Q&A With Rabbi Breitowitz

251

Q&A- Army Drafting, Black Hats and Types of Zionism

Feb 2, 2022

1:36:23

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 00:00 Why are there state-nations now versus how there used to be tribes? 03:32 Will we ever be able to identify Amalek? 05:48 What is the halacha when people commit suicide? 11:20 What did people do before Rashi or Rabbeinu Tam tefillin? 17:16 When a reform rabbi and orthodox rabbi did a tour, a question was asked that if a Jewish student had one hour a week to either learn Torah with the reform Rabbi or watch HBO, what’s a better use of his time? 23:32 What if we said we will send haredim to the army if all Israelis had one mandatory year in Yeshiva? 32:36 What is the story with Miriam bas Bilga? 36:27 Which Gemara mentions kids only go by what they hear from parents? 36:46 How come the biggest intellectuals don’t come to accept Judaism? 41:13 How do we reconcile that Parnasa is variable when it is relatively predictable with a good job, etc.? 47:48 What about the 50th level of Tumah makes someone irredeemable? 49:30 Does din hamalchusa apply in Israel? 55:05 What will happen near end of days in terms of Gog UMagog? 58:52 Would Hashem reward Jews who went off the derech but became more involved (and successful) in scientific and/or philosophical achievement? 1:04:16 What is the definition of Zionism and why would a lot of Haredim be opposed? 1:11:01 How can we base the idea of not embarrassing someone off Tamar if it’s possible that she may not have been believed? 1:14:22 What other significant roles did Ezra play? 1:16:08 Did scrolls with Ksav Ivri become passul after the script changed? 1:17:08 What is the Rav’s view on Tikkun HaKlali? 1:19:00 What are some more views on Ezra and what is the authenticity of Torah scrolls older than the Dead Sea scrolls? 1:24:49 What message does a hair covering for women give? And what is the size of C’Beya? 1:29:39 Why do Jews wear suits and hats? 1:35:12 We don’t wear black on Shabbos, so why do we wear black hats? Produced by: Cedar Media Studios

252

SPECIAL: Rambam on Aggadah in the Gemara Pt 2

Jan 28, 2022

44:04

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 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios

253

Q&A- Mussar, Heart Transplants & Paganism

Jan 27, 2022

1:39:26

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 00:00 R Breitowitz follow up on AKIVA spelling and Ashkanazi skin color 03:05 How does one balance mussar books with new books ? 05:10 What does the Rav see occurring from the last Mishna in Sotah? 09:26 Can Jews who have strong emunah be sad and how do they react to seemingly tragic events if everything is for the good? 12:17 Are heart transplants halachically allowed? 17:31 How are performative arts historically viewed in Judaism? 22:28 If I have good intentions but do a sin, why am I punished when I’m not punished for intending to sin but not sinning? 29:42 What does it mean when one Beis Din doesn’t accept the decision of another Beis Din? 38:54 Why are some things halachically allowed but we don’t publicize it? 41:54 What should we focus on when learning Tanya or Mesilas Yesharim in terms of this world or the next? 44:09 Why does Hashem pay the “wicked upfront”? 47:43 Why can’t women wear tzitzis or tefillin? 55:20 What is the origin of gilgul and are there any textual allusions to it? 59:46 What are the mechanics of the clothing of women and men today? 1:02:00 Did the Brisker Rav hold that there is no hishtadlut in shidduchim? 1:04:04 What is the role of humor and jokes in Judaism? 1:08:05 Is Olam Habo is such a central part of Yiddishkeit, why is it not mentioned directly in the Written Torah? 1:12:15 How can Kol Isha be legal if everything has a purpose? 1:16:07 How do we understand the possible return of paganism from a Torah perspective? 1:21:05 Why can’t there be an option in the machloches in Bava Kamma about the wall of thorns in which both are chayev? 1:22:23 What are some common mistakes that students make in learning Gemara and the like and how should we overcome them? 1:25:30 What significance is there in putting notes into the Kotel and are there mekoros for it? 1:26:41 What about mekoros for praying at kivrei tzadikim? 1:27:50 Are there any allowances of fortune telling? 1:29:39 What should one look for when making someone their Rabbi? 1:32:00 Is there a sin that one cannot do Teshuva on and can one return from kares? 1:34:50 How should a frum Jew conduct himself in regards to alcohol on Purim? 1:38:43 Is it assur to get drunk any time? Produced by: Cedar Media Studios

254

SPECIAL: The Role of the Gemara - Rambam Hakdama

Jan 25, 2022

47:08

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 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios

