Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at  https://ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study in israel​ or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today!   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 What is the source for rounded luchos, and why is this rejected?   02:58 Does a baal teshuva have to give up certain hobbies? If he doesn't, should he hide them from his children?   18:40 When is someone who is brain dead considered halachically deceased?   27:04 How can one appreciate the concept of slavery in the Torah?   34:40 Does a double amputee have to keep tznius for their prosthetic legs?   37:04 What is the chiddush of the "like maaseh kedera" beraisa, according to Rav and Shmuel?   38:13 Would Hitler have a defense in a beis din from ain shliach ledavar aveirah? Was the Eichmann trial halachically valid?   46:06 Why is there a distinction between singular and plural in the beracha of tevilas keilim?   47:39 What is the proper response to someone who might be asking about Judaism only to disparage it, but might be asking honestly?   52:26 Is it possible to "kill one's enemy with kindness"?   56:39 Is milk added to coffee covered by a beracha made before the milk was available?   58:04 What is the Torah's view on non-Jews who never knew monotheism?   1:00:26 What are the ancestral origins of humans native to other continents?   1:03:36 What is the proper etiquette for mourner's kaddish for multiple mourners?   1:08:44 Why are women pasul for testimony?   1:10:02 How does Torah explain items carbon-dated to a time before 6000 years ago?   1:12:53 How do we deal with Reform converts who are not halachically Jewish?   1:14:20 Can one make aromatic berachos on spices and such used for food, like coffee? Can that coffee be used for drinking afterward?   1:15:42 In Az Yashir of Shacharis, why do we say the Aramaic translation of Hashem yimloch twice?   1:18:58 Can someone be a talmid chacham by reading Mesivta or Artscroll?   1:19:58 What is the halachic justification for saying Tehillim in the graveyard a violation of loeg lerash?   1:22:49 Can you bring the name Yisrael into the bathroom? What about the two-yod abbreviation?   1:24:26 How can one appreciate Shabbat from a rationalistic perspective?   1:27:15 Why are there so many Amoraim with names derived from "rav"?   1:27:58 How is it possible for someone to follow the mitzvos but be a disgusting person?   1:30:50 Are empty buildings part of the techum of Shabbat?   1:32:50 How do we define "kedushat Shabbat"?   1:33:55 Can a tattoo of Hashem's name be erased if the tattoo artist is a goy?   1:34:46 Is learning Torah to not feel empty lishmah?   1:35:50 Is it true that when one isn't feeling up to it, one can postpone davening?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS  

JOIN OUR MISSION! Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at  https://ohr.edu/donate/qa  Questions? Comments? [email protected]  Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study in israel​ or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today!   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 Who was Baruch Spinoza?   07:01 Is there a right of privacy in Torah?   12:15 Do other religions have equivalents to the Shulchan Aruch and the Gemara?   18:17 Why was there such ado about kabbalah at the time of the Ramchal?   24:10 When did kabbalah become more mainstream?   26:01 Why do we repeat certain pesukim three times?   28:51 Why don't we have kabbalists today?   36:11 Is it possible to be "higiya lehorah" in one sugya, but not in another?   40:27 Does the Rav believe in time travel, and to what degree is it possible in Torah?   41:54 How does one make sense of the story of Lot and his daughters, given that wine has certain physical side effects and that wine isn't so strong to inhibit moral judgment?   46:36 Is math divine or artificial?   51:00 Is there an increase in male chauvinist movements, and how should one view women as a whole?   1:02:12 If I'm given a dollar in the United States to give tzedakah in Israel, should I exchange it for shekel or use it as it is?   1:04:30 What is a love that doesn't depend on any reason?   1:07:18 What's the issue with Women of the Wall exactly?   1:12:52 Is one yotze the mitzvah of tzedakah with less than a pruta?   1:13:29 If there's no such thing as nature, how can one understand Rambam's view of hashgacha pratis?   1:18:32 Are there merits according to the Rambam?   1:20:00 How should shuls respond to the terrorist attack in Neve Yaakov? Should individuals acquire guns in response?     You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

