Peninei Halakha > ph1
“Peninei Halakha increases Torah in the world. How fortunate we are, how good is our portion, and how pleasant is our lot.”
“I wish to bless Rabbi Eliezer Melamed Shlita for his book series, Peninei Halakha, which has brought many Jews – among them many youth – closer to the study of Halakha with joy. This is truly a most significant achievement. Fortunate are you, Rabbi Eliezer, that you have merited this, and that you merit the entire People of Israel with it.”
“Rabbi Eliezer Melamed Shlita, fortunate are you that you have merited, with God’s help, to be a teacher of Jewish Law in Israel, who spreads Torah with its pleasant sweetness to the masses of the House of Israel.”
“As the chairman of the committee that awarded Rabbi Eliezer Melamed the Prize for Torah Creativity, I saw in this work a path into the holy world of Halakha; it is done with great taste and with a sense of communion with the holiness of the law. Anyone who studies it will merit a double portion of satisfaction.”
“I view Rabbi Melamed as one of the most important Halakhic decisors (Poskim) of the generation, and as one who has justly merited that his Torah is disseminated more than that of any other decisor.”
“This is the time to increase and join in the study of Peninei Halakha, which sweetens and elevates the observance of Halakha.”
“The books of Rabbi Eliezer Melamed are very important; they serve to magnify the Torah and make it glorious.”
“Peninei Halakha is a crown in the Torah of the Land of Israel, of which it is said: ‘It is more precious than pearls.’ We have been merited by the light of these ‘Pearls,’ and it is my hope that they reach every home in Israel.”
“My heart is full of blessing and appreciation for the edifice of Torah that you have merited to establish – both in your leadership of the Har Bracha community and in Peninei Halakha, which can be found in nearly every Jewish home.”
“The Peninei Halakha library is a diamond among the spiritual works of this generation. Every law flows smoothly, continuously, and harmoniously out of a synthesis of diverse Halakhic opinions. This generation demands clear Halakha in a language that connects to our renewed life in the Land of Israel, and this is exactly what they receive in abundance. Fortunate is the Rosh Yeshiva and distinguished author, Rabbi Eliezer Melamed Shlita, together with the team of great Torah scholars who had the wisdom to produce and disseminate glorious Torah in a glorious vessel. Anyone who studies from this diamond-like library and fulfills its laws is a good and upright Jew, and will merit the radiance of the Divine Presence.”
“The Peninei Halakha books are truly a ‘Shulchan Aruch’ of law and philosophy (Hashkafa), written in a style that enables study for both the beginner and the advanced scholar. The books provide the practical path of Halakha along with a deep perspective that enters not only the mind but also the heart. I recommend that every man and woman study one chapter of Peninei Halakha every day.”
“The Peninei Halakha series, the fruit of Rabbi Melamed Shlita’s labor, strengthens the study of practical Halakha. It enables an understanding of the foundations of the law for both Torah scholars and lovers of Torah who wish to understand the Halakha and fulfill it from its original sources.”
“I recommend to everyone to study Peninei Halakha and fulfill the verse: ‘That the words of Torah shall be sharp in your mouth.'”
“The Peninei Halakha books make the Torah beloved. Thanks to the logic within the rulings, the student rises to a higher level and does not perform the law like a machine, but rather fulfills it with understanding and merits an inner identification with the word of God. They are also useful books for Torah scholars, who can draw from them both a wealth of information as well as logical reasoning and depth.”
“It is quite unnecessary to elaborate on the praise of these books or to say of them ‘this is it’ – especially since Rabbi Melamed’s books have spread throughout the Jewish world, and tens of thousands of young men and women study Halakha from them; ‘the voice of the people is like the voice of God.’ The laws are written in clear language, his teachings are well-ordered, with great wisdom, and with good taste and judgment. Rabbi Melamed has gathered the words of the earlier and later decisors (Rishonim and Acharonim), presented the various Halakhic opinions, delved into the depths of the issues, and reached practical rulings while looking deeply at the state of the generation and its needs – wisdom and craftsmanship combined, marvelous in their kind. Such a synthesis in the field of Halakhic ruling is of immense benefit. Even for distinguished Rabbis and decisors, this book eases the search through the earlier and later authorities, showing them the sources of the law and the various opinions within it. It is my strong hope that Rabbi Melamed continues this holy work, and may God merit us to celebrate the completion of all parts of the Halakha, to see the building of our Temple, and to see Peninei Halakha published even on the laws of the Holy Temple, sacrifices, purity and impurity, and even prophecy and monarchy.”