255

Q&A- Shidduchim, Slavery & Politicians

Jan 19, 2022

1:34:32

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 00:00 Why can we pronounce or give people names with Hashem’s name in it (such as Raphael, Gavriel, etc.)? 01:17 Why do we say “halleluka”? 02:56 Should we be davening for a shidduch at the right time or as soon as possible? 07:51 Why is there seemingly fewer gedolim than in generations before? 15:42 Are the 13 principles of faith deoraissa and why is there such an emphasis on Techias HaMeisim? 25:20 How do we understand Ashkenazic lighter skin color in accordance with the indigenous features of the Middle East and Avraham’s origins? 27:23 In regards to a Canaanite slave, how do we reconcile the morality of slavery through a Torah lens? 36:53 Why can’t a Canaanite slave be a Noahide follower? 44:47 Are people who don’t know they’re Jewish considered Jewish? 52:58 Is there an overlap of Jewish and Stoic philosophies? 58:04 As a Baal Teshuva, how do we catch up for Maaser we may have missed? 1:00:09 Do you give Maaser after taxes? 1:01:48 Do you have to pay Maaser on unrealized gains? 1:05:15 How do we understand the proverb one who hates gifts lives long, since Judaism puts such an importance on giving? 1:08:09 Are politicians puppets or do they have free will? 1:11:57 Was there anyone that created their own form of the Talmud aside from Rebbe? 1:14:53 Is it is possible for a kiddush Hashem to come from a non-religious Jew? 1:16:17 How did a Rishon with the name “Akiva” in his name understand how to spell his name? 1:17:25 What are practical ways to anticipate Mashiach (in preparation for the questions at the end of one’s life)? 1:18:50 How can we bring Mashiach in today’s age if we are so much lower spiritually than previous generations? 1:22:42 How do we view the chashuvos of living in Israel? 1:26:04 How do we understand the longing of the Chofetz Chaim to come to Israel but he didn’t? 1:29:35 Could someone become as Kabballistically attuned as the Arizal today? 1:31:28 What lessons did the Rav take from his time in law school? Produced by: Cedar Media Studios

256

Q&A- Kol Isha, Mixed Kiruv Trips & the Death Penalty

Jan 13, 2022

1:54:21

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 00:00 is it considered Avoda Zara to believe in multiple gods but only serve one? 03:16 Why wasn’t the Torah given at Creation? 09:36 Can I be mekabel maisa rishon giving to a Cohen or can I give it to a Levi? (see addition at 1:51:33 ) 16:53 Does the rav have any tips for remembering what we’ve learned? 23:40 Is Kol Isha applied to new music styles and recorded music? 38:50 Is it consistent with Jewish Hashkafa to support the death penalty in secular courts? 46:20 How were the Ruvnitzer rabbi and others able to “break the rules” of Torah? 48:08 Is a single person able to work on a kiruv trip with mixed activities, assuming all laws of yichud and shomer negiah being observed? 52:53 Are Muslim prayer techniques based on Jewish bows, etc.? 1:00:44 How do we know how to navigate which Aggadic stories to take literally in the Gemara and Midrash? 1:00:06 Is it permissible to drink coffee, tea, or anything during Pesukei HaZimra? 1:07:27 According to Gemara in Succah, why can we consider STAM land in the hands of non-Jews as stolen? How can I rely on the produce right of non-Jewish land? 1:12:07 How does one train himself that Mashiach could come at any second? 1:14:21 Does the rav believe there are 36 hidden tzaddikim holding up the world? 1:16:47 Are there different ways to fulfill the Mitzvah of Shnayim Mikra V’echad Targum? 1:20:57 Why is there such a significance put on wine in Judaism? 1:22:17 What should one’s outlook be on Jewish or Christian archaeologists who try to prove or disprove biblical events? 1:24:56 Why is the word for acts of loving-kindness “GOMEL,” which entails something that is earned or deserved? 1:26:21 What are the prerequisites to being a Kabbalist? 1:28:37 What should someone consider when choosing a posek? 1:30:30 Can someone have relations with one’s wife while she is pregnant? 1:32:00 Does the chiyuv to read Targum Onkelos make it the primary or superior translation/interpretation? 1:33:48 Is a tallit katan less yotzi than one of cotton or the like? 1:36:14 Why are some fruits not bound by the laws of Shmitta? 1:39:00 How can one wholeheartedly daven for mashiach to come if there will be no more chance for Teshuva? 1:41:00 As a parent / teacher, what could the rav advise to help prevent kids going off the Derech? 1:44:29 How do we reconcile exhuming bodies for archaeology of holy gravesites? 1:47:30 Which did Rashi work on first, Talmud or Chumash, and why does Rashi sometimes switch from Aramaic and Hebrew in his commentaries? 1:49:19 Were most of the gedolim nonconformists and what does that say for a system that relies on conformity? Produced by: Cedar Media Studios

