HALACHA, history and rules of Judaism

The course is intended for all those interested in deepening their knowledge of rabbinic Judaism and will offer an introduction to the history and texts of Jewish halachic literature as well as the rabbinic methodology of studying and approaching these traditional texts. The first part maps the historical development of halacha from its roots in the biblical tradition, through various midrashes and oral traditions to the first great halachic codes in the Middle Ages (Maimonid's Mishneh Torah and the work Arba Turim by Jacob ben Asher alias Tura), in the modern age (especially the Shulchan Aruch of Joseph Kara) to modern interpretations and compilations of halachic law from the 19th century to the present. At the same time, it will point out the different statusde oraita and de rabanam) and the hierarchy of Jewish laws, as well as the fact that these laws were observed differently in different geographical conditions (Orient, North Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, etc.), but also social ones (cities and countryside), possibly ideological contexts (countries under the influence of Christianity and countries under the influence of Islam, etc.) And finally, the last part of the course will focus on some selected specific current topics, which will offer students the opportunity to become familiar with rabbinic methodology and personally familiarize themselves with halachic texts and their logic . Students will learn to work in a chevruta (traditional Jewish study in pairs).