“Heartfelt blessings upon your receiving the Rabbi Kook Prize for Torah Literature. The recognition you have merited is indeed highly deserved and fitting for your tremendous enterprise.”
“The Peninei Halakha book series is one of the central ways for increasing Torah and its study in our generation.”
“Peninei Halakha can contribute greatly not only to those studying Halakha for broad knowledge (Bekiut), but also to yeshiva students engaged in the in-depth study (Iyun) of Halakhic topics. They will derive tremendous benefit from a meticulous study of the Peninei Halakha books, and especially from the footnotes and the in-depth expansions, where the fundamental conceptual logic of the topic is applied to the practical and contemporary realm.”
“The Peninei Halakha books are the most accessible books for learning and understanding Halakha and its sources. Yashar koach to Rabbi Melamed for these books of his.”
“In Peninei Halakha, I find a very fair, comprehensive, and clear summary of the majority of opinions on Halakhic issues. It brings a blessing to every learner, male and female.”
“The Peninei Halakha book series by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed Shlita makes Halakha accessible to the general public. The series encompasses many areas of Halakha, with the addition of philosophical insights. Making the Torah accessible is equivalent to the Giving of the Torah itself – much like the enterprise of Ezra the Scribe, who changed the script so that the multitudes of Israel could study Torah, and of whom it was said that he was worthy for the Torah to be given through him (Sanhedrin 21a). I recommend to every student and teacher to delve into this important series.”
“It requires a special talent to author Halakhic books that contain a broad scope, a high level of detail and precision, as well as clarity and eye-opening explanations. Therefore, Peninei Halakha has merited to be embraced by a broad and diverse audience, ‘to magnify the Torah and make it glorious.'”
“The influence of Rabbi Melamed Shlita is visible and evident not only in the Land of Israel – in home libraries, synagogues, and Halakhic discussions in the study halls – but also in Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora. I wish to encourage the imparting of the Torah of Israel through meaningful, daily study of the precious stone that the People of Israel have been gifted: Peninei Halakha.”
“Yashar koach to Rabbi Eliezer Melamed for the Peninei Halakha series, which is written in a clear and pleasant language, bringing Israel closer to the study of Torah and Halakha. In him, the verse ‘Let your wellsprings be dispersed abroad’ has already been fulfilled.”
“The book series Peninei Halakha has received the greatest endorsement of all: the endorsement of thousands and tens of thousands of male and female students in the Chemed [State-Religious school system], who learn the Torah of truth from his mouth and from his books through their rabbis, male teachers, and female teachers of Torah and Halakha. This word of God, that ‘the voice of the people is like the voice of God,’ reinforces the words of the giants of the generation, our rabbis, in the endorsements they wrote for his books. In them, they spoke at length to praise and emphasize the teaching and ruling method of Rabbi Eliezer Melamed Shlita, noting that he ‘clarifies and demonstrates the foundations and reasons for the commandments and laws he addresses, encompasses many details of the discussed topic, and presents both general principles and specific details in a clear light.’ (Quoting Rabbi Avraham Shapira, Z”tl).”
“Rabbi Melamed’s Peninei Halakha makes the Halakhic world accessible in clear and fluent language, and without it, the observance of Halakha would be lacking.”
“The Peninei Halakha series brings important tidings to anyone who desires to merit and feel the pleasantness of studying Halakha, which flows from the Torah of the scholars of the Land of Israel.”
“‘There has never been such a spice’ [Nothing quite like it has ever come along] – the Peninei Halakha series makes Halakha accessible in an extraordinary way. It provides both an explanation of the conceptual and philosophical side of the topic, as well as detailed Halakha, including things that have been innovated in the modern era – from electrical and electronic appliances to the proper blessing over Bisli and Bamba. Everything appears in the series in a clear manner for every reader, whether they are accustomed to yeshiva study or not used to opening Halakhic books at all. I recommend that every home and every synagogue purchase the series and dedicate time to regular study. One gains the pleasure of learning, the mitzvah of Torah study, and the knowledge of practical Halakha without hesitation.”
“‘Resh Lakish said: [If] a Halakha is beloved to you… say it; and if not, do not say it.’ Rabbi Melamed’s books are written in a relevant language that draws the heart, and studying them will lead to fulfilling the Halakha out of joy.”
