Aruch HaShulchan with Rabbi Gimple

Rabbi Gimple gives an intermediate level class, in English, for men, on the Aruch HaShulchan (ערוך השולחן).  This is the classic work of Rabbi Yechiel Michel Epstein (1829–1908), זצ”ל, and is a super-commentary on most of the Shulchan Aruch (שֻׁלחָן עָרוּך). The Sulchan Aruch, also known as the Code of Jewish Law, is the masterpiece of R. Yosef Karo (1488-1575), זצ”ל.  It was written in Safed, published in 1565, and is recognized as one of the main reference texts on Halacha (הֲלָכָה), Jewish Law.  What the Aruch HaShulcan does is to analyze all aspects of the Shulchan Aruch form the points of view of the Talmud, Rambam (Maimonides) and others, and discusses, in part, the consequences for Jewish Law of not having a functioning Temple and other historical realities.

The Shiur started with an in-depth analysis of the mitzva of honouring one’s parents, various aspects of Matza used on Pesach, and is now examining all aspects of the Jewish judicial system; e.g., rules of evidence or venue of the trial, or how judges are chosen.

Rabbi Gimple earned his Smicha (סמיכה‎, ordination) with HaRav HaGaon Aryeh Leib Baron, זצ”ל, and became R. Baron’s תלמיד מובחק (key student, disciple).  He also has a degree in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, and has worked at Marconi.

The class is given every Wednesday evening (either in the Beth Zion boardroom or library)  around 8:00 PM; we move the time around so that we can have Mincha and Maariv with the Beth Zion Minyan when the times are close.  Finally, refreshments are served courtesy of the Rinat Yisrael Minyan.