In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, the director of semicha at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), about the development of halacha.

Rabbi Lebowitz has written numerous articles and several books on the practical applications of Jewish law and is behind the popular “Ten Minute Halacha” lecture series.

•What is the role of rabbinic “intuition” in halachic rulings?
•To what degree does the common practice of the community shape halachic rulings?
•How has the focus of rabbinical studies shifted over time?
•Does the concept of emunas chachamin, faith in the rabbis, mean blind adherence?
•How are the personal circumstances of the individuals seeking a halachic ruling factored into a posek’s decision?

Tune in to hear a conversation about halacha and its practical applications.

Interview begins at 21:32.

Rabbi Lebowitz is the rabbi of Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere and the director of semicha at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). He previously taught at Lander's College for Men and at the DRS Yeshiva High School (HALB).

References:
Ten Minute Halacha
Tales Out of Shul: The Unorthodox Journal of an Orthodox Rabbi by Rabbi Emanuel Feldman
Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz’s halachic guide to showering on Yom Tov
Gray Matter by Rabbi Chaim Jachter
Contemporary Halakhic Problems by Rabbi J. David Bleich
Shabbat by Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon
Orchot Shabbat by Rabbi Shalom Yosef Gelber & Rabbi Yitzchak Mordechai Rubin