of charity is integral to every Jewish society. When giving tzedaka, the Torah allows us to 'test' Hashem so that we will be convinced that Heaven is the source of all bounty. Who is considered a pauper? How much should the community give to one who is destitute? What are the tzedaka obligations of an individual?
The Torah does not want us to be 'technical truth-tellers' while conveying misleading messages. When is it permitted to falsely tell someone that you don't have money to lend him? If you are not available to speak when the phone rings, may the caller be told that you are not home? This lecture is a real eye-opener: it will change the way we understand the definition of honesty.
What should you think when you see a respected observant Jew eating in a non-kosher restaurant? Should we judge favorably even if we observe obviously inappropriate actions? Must we draw unrealistic conclusions to justify an apparent crime? Rabbi Berkovits dispels many popular misconceptions in this classic lecture.
It is not justified to violate halacha to make someone observant. However, kiruv involves so many halachic issues related to lifnei iver. How can we teach Torah to someone who has not recited birkas hatorah? May we give food to someone who will not recite a blessing on it? Is it justified to cause someone to sin for the sake of outreach? Rabbi Berkovits draws some very novel conclusions in this important lecture.
How many times have you said, 'I'm going in a minute'? Would the Torah then actually require you to leave in sixty seconds? Under what circumstances must we follow up on our commitments? When are we allowed to change our minds? Rabbi Berkovits clarifies all of the halachos of this exceptionally relevant subject.
Who is considered a talmid chacham and how should we respect him? This lecture explores the relationships between a rebbi and his talmid, as well as between a rav and his congregation, and discusses the responsibilities of each party toward the other. Additionally, Rabbi Berkovits presents the Torah perspective on whether full-time Torah study is an ideal profession.
What is considered a justified reason to speak negatively about someone? What should you do when you are asked for information about someone for the purpose of shidduch? What flaws should be revealed about the person? To whom should we speak when attempting to find out information for a shidduch for our children or ourselves? If there is one area in the laws of loshon horah that is a necessity for everyone, this is it.
There are so many individuals and organizations collecting charity. You can't give to all of them. Which recipients take precedence? To what degree should you investigate the authenticity of a cause? From what types of income must one separate ma'aser and what can be considered deductibles? Rabbi Berkovits clarifies many of the perplexing issues regarding the disbursement of tzedaka.
Nobody likes a 'sneak'. So how does that translate into the topic of deceit? If you give someone a gift and he thinks it's more valuable than it really is, must you say so? If someone thinks you did him a big favor, must you let him know the truth? Can you deceive a friend for his benefit? In this informed lecture, Rabbi Berkovits shares another set of practical halachos to keep interpersonal relationships at the highest level.
Have you ever had a rough day at the office and needed to tell someone it? Is it permitted to speak loshon horah in order to get something off of your chest? What happens when a family member begins to relate to you how someone hurt him? Should we stop the conversation or should we give him the attention that he needs emotionally? This lecture draws some very novel conclusions and should not be missed.
Resenting another person silently without approaching him is more harmful than outright animosity. Learn the principles behind this and what specific feelings you need to communicate after another person has hurt you. In addition, if and when is it justified to bear a grudge and take revenge? This class culminates with a heartening description of how two friends can fight fiercely for their ideals, while maintaining a very close relationship.
How should we relate to the typical non-observant Jew of today? Is he considered an apikorus? Does he have a portion in olam habah? This lecture explores the positions of Rav Chaim Brisker and Rav Elchonon Wasserman and develops them into a practical framework so we will know how to deal with those who are not yet religious.
The Jewish nation is held responsible for inappropriately flattering King Agrippas. According to Rabeinu Yonah, one must sacrifice his life before violating chanufah. May a degenerate ever be honored for his good deeds? May an intermarried Jew be honored for his generosity? This important subject is fully elucidated in this important lecture.
Verbal abuse is a common problem in marriage, with children and in the classroom. Whom is it permitted to insult? When is it permissible to embarrass someone? Which people must be spoken to with greater sensitivity? Rabbi Berkovits clarifies what is considered taking advantage of others.
