Halachic & Hashkafic Foundations of Mitzvot Bein Adam Lechavero

This course of `19 lectures was delivered at the OU Israel Center in Jerusalem from September 2015 – February 2016. It focuses on the halachic (legal) and hashkafic (philosophical) underpinnings of the various mitzvot relating to interpersonal relationships. The source sheets are presented in English and Hebrew.

Many of these (and additional) topics were given at the OU Israel/Beit Knesset HaNasi in 2026 with additional sources and material – see indicated below.

1. Ahavat Reim – Loving Every Person  (audio not currently available) 

1A. Ahavat Re’im 2026 – Learning To Love People We Don’t Like

1B. Ahavat Re’im 2026 – The Halachic Limits of Giving to Others

2. Lo Tisna – Accepting Other Jews (audio not currently available) 

3. BeTzedek Tishpot – Judging Others Fairly 

3A. BeTzedek Tishpot 2026 – Good Judgement and Bad Judgmentalism

4. Geneivat Da’at – Deception & Misrepresentation 

5. Emet and Sheker – Truth & Lies 

5A. Emet and Sheker 2026 – Truth, Lies  & Everything In Between

6. Nekama and Netira – Bearing a Grudge & Taking Revenge 

7. HaYashar VeHatov – Doing the Right Thing 

7A. HaYashar VeHatov  2026 – Developing Religious Common Sense

8. Hachnasat Orchim – Inviting Guests  

9. Hachnasat Kallah – Weddings and Simcha  

10. Kavod Haberiyot – Personal Dignity  

10A. Kavod Haberiyot 2026 – Respect for Personal Dignity  

11. Kibud Av Ve’em – Unreasonable Parents  

11A. Kibud Av Ve’em 2026 – Honoring Parents – The Hardest Mitzva

12. Lifnei Iver – Causing Others to Sin  

13. Arvut – Who is an Apikorus?    (apologies – the opening was not recorded)

14. Zaken VeSeiva – Respecting the Wise & Elderly  

15. Bikur Cholim – Visiting the Sick  

16. Lo Lehacot – Violence & Abuse  

17. Tochecha (audio currently not available)  

17A. Tochecha 2026 –

18. Lo Tachmod – Envy & Jealousy  

19. Copyright Issues  

20. Arvut and Responsibility for Other Jews 2026