257

Tu'B'Shevat Halachos

Jan 12, 2022

45:57

Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by: Cedar Media Studios

258

Q&A- Shovavim, Missionaries & the Omicron Variant

Jan 6, 2022

1:56:32

00:00 Where were the bodies from the graves in the cave of Rebbe Yehuda HaNassi taken? 01:36 Why is V’shamru considered an inturruption in some minhagim? 06:09 Why can a blood avenger kill someone with no penalty? 12:18 What are the levels of Tumah? 17:38 What are insights of Shovevim? 26:21 What did Levites who didn’t live near the Temple do? 29:20 Can you break Shabbos to save the life of a non-frum person? (additional clarification at the end) 33:34 Can you invite your non-religious Jewish friend to a Shabbat meal if you know he is going to drive? 41:42 How does one be empathetic to others’ problems without having the problems harm themselves? 46:36 When Chazal say “you must say…” how literally should we take this? 49:04 Why do people still hold to night D’Rabbeinu Tam? 58:54 Is bein Hashmashot an inherent safek? 1:05:07 How should we be reacting to the Omicron variant of Covid? 1:08:26 War, plague, famine were things that affected the world and made people cleave to Hashem. We don’t have those same exact issues today, so how do people cleave to Hashem now? 1:12:34 What advice would you give to people when it comes to making decisions in life? 1:19:04 Why is the Torah strict on things that don’t seem so bad (such as homosexuality) and then doesn’t address things that seem much worse (such as rape)? 1:25:46 How should we act toward gay people and gay Jews in particular? 1:31:23 What is the significance of wanting Rabbeinu Tam tefillin when you get married? 1:34:32 What is the halachic source of working on one’s middos and is it doraisa or drabanan? 1:39:50 Is it ok to bring a Christian missionary into a (non-orthodox) synagogue to speak? 1:41:56 How has the litvisha world change after WWII? 1:46:24 What is the element of Judaism that is passed down through matrilineal descent? 1:47:36 What is the bread of shame? Would taking money to learn Torah count under this? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

259

The Tragic Chaim Walder Episode

Jan 6, 2022

10:14

Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

260

8 - Zionism V - Hashkafic History Series II

Dec 26, 2021

58:43

Hashkafic History Series II Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Program 5776-8-Rav Kook Bio II Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". (Originally Rec 2015-16) Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

261

Q&A- Saying Kaddish, Machshava Study & Ghosts

Dec 23, 2021

1:47:03

00:00 Why do we say Kaddish? 04:28 Could you please describe the Kabbalistic middah of Malchus? 09:20 When did souls become “Jewish" souls? 17:11 Does anyone say that the Jewish transformation happened at Mt. Sinai? 18:24 Why do we stand with feet together in the Amidah? 20:13 Why are there very few Levites? 24:07 If Hashem created Teshuva for all people, how can Elisha Ben Avuya say the Acher couldn’t do Teshuva? And how do we make Teshuva for “dead and gone” situations? 29:34 How come we don’t know where the lost tribes are today? 35:48 If someone is traveling and they are looking for a shul, how do I know it’s a kosher minyan (e.g. if it were reform or conservative)? 43:10 What does the Rambam mean when he says we shouldn’t do Mitzvos for the sake of reward? 48:00 When does it become appropriate to study Kabbalah? 58:08 How does one know which voices to listen to inside oneself? 1:04:16 What is the Torah’s perspective on ghosts? 1:06:00 How do you explain learning Gemara to kids? 1:14:45 Are women allowed to learn Gemara? 1:20:53 Are there makhlosim between the Talmud Yerushalmi? Why is the Talmud Bavli more widespread if the Yerushalmi was written in a holier place? 1:30:58 Why is there not more of a push to learn Machshava in Yeshiva? 1:35:30 How would the Rav describe the fundamental difference between a Jew and a non-Jew to someone who has no idea about Judaism? 1:39:15 How do we relate to Avoda Zara references or images in literature? 1:42:45 Why do some sects of Judaism not learn on certain days (non-Jewish holidays)? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

