New Zman, New Sugya: Mastering Ribbis to Navigate a Jewish Life in Today’s World

As the new zman begins at Merkos 302’s Kollel Aliba D’hilchasa, a new Sugya is addressed: Hilchos Ribbis, the halachos that shape how Yidden navigate daily business interactions.

“The Rebbe often emphasized that Torah learning must be aliba dehilchasa—rooted in practical application,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, “Throughout the years, even with all of Lubavitch’s extraordinary accomplishments, reports of Yidden immersing themselves in real Torah learning brought the Rebbe the greatest nachas.”

In today’s interconnected world of finance and relationships, clarity in Ribbis is not a luxury. It is essential for living as a Torah Jew with confidence and integrity. Without clear knowledge, even ordinary transactions risk crossing serious halachic boundaries.

This cycle brings the learning directly into the real world. Whether splitting credit card payments with family, managing loans across currencies, investing in bonds, or handling business promotions, the laws of Ribbis are everywhere—often hiding in plain sight.

Under the leadership of Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, director of ShulchanAruchHarav.com, the Kollel follows a rigorous curriculum covering 16 core sugyos in halacha. Each six-month unit includes chavrusa study, expert shiurim, and optional certification for those who complete the track.

The upcoming Ribbis unit tackles questions drawn straight from daily life:

• If someone rounds up repayment on a favor, is that Ribbis?
  
• Can an Australian loan be repaid in U.S. dollars?
  
• Are early bird pricing or bond investments halachically permissible?
  
• Can late payroll payments include a bonus without halachic concerns?
  

As Rabbi Zalman Raskin, a Shliach and Mechanech, described, “Kollel Aliba D’Hilchasa is a groundbreaking initiative that makes learning Halacha accessible to everyone. This innovative approach presented an incredible opportunity for me to re-engage with and deepen my understanding of practical Torah learning.”

The Rebbe often spoke of the need for every individual to learn halacha because each person carries the responsibility of leadership in their families and circles of influence. Knowing how to navigate halachic situations in everyday life doesn’t just impact the individual—it shapes families, communities, and the people who turn to them for guidance.

This Kollel is part of Merkos 302’s broader Torah empowerment initiatives, alongside Kolel Dach, Iyun Tefilah, Rabbanus training, and Dach Lenashim, all focused on giving the tools to infuse in-depth Torah learning into daily life.

For more information or to register, visit KollelAD.com.