New Updated Q&A Coming Soon   Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at  https://ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study in israel​ or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today!   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at  https://ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study in israel​ or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today!   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos     00:00 Who was Baruch Spinoza?   07:01 Is there a right of privacy in Torah?   12:15 Do other religions have equivalents to the Shulchan Aruch and the Gemara?   18:17 Why was there such ado about kabbalah at the time of the Ramchal?   24:10 When did kabbalah become more mainstream?   26:01 Why do we repeat certain pesukim three times?   28:51 Why don't we have kabbalists today?   36:11 Is it possible to be "higiya lehorah" in one sugya, but not in another?   40:27 Does the Rav believe in time travel, and to what degree is it possible in Torah?   41:54 How does one make sense of the story of Lot and his daughters, given that wine has certain physical side effects and that wine isn't so strong to inhibit moral judgment?   46:36 Is math divine or artificial?   51:00 Is there an increase in male chauvinist movements, and how should one view women as a whole?   1:02:12 If I'm given a dollar in the United States to give tzedakah in Israel, should I exchange it for shekel or use it as it is?   1:04:30 What is a love that doesn't depend on any reason?   1:07:18 What's the issue with Women of the Wall exactly?   1:12:52 Is one yotze the mitzvah of tzedakah with less than a pruta?   1:13:29 If there's no such thing as nature, how can one understand Rambam's view of hashgacha pratis?   1:18:32 Are there merits according to the Rambam?   1:20:00 How should shuls respond to the terrorist attack in Neve Yaakov? Should individuals acquire guns in response?     You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at  https://ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website https://ohr.edu/study in israel​ or call our placement specialist at 1-254-981-0133 today!   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos     You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at  https://ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Apply to Ohr Somayach! https://ohr.edu/study in israel​   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 If Bnei Yisrael was only obligated in korban Pesach once they entered the land, why does Rashi say that Bamidbar doesn't start with korban Pesach because it was only done once in the midbar?   03:21 Should a ger say "shelo asani goy"?   04:05 What is the Jewish view of acupuncture, qi, etc?   13:12 Is it heretical to say that God needs us?   19:17 Why can't a worker, since he could quit, keep an object he found on the job?   23:38 If the firstborn has a natural spiritual power, why are so many important ancestors (Yitzchak, Yaakov, Yehudah, Moshe) younger brothers?   28:40 What is the source of tefillas hageshem, and why does it say to remove the yetzer hara?   32:28 How does bitachon work with the Rambam's view of hashgacha pratis?   38:00 Can a ger fulfill the commandment to honor one's parents?   40:32 How do we explain to those in the secular world that we, in yeshiva, learn Gemara all day?   47:55 Why is there a difference between when a human baby is born and when an animal baby is born?   52:21 What is the Torah opinion on mental health issues that inhibit a person's ability to interact with the world?   54:18 Who was Ovadiah the prophet?   57:26 What is the significance of the different spellings of mezuzzah in the Shema?   58:47 What is the source for the verses for peoples' names, and why are there different verses for the same names?   1:01:48 Why would God create someone who won't do teshuva?   1:03:49 Wouldn't the Egyptians notice so many Israelites were missing after the plague of darkness?   1:05:15 Rambam seems to define apikoros in two different ways. Are they contradictory?   1:09:22 Why does the Sephardi nusach have "chayim tovim", whereas the Ashkenazi nusach has just "chayim"?   1:13:59 If one does teshuva on a certain sin, but falls into that sin later, is the original teshuva nullified? Does teshuva take a set amount of time?   1:16:33 What is the importance of physical beauty?   1:21:00 Should one eat while learning?   1:23:36 How do we respond to the argument that because the Jews were oppressed, we should support homosexuals and Palestinians and the like?   1:25:36 Can one pray regarding an event that happened already but has an unknown outcome?   1:29:05 Is there such a thing as a legal coup?   1:32:00 How could the Day of Judgment, filled with fear, fall on Shabbos, filled with rest?   1:33:40 Why didn't the Baal Haggadah give the Torah's answer to the wicked son's question?   1:36:41 Should a religious person commit tax evasion in Israel?   1:39:56 What are the halachic considerations of moving a parent into a nursing home?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ https://ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 Why was Moshe punished for not circumcising his son in the wilderness, while Bnei Yisrael didn't circumcise in the wilderness?   01:22 Is someone a tinok shenishba if they've tried Judaism?   09:53 Regarding gadolim, which came first: the middos or the Torah?   16:51 How does one discuss the death of a family member with a toddler?   20:53 What are some halachic details of washing hands?   24:57 What is daas Torah?   32:08 Is there a makor for daas Torah?   36:40 Who was Rav Pam?   38:11 What makes Jerusalem fitting for the Temple over other holy cities?   40:11 What is the most important Jewish value?   46:42 How do we understand stories in the Gemara that display a lack of kindness?   50:45 Why did Moshe keep asking about his "uncircumcised lips"?   53:44 If one is at a Shabbos meal, and the host's daughter sings along in zemiros, should one leave the table?   59:10 What should we think about the political party "Tes", or the Religious Zionist Party?   1:02:05 How does one take terumah and maaser on demai nowadays?   1:03:31 Can one sing "Every Yid's a Big Tzadik"?   1:06:30 Why is work such a taboo in charedi society?   1:14:11 What does Torah have that geula doesn't, to bestow menuchas ruach?   1:17:59 What does "until this very day" mean?   1:19:28 What is the source for the "cry of humanity"?   1:23:40 Why should a name be based on life events, eg. Reuven?   1:25:37 What is the source for the Big Three aveiros?   1:26:57 Now that helping someone across the world is so easy, does that take priority over helping someone locally?   1:29:17 How did Dathan and Aviram deserve to leave Egypt?   1:32:22 Will I have similarities to my namesake? Can I change my own name?   1:35:28 Is there a hashkafic reason why dati leumi carry more guns?   1:36:18 How can there be basheret when there is divorce?   1:39:23 How do daas Torah and ruach hakodesh differ?   1:41:57 How could Elisha call bears on teenagers?   1:43:30 Can one say lashon hara on non-Jews?   1:44:23 Can one do an aliyas neshama for a living person?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos     00:00 Does Rashi mean to imply that the blessings in this week's parsha are b'dieved?   01:25 If someone is forced to eat non-kosher, should they make a bracha? What if they're getting all nutrients through IV?   04:07 How does something become the hashkafic norm?   11:44 Why does Levi become accepted and blessed, whereas Shimon becomes relatively rejected?   18:15 Should someone name their child after an irreligious ancestor?   20:40 Is there a cognovit promissory note in halacha?   22:44 Is a cash discount a form of ribis?   25:03 Is there a halachic basis for co-ed events?   34:01 Where is radioactivity in the Torah?   37:56 How can we reconcile the Rambam's opinion on the immutability of the Torah with the multiple versions that existed before the Masoretes?   45:34 How early of a source do we have for gilgul?   48:30 Why doesn't every shul daven for the welfare of IDF soldiers?   52:17 What happened to the masorah during the reigns of Menashe and Amon?   56:44 Should one rely on their Rav to determine who to vote for?   1:00:13 Why should it be that one can get a retrial when coming to Eretz Yisrael?   1:04:09 Do Sephardim have a spiritually stronger nusach, based on extra amen, vidui, etc.? If so, should we all follow their nusachot?   1:06:56 What is the source for "daas Torah"?   1:12:00 Why don't yeshivos teach Nach?   1:18:48 Is there a good reason to visit Har haBayis, especially that people might forget we have a connection to the Mount?   1:24:00 Can Jews say the name of a goy, if that goy's name is a Shem Hashem?   1:26:34 Is there a mitzvah today to build a Beis Hamikdash? Or must we wait until Moshiach?   1:30:37 Why wear a kippah all day?   1:33:07 Should we take Rashi's supernatural midrashim literally?   1:34:13 Can we use teabags on Shabbos?   1:36:25 There might be an opinion that the learning of only Gemara applies only to talmidei chachamim. Is this true?   1:37:52 How can we blame someone for not believing the fundamental principles, considering the world we live in today?   1:41:12 What is the source for everything being in the Torah?   1:43:39 How does one give maaser with expenses?   1:47:20 Can the extreme phrasing of a true, halachic statement be a chilul Hashem?   1:50:59 Is it universally accepted that the Moshiach comes after 6000 years?   1:53:20 Are recorded shiurim talmud Torah? Should one say amen to a recorded bracha?   1:54:23 Is there a concept of giving a good impression in Judaism?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   56:20 Can the Rav clarify what he meant when he said follow through with what Hashem sends you, even if it's something meaningless? 1:00:00 What does the Rav think of John Gray's 'how to get what you want out of marriage'? 1:01:57 If a man forces himself on a woman, he pays the father and marries her if she wants (unless she's married). How is that a moral response? 1:04:50 Society now treats women more fairly. Is that a positive thing according to the torah? 1:11:00 Why should or should not someone wear tcheiles? 1:18:48 Emuna pshuta is a big thing in Breslov. How do we know it's right if we can't ask? Where do you draw the line? 1:23:26 When it comes to family mesora, if the child thinks it's against the ethos of being Jewish, can they decide it's not right for them?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 Why show the brothers the bris mila?   2:50 What is the Torah's perspective on Open AI?   10:45 How did the brothers not know he was an Ivri when all Egypt knew?   12:19 Why is there no archaeological evidence of the Israelite presence in Egypt?   17:48 What are some halachos of trimming the beard?   21:14 Did the Nazis learn from the Egyptians? Who was worse: Pharaoh or Hitler?   24:38 Why should the School in Heaven allow Levi back in, just because Shmuel asked?   28:29 What is the origin of the "Jewish mother" stereotype, and does it have significance?   34:55 Why should it be that the most assimilated Jews celebrate Chanukah? Why are all exiles mentioned in Maoz Tzur?   44:45 How is there machlokes in the Mishnah, since the Sanhedrin still existed at that time?   48:17 Why does God need to mention the Exodus after He revealed Himself at Har Sinai?   52:47 Why did the Sages have to destroy Rabbi Eliezer's vessels in front of him?   54:28 Why are we thanking Hashem for taking us out of Egypt when He's the One Who put us there?   1:00:36 Have our Rabbanim made themselves unreliable to determine who the Moshiach is?   1:05:45 What is a person allowed to do before davening in the morning?   1:07:51 What does it mean that animals sing pesukim?   1:12:29 What signs might the Moshiach provide to prove to us, in the same way that Moshe had signs?   1:13:47 Is King Saul's "ruach ra" a violation of free will?   1:18:56 What are the halachos of yoga?   1:24:01 For a better relationship with a non-Jewish relative, what can one say and do on their holidays?   1:27:04 How does Har haBayis have kedushah of the shechinah if the shechinah left with the people?   1:31:22 Can one celebrate Thanksgiving?   1:33:59 What's the connection of the brothers' crying to the destructions of the Mishkan and the Beis haMikdash?   1:37:06 Why did the ring specifically say "This too shall pass"?   1:37:32 Why are there many Jews who dress like Polish nobility or like American businessmen?   1:39:31 How could one "reject" certain Midrashim?   1:41:35 What level of control does a neighborhood have within its borders, halachically?   1:43:39 Do we have a pronunciation for the Tetragrammaton, and when should it be pronounced?   1:47:31 How can there be chiddushim if Hashem gave the whole Torah to Moshe?   1:49:50 What is the source for holding the thumb during havdalah?   1:50:13 What is Sheol and why does Yaakov say he's going there?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 When people put on tefillin incorrectly at Chabad stations, are they yotzei?   04:17 To what extent is the criticism against Peshuto shel Mikra valid? How can we trust haskamos?   13:30 If a kippah is just a minhag, why is it considered so valuable in Masechet Kiddushin?   17:07 Should someone wear a kippah when going to a bar, for example?   19:20 How do we reconcile the simple words with Chazal's interpretation of Esav's kiss? Especially since Esav was so irate before?   24:52 Rachel is criticized on honoring her father when she hid Lavan's idols, but Avraham is lauded when he smashed Terach's idols. What is the difference?   27:23 Where do we draw the line between davening for someone and calling that someone a rasha?   33:54 Do laws relying on the land apply to hydroponics? To seaweed in the ocean?   38:55 Why in Hebrew grammar do numbers switch between feminine and masculine?   39:54 What can we learn from Devorah, the nursemaid of Rivka?   45:20 Should we fear Trump's meeting with Kanye, and should we retract our support?   49:15 How did we get away with Haftarah when we were forbidden to read the Torah?   52:34 What is included under 'wisdom among the gentiles'?   57:36 Why is Moreh Nevuchim not encouraged reading nowadays?   1:05:19 Was the Torah meant to have machlokes?   1:12:28 What do we do with Midrashim?   1:17:04 Are stories in the Torah what really happened, or are they metaphors for deep spiritual truths?   1:20:37 And are these creatures-- the werewolf, the phoenix, etc.-- metaphors or literal? Must they be accepted?   1:22:12 How can one follow the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in an abridged Pesukei dZimrah when one davens nusach Sefard?   1:24:37 What is the difference in kedusha of the Torah and that of Neviim?   1:26:01 Is vinegar good for teeth or not?   1:27:22 How did the three-year cycle work with the parshiyos?   1:30:03 How can one answer someone who wants to go to a club or a bar, when they won't accept that it's not how a ben Torah behaves?   1:31:49 How could Og have survived everything despite being such a rasha?   1:34:08 Who split up Tehillim into the 30-day cycle?   1:36:49 If time is infinite, how can Hashem be outside it?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 Can someone who wraps tefillin Ashkenaz daven nusach Sefard?   01:57 What is the source of double head-covering?   03:09 Why aren't the Books of Maccabees in the Tanakh?   11:35 Why does lashon hakodesh have antonyms so close in pronunciation?   16:44 Can one count a donation of labor as maaser? Does quality make a difference?   22:48 How does one who works for room and board give maaser?   23:51 Is one who receives an allowance chayav in maaser?   27:44 Can one pledge maaser ahead of time, in order to receive a bracha?   33:50 Can one account one's own aveiros that give the curse of poverty?   34:23 Is there a deeper explanation of the brothers' actions than jealousy?   47:16 What do we think of non-Jews who fought for civil rights? How do we prioritize Jewish issues over general issues?   52:01 Shouldn't there be more clarity in the Oral Tradition?   55:54 Why are there machlokos in Rabbinic mitzvos?   59:45 In bitul b'shishim, is it still a good idea to eat it?   1:02:13 If one had to choose between mitzvos between man and God and mitzvos between man and man, which should one choose? Especially considering that the latter group might not be visibly Jewish.   1:09:14 Why does the yeshivish world accent the penultimate syllable in Hebrew, and should we try to correct this in davening?   1:12:05 Why does it matter whether someone differentiates between aleph and ayin when determining if their pronunciation is correct?    1:13:51 How could the brothers enforce a cherem upon Hashem?   1:15:12 What's special about the Ten Commandments?   1:18:57 Is there a mitzvah to conquer Eretz Yisrael?   1:21:29 Is there a tradition of the more minor kvarim?   1:23:47 What is the spiritual essence of Assyria?   1:25:20 Are piyutim in the chazzan's repetition a mafsik?   1:29:55 Aren't the brothers considered rashaim for the pit, and so for the cherem? Isn't movement after shechita treif?   1:34:00 Could the Ohr haChaim's opinion of bechira be applied to things that aren't death?   1:38:20 Why is there a separation between chicken and milk?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 What does it mean when a Rabbi in the Gemara kills another, like Rabbi Yochanan learning with Rav Kahana?   09:55 How does the genetic study that the Lebanese are 90% Canaanite influence the decision in Berachos, that a man living in Ammon could marry into the Jewish people?   16:09 Will the distinction between Ashkenazim and Sepharadim continue forever, or will they be unified in the times of Moshiach?   23:36 Can we judge those who go on Har haBayis favorably?   26:31 When one sees another do something wrong, should he rebuke? If so, how?   31:03 If an observant Jew learns that they are not halachically Jewish, do they have an obligation to convert?   36:50 Can one request the difference of inflation on a loan?   38:58 What does the Torah mean when it says Yitzchak was "playing" with Rivkah? Is that tzanua?   45:00 How could Yaakov "explode" at Lavan in next week's parsha? What did he seek to gain?   47:05 What is the standard of men's tznius?   50:07 What is the place of scientific discovery and experimentation in Torah?   56:41 How should we relate to Leah, considering some of her statements in this week's parsha?   1:05:47 Is it agreed that Hebrew is the original language?   1:12:43 What do mitzvos bein adam l'chavero only apply to Jews and not to goyim?   1:23:46 Should we judge Neturei Karta favorably, or can we call them reshaim?   1:30:35 How could Shimon and Levi destroy all of Shechem? What's the halachic justification?   1:36:12 Is Sefer haYashar an authoritative Midrash?   1:38:27 Is one allowed to listen to Jewish music in the bathroom?   1:39:31 Can one speak in the bathroom?   1:41:32 If a kohen isn't tamei, what is the issur of going on Har haBayis?   1:43:51 Does the concept of interest account for exchange rate?   1:45:05 Why is it good to be normal?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 How will the 4 Amos of owned land be divided amongst Jews?   03:48 What should we make of Yitzchok and Rivkah playing favorites?   12:20 Why wasn’t Yitzchak involved in Yaakov’s shidduch process?   14:55 How do we view certain kashrus approaches in Israel?   19:16 How should a Baal Teshuva approach minhagim they took on early but then decided they changed their mind?   27:46 Why doesn’t the Torah mention all the women amongst the 70 members of Yaakov’s family going down to Egypt?   32:13 Rambam says that if someone lives in a city of Rashaim, what is Avraham’s justification to save Sedom?   35:21 Should gentiles refrain from driving on Shabbos?   36:26 How do we understand the idea from Chovos HaLevavos that when someone speaks lashon horo their mitzvos get transferred to the victim and the victim’s sins get transferred to the speaker?    40:55 Why was Abraham worried about Sarah being abducted if she was in a box and not exposed?   43:04 What are the guidelines in terms of calling someone a rasha?    47:57 Could the Rav explain the approach of Yaakov deceiving Yitzchok?   54:00 In the covenant of the parts, Gd mentions the Jews will be enslaved for 400 years, how do we make sense of Ibn Ezra’s calculation?   58:18 Can a Jew in Israel send a text or email to a shomer Jew in America while it is still Shabbos for them?   1:00:08 What is the function in relation of a Jew of Goyim in the world and how should a convert relate to his non-Jewish family?   1:10:55 If a righteous non-Jew believes in the Torah coming from God, why wouldn’t they convert?   1:13:40 Can a woman get her eyebrows microbladed?   1:18:37 How should young students or people currently learning in Israel react to terrorist attacks and deciding to stay in Israel?   1:22:43 If everyone in my building or Kollel has cleaning help once a week, but I can’t afford it, is it better to give maaser or provide my wife cleaning help?   1:24:05 What’s the justification for making a bracha publically on a menorah?   1:25:47 If one lives in a mobile home (RV/ boat) do they need a mezuzo?   1:26:22 Can one use baby wipes on Shabbos?   1:29:30 Do wipes count if they are alcoholic?   1:31:02 If a Baal Teshuva grew up in a Native American environment, which has many similar beliefs, can they integrate their upbringing into their Jewish life?   1:33:00 How do we define “Yoshev” as dwelling?     

