Studying Tur-Bet Yosef

For the past year, an exciting program of study of Tur-Bet Yosef has been taking place daily in three different shuls in the community with the objective of reclaiming our centuries old tradition of intensive study of halacha. The scholars studying Tur-Bet Yosef delve deeply into the analysis of port Talmudic halachic development.

The holy sefer “Bet Yosef” is an encyclopedic work authored by Rav Yosef Caro zt”l, author of the Shulchan Aruch. Rav Caro, also known simply as Maran (our teacher), compiled this text after a deep analysis of the Sefer Arba Turim, authored by Rabbenu Yaakov the son of Rabbenu Asher (better known as The Rosh). In his analysis, Rav Caro used over 25 sources and a thorough, intense study of the Bet Yosef is considered essential to the basic knowledge of practical halacha for all Jewery.   

The coordinated effort of studying Tur-Bet Yosef began in September 2009. Over 30 participants meet daily in one of the three shuls. They begin with the laws of birchot hashahar (morning blessings), and continue onto the laws of the Shahrit prayers, Keriat Shema, and the Amidah. In all, over 80 chapters have been covered. In addition, some sites held weekly review on Shabbat, review of the Shulhan Arukh, and even learning today’s practical halacha on relevant topics from the Sefer Halacha Berura, authored by Rav David Yosef, son of Maran Ovadia Yosef.

The scholars were honored to have a shiur kelalli (group class) led by Rabbi Shimon Alouf in December 2009 on the laws of bowing in kaddish, and hope to expand these lectures into monthly events.

Going forward, the scholars will be continuing onto the laws of bircat kohanim, following the organization of this multi-volume text.

These daily shiurim meet at  either  Congregation Bnei Yishak, taught by Rabbi Harold Sutton; Congregation Beth Torah, taught by Rabbi Ely Matalon or Congregation Ahava Ve Ahva taught by Rabbi Yaakob Savdie. This coordinated effort is especially attractive, as the classes are held at different times of the day, as well as being available on Skype, making it convenient for both business travelers and local residents. In addition, there will soon be a website, which will include the classes given throughout the past year.

Following is a general schedule:

Rabbi Ely Matalon
Congregation Beth Torah
Mon – Thurs, 6 – 7 am
Shabbat review
Sunday, 9 – 10 am
Practical Halacha

Rabbi Yaakob Savdie
Congregation Ahavah Ve Ahva
Mon – Thurs, 8 – 9 pm
Sunday, 9 – 10 am
Monday, 9 – 10 pm
Practical Halacha

Rabbi Harold Sutton
Congregation Bnei Yishak
Mon – Fri, 6:15 – 7 am
Sunday, 8 – 9 am
Shulhan Arukhq

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Dr. David Pinhas is a community member.