Brussels School Learns Shatnez

Recently, the scholars of The European Institute for Jewish Higher studies in Brussels completed a unique, month-long course of study in the halachos of shatnez.

During this time the scholars engaged in in-depth study of the halachos, beginning with the primary sources, the mishnayos that deal with shatnez, exploring the Rambam and the Rishonim, and finally learning the practical halachos of shatnez in the Tur and Shulchan Aruch, and in the pertinent responsa of the Acharonim.

In the final week of this course, certified shatnez-checker Harav Yair Narvoni came from France to join the scholars. Harav Narvoni brought with him a special microscope for testing for shatnez and taught the scholars the practical and professional applications of the halachos.

What does a linen thread look like? What does a woolen thread look like? How does one tell the difference between them? What parts of a garment must be checked? The scholars received clear, concise answers to these and other practical questions, while each of them gained valuable hands-on experience in using a microscope to test for shatnez.

?Learning the halachos related to shatnez together, in the structured framework of the kollel, is a rare phenomenon, but it is certainly necessary,? explained Harav Menachem Gibli, director of The European Institute for Jewish Higher studies. ?In our times there is a dearth of knowledge about this topic, which is why it was so important to us to give the scholars of the Institute the best, most professional training in the halachos of shatnez-checking.?