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 What is the definition of a rasha and a talmid chochom?   04:20 What is the Bircas hamozon etiquette and who says tehilas Hashem?   11:34 How do we relate to Halacha vs mitzvos consequentially?    16:57 Does doing teshuva on spilling seed retroactively get rid of the demons that were created from the act?   26:50 I listened to one of the lectures on real jewish intimacy and it mentioned that couples that don't get along in this world will also continue driving each other crazy in the next world (Zohar). What about those jewish couples that got divorced and don't get remarried?   28:28 What does it mean to be a Jewish doctor? Are there certain halachos that need to be followed differently?    31:40 Does one get reward for wearing tzitzis at night or while sleeping?   34:40 Where does someone draw the line between bitul Torah and time for relaxing?   39:20 What’s the argument from Avraham to save Sodom?   48:00 I have recently started learning ערוך השולחן as my Halacha Sefer. What I find best about the Aruch is that, unlike the Mishnah brura, he always gives a psak. My question is whether i can I use this Sefer as my go to Halacha resource and can rely on all the aruch’s Psak, even if it goes against the MB and other more embraced piskei Halacha. Essentially, can the Aruch HaShulchan be my ‘rebbi’.   58:35 What Torah is exactly taught to the baby by the angel in the womb?   1:03:45 What is the origin of saying or not saying a bracha on mezonos by dessert at a bread meal?   1:09:00 When exactly should a davener interrupt to answer the chazan?   1:11:30 Should we consider learning the Netivos Olam sefer by Maharal in English?   1:15:25 What are the general principles of giving cavod to rebbeim?   1:19:07 How many people does a chazan have to wait for in order to begin the chazaras hashatz?   1:20:12 What’s the value of making a siyum?   1:22:02 If I am at a concert or sporting event, can I move to a vacant, more expensive seat assuming there is no chillul Hashem?  Is there a difference if I want to move to a less expensive seat, if it's superior in my eyes? Can I walk into a hotel and use the lobby bathroom without asking permission, or is this a form of gezel?   1:25:17 What are the parameters of doing certain acts of charity for a person based on their wealth?   1:28:42 Does the standing for a Rav minimally make a difference?   1:29:58 What makes a Rav merit to have their own psak? Like the GRA? Why is it accepted?   1:31:45 Is there a source for saying mazal tov by a simcha, and is this a tefila or a bracha?   1:34:10 When exactly should we say amen?    1:36:02 Does saying mazal tov count for loving my neighbor as myself?   1:36:30 Should I notify someone not to count me in a minyan if I already davened?   1:37:04 How should someone be sure that their humility is not coming from an arrogant place?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos     00:00 What kind of changes in Halacha or otherwise will happen after Mashiach comes?   08:18 What’s with saying G-d is of one name but He has more than that?   13:02 What is the proper kavod for wearing the begged of tzitzis outside your clothes?   17:16 What is special about Ashrei that we remove the letter nun, when we don’t do that in other alphabetical supplications?   21:22 Is technology something that ideally we wouldn’t have, but now that we do, we have to use it responsibly with rules and gedarim, or alternatively is it something we should embrace and prefer, while being aware and alert of potential consequences?   27:59 What is the source for a certain pasuk in sfarad mussaf?   32:35 Is it permissible to associate with friends who are not on the same Torah level as me? Should we try to be mekarev them?   37:14 What should our attitude be towards area of halacha that are seemingly less effective or suitable in a modern society compared with today’s secular laws, specifically in regards to contracts and financial matters. Should our attitude be that we are not appreciating the halacha properly, or should we acknowledge it’s not ideal and be extra hopeful for Mashiach to come so a Sanhedrin can make some updates.   42:36 Why is Rabbi Jonathan Sacks not so accepted in the frum world?   49:36 In uncensored Gemara Avoda Zara, it mentions that Jesus was not real, is this true?   53:20: What is a heavenly decree and when exactly are they made? How do we have the power to rip them up?   54:51 Is there a heter for a convert to use their biological father’s name when called to the Torah?   56:37 How can someone tell when they are starting to burn out in their learning?   59:55 Would it be halachally mutar to buy clothes at a store in America and bring them back to Israel and sell them at a higher price to bachurim or otherwise?   1:01:03 Should we use our YH to try to be better in learning?    1:03:53 Gematria is incredible, but many seem to dismiss it as fluffy. Is there practical gain from knowing it?    1:06:03 What do we do with Gematrias of politicians or otherwise?   1:08:54 Are we allowed to calculate the messianic timeline?   1:12:50 What is Rebbe’s view on reading secular books - theoretically, alternatively, one could be reading a Jewish book (even if not a Sefer); would it affect anything if there are yesodos in human psyche and/or Etzahs on life? Especially if the book has been held in a very high regard by society (a classic)? For example: Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky (a classic), or, in the other regard, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankel (life-changing)?   1:20:26 Can I rely on a leniency just to be convenient or for pleasure?    1:21:12 Do halachos of shomer negia, yichud, etc. apply to transgender people?   1:25:40 When we read the amida we pray for the return of the Davidic dynasty, would it be possible to re-establish the kingdom without mashiach?   1:30:20 How do we understand the malchus of Shaul when he was from Binyamin?    1:32:08 Do we say amen to brachos said incorrectly?   1:33:07 Do we say brachos in order, even if I want to cover something less chashuv than others?   1:34:11 Is being clean-shaven an issur d’oraissa?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS  

