Question:
Learning halacha is very important as we all know. Yet, it is very confusing since there are 4 major sections and so so many commentaries within each section not including all the teshuvos by halachic authorities, and the Mishnah Berurah, Aruch hashulchan, etc.
Can the Rov provide an overview of the halachic structure and provide guidance on how to begin and continue to master Halachah in all its dimensions. The questions-answers here in this web site are fantastic but they are fragmented from one topic to another, Can the rov provide overall guidance and even perhaps an intro on how to use this website since it has so many sections, topics, articles, etc.
Thanks!
Answer:
You are very right, and I understand you. When looking at all of the torah at one time, and seeing how vast it is, it can be very daunting and intimidating. However we are taught that the correct way to learn is not to look at everything at one time, but take a certain topic that you want to learn, and concentrate on that. After you have learnt it, then go on to the next topic.
Regarding this site, one should not attempt to get the basic knowledge of a halachic topic from looking at this site, as it is very fragmented, and this site is only meant to provide guidance for the specific question that was asked, in its unique circumstances. If you would like, after learning a certain topic, and understanding it, you can look at the questions on this site regarding that topic. Otherwise, this site is meant for answer to specific question, and not for learning the basics of the halacha. For example, a medical student has to first understand the human body very well, the ailments, the medications, and procedures, in order to be a doctor and answer medical questions. One should not attempt to read a medical question and answer site and then think that his is now a doctor.
The way to learn halacha depends on how well you want to learn it. The correct way to learn halacha is to first build a foundation, and understand the topic from it’s sources, then to follow it as it has developed from the Talmud, then to the Rishonim, Tur, Shulchan Aruch, commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch, and then the practical applications, which are discussed in the Poskim. This way you will have a clear understanding of the factors that effect and alter the halacha, and you will understand its practical applications. This is the way to understand halacha solidly, by building a foundation, and building upon it.
Nevertheless, since we all have to know the practical halacha, one should have a time that he learns the practical halacha, such as learning Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Mishna Berura, etc. and the practical seforim that are available nowadays on almost every topic.
If you would like personal guidance, regarding learning a particular topic, let me know and I will try to help you.
I hope this explains what you want.
Best wishes
