Book Description
Rabbi Ari Enkin once again presents over 100 fascinating contemporary halachic issues in his latest work, Eilu V’eilu. Each chapter is skillfully committed from insights and rulings drawn from a wide range of halachic texts. The extensive amount of information packed into every chapter is meticulously woven together to present each issue in a very unique and holistic manner. The author, noted for his articulate and engaging manner of writing, possesses an exceptional ability to explain even the most complicated matters with extraordinary clarity. With well over 2,000 references from the entire spectrum of halachic sources, Eilu V’eilu is simply an experience and education in halacha like no other.
About The Author
Rabbi Ari Enkin fulfilled his lifelong dream of making aliyah in July 2004 after serving seven years as a congregational and community rabbi in Montreal, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. He received his semichah from the Yeshiva Gedola of Montreal, where he first began his immersion in halachah study, as well as from Rav Pinchas Hirschprung. He also received yadin-yadin ordination from a number of prominent dayanim, including Rav Ephraim Greenblatt of Memphis. He holds a Master’s Degree in Informal Adult Education from Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada.
Since making aliyah, Rabbi Enkin has taught halachah studies at a number of yeshivot and seminaries, and delivers lectures and shiurim in the community by invitation. He is currently the Rabbinic Director of United with Israel, Director of the Halachah program at Yeshivat Migdal Hatorah in Modiin, and a Rebbe at Yeshivat Ashreinu in Beit Shemesh. He is also the general editor and halachah columnist of the highly acclaimed halachah website Hirhurim (www.torahmusings.com). Rabbi Enkin is regularly consulted for halachic guidance and advice by rabbis and laymen alike.
Rabbi Enkin and his wife, Shayna, live in Ramat Beit Shemesh. They have four children: Shira, Eitan, Tehilla, and Elimelech. Rabbi Enkin welcomes halachic questions from readers as well as comments and feedback on his books:rabbiari@hotmail.com.
Ben Rothke –
In Eilu V’eilu: Halachic Insights & Responsa author Rabbi Ari Enkin has written an engaging work that will awaken the reader, who’ll find that time goes by quite quickly reading this interesting work. This is a collection of over 100 brief chapters dealing with contemporary halachic issues and some of their potential solutions.
Each well-research chapter is short at about 2-3 pages, and contains interesting and topical contents. The topics can also be used as a launching pad for a deeper discussion.
Some of the many topics in this interesting book include: Shabbat: Solar Heating & the dud shemesh, buried next to which spouse?, dreams , bankruptcy, emergency halachic measures: Es la’asos l’hashem, cruelty to animals in refereeing to foie gras & veal, contradictions in the Shulchan Aruch and more.
Enkin writes in the preface that his vision for a book on halacha is that it could be enjoyed by a scholar and layman.
The title is based on the Talmudic observation that there were many disputes between Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel; concluding with the observation that eilu v’eilu divrei Elokim chayyim – these and these are the words of the Living God. With that, the book provides various ways to look at each topic within the lens of traditional Jewish sources.
I found the most intriguing chapter to be: Foolish Piety: Chassid Shoteh. Chassid shoteh is the Talmudic term describing someone who is foolish in their supposed acts of piety. Enkin provides a modern-day example in the growing number of individuals who refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated, even though doctors have unequivocally shown that they are safe. These modern day pious fools claim God will protect them if they get sick due to lack of inoculations.
Enkin astutely notes that a wise person will thoughtfully balance their observance and piety avoiding any semblance of being a chassid shoteh. It’s also worth noting that expert in Jewish medical ethics Rabbi J. David Bleich stated that the most dangerous part of getting vaccinated is the automobile ride to the doctor’s office.
Another contemporary issue Enkin addresses is if a ba’al teshuva, convert or woman can be a Rabbi. Enkin explains that the underlying issue is due to serara, which teaches that these people are disqualified from holding positions of authority. A different question the book doesn’t address is if they can be a shul president; to that, there are different opinions.
The book is heavily footnoted with its sources. For anyone looking for a quick d’var Torah, or perhaps something to say at a sheva brachos or Shabbos table, the book is a great resource to save the day.
Those looking for an interesting read on a large range of contemporary topics will find Eilu V’eilu: Halachic Insights & Responsa a fascinating and engaging book.
Rabbi JYH –
I was hoping for teaching material but it is details of halachot for very specific circumstances. More of a reference than an interesting read on halachic process.