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 What does the Rav make of the recent antisemitic comments of Kyrie Irving?   04:48 How do we know that we’re not missing important mesora after Catholic censorship?   20:12 If we die when we’ve made our tikkun, it’s fair to assume each day we wake up we still have work to do. If so, why are there ways to extend our life?   23:00 the fruits of genosar in Gemara Brachos?   30:40 Does Tinok shel nishbah apply to goyim? What about Teshuva?   39:25 Should we learn more Ibn Ezra this year, given the 5783rd pasuk in the Torah?    44:20 What is the proper burial process for Jews and why is cremation not acceptable? Is it also bad for non-Jews to be cremated? And what does ashes to ashes dust to dust entail?    52:45 How do we explain the Jewish view of homosexuality to non-religious family members?   59:00 Is it an aveira to follow the royal news?   1:03:50 Is it appropriate to use religious themes to advance political purposes? “It’s a mitzvah to vote for Gimmel” or “possible to acquire Olam HaBah in one moment next to a picture of Shas?   1:15:50 Since it is said that Hashem is making Shidduchim, how do we understand the idea that people can marry the wrong person and their soul may not be complete?   1:19:52 The Chazon Ish said we don’t change halacha based on new discoveries, but didn’t he argue on certain halachos?   1:21:50 Is it Mutar to ask for some of your friend’s food (ex: “can I have some” to your friend who is eating his snack in the hallway of Yeshiva)? If someone asks and you don’t want to give them, but you feel uncomfortable saying no, are you being Nichshal them in Avak Gezel by giving them from your food?   1:26:02 Can the Rebbe help us understand why the halacha is to not put out a tiny fire on Shabbat and allow it to burn your house down, and if someone doesn’t put out a fire on Shabbat and it spreads to the neighbors properties is he obligated in monetary damages?

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa   Questions? Comments? [email protected]   Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a   Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7   Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos   00:00 Why did Rav Chaim Brisker not posken?   18:07 What is the advantage of aveira lishma? Is it advisable?   30:10 What’s the point of a positive and negative Mitzvah being seemingly the same. You must salt every offering, you must not bring an offering without salt. Guard the temple. Don’t leave it unguarded. Etc.    37:45 Is there an idea that Torah calls for extra respect toward a divorced woman in the same way it calls for the respect of a widow?   46:12 Given that the NJ Chinese restaurant that was recently found to be serving tarfus had a mashgiach at all times, and only the O-K agency officially had a key to the establishment, and yet it got away with serving trief for six months, how can we rely on these hashgachos? And is this situation worse in Israel, where none of the hashgachos require a mashgiach temidi?   53:38 If, according to Rambam, Avraham was only experiencing nevua with the three strangers, how do we know that any other miracle in Torah isn’t considered a vision?   1:02:12 Did the snake have free will?   1:05:00 How can Hashem challenge someone by making them homosexual?   1:16:24 Why is it that regardless of how great and knowledgeable a ger is, he can not become a dayan?    1:19:58 In terms of the last question, how do we look at the prophet Ovadia?   1:20:34 What’s the significance of Noach and the dove and a leper and releasing doves?   1:22:28 If a person is born of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, is that person a mistake? What would have happened to this soul had this improper relationship not taken place?   1:26:17 How do we invite someone who is not frum to our Shabbos meal?   1:31:00 Can a non-religious Ashkenazi eat rice on Pesach at a Sefardi table?   1:32:57 If the first mitzva for Adam was Pru U’rvu, why is this not a mitzva for non-Jews?   1:35:42 What is the basis for that rule? If women join the army, are they obligated to get married?   1:38:44 Is there Kivush (conquest) by Adam or Noach?    

WATCH THIS & OUR OTHER YOMIM NORAIM / SUKKOS CONTENT AT https://ohr.edu/Tishrei/     Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? [email protected] Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? [email protected] Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 How do we view the snake and the keruvim as not avoda zara? 02:05 What’s the Rav’s opinion about integrating secular subjects into Jewish education?    11:30 How does somebody decide to start a life in Israel versus sincere else?    19:40 How do we understand how Hashem judges people who are not exposed to a Judaism?   25:39 Why do some people go to the mivkah at certain times and some not?   29:14 Often people say a certain halacha and then include a comment “Al Pi Kabbalah, one might do this”—why would we dismiss this otherwise, isn’t Kabbalah the deepest secrets of Torah? And same with Chassic vorts—why are they often treated as “fluffy”?    37:40 In terms of Teshuva, what should be emphasized during Elul and why?   46:03 Is the Septuagint relevant to Jews today, same with Dead Sea scrolls?   53:10 How is it possible for us to regret and promise to never do something again?   57:47 When is abortion not considered murder?   59:59 How much can someone with mental issues be blamed for their sins?   1:03:55 What’s the history of the black felt kippah being the mainstream yeshivish kippah?   1:07:58 Why does the Torah condemn so many sins that ended up fading away with time?   1:15:40 Are Rav Nachman of Breslov’s teachings considered legitimate?   1:19:29 How could someone say that leaving for Uman is better than Israel?   1:21:00 If G-d’s open revelation is a challenge to free will, how were figures in the Chumash able to have free will?   1:22:43 If certain mitzvahs are easy to do, should we exert more spiritual energy to them? Is it possible to deplete spiritual energy?   1:24:20 What is a woman really required to cover in terms of tznius?   1:28:58 How should a bachur whose day is taken up by learning, how can they balance exercise?    1:31:11 Is it a mitzvah to fight in the Israeli army?   1:34:30 What does the Rav say about people coming to Yeshiva and wearing black and white just to blend in rather than out of an actual want?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS  

