What Is Halacha
What does the word “Halacha” mean, and what is its Hebrew root?
“Halacha” means “to go” or “to walk” — from the Hebrew root הלך (halach)
What are the two parts of the Torah, and what does each contain?
The Written Torah (Torah Shebichtav) includes the Chumash, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim; the Oral Torah (Torah Sheba’al Peh) includes explanations and applications passed down orally - later written as the Mishnah and Talmud.
Who were the Tannaim and Amoraim, and how did they shape Halacha?
The Tannaim wrote the Mishnah, while the Amoraim explained it, creating the Gemara - together forming the Talmud, the foundation of Jewish law.
What does “Avodah Shebalev” teach us about the essence of Tefillah?
It means service of the heart - showing that prayer is emotional and spiritual work, expressing our dependence and love for Hashem.
What is the proper dress code for davening, and why is it important?
One should dress respectfully, as if standing before a king (belt, shoes) showing honor to Hashem and helping develop inner focus.
What is the main purpose of Halacha in Jewish life?
To guide Jewish behavior in every area of life, helping one walk in Hashem’s ways.
Why is the Oral Torah necessary if we already have the Written Torah?
Because the Written Torah often speaks briefly; the Oral Torah explains how to observe, interpret, and apply its commandments.
What is the purpose of Rabbinic decrees and why were they created?
Rabbis created decrees (takanot and gezeirot) to protect Torah law, and guide behavior in new situations not explicitly covered in the Torah.
How did Rambam define the Torah commandment of Tefillah, and how did the Rabbis shape it afterward?
Rambam says the Torah requires one daily prayer of praise, request, and thanks in any wording. The Rabbis later fixed the wording and times to ensure unity and structure.
Why is tzedakah given before davening, and how does it connect to unity?
Because giving tzedakah brings merit and unites physical and spiritual service before prayer. When we are united here, we create unity in shamayim.
What is the difference between positive and negative mitzvot? How many do we have of each type? Give one example of each.
248 Positive mitzvot: actions we must do (e.g., keep Shabbat).
365 Negative mitzvot: actions we must avoid (e.g., do not steal).
What is a Halacha L’Moshe MiSinai, and can you give an example?
It’s a law given to Moshe at Sinai that has no written source in the Torah. Examples: shape of Tefillin, Eruv laws, or Mikveh measurements.
What is the difference between a Gezeira and a Takana, and what is an example of each?
A Gezeira is a preventive decree — to avoid accidentally violating Torah law (e.g., not handling muktzeh on Shabbat). A Takana is a positive enactment for improvement (e.g., reading the Megillah on Purim).
Why are women obligated in Tefillah even though it has set times, and how does chinuch apply to minors?
Because Tefillah is a core need of every soul and not truly a “time-bound mitzvah.” The obligation stems from the universal need to connect with Hashem, not the timing itself, and minors are trained (chinuch) to develop spiritual connection early.
What is the concept of ברב עם הדרת מלך, and what does it teach regarding davening?
“In a multitude of people is the King’s glory” - meaning Hashem is honored when many pray together - in a synagogue.
What is the difference between Halacha and Minhag, and how does each function in Jewish practice?
Halacha = binding Torah or Rabbinic law. Minhag = accepted community or family custom. Minhagim gain halachic weight when widely accepted but remain distinct from Torah law. Halacha is the structure and the minhag the personality
Who was Rabbi Yishmael, and what are his 13 Middot used for?
Rabbi Yishmael was a Tanna who established 13 principles of interpretation to derive Halacha from the Torah - like Kal Vachomer and Gezeira Shava.
Name several Rabbinic mitzvot and explain their purpose.
Lighting Shabbat candles, Netilat Yadayim (washing hands), Hallel, Chanukah candles, Eruv, Reading Megillah, and saying blessings before food.
How does Chovot HaLevavot describe the relationship between words and kavanah in prayer?
Words are like the body, kavanah (intent) is the soul. Without kavanah, prayer is empty. Real prayer requires awareness that one is speaking to Hashem.
When is one allowed leniency regarding physiological needs before davening?
If he can walk a Parsa - 1:20hs
Why is Halacha described as a “living process”, and how does this reflect the relationship between Divine law and human understanding?
Because Halacha evolves through rabbinic interpretation and application while staying rooted in Divine truth. It balances unchanging Torah principles with practical human realities.
Explain Kal Vachomer and Gezeira Shava with examples, and describe why we recite the 13 Middot daily.
Kal Vachomer: reasoning from minor to major (if A is true for the lesser case, it’s true for the greater). Gezeira Shava: connecting two verses through identical wording. We say them daily to remind us that Halacha is built on Divine logic and study.
Explain: "לא תֹסִפוּ עַל הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם וְלֹא תִגְרְעוּ מִמֶּנּוּ
“Do not add or subtract” - It forbids changing Torah law itself, but allows Rabbis to make fences (gezeirot) and enactments (takanot) that strengthen Torah observance and adapt Jewish life responsibly.
If Hashem already knows what we need, why do we pray? What does this teach about the purpose of prayer?
Prayer isn’t to inform Hashem, but to transform us. It refines our hearts, builds humility, and creates a vessel for blessing. Through prayer, we align our will with Hashem’s.
Explain what is הכון לקראת אלוקיך ישראל and how we do it.
It means to prepare yourself before praying—with clean hands, proper dress, focus, and respect to stand before Hashem. so you can achieve a level of humility abd awareness.