“The Gemara in Tractate Horayot (13a) expounds the verse in Proverbs (3:15), ‘She is more precious than pearls (mi-pninim)’ as referring to our holy Torah – that it is more precious than pearls, and even more than the prayer of the High Priest in the Holy of Holies. In other words, the letter Mem [the prefix mi-] in the word mi-pninim is interpreted as a ‘Mem of comparison’ [meaning more than]. The Torah is more precious than pearls. However, one can also interpret this letter as a ‘Mem of source’ [meaning from]. How so? How do we recognize the greatness of the Torah? From pearls – from Peninei Halakha. The book that makes the sweetness of the Torah accessible to every Jewish home in a clear and pleasant language, out of pure fear of Heaven.”
“I have merited to know Rabbi Eliezer Melamed closely, as well as his great diligence to ‘deduce the practical law from the Talmudic discussion,’ along with his integrity, character traits, demeanor, modesty, and special personality. These greatly assist him in aiming for the truth of the Torah and meriting Heavenly assistance (Siyata DeShmaya) in Halakhic decision-making. It is not for nothing that Rabbi Melamed has merited that ‘his wellsprings be dispersed abroad,’ and that the Peninei Halakha series, written in a clear and fluent Israeli style, has been accepted as a masterful series for the study and ruling of Halakha among many rabbis and students.”
“I am far too insignificant to offer my own endorsement to the Rabbi and his monumental endeavors for the Jewish people and Torah students. When the great sea crests, it brings both precious pearls and fleeting foam to the shore; the pearls are rare and priceless, while the foam simply washes away. Your books are the pearls; my words are but the foam. Fortunate are you.”
“The synthesis between the spirit of the Halakha and the specific details of the laws found in Peninei Halakha is the ‘Torah of the Land of Israel’ that is necessary for the great spirit of our generation, exactly as Rabbi Kook described it.”
“Studying Peninei Halakha brings redemption to the study of Halakha – the scope, the explanation of matters from the root down to the practical details even in very complex issues, and all in a manner that is pleasant for the reader. Thank God that we have merited the Peninei Halakha series.”
“The Creator of the Universe has granted you the merit to make Halakha accessible in a clear and illuminating manner, like a pearl, while addressing the customs of all the communities in wonderful harmony with all the methodologies.
“The Peninei Halakha series by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed Shlita strengthens the connection between the nation of God and the Torah of God. It is welcoming and finds favor and grace in the eyes of God and man. May it be God’s will that studying it brings with it a ‘mountain of blessing’!”
“Through daily study in these beloved books, our students merit to connect with and love Halakha, to know it from its sources through its development down to the practical ruling, and to engage with Halakha with relevance to the questions of our time.”
“The Peninei Halakha series is a winning combination of philosophical ideas with practical, contemporary rulings, and all of it in a clear and pleasant manner that also speaks to the hearts of the youth.”
“Fortunate are you, Rabbi Eliezer, that you have enlightened the eyes of Israel in Torah, like Ezra the Scribe who made ‘handles’ for the Torah.”
“For anyone seeking to learn clear Halakha through an understanding of its meanings, its goals, its definitions, its general principles, and its specific details in contemporary terms – I happily recommend the systematic study of Peninei Halakha by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, Shlita, both in the main text and in the footnotes!”
“The Peninei Halakha series is eye-opening, in my humble opinion… Today, we have the golden opportunity to transmit to the members of our community in particular, the definitive Halakhic ruling accompanied by textual and contextual explanation regarding ‘the deeds they should do,’ thank God.”
“When I was deep within the complexities of the topics as the head of a Halakha Kollel, and I opened the books – I discovered the greatness of Rabbi Eliezer as a Posek (Halakhic decisor).”
“The Peninei Halakha series is like a pearl necklace, a piece of jewelry that every woman needs! In his books, Rabbi Eliezer Melamed simplifies the complex and brings the abstract closer. Through regular daily study, every woman can achieve proficiency in the details of the Halakhot, as well as deepen her understanding of the values that stand at their foundation. This is a study that constitutes an unparalleled, important pillar in dispelling spiritual confusion, and in deepening the commitment to mitzvot and the connection to the Creator of the Universe. Torah study, in order to observe and to do.”