Dedicated LeRefuah Shleimah for שמחה יצחק בן מירעלע יודקא & אסתר תהלה בת אריאל ציפורה   Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? [email protected] Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 When an urgent world event happens, how do we approach giving tzedaka to that cause?    02:40 Can I fly a country flag with a Christian or other religious symbol on it?   03:37 Do people who are heretics still somewhat believe in tefilla and is it more or less the case today?   14:34 Why is POSEACH ES YADECHA seemingly the whole reason we say the Ashrei?   19:39 What should a Yeshiva Bachur do if after a while at Yeshiva he feels disenchanted in learning/davening, etc.?   33:30 What are the Rav’s views on Hisbodedus and Jewish mediation?   39:30 In terms of secular music, specifically country music which heavily focuses on their god and on women/relationships but (for the most part) is not nearly as sexually explicit or openly immoral—some find that meaningful and sometimes touching —is listening to that considered krum?    45:31 How much of Avraham Avinu’s Torah is preserved in Oral Torah? And why didn’t Hashem simply give him or his sons the Torah before Sinai?   52:59 What is the Rav’s opinion of women (moms) who work full time and often leave kids to be raised by babysitters?   59:18 Would a different Torah narrative entail still going to Jerusalem and all the laws associated as such?   1:03:23 When the great flood happened, was it regional or global?   1:06:02 Can one value secular education for its own sake? Meaning, the value of knowledge beyond the practical use.   1:16:08 How exactly did Avraham reverse engineer the mitzvos?    1:18:11 If a single girl goes through all the required purifications, could she touch a man?   1:22:40 In terms of a person who grew up as a secular Jew and then became frum, are they accountable for all the mitzvos they didn’t know about?   1:27:41 What are the exact definitions of Chochma, Bina, and Daas, and how does one relate to the other?   1:32:51 When it comes to tzedaka, we are allowed to “test Hashem”—should we take this literally and what are the parameters of that?   1:40:57 Why are there so many reasons we could be redeemed?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedicated LeRefuah Shleimah for שמחה יצחק בן מירעלע יודקא & אסתר תהלה בת אריאל ציפורה   Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? [email protected] Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 How do witchcraft and superstitions differ from Kabbalah?    4:43 What is a Bas kol?   12:06 Recently, dinosaur tracks were found—how do we deal with that time issue relative to the age of the earth according to Torah?   22:38 What is the purpose of the previous worlds (before creation)?   23:55 What does the Rav think about Vayoel Moshe?   36:08 What is the Jewish approach to medicine?   54:14 What are the Rav’s opinions on going to Uman for Rosh Hashana?   57:36 Are we allowed to take sides, sell weapons, etc., during non-jewish wars?   1:04:40 What is the heter to medically treat a terrorist?   1:12:04 Given there’s no death penalty in the State of Israel, and there are no prisons in halacha, what is the proper galactic punishment for criminals?   1:16:14 Why are there separate Oral and Written Torahs?   1:19:39 How can we remove women from shiurim advertised for men and women (e.g. they are forced to sit in the back when there is plenty of room)?   You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedicated lzchus Refuah shleimah for שמחה יצחק בן מירעלע יודקא and for אסתר תהלה בת אריאל ציפורה Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? [email protected] Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 4:00 - What exactly constitutes a “ben Eretz Yisrael” vs. “ben Chutz l’Aretz” for how many days of Yom Tov to keep? 9:06 - Is there any source for the idea that religious jews need to have marital relations through a hole in the sheet? 11:03 - When we left Egypt, what happened to the Mixed Multitude and why were they not included in the census? 15:30 - There is a biblical obligation to listen to the Rabbis. It would seem that when a Rabbi says something, it would have effect of torah law. So when a person doesn’t turn in high school homework on time, that would be a biblical violation. How much agency is a person allowed to have? If I’m a Trump guy, can a rabbi force me to vote for Biden? Can he tell me who to marry or not to marry? How does this work in practice? 25:42 - On the pasuk in Devarim where Moshe is describing that it was his decision to send the meraglim into Eretz Yisrael, and many meforshim comment that this seemingly contradicts the earlier description of the story where it was Hashem’s decision. I recently read the Abarbanel’s description where he seems to say that he was deliberately lying because he didn’t want them to turn against Hashem since this episode caused the entire generation to perish in the midbar. How can the Abarbanel make this interpretation that Moshe was lying? In other contexts we might have said it came from a reform rabbi. How does he have the authority to do this, and why is it not a problematic thing to say? 30:35 - Why is kilayim a seemingly unique mitzvah in that we are not allowed to make it but we can benefit from it, unlike kashrut, shatnez, etc.? 34:23 - From the Hasidic community where a lot of women shave their hair, which became an attack against the Orthodox community, what is the Rav’s take on the concept [of shaving]? If someone grew up with that Mesorah, would they be allowed to change such a thing? 38:17 - Could the Rav give some insight on the covid vaccines, vaccines in general, etc.? 43:44 - Are observant Jews allowed to eat in non-kosher certified, but strictly vegetarian restaurants, assuming one is not eating leafy vegetables for example? 46:53 - About the Gemara in Chagigah, could Elisha b. Avuyah (“Acher”) done teshuva? How are we to understand the Gemara’s aftermath of his death where R’ Meyer and R’ Yochana see smoke and fire rising from his grave? 53:05 - What are the parameters for what a person can use their maaser ksafim, their tithe? Specifically, can one give out money to Israeli soldiers as it might be good for Haredi public relations? 56:50 - How did Tumas Niddah work during the times of the Beis HaMikdash? When a woman, married or unmarried, became a Niddah, and everything she touched became contaminated, how would that work? How did life look? 1:01:06 - About the luchos shnios. 1:08:02 - How is someone who would want their children to grow up in Israel, are there options, are they allowed to have hobbies, are they encouraged, what is the move for such parents? Is this a system they should try and fit their kids into, or are there other things they should be exploring? 1:14:24 - Are non-misdemeanor traffic offense a chillul Hashem if one can pay the fine without needing to appear in court? 1:16:37 - Is there a problem with saying Hashem’s name in a non-pasuk or non-bracha. 1:17:49 - Should terrorists receive the death penalty? 1:20:05 - Is it permitted to daven for something you want but that, if it happens, it could be dangerous? 1:22:37 - Are there any ways to validate the “flat-Earth” view from the Torah or are there any Torah personalities that took such a view? 1:25:45 - How should bnei Torah look at the Pope, Dali Lama, or other religious figures who seem to be doing great things for the world or at least their communities but are likely worshiping idols, not ones that are evil or in context of their relationship with the Jews but promoting good things for the world? 1:30:23 - (Follow up) Would Jews living their Judaism as superficially as [only the practices of their forefathers] be lacking in a certain way, or is it different? 1:32:27 - Regarding teshuva, in general, how does one begin, and specifically, how does someone do teshuva or get a full tikkun for wasting seed? What about someone who had a relationship with one of the prohibitions, arayos or a niddah? 1:36:33 - What advice does the Rav have for children, or parents of children, who just can’t seem to wake up in the morning for minyan?

Signup for the live Q&A at ohr.edu/rbqa Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? [email protected] Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. 1:25 Tips how a busy balabus can get into Elul mode? 5:20 Psychology books on boundary setting prioritize one's needs. Judaism acknowledges this prioritization, but it's written as a duty. Can you be assertive as a duty and not a right? 9:17 Why do we wear kippah and tzitzis? 12:40 If the prime minister asked the Rav advice on how Israel should handle the Arabs, what would the Rav answer? 16:32 In Chardeidi Israeli society, why is there so much focus on externalities, but certain activities are not allowed like having a car? 22:43 How can parents help their kids who think these priorities are flawed? 25:34 Does the Rav have advice for a child growing up right now who doesn't fit the norm? 30:49 Having grown up with a TV, what's the Rav's opinion on watching Hollywood films or secular novels? 39:13 In the Rav's view, what are the best ways to acquire yiras shamayim? 45:02 What are the roles of chumras in yiddishkeit? 50:34 In the states, Roe v Wade was overturned. Since there are times abortion is a religious requirement, why did the major orthodox organizations not opose it? 58:21 Does the Rav believe we are in the footsteps of mashiach, and does that practically change anything with our observance? 1:03:56 Could Elisha ben Avuya have done teshuva despite the bas kol? How does the Rav understand the gemara's aftermath of R' Meir and R' Yochanan having smoke and fire rise from his grave? 1:08:46 Since we believe that we are forgiven on Yom Kippur, why does Hashem still feel the need to punish us? 1:11:50 Rashi says in his commentary on Beraishis that the world was created for the sake of the Torah and the Jews. What does this mean for us and for non-Jews? 1:17:10 Does Hashem love the gentile nations or just Am Yisroel? 1:20:18 Will secular people be resurrected? Is it true that only those who believe in resurrection will get it? 1:23:11 What are the various opinions concerning animal sacrifices when mashiach arrive? 1:27:11 Since we're in the ikvos dmashiacha, what is the relationship between ingathering of the exiles and aliyah, and whose responsibility is it, us or mashiach? 1:30:59 A fourth bracha was added to bentching commemorating the event of the corpses not decomposing after the massacre of Beitar. Why of all places was it put here, and what does this miracle have to do with mentching? 1:35:21 Was R' Eliezer ben Hurkunes speaking about the internet when he said that the meeting place of the sages be one of promiscuity? 1:36:55 Is genetic engineering halachically acceptable? 1:41:21 If one is raising a non-Jewish child as Jewish in a mixed marriage, when should you tell him he's not Jewish, and how would you convert such a child? 1:45:16 In the form of a hobby, can a Jew perform in a non Jewish comedy club if his act is completely clean? 1:47:10 What is the Torah's perspective on the influence of the media? Is it avodah zara? Visit us @ ohr.edu  PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Please join us live Sunday, 14 August and Thursday, 25 August to ask your own questions! Signup at : ohr.edu/rbqa Dedication opportunities for this episode as well as for future are available for episodes and series at : https://ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? : [email protected] Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at : https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz : https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at : https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on apple and google play, our website and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu    2:13 How did the Q and A come to be? What's its function? 6:02 Why do people think of math beyond hashem? Why is pi an infinite number? 9:43 Are the Jews supposed to serve G-d in their own bubble or be proactive in influencing the secular world? 15:49 Can a woman be motzei a man in havdala? 19:27 And why was Tisha B'av not observed on the ninth of Av? 20:15 If a woman's husband is not religious anymore, can she be motzei with his kiddush? 22:44 Why does the Rambam list the people who are exempt in the law of talmud torah in the beginning of hilchos talmud torah? 25:48 What is the torah's view on abortion? 35:53 In your experience, was the study of gemara easier or harder than the study of law? And did they benefit each other? 41:46 In regard to the internet and smartphones, it seems like there is so much good, and yet there has never been so much tumah. How are we to understand the diverse answers from various rabbis? 47:47 On what basis are we obligated to believe in kabbalah? 53:19 Were all of the halachos of 'hatov vihameitiv' given by the times of the harugei beitar? 59:52 What is the avodah of the days between now and Elul? 1:02:35 Moshe told the Jews the Shema in the 40th year in the desert. Did they say the Shema between getting the torah and then? 1:07:22 How was Tisha B'av celebrated for 800 years prior to the beis hamikdash getting destroyed? 1:08:57 If physical force is against the law of the land, is there still the concept of forcing a man to give a get? 1:14:21 Is it the responsibility of a Jew to follow politics? And is there a party Jews should identify with? 1:18:05 Does G-d act on the blessings and curses that we may say to each other? Is there a manipulation of G-d by the things we say? 1:23:25 If a person has limited time to learn, what should his priority be? 1:27:53 Can the Rav expand on the mitzvah of living in Israel? 1:33:27 Why do we not fast Taanis Esther on Shabbos? 1:36:23 'Even Rabbis have Rabbis' Who would Rav Breitowitz ask if he had a shaila? 1:38:07 If one commits a financial crime while doing an act that gets capital punishment, he is not chayav to pay the financial loss. But if one would not be killed - if he escaped, why should he not be required to pay? 1:42:56 How do we understand the Jews of Beitar not mourning the destruction of the beis hamikdash? 1:45:36 How do we understand the ceremony done on Tu B'av?  

