22/07 - RABBI ADAM MINTZ - EVOLUTION OF HALAKHA IN NORTHEN EUROPE

“Leniences in Northern Europe: A Study in the Evolution of Halacha in Northen Europe”

The first selection of the Talmud in Tractate Brachot addresses the correct time to recite Shema at night. Based on the verse in the Torah, Shema must be recited after nightfall. But, what can one do in Northen Europe when it gets dark very late in the summer? And, furthermore, one is forbidden to eat a meal before receiving Shema. Must one wait to eat dinner until 10 pm ?

We will explore the rabbinic approach to help people resolve this dilemma. Prepare the first page of Tractate Brachot and I look forward to seeing you next Thursday.

RABBI ADAM MINTZ

Adam Mintz, a Modern Orthodox rabbi in New York City, believes that the greatest challenge facing twenty-first century Jewry is the creation of educated Jews who understand that the key to the Jewish future is the appreciation of the Jewish past. Rabbi Mintz is the rabbi of Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim, a Modern Orthodox community he founded on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He is also the Director of 929 English, a web-based project that promotes the daily study of a chapter of Tanakh. In addition, Rabbi Mintz is a member of the Talmud faculty at Yeshivat Maharat and has taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at City College, New York for the past six years.