“Most people do not have the tools to study Halakha from the Talmudic passages down to its practical ruling. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed has succeeded in bringing Halakha into Jewish homes through the unique Peninei Halakha series. The Halakha is written in a fresh, Land-of-Israel spirit, in a language suitable for every soul. The books are written in clear and contemporary language, illuminating the Halakhot with their spiritual reasoning, and relating to the customs of the various communities. Rabbi Melamed has gathered the methodologies of the Rishonim in an organized and concise manner, so that many can today know the Halakha and its source.”
“The Halakha books of Rabbi Melamed, Shlita, have transformed the study of the details of Halakha in the community into a deep and refreshing experience that draws the hearts of the learners to the study of Torah and its fulfillment.”
“A book series that is welcoming to the learner and makes the world of Halakha accessible to them.”
“I recommend to everyone to study Halakha from Peninei Halakha, which summarizes the Halakha very well.”
“Making Halakha accessible and disseminating it to all of Israel is holy work. Rabbi Melamed, be strong and courageous; may your wellsprings be dispersed abroad, and may you merit to learn and to teach out of contentment and joy.”
“In every Halakhic question that I deliberate over, I open Peninei Halakha. It is evident from the books that Rabbi Melamed is a tremendous Torah scholar, sharp and erudite.”
“Your Torah, which draws from the well of generations, has within it the refreshing fragrance of the Land of Israel. The trust, the placing of the roots of the Halakha, the explanations, and the considerations on the table – this is what gives the learners a measure of responsibility for their Torah and their religious existence.”
“Peninei Halakha is an accessible, clear, and illuminating book, inviting the learner to want to delve further into Halakha. A book that provides an answer for the scholar, all the way down to practical Halakha.”
“Studying Peninei Halakha is pure love of Torah; fortunate are those who enter the gates of these precious books.”
“The clarity of Peninei Halakha – both in its conceptual development and in the explanation of its details – makes Halakha accessible and brings it closer to its learners. Because of this, it is a foundational book for me and for my students.”
“The magnification and glorification of the Torah is not in accepting things unquestioningly, but rather precisely in the awakening of thought and critical analysis. An abundance of blessings to the massive enterprise of Peninei Halakha, which bequeaths the heritage of the Torah to the multitudes, both far and near.”
“In our generation, making the Torah accessible to the general public is one of the most important challenges; Rabbi Melamed does it magnificently.”
“‘Every era illuminates according to its unique character’ – and these words are true regarding both the form and the content. The Peninei Halakha books do not need anyone’s recommendation. Their wide distribution, their impact on the observance of Halakha, their making Halakha accessible to every person, and their being a place where a person searching for ‘the word of God, which is Halakha’ can find it easily and clearly – these testify more than anything else to their being one of the most definitive Halakhic works of the generation. And also regarding their content, as is the way of the words of Torah, there are facets to forbid and facets to permit, and the Halakhic world written within them is worthy to be on the tables of kings on the one hand, and women and men seeking Halakha on the other hand, so that they may know from it the path they should walk. I too join the great call to increase their study, and of course also ‘to observe and to do and to fulfill all the words of the teaching of Your Torah with love.'”
“When the learner feels the depth, the consideration for the complexity of life, and the common sense that stands behind every sentence, their soul connects and bonds to Halakha, and so too does the commitment to its fulfillment. Fortunate is Rabbi Melamed, Shlita, who brings the people of Israel closer to the Hakadosh Baruch Hu and to His Torah!”
“The book Peninei Halakha combines within it many virtues, the primary ones being: clear explanation, encompassing many opinions and deciding between them, and surpassing them all: a unique and extraordinary integration between the general principles and the details, between the Halakhot and laws and their reasons and roots.”
“I greatly enjoy studying Halakha from the Peninei Halakha books, which present the foundations of Halakha in a clear and illuminating manner, and lovingly draw everyone who studies them to fulfill the word of God, which is Halakha.”
“Peninei Halakha, in a clear language for every soul, makes Halakha accessible. Not only the various methodologies in Halakha and the guidance toward the final ruling (it is important to read the footnotes as well), but also the reasons and the pathways of thought that are necessary in our generation.”
“In the Or Otniel High School Yeshiva, the junior high classes study the laws of prayer from Peninei Halakha. The writing is clear. The Halakha is made accessible in a precise manner, while also connecting to the root of prayer and its meaning.