262

7 - Zionism IV - Rav Kook Bio - Hashkafic History Series II

Dec 19, 2021

1:08:41

Hashkafic History Series II Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Program 5776-7-Rav Kook Bio II Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". (Originally Rec 2015-16) Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

263

Q&A- Social Media, Beards & American Yiddishkeit

Dec 16, 2021

1:52:17

00:00 How can we reconcile the Gemara in Sukkah saying that certain actions bring about eclipses and the astronomical cycle of such eclipses? 06:37 How do we reconcile the fact that we’re a light unto the nations if translating the Torah is seen as bad, and why are so many important Jews secular? 14:00 Why is Havdalah related to (the bracha of) wisdom? 22:14 Has the Rav been positively affected by secular culture? 31:10 How can a Jew be involved in a career in creative writing? 42:00 How much do I have to wrong someone in order to require forgiveness? 46:28 What’s the difference between Olam Haba and Olam HaNeshamos? 48:38 In terms of “rodef,” could someone kill a doctor who is about to pull the plug on a patient? 54:08 Is the rav excited about Roe v Wade possibly being overturned? 1:03:06 What are the rav’s thoughts on men educating women when there are a lot of allegations and abuses? 1:12:35 Why did Hashem have to hold the mountain over the heads of the Jews? Were we forced into accepting it? 1:15:38 How do we view political campaigns that employ lashon hara? 1:21:00 Is sinas chinam still happening today? 1:21:46 Why are Pharoahs in the Torah not named? 1:22:42 How is removal of the spleen allowed with Adonyahu? 1:27:08 Does lashon hara extend to social media being allowed? 1:28:22 Shovavim eitzah for yeshiva bachurim? 1:31:37 When it comes to men wearing women’s garments or the like, what is kosher in terms of grooming? 1:36:00 What’s the message of growing out a beard? 1:40:05 Why is there not a more mainstream obligation to receive the COVID vaccine according to the gedolim? 1:42:43 Why should I listen to a gadol about medical advice? 1:47:54 Where is America headed in terms of Yiddishkeit? 1:51:50 How can there be other worlds in our world if Hashem created the beginning in Bereshis? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

264

SPECIAL: Jewish Fast Days & Insights on the Beis HaMikdash

Dec 14, 2021

47:11

Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

265

Q&A- Halacha in Space, Basketball on Shabbos & Jewish Astrology

Dec 8, 2021

1:42:21

00:00 What is the Halacha on zmanim in space? 4:59 Why do some mishnayos not have Gemaras included with them? 15:02 Did people live outside of Garden of Eden alongside or before Adam and Chava (according to a Midrash)? 19:15 How do we understand the statement “the world was created for me” (in Sanhendrin)? 25:56 Are there any issues with playing basketball on Shabbat? 29:44 How do we reconstruct musical sounds from Tehilim? 34:42 What’s the Rav’s opinion on not letting a student of Baruch Spinoza enter a shul? 42:08 Why did Hashem created the world in stages and not all at once? 44:23 Does a Charem apply to the talmidim of the person with the charem? 45:20 Shouldn’t goyim be chayev in brachot (because it would be stealing)? 49:22 Why are there different shapes of menorahs? 55:16 If the Torah is a “blueprint for life,” why doesn’t the Torah explain how to stay physically healthy? 57:25 Is it lying to state an earlier time for an event when I know people will be late? 1:00:00 Is there a source that states that Israel belongs to the children of Shem? 1:04:05 Who was Agripas HaMelech? 1:09:09 Wouldn’t we make Aaron HaKohen the Kohen gadol rather than current gadolim of todays world? 1:12:39 What does the Torah say about dinosaurs and the like? 1:16:42 Is Jewish astrology real? 1:21:45 Why would Hashem keep destroying and rebuilding the earth? 1:24:44 Is having anxiety a lack of faith in Hashem? 1:26:55 Is it possible for someone to come back in a GilGul of a person who completed their tachlus? 1:30:46 If everything is from Hashem, how do we explain the seeming autonomy of the Satan and the like? 1:34:45 Who is Mashiach Ben Yosef? 1:40:22 How do we explain the structures of the pyramids? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

266

Chanukah & Hiddur Mitzvos

Dec 5, 2021

43:30

Join Mentors Mission in Israel! A Booster We Can All Agree On! December 28, 2021 - January 2, 2022 Experience of A Lifetime At the Ohr Somayach New Bais Medrash Itinerary and Packages Available on our Website Vaccination within 6 months Required Limited Time Offer - Hotel Package (Hotel Bookings before November 28th Only) Register Now to Ensure Availability www.mentorsmission.com 718-644-9037 Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

