Rabbi Shraga Dovid Homnick, Sgan Rosh Kolel at Kolel L’horaah Ma’asis Crown Heights, gives a fascinating Shiur:
With Nittel Nacht behind us, a discussion about the two major religions, and whether halacha views them as Avoda Zara.
– The holidays (Sunday/Friday as well as bigger dates) – why can we do business then? How about a New Year’s present?
– ‘Tzlamim’ – are they considered idols, and are there any exceptions?
– Houses of worship – can one take a shortcut through their yard? May one run inside in case of an emergency?
– Yayin Nesech – the Rambam’s distinction between the major religions on deriving hana’ah, and the reason to be lenient regardless.
– Why isn’t leasing apartments a problem if they bring ‘Tzlamim’ onto the property? And the distinction between the devout and non-devout.
“Shituf” – does that mean there’s nothing wrong with them believing that doctrine, or is it just a technical exemption relating to their oaths?
– A shul where abuse took place – does it become desecrated and unfit for prayer? What about converting a house of worship into a shul?
– Can a shochet also say “Allahu Akbar” so the meat is also halal?
Shiur 9 on halachic topics from Kolel L’horaah Ma’asis Crown Heights.
