HALAKHA AND OBSERVANCE WORKING GROUP
Halakha is the collective body of Jewish religious laws derived from the Torah and other authoritative texts. It forms the basis of Jewish religious practice and guides the way Jews are expected to conduct their lives in accordance with Jewish tradition.
The observance of Halakha is a fundamental component of traditional Jewish life, as it regulates numerous aspects of daily activities such as religious rituals, dietary laws, ethical behavior, and more. Halakha encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects, including prayer, Shabbat (the Sabbath), kosher dietary laws, family purity, tzedakah (charitable giving), and interpersonal relationships, among many others. The interpretation and application of Halakha have undergone significant evolution over the course of centuries. These discussions and debates among Jewish scholars and rabbis are ongoing. Jewish denominations may interpret and adhere to Halakha in different ways and to varying degrees. The Written Law (Torah) and the Oral Law (Mishnah and Talmud) are the two main sources of Halakha. Commentaries and responsa literature offer further insights and rulings.
Observant Jews strive to adhere to Halakha in order to cultivate a deep and sincere connection with God, as well as to preserve their Jewish identity and heritage. The level of observance of Halakha may vary among individuals. Some people adhere strictly to every aspect, while others may choose to follow only specific elements or observe it more leniently. It is important to acknowledge that although Halakha serves as the basis for traditional Jewish practice, there are variations in how different Jews observe it. The Jewish community is known for its diversity, encompassing a wide range of beliefs and practices. However, it is important to note that Halakha and its observance hold significant importance in shaping Jewish life, customs, and religious expressions for many Jews worldwide.
The SAJA Halacha and Observance group will work in the below areas as part of its aims and objectives:
– Provide halakhic guidance for communinities of the SAJA, when needed.
– Set the minimum standards required to the communities that wish to join the SAJA and make sure those communities meet the minimum requirements.
– Submit a form to be incorporated in the SAJA website for new communities seeking SAJA membership. (The “Halakha and Observance working group” will review all applications, interview the leadership of communities applying for membership if they meet the basic criteria, and may then recommend eligible communities to the SAJA board for approval.)
– Evaluate the situation of Torah observance in affiliated communties (through visits or questionnaries) and make recommendations to improve
– Discuss all questions of Jewish law that are submited by community leaders or other members of SAJA (Communities leaders may refer questions to the “Halakha and Observance working group”.
– Offer kashrut supervision for restaurants and businesses and grant and revoke SAJA Kosher Certificates.
– Also do everything that can help communities observe Halakha, like working for the creation of a SAJA Yeshiva in one of our countries for the training of Rabbis and community leaders; advocating to governements to consider Jewish holidays in the national calendar; encouraging governement to cancel legislations that discriminate against religion generally and burden some faith communities more than others; etc.
– May cooperate with the ” education working committee” to develop Jewish education of all sorts and on all levels in accordance with Halakha, including Yeshivot, schools, youth groups, camps, publications, conventions, educational trips to Israel and other Jewish communities, and adult education programs.
– Draw the organization of a Sub Saharian Beit Bin Hagadol [supreme court of Jewish law] which will study the problems arising in our environment and solve them in the spirit of Torah.
– May appoint Consultants to help for specific issues, when necessary:
– May on occasion publish Halakhic papers on various subjects
Additional areas under consideration :
regarding Kashrut:
1. Basic rules
2. Common mistakes in African context. Common African ingredients and problems with Kashrut
3. Vessel kosherizing
4. Problems with unkosher matters (plates, meats) in contact with kosher vessels
5. shabbat challenges:
A. Warming plates ( strategies)
B. Electric devices (common mistakes)
C. Using cutters
D. How to make coffee or tea
6. Shabbat rules:
-put on clothes on shabbat
– distance rules
– teeth brushing
– water closet
– bathing/ shower
-playing drums or instruments
– whitstle on shabbat
– who opens a non mevushal bottle wine?
MEMBERSHIP
- Israel Amir Serge Etele
- Rabbi Guershon Sizomu
- Modreck Maesera
- Yosef Pohosson
- Adonyahou