Review questions Spring 5776 2016
Contemporary Halacha
1.
Describe the
underlying philosophy of theology of the “Right to Life” movement?
2.
Describe the
underlying philosophy of theology of the “Pro Choice” movement?
3.
Is Judaism
inherently closer to the “Right to Life” movement or the “Pro Choice” movement?
4.
Why is Abortion
complicated in Jewish Law?
5.
In what case (or
cases) did the Mishna discuss abortion?
6.
How did the
Talmud use the question of a newborn in the discussion of a Rodef? How did the
Rambam apply this discussion?
7.
From the
discussion in the Mishna can we discern at which point life begins? (Rashi)
8.
What did the
Havat Yair say regarding a possible prohibition of abortion? Who disagreed with
him?
9.
What did Rabbi
Yakov Emden suggest could be a possible source for allowing abortions? Who
disagreed? What would be the reason for the disagreement? Do you think Rabbi
Yakov Emden’s argument is sound?
10. How
did the Rambam interpret the Mishna? What did he add? (Regarding abortion)
11.
Did the Rambam
think abortion is murder? Or “like” murder? Would it make a difference? What
did Rav Unterman say?
12. Can
an inanimate object be a rodef? Like a rodef? Explain
13. What
did the Mishna say about a pregnant woman who is to be put to death? What did
the Gemara add?
14. What
was the case of the Maharit regarding
abortion?
15. What
was the question posed to the Ben Ish Hai (Kinyan Torah) regarding abortion?
What was strange about his answer? Was there a possible “meta halakhic”
consideration?
16. What
question was posed to Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach regarding abortion? What did
he answer? What was surprising about his (second) answer?
17.
Describe the case
of the conjoined twins. What was the complication? What were the possible
solutions? Is this a legal moral or religious issue? explain
18. What
was Rav Moshe Feinstein’s solution in the case of the conjoined twins? What was
it based on?
19. What
is the irony of Rav Moshe Feinstein’s solution in the case of the conjoined
twins?
20. Is
the attitude of Judaism toward Amalek an example of racism? Explain
21. Can
a member of Amalek convert? Bring proof
22. Can
a member of Amalek become a “Noahide”? Bring proof
23. What
does the Rambam say about the “7 nations”? What is his source?
24. What
was strange about the comparison of the Rambam’s treatment of the “7 nations”
versus his treatment of Amalek? What does Rav Chaim conclude from this?
25. What
complication does the Talmud add to the biography of Esther?
26. What
was the case of the Shvut Yakov?
27. What
was the case of the Maharik?
28. What
was the argument of the Maharik? How did the Shvut Yakov use this argument?
29. What
was the objection of the Noda Beyehuda regarding the case of the Shvut Yakov?
What mitigating arguments does the Noda Beyhuda muster to defend Esther?
30. What
was the question posed to the Binyan Zion? (Rabbi Etlinger) What was the answer
that he wished to give? Which condition did he attach to his answer? Was this
case the same of different from Esther? explain
31. What
is a “legal fiction”? Give an example in secular (American/Canadian) Law.
32. Is
selling the Land of Israel during the sabbatical year a “legal fiction”?
33. What
factors would contribute toward a lenient perspective regarding selling the
Land of Israel during the sabbatical year?
34. Does
“Pruzbol” contravene a Torah law or rabbinc law? Explain
35. Does
“Pruzbol” support a Torah law or rabbinc law? Explain
36. Is
the “Otzar Beit Din” supported by Talmudic literature? Explain
37. How
was the “Otzar Beit Din” described in antiquity?
38. How
was the “Otzar Beit Din” arranged in modern times?
39. Is
selling Chametz a “legal fiction”?
40. What
is the first source that mentions selling chametz? Does it say it can be
repurchased?
41. How
does the sale of Chametz work according to Rav Moshe Feinstein?
42. How
does the sale of Chametz work according to the Noda Beyehuda?
43. In
which case would Rav Moshe Feinstein be strict with regards to the sale of
chametz? Lenient?
44. In
which case would the Noda Beyehuda be strict with regards to the sale of
chametz? Lenient?
45. What
is an onan?
46. What
is an avel?
47. Jewish
law discusses haircuts for mourners – does it discuss shaving? Explain?
48. Jewish
Law discusses bathing for mourners – does it discuss showers? Explain?
49. Is
the International Date Line a “real thing”? explain
50. Does
the Torah/Halacha recognize the International Date Line”? explain
51. How
was the date line a factor for Jews in World War 2?
52. What
is the fundamental obligations in terms of honoring parents?
53. What
are fundamental issues in terms of “fearing” parents?
54. Why
did Rav Assi leave his mother? How did the Rambam use the story? What
qualifications did the Rambam add?
55. If
a parent is abusive due they forfeit the privileges of being a parent? Is there
a universal answer to this question? Explain.
56. Can
one invites someone to come over Friday night if they will drive?
57. What
is the case of the daughter who was kidnapped? What did the Rama rule? How is
this applicable to inviting people who may drive on Shabbat?
58. What
are the 2 types of “placing a stumbling block before the blind?
59. What
did Rav Moshe Feinstein rule about encouraging people who may drive to shul on Shabbat?
60. What
did Rav Moshe Sternbuch rule about encouraging people who may drive on Shabbat?