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   Subscribe to Ohr Somayach!    https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   00:00 Rav address two sent it questions, regarding anistanus and talmud Torah    08:30 It is said that if someone makes 3 shidduchim, they are guaranteed Olami Habo—how does this work?    13:42 Where do the traditions for tefillin designs and wrapping techniques come from?   21:37 What are the pleasures of this world that we are essentially obligated to enjoy according to the Yerushalmi?   27:52 If Judaism is meant to be authentic, why is it that in Kiruv, we offer so many fancy trips and gourmet food?   33:09 In terms of the sun being stopped for Moshe and Joshua, it says it never happened before by Joshua—how do we understand this?   35:30 What are the different opinions of taking early Shabbos?   45:03 These days, there are often discounts given by insurance companies to women and the gender is defined by what the insured person states. Would it be mutar for a biological man to say he identifies as a woman in order to pay a smaller premium?   49:57 How could two opposite statement be true?   52:38 In terms of Tu B’Av, how do we understand the gemara’s reasons for a public shidduch day so to speak and how did times change?   58:56 How is it that Targum Onkelos was min HaShamyim?   1:02:29 Do we make Yam Hagadol bracha on the Pacific Ocean?   1:03:24 Why wouldn’t the whole world be made Jewish such that everyone would have the maximum opportunity for closeness to Hashem?   1:07:02 if the Talmud discusses 8 genders of Judaism, what does that mean?   1:08:37 Why do we accept Kabbalah today in Halacha?   1:13:09 If I can’t finish slichos, tachanun, general tefillah or the like, am I’m missing out on certain forgiveness capacity?   1:16:43 How do we relate to the destruction of the Temple if we never experienced it and why would our lowly generation be fortunate enough to have it rebuilt?    1:22:53 Why do Ashkenazim and Sephardim differ in the way they cover their eyes in Shema?   1:24:50 Kesubos is the current masechta in Daf Yomi cycle. A lot of the material discussed is about rape and other material that some may find disturbing. Can the Rav share some advice on how to approach this masechta with the right perspective. Alternatively, if learning this masechta will bother or discourage someone everyday, is it better to just learn something else?   1:30:16 How does it work that Torah is the ultimate healer but the Rambam states that one needs other outlets?   1:32:30 Why do we follow certain halachos today that some rabbanim wouldn’t have approved of?   1:36:25 Rashi in Moed Katon explains the practice of the Beis Din placing a stone on someone’s coffin as a זכר בעלמא of stoning someone who died while excommunicated.  If so, why do we place stones on graves today?   1:37:32 Why didn’t Avraham get punished for asking for a guarantee for Israel’s quality while the Meraglim did?   1:39:36 How do we view the seemingly vain descriptions of women in Ta’anis?   1:41:31 If creative acts are forbidden on Shabbos (melachos) why is intimacy permitted, isn’t that the most creative act?   1:43:47 What messages was Hashem trying to convey to Eliyahu during Har HaCarmel events?     Visit us @ ohr.edu     

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   00:00 What does the notion of writing BS"D on top of documents mean?   04:55 Can I throw away documents that have an image of the Temple?   06:38 Why does the chazan say the duchening bracha before the Kohanim?   10:10 What is the Rebbe’s personal approach to kiruv rechokim?    17:00 Since the Torah forbids usury, are we allowed to invest in interest-bearing assets?   20:19 In terms of the above, what about Israeli bonds?   23:45 What exactly is the shidduch crisis and are secular people involved?   27:52 If a non-Jew who is a chalal converts to Judaism do they retain their status as chalal?   31:45 What kinds of methods do stores use to check for shatnez?   35:18 Why would someone be able to lend on interest to an apostate Jew?   38:07 What is the story with Yushkas death?   42:27 Should we trust Rambam’s health advice more than present day nutritionists and doctors?   45:27 What do we learn from the Choni Hamagul story in maseches Taanis—“I’d rather find a friend or die”?   50:30 Why does the Torah allow polygamy?   54:28 According to the sugya in Succah, why do we repeat words in Hallel but seemingly shouldn’t repeat Hashem’s name (Kah)?   1:02:04 How do we understand beseeching Hashem in prayer with written, fixed prayer versus my own words?    1:12:05 What is the difference between the prayer statements of Baruch Atah Hashem and Yehi Ratzon?    1:13:00 In the Haftora for Mattos, why is there a pun and then not a pun?    1:16:30 How do we view Israeli land sold to gentiles?    1:21:04 If the order of Brachos in Shemona Esrei were predetermined and there was leeway in terms of content, why are brachos still so similar?   1:23:47 How old is the Ashkenazi nusach?   1:25:10 Why don’t we see rhymes so much in Psalms or Torah songs?   1:28:45 Is there a real source for Armenians being Amalek?   1:32:23 How would you respond to someone who used dinosaurs and other similar points as attacks on Judaism?    1:37:33 How should we view modern day biblical criticism?    1:42:01 Were the wives of Bnei Korach allowed to remarry?   1:44:24 In terms of the counting of Bnei Israel, what is the significance of the age of 20?   1:48:27 What is the proper kavana to have in praying at the grave of a tzadik? Why would I physically go there?   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   Visit us @ ohr.edu    Produced by: Cedar Media Studios  

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   00:40 - How do we look at intergenerational guilt from the Holocaust? 5:15 - Why does the man study while the woman works instead of vice versa? 11:06 - If the husband is working, but the wife is still not satisfied with the amount of money coming in, how much more does he have to do? 14:45 - Can you break Shabbos to relieve someone's suffering? 19:12 - If women don't have a mitzvah to learn, how can they have as close of a relationship with G-d? 22:30 - Thoughts on Conservative, Reform and Egalitarianism? 35:44 - What institutions are there for women who struggle in their gender role? 37:41 - Being that Judaism celebrates the individual, why do we all try to look the same? 40:08 - How can we understand the relationship between Chassidim and their Rebbes? 43:10 - What is the root cause of the fear of excessive punishment, and what is the cure? 47:12 - How do you draw the line between good and bad drugs, like caffeine and cannabis? 51:25 - Would moderation apply to harder drugs as well? 52:18 - Should we be worried that caffeine might be ruining our life? 54:29 - Is there any wisdom in the world that we may be missing?   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   Visit us @ ohr.edu    Produced by: Cedar Media Studios          