In the higher grades, we utilize the books in many areas: in education for Torah study and diligence, in studying Halakha throughout the year, in studying the connection to the Land [of Israel] and the laws of war, in education for family life, and more. The concepts are written in a way that allows the student to be an independent learner, alongside the ability to delve deeper and understand the mitzvot with a breadth of knowledge.
We hope that the tremendous enterprise of writing Peninei Halakha will continue and expand to all the letters of the Torah, and that we will merit to continue studying his books in every field.”
“The responsiveness of our students to the daily study of Peninei Halakha and their joy in learning indicates that the quality of the writing and creation of Rabbi Melamed, Shlita, possesses the caliber of primary source texts. Clarity and depth, general principle and specific detail, tradition and innovation. Fortunate are we that we have merited this.”
“Thanks to Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, Shlita, and his students for the wondrous series Peninei Halakha. The most suitable book in our generation for the general public to study Halakha is Peninei Halakha; it is deep, accessible, readable, and understandable.
As part of the mass learning, we decided in our family to start studying Peninei Halakha during the Shabbat meal.”
“We see how the books of Rabbi Eliezer, Shlita, are a great blessing and inspiration, not only for those who act in accordance with him, but also for those who oppose this or that ruling! They are refreshing, grant courage, and shed new light on the old and well-studied, as mentioned, even for the opponents. And such is the way of Torah, studied for its own sake. Therefore, Rabbi Eliezer, Shlita, may your strength be for the Torah, and may you continue to add light to every Jewish home.”
“The author of Peninei Halakha combines immense Halakhic knowledge, thoroughness, and an explanatory ability that simplifies the most complex topics. His books on every subject are the most suitable books for guiding the general public. Even Torah scholars who do not have the time to delve deeply into every single topic use them. His books guiding married couples in the ways of purity integrate with the right balance! Between preserving the Halakhic heritage and being meticulous on minor and major issues alike, and the great importance of the connection between a couple in body and soul. Fortunate is the generation that has merited Peninei Halakha.”
“Without detracting in any way from our Rabbis of previous generations, pearl connects to pearl, joining the chain of generations of Halakha and blessing, ‘and truth and peace they loved.'”
“As someone who has studied Halakha for many years from the Peninei Halakha books, I can testify that Rabbi Eliezer Melamed – with his deep wisdom, broad knowledge, talent for making the language of Halakha accessible, and the breadth of his familiarity with the reality of our generation – wisely implements the principle: ‘The great Yes of the Torah, that through a soft utterance, everything will be understood and corrected.’
The manner of Rabbi Eliezer’s Halakhic writing is clear, detailed, precise, and unfolds the various approaches to Halakhic issues in which there are a multitude of opinions. In addition to this, its distinct advantage is the creation of various options for Halakha study that he creates in his books.
The one who wishes to study in order to know the ‘bottom line’ and understand how to fulfill the commandments of God, and conversely – the one who wishes to expand and delve deeper into each and every Halakha they study – both will be able to find their desire in the Peninei Halakha book series.
‘Anyone who reviews Halakhot every day’ from Peninei Halakha ‘is assured that they are a child of the World to Come’ – meriting to taste the flavor of the Garden of Eden already in this world, in fulfilling: ‘to learn… to observe, to do, and to fulfill all the words of the teaching of God’s Torah with love.'”
“Like so many Shul Rabbis, I find Peninei Halakha to be an invaluable sefer. It is, at the same time, both concise and yet broader than most halacha seforim, more clear and yet deeper than most others.It has brought so much light and meaning to my avodat Hashem and that of my congregants. May Rabbi Melamed and Har Bracha be granted the strength and longevity to continue making halacha clear and meaningful to all of Klal Yisrael.”
“I have been teaching from Peninei Halacha for a number of years due to its clear and concise presentation and relativity to the modern times we live in. I have heard people refer to this as today’s Mishna Berurah.
After meeting with Rav Melamed last summer, I was inspired by his Torah knowledge and his approachability. This was all wrapped in a cloak of absolute humility and Kavod Hatorah. I am honored to be able to share his teachings with my constituents.”
“The uniqueness of his Torah creation is characterized by a conceptual and faith-based explanation of the reasons for the Halakhot, in accordance with the tradition of Israel throughout the generations. This is done through in-depth study, by clarifying and analyzing the Halakha from its source down to its practical application, in adaptation to our times and for the general public – and all in clear and pleasant language.”