Observing taharas hamishpacha is one of the pillars upon which the Jewish home has stood for generations. Adhering to the laws of tahara affects the entire household — both parents and children alike.

The great importance of maintaining taharas hamishpacha can be learned from the Rebbe's responses to those who had not been blessed with children, instructing them to be scrupulous in observing these halachos. Similarly, when someone complained about problems with shalom bayis, the Rebbe replied: "Among the ways to fortify shalom bayis is precision in the chukim and dinim of taharas hamishpacha." The Rebbe adds that since "a lack of knowledge leads to a lack of observance," they should clarify all the details with a qualified halachic authority (rav moreh hora'ah) in order to observe them properly going forward.

However, the entire subject of tahara is by its very nature a private matter. It is not something widely discussed in public; it is sensitive and intimate, often embarrassing and complex. As a result, one can unfortunately reach a situation where lack of knowledge leads to insufficient observance of the halachos. Compounding this is the fact that many people learn these halachos only in the period before their wedding, after which years pass without an opportunity to revisit and properly review them.

To address this important need, we are pleased to presentthe new course: “HilchosTahara — Halacha L'Ma'aseh." The course is designed to provide an opportunity for organized, in-depth study of the halachos, drawn from the Shulchan Aruch and its major commentaries, with special emphasis on practical application — how to act in various real-life situations andcircumstances.

The course will be taught by Rabbi Mendy Hershkop of Crown Heights, known for his exceptional clarity and for the engaging shiurim he delivers — particularly in Hilchos Niddah, both in practical halacha and in how to guide others, such as chassanim and baalei teshuva.

Who isthe course intended for?

1.    Anyone who wishes to study Hilchos Niddah in an organized and in-depth manner in order to observe the dinei tahara.

2.    Every shliach, yungerman preparing to go on shlichus, or community rabbi who wants a thorough command of the halachos in order to guide members of his community or mekuravim who wish to begin observing taharas hamishpacha.

3.   Mashpiim or chassan teachers who need structured study of Hilchos Niddah so they can properly guide their talmidim and mushpaim.

Students who complete the course work and pass the exams will have the opportunity to receive shimush (practical training) under Rabbi Tuvia Kasimov, Rav and moreh tzedek in Crown Heights and an expert in dinei tahara.

The in-depth syllabus will cover everything from how one becomes a niddah, to vestos, bedikos, kesamim, harchakos, yoledes, shivah nekiyim and tevilah, all studied from the original sources of the Shulchan Aruch and Nosei Kelim, followed by Lemaan Yilmedu’s exclusive study booklets of Shalos u'Teshuvos and Practical Halacha.