(1) ec 5/9/2007 2:58:00 AM
A masterful and engaging exposition
Rabbi Berkowitz beautifully explains why the Oral Law was oral, and then why, if it was so important for it to be oral, it was then transcribed in writing, and other seeming contradictions. He reveals allusions to Oral Law from the Torah. He introduces little known facts, like that Rabbi Yosef Karo travelled widely in order to gather all the information and traditions for the Shulchan Aruch. Exemplifying what he teaches, when the rabbi disagrees with a certain translation he uses during the class, he disagreed in a way which was sensitive and respectful and complimentary of the translator's sincere efforts. Rabbi Berkowitz is a master at taking a what could be a potentially dry or boring topic, and speaking about it in a way which is engaging and satisfying. He also avoids "yeshivish" English, he even says "Moses" instead of "Moshe" (which is great for English-speakers who aren't yet used to the authentic pronouciation of biblical names)and explains the few Hebrew or Aramaic words that he does use. Whether the listner is a newcomer to the subject of Oral Law or a dedicated yeshivah student, you'll come away from this shiur having learned something new and vital, and having enjoyed yourself at the same time.