267

The Story of Chanukah

Dec 2, 2021

41:56

Join Mentors Mission in Israel! A Booster We Can All Agree On! December 28, 2021 - January 2, 2022 Experience of A Lifetime At the Ohr Somayach New Bais Medrash Itinerary and Packages Available on our Website Vaccination within 6 months Required Limited Time Offer - Hotel Package (Hotel Bookings before November 28th Only) Register Now to Ensure Availability www.mentorsmission.com 718-644-9037 Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

268

Q&A- Chanukah Kavannos, Ohr HaGanuz, & Talmud Censorship

Nov 27, 2021

1:47:12

Join Mentors Mission in Israel! A Booster We Can All Agree On! December 28, 2021 - January 2, 2022 Experience of A Lifetime At the Ohr Somayach New Bais Medrash Itinerary and Packages Available on our Website Vaccination within 6 months Required Limited Time Offer - Hotel Package (Hotel Bookings before November 28th Only) Register Now to Ensure Availability www.mentorsmission.com 718-644-9037 Where did the minhag of showing tzitzis out come from? 5:38 When mashiach comes will we have a unified Halacha? 8:45 What principles disqualify someone from olam haba? 15:14 What is the basis of hatred of Jews from Arabs? 20:00 What is the significance of mentioning the sons of Rav Pappa in a siyyum? 21:44 Why don’t we enunciate Hashem’s 4 letter name as we do other names? 25:12 Is a Jew that makes a lot of money and he’s generous, can he justify having fancy stuff? 31:42 Why is there so much evil and hashchasa when it comes to gender? 40:39 Is money won in poker (by a frum Jew) given to tzedaka clean? 48:00 Is thanksgiving assur for Jews to celebrate? 51:45 Why does the first bracha in birkas hamazon differ among Jews? 54:01 To what extent does Hashem listen to evil people or people of other religions? 1:00:08 Could someone give more than 20% ma’aser if they have the capacity? 1:02:30 Hashem keeps Torah, so how do we explain rain on Shabbat? 1:04:50 Why did the song yedid nefesh change? 1:09:08 In shidduch dating, how much leniency should someone have in hashgafa differences? 1:11:22 Why are there no other holidays about dedication of the Temple (such as Chanukah)? 1:13:44 What was the effect of the church’s censorship the Talmud? 1:16:00 Why don’t non Jews that Hashem speaks to in Torah narrative immediately believe in Hashem (over their own idols)? 1:17:39 What are the difference between animals and humans? 1:21:44 Why was King Shlomo allowed to have so many wives and how could some not be Jewish? 1:24:40 What is the “Ohr HaGanuz”? 1:25:57 What level of authority does the Saatmar Rav have on the matter of medinas Israel? 1:29:47 What is Kaf HaKelah? 1:30:48 What does the Torah say about whistleblowers? Should Jews be journalists? 1:33:14 Does a child from a woman who converted for marriage (but it was a “legal” conversion) have questionable Judaism? 1:35:26 What is the proper kavanna to have when lighting a menorah on Chanukah? 1:36:31 Is the book “garden of emunah” good for a Baal Teshuva to read? 1:38:01 Is it halachically permissible for a married couple to have a hyphenated last name or for a husband to take his wife’s last name? 1:42:14 Do goyim have a neshama? 1:43:25 Do all Jewish names have meaning / Ruach HaKodesh of parents? 1:46:40 When Shabbos is over we lose the special neshama, but if I don’t eat melava malka, do I still have it? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

269

6 - Zionism III - Rav Kook Bio - Hashkafic History Series II

Nov 21, 2021

1:03:52

Hashkafic History Series II Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Program 5776-6-Rav Kook Bio Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". For comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at: [email protected] (Originally Rec 2015-16) (Produced by: CedarMedia Podcasting 2021)