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   00:00 Rav addresses possible controversial discussions   01:39 Why do we thank G-d for freeing us when He put us in Egypt in the first place?   06:09 Why do people say Baruch Shem Kavod in some capacities?   12:12 Why are there so many rules in Judaism?   19:38 How strict should someone be for checking their food for bugs?   25:35 Do people who support others in learning for the zechus of someone lose out on the reward?   32:02 Why do we read the first aliyah during the week and what is the function of maftir?   35:32 If someone chas vshalom suffered a miscarriage l, Are there Heterim to allow her husband to comfort her (touch, hug)?    40:06 If someone has the Tetragrammaton tattooed on their body, (how) can they go in the bathroom?    42:30 The Gemara in Sotah (46b) says that the angel of death wasn’t allowed to work in Luz. It says that when the elderly’s mind becomes difficult on them, they would leave the city and die. Was this allowed? And if so, why wouldn’t it be evidence that we should be able to pull the plug in a case of brain death?   49:16 How did the chapter divisions of Tanach make it if they are based on non-Jewish sources? Should they stay?   58:32 When someone may not have the right kavana, because of emotion or otherwise, is there a way to deal with that or an exemption of mitzvos of sorts?   59:37 How do we understand taking revenge on the midyanites, and why were women and children saved?   1:10:35 Why in orthodoxy is there absolutely no allowance of physical contact until marriage night where everything happens at once?   1:16:52 What is the purpose of G-d putting evil people into the world only to have them be killed?   1:18:47 What was the magic barrier around Egypt that prevented the Jewish slaves from leaving?   1:20:30 When I am trying to see messages from Hashem, how do I know I’m seeing it the right way or at all?   1:23:42 What is the specific quality of grape-products (wine/grape juice) that in the nine days and regarding nidah harchakos, one can have other alcoholic drinks, or (non-alcoholic) pomegranate juice?   1:26:34 Does the Hamsa ward off ayin horo and what is the basis for this?   1:30:18 Is there such thing as eminent domain in Halacha?   1:34:37 Why in some cases in Tanach were allowed to take the booty but other times we must destroy all their possessions?   1:37:14 What is the best way to improve in Ahavas Yisroel?   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   Visit us @ ohr.edu    Produced by: Cedar Media Studios  

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected] 00:00 Rav addresses asking controversial questions 00:39 What is Ramban's view on premarital sex? 04:42 How can Shlomo HaMelech send sheidim? Isn’t that kishuf? 11:20 Why was Torah given so late if that was purpose of the world? 18:50 Did Yitzchak Avinu die during sacrifice or after? 22:30 How do we regard a figure like David Weiss HaLivni (who recently died) and the Union for Traditional Judaism in general? 27:10 What is the significance of Hashem's name “Shakai"? 32:40 What is the Rav’s view on psychedelic drugs? 36:25 What was religion of people of Haran? 44:20 Why was Shlomo able to build multiple extra kruvim? 48:30 How did Baer Miriam make it to the kinneret? 50:45 What is the issur of woman ordination? 56:15 How do we address skeptics of Flood of Noach? 59:18 How do we understand when Chazal say that Rabbi Akiva was greater than Moshe Rabbenu? 1:01:30 What’s the minimum you have to say of the pesukim for Krias Shema Al Ha Mitah? 1:02:10 Are there any proofs in Torah that prove its validity? 1:04:38 What is the origin of making a wish on a wish bone and is it avoda zara? 1:07:40 Does reading Zohar itself purify someone? 1:09:00 What does it mean the Pinchas is Eliyahu? What are practical implications? 1:14:10 Is there a fourth individual that lived eternally? Eliyahu, Chanoch, and Sarach Bat Asher are known. What is the commonality amongst them? 1:16:50 How can Iyov be listed as a non-Jewish prophet if we know it’s only a minority opinion that he was a goy? 1:20:20 Do Jews who have only a Jewish mother have inheritance? Also will there status change at time of Messiah? 1:22:35 Why is the word Bar mitzvah in Aramaic and Bat Mitzvah in Hebrew? 1:24:07 Why do some halachos depend on looking at a Goyish majority? 1:27:42 What are the views on talking in the bathroom? 1:29:08 Should we respond to Palestinian treatment of Jews in a similar way as we did with the Soviets? 1:34:52 Is it morally wrong for a Cohen to be grateful for Chet HaEgel which gave him his kehunna? 1:36:50 When would shaking a hand with a woman be permissible? https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   Visit us @ ohr.edu    Produced by: Cedar Media Studios  

We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   00:00 Why is there zero tolerance for pictures of women in the yeshiva world when there are such explicit depictions in Chazal?   06:05 What is the difference between a kofer and an apikores?   07:46 How do we understand the concept of kollel (work combined with learning)?   25:44 Is the Rambam’s standard of hours  learning and working good for everyone?   29:21 Why does the Torah “hype up” Torah—in that it self promotes?   31:05 Could the Rav expound on the hidden tzadikim of the dor?   36:30 What is the meaning of Lshem Yichud?   42:14 What is the ko’ach of the month of Tammuz/What should we tap into?   45:22 Will we be able to commit sins after mashiach comes?   52:24 What is the meaning of the phrase “UMIKAYEM EMUNASO LISHAYNAY AFAR” mean in amida?    54:54 If Hashem is perfect, why does it appear that He changes his mind over certain decisions and improvise as he goes?   1:01:04 Why didn’t G-d create an “ideal world”?   1:02:50 Is there a transactional aspect of Judaism?   1:06:30 Isn’t the status of Halachot leMoshe Misinai hard to believe? Why would HAShem choose about 60 halachot that are seemingly random and unrelated to each other to not include in the Torah?   1:13:58 Is Rav Anan related to the amora of a similar name?   1:20:16 What does it mean that Moshe took the stick before Hashem in Parshas CHUKAS?   1:23:03 What is the takana of Ezra regarding immersing?   1:30:38 Is living together a mitzvah?    1:31:37 According to R Elyashiv, how do we understand Divrei Torah and hirhorim?   1:35:28 What’s the difference between chas v chalila and chas v shalom?   1:37:56 If there’s an expert on Torah but his personal life is poor, can we still learn from him?   Visit us @ ohr.edu !   Produced by Cedar Media Studios

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   00:00 Clarification about R Aryeh Kaplan and use of drugs    00:58 Is there a source for wars being prevented for learning Torah?   07:05 What is an appropriate response to answer a secular person about slavery in the Torah?   14:14 How do we visualize demons, what did they look like? How did we know they were there? Are they present today, or did they go away with certain yeridas hadoros?   19:28 How should a convert act in terms of honoring parents, shomer negiah, etc.?   23:47 What is the safek on mainstream techeles today?    31:43 Why is Miriam punished instead of Aaron if listening to Lashon Haro is worse than saying it according to the Chafetz Chaim?   33:12 How should we think about Angels?   37:46 What are the levels of Angels?   38:44 Why is the Shema such a meaningful prayer and what does it really mean?   40:25 When the Ark landed, how did animals spread to all parts of the earth? does this contribute to the idea of one continent/Pangea?   42:42 What are the Rav’s views on the different types of kiruv?   47:05 Shuckling and vigorous flailing during davening looks absurd, so should we stand still during Shemona Esrei?    51:42 What is wrong with occasionally drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana?   54:40 What are the reasons that Sephardim and Ashkanazi Jews have different ways to say certain tefillos out loud or not?   1:00:37 Are people who are married by a reform rabbi halachically married?   1:05:52 Why does the Torah state things one way but we have a mesorah that it means something else (such as eye for an eye)?   1:07:08 What is something that surprised the Rav in his  life or his favorite sefer?   1:10:53 What are the halachic ramifications of a Jewish man and woman being intimate outside of marriage?   1:17:10 Recently an animated Disney movie had a small homosexual scene. Should we not be showing cartoons to our kids?   1:21:40 Why does mashiach have to come in the form of a person? Why wouldn’t it just be Hashem himself? What depends on a human leader?   1:23:24 What is the opinion on causing a car to stop on Shabbos to cross the street?   1:25:40 What about when someone needs to use transportation for an emergency on Shabbos?   1:27:10 Should we not walk on grass on Shabbos?   1:28:00 In Parashas Shelach, why is there a seemingly larger focus on Yetzias Mitzrayim if the miracle to get to Israel is seemingly harder?   1:30:22 Where does the 250 incense offerings come from in Parashas Korach?   1:33:04 After all the miracles and revelations of Hashem in the Torah, why would anyone continue to question Moshe and Aharon’s authority?    1:37:30 Why do we say speedily in our days when amoraim prayed against that?   1:38:51 What does the Rav think of many Jews pursuing higher education in relation to going off the Derech?   1:44:31 How do we posken with non-Jews opening and pouring non-Mevushal wine?   1:49:29 Could a Kohen enter a cemetery of Karites?   1:50:40 If a convert stops being a shomer Torah Jew, do they become invalid?    Visit us @ ohr.edu !   Produced by Cedar Media Studios

00:00 What’s the significance of listing Esav’s family in the Torah?   06:12 What is the rebbe’s personal view on the age of the universe?   17:20 Is it kavodik to say prayers under breathe while the Chazan chants?   23:45 Why are we not allowed to discuss the Divine Chariot?   29:47 What exactly does it mean to be created in the image of Gd? And what is the breath of Gd?   37:52 Is there a source for lead pouring as a way of getting rid of ayin hara? And why is it whenever it's referenced in books or even nowadays it is something women do?   44:52 Does beauty get in the way of Torah?   47:05 Does the idea of Gd being “in things” interfere with the Arizal’s concept of TzimTzum?   55:47 Did Gd make particular mitzvos because it’s good, or is it good because it’s a mitzvah?    1:04:57 Why does the Arizal get Z”L permanently affixed to his name, and not Rashi or Rambam?   1:06:12 In Gemara Shabbos, what does it mean that angels burnt Moshe with their tongues?    1:07:30 What does it mean that even if Chazal are wrong we still listen to them?   1:12:48 What’s the point of 2 day Rosh Chodesh with the 30th day observed?   1:16:00 Why is the first question we’re asked is did we conduct business honestly? What if someone never went into business? Or was an employee their whole life? Does this apply to women?   1:19:27 Should we not support China (economically) due to their unethical practices?   1:25:10 Is it possible to marry the wrong person?    1:26:38 Could you talk about communal punishment?   1:31:44 How does someone know they married the right person?   1:34:05 Why did Rav Chaim hold not to wear wrist watches?   1:34:59 What’s the Halacha on certain men’s grooming actions?    1:38:00 Should we cut our beard?   1:40:22 Where do we draw the line with technology and the will of Gd (such as extending lifespan)?   1:44:43 What would happen if the Sanhedrin were obviously completely corrupt?   1:47:40 Does wearing a suit all the time present a problem with discomfort?    1:50:06 What does the Rav think about the Chabad Rebbe’s and Chofetz Chaim’s opinions of cutting the beard?   Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   Visit us @ ohr.edu     

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   00:00 Why do we say the language of “hamotzei lechem” if Hashem doesn’t take out bread?    02:29 Can the Rav expound on Judaism’s view of homosexuality?   10:10 How should Jews look at accounts of near-death experiences?    17:42 What is Rav Kook’s position on korbanos?   28:20 Why is it that we don’t "acquire" women through other means than money?   33:13 What is the Rebbe’s opinion on vanity cosmetic surgery or otherwise and how should we approach it?   38:20 The Gemara in Yevamos עו. discusses a certain ritual to test a bochor with certain medical problems for infertility before he gets married. How then can some of poskim argue against /married/ guys getting fertility tested if there are problems?   40:45 Can a person who cannot have children marry a mamzer or convert?   41:23 What exactly constitutes a siyum?    48:44 If mashiach can come from the dead, does this make Chabad’s view heretical?   54:32 What are some reasons that there are machlokesim in Mishnayos?   59:43 Some hold that there are parts of the Gemara that were written by the Gaonim themselves. Is this true?   1:02:00 How does the Rav speak to the idea of feminism?   1:07:40 Is there a concept of overturning precedence in Halacha. For example, is it possible that a contemporary Posek could permit electricity on Shabbat?   1:11:03 What is a gay Jew supposed to do?   1:22:30 How can we help secular people make sense of the shidduch process?   1:28:02 What is out responsibility to not patronize unethical commerce (such as places that employ sweatshops)?   1:32:24 How will Eliyahu HaNavi’s paskening work?   1:33:25 Would there be a leniency to switching sects of Judaism?    1:34:37 What is the Rambam’s position on reconstituting the Sanhedrin?   1:37:52 Is it a halachic requirement to say Baruch hu or varuch shemo? What about just shemo?   1:40:42 To what extent should someone go to avoid machlokes?   1:42:35 How do we understand great Torah personalities in Tanach doing certain things that people today would be ostracized for?    Visit us @ ohr.edu         

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   00:00 What is the basis of the Magen David?   01:46 What is the Torah view on liability of a self driving vehicle?   8:23 How important is pronunciation in the formula of tefilla? For example, many people don’t pronounce a moving shvah (like in Kedusha or Kaddish), or they misplace an emphasis, such as mezoinos instead of mezonos. Also, when we sing songs, like Lecha dodi or zemiros, or Shir hamalos, we might change the emphasis. Since difference nusachs exist, or people use modern Hebrew, etc…how does that work?   15:49 Do halachos of Rabbeim apply even in a time with no official smicha?    18:37 What response do we as Jews have to school shootings and how should we view gun policies?   23:03 What is the definition of divorce for non-Jews and how should we approach giving advice or otherwise?   28:30 The State of New York is attempting to strengthen oversight of Yeshiva education. Ostensibly, they want to enforce the "core" curriculum of math, science, and the like. If they were to stick to those issues, does a secular government have a right to insist on a population education in math, etc.?   35:19 How does the concept of a Shabbos Goy work?   42:14 Does maaris ayin apply in the case of eating heter mechira?   44:09 Could I put up a sign stating I’m a kosher Jew in a treyf restaurant?   47:05 How do we justify the idea that someone that has “chen” or grace, they have fear of Gd, but in Eshes Chayil, it states that chen is sheker or false?   51:18 What’s the rules on after-brachos?   54:35 How can someone understand the idea of uvdin d’chol or a “mundane activity” on Shabbos?    58:18 What is your halachic and legal take on halachic prenups? Do you think couples should get a halachic prenup? Do you think that the way people protested on social media and outside homes last spring is something that should be encouraged especially because many agunos received their gets that way?   1:10:26 There’s a new section in the Israel Museum about “magic” in Judaism and segulos—do we believe in them or not?   1:15:44 How do we understand going to a mikveh on Shabbos?   1:18:24 Why are the words RAH and REYAH so similar?   1:20:52 Where do the minhagim of black and white outfits and hats come from?   1:27:20 Why does the bracha for kiddush hat on on Friday night say “Vrozavanu” instead of “Vitzivanu” when seemingly every other bracha on a mitzvah contains the latter?    1:31:09 Why are Shabbos and kosher the main factors mentioned when discussing frumkeit?   1:34:25 Why do Talmudic rabbis use certain hermeneutical principles when inferring various laws?   Visit us @ ohr.edu     

Would you like to sponsor an episode? A series?   We'd love to hear from you : [email protected]   https://podcasts.ohr.edu/   00:00 Could the Rav elaborate on the Gra’s view that the days of creation correspond to millennia?   02:47 How does the Rav feel about the state messing with the Meron situation?   7:40 Is there an issur of Kol Isha in front of a gentile man, and likewise is there an obligation for tznius if the Jewish woman is not responsible for their aveiras?   15:10 What is the Rebbe’s advice if someone is attacked by inappropriate thoughts in the moment?   17:26 Zionists think that since we’re not in Galus, the Talmud Yerushalmi has more authority now—does it?   25:55 Why don’t women change their Hebrew name once they get married (since they change many other minhagim by their husband)?   27:35 Could the Rav speak on the topic of politician Aryeh Deri, what are the Rav’s thoughts, whether he should be leading Am Yisrael, is the media blowing things out of proportion or is there truth to their claims, etc.?   29:55 How will Halacha work when techiyas Hamesim happens, in light of many changes that have happened over time?   34:00 Does the Rav think that the war in Ukraine has anything to do with precursors to Mashiach?   37:42 Since it’s common to wear clothing made of animals, why is that not considered tumah?   42:10 Why are Pesach and Yom Tov names but not Sukkos, Shavuos, or Shabbos?   45:39 Is there a deeper (spiritual) understanding to if a man is mazria before a woman, having a daughter first?   49:09 Why are the curses in Bechukosai much stronger than the brachos in terms of description (and in Ki Savo)?   1:01:25 Do souls watch over us from above?   1:04:18 Why are the four questions we ask seemingly the only questions that are preempted by the Torah?   1:10:23 Why is there controversy around the author of the Zohar and how does this affect other controversial sefer authorships?   1:16:44 If tzitzis is lacking tcheles, why do we still say a bracha if the mitzvah is seemingly incomplete?   1:20:06 Recently there are images of Mars and new findings of caves, does Judaism accept the idea of life on other planets?   1:25:12 Is there a validity to the Yeshivish concept of “shtultz” (honoring older bachurim)?    1:28:38 Can you use Alexa/Siri/Google Home on Shabbos to turn on the lights or the AC? And is their a difference by Yom Tov?   1:29:26 What are the conditions necessary to make something no longer considered woman’s clothing?    1:31:43 With regards to offerings or food in general, what did the Jews do when all they had was manna?   1:34:15 What does the Torah state is the ideal lifestyle (Nomadic vs Urban)?   1:37:10 What should we think about during Lag B’Omer?   Visit us @ ohr.edu