270

Q&A- Chukas HaGoyim, Dreidel & Gypsies

Nov 18, 2021

1:38:20

00:00 Are stained glass windows chukas hagoyim? 1:17 If one of the reason of separation of a married couple each month during niddah is to create renewal, can this be applied to chavrusas of kollel? 7:25 How can someone be forgiven for all his sins with Shabbos? Why is Yom Kippur special then? 10:08 How does one counter the simple interpretation of Torah’s (seeming) incivility covered over by rabbinic analysis as an argument to Oral Torah? 15:28 How did the chet haegel happen when am yisroel was on such a madrega? 22:39 What kavana should one have during bircas kohanim? 27:27 Why are the kohanim and levi’im part of the mashmados if they’re part of mishmaros? 34:33 What is the history behind Jewish Romanian gypsies 35:58 What is the history of Onkelos, and why is his Targum preferred over Targum Yonasan? 46:00 Why are cusim considered like Jews for zimun but not for sukka? What is their history? 55:49 Outside of the chiyuv in meiser, to what extent do we have to always give tzedakah? 58:58 Before Shacharis, what is one allowed to do?—Shower? Exercise? 1:00:56 How do we understand the actions of Yael with respect to sleeping with Sisra? 1:07:26 (Followup) How could Yael even kill Sisra if the army was routed? 1:08:51 What modern Avodah Zara do we have? 1:15:56 What is the misunderstanding of bats laying eggs? 1:20:45 What is the dreidel? 1:21:50 Why does the Torah say ayin tachas ayin if it doesn’t literally mean it? 1:24:10 Does one need to honor his parents if those parents don’t deserve it? 1:25:26 How was Yaakov avinu allowed to hug/kiss Rochel before marriage? 1:30:08 What does it mean for HaShem to ‘remember’ someone? 1:31:20 With kashrus, does the rule around not being able to taste a food apply to lab-generated foods? 1:33:54 What happened to all the avdei kanaanim? 1:36:40 Why is there a machlokes as to whether kedusha left after the chorban? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

271

5 - Zionism III - Zionism & Rav Kook - Hashkafic History Series II

Nov 14, 2021

56:39

Hashkafic History Series II Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Program 5776-5-Zionism & Rav Kook Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". For comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at: [email protected] (Originally Rec 2015-16) (Produced by: CedarMedia Podcasting 2021)

272

Q&A- Rome, University & Religious Government

Nov 10, 2021

1:27:42

00:00 Rashi on Chumash seems to be based on Sod (Kabbala), but he said it’s pashut? 2:35 One of the reasons given for Yaakov’s crying over Rochel is that he wouldn’t be buried with him. Why is this significant? 5:47 Does prophecy affect free-will? 7:44 Considering that every Jew has a neshama, why do people not have an instant connection to Yiddishkeit? 11:36 How did Adam haRishon give Dovid haMelech 70 years of his life? Would he have been born if not? 17:17 Rome is from Eisav, but how could this be, genealogically? 22:35 In zmiros and davening, we seem to direct our requests to malachim rather than Hashem. Why is this? 30:57 Why can we say the names of certain angels but not others? 33:48 Why specifically tehillim for the sick and mishnayos for the dead that are read out? 35:25 Why can’t malachim understand Aramaic (prayers) of Hebrew is so similar? 42:40 Is this the reason for all of Kaddish in Aramaic, or just “ihay shmay…” 43:57 A lot of Modern Orthodox go to college/university. Is it better to increase a Jewish presence on-campus, or can this encourage people going to totally secular environment? 49:44 What does the Rav hold on people going into kiruv after yeshiva? 53:35 What is the best way to counter the notion that Judaism is restrictive? 1:01:05 Would it be ideal to have a fully religious government? 1:05:08 At one point is a secular/unknowing person who becomes aware of a halacha going to be chayav? 1:07:07 If other groups (eg Hindus & Catholics) insist split manifestations of HaShem isn’t Avodah Zara, how can we do things like praying in the zechus of a tzaddik or to a malach? 1:10:56 What is ‘Charedi dati leumi’ (Charda”l) ? 1:13:05 What are practical examples of being kiddush HaShem? 1:15:54 Should we still daven for the welfare of the state (al pi Pirkei Avos) if the government is bad for Torah? 1:19:43 Considering the low fatality does vaccination etc. regarding corona, is there a chiyuv to remove oneself from sakana? 1:22:49 What are arguments to present Reform/Conservative Judaism? 1:26:27 What is the concept of singing Shalom Aleichem/Eishes Chayil on Shabbos night? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

273

Q&A- Mitzva Tantz, Animal Life & Abortion

Nov 3, 2021

1:28:58

00:00 The cry of Eisav and the cry of Mordechai are described the same, and it is understood that it was as a punishment. How could the Jews be punished if Yaakov was justified? 2:43 R’ Dessler described freewill relative to one’s environment. How can we know who is favorable in G-ds eyes? 8:58 Why can prayers added after those made from the Anshei Knesses haGadola had HaShem’s name? 12:17 Where does one draw the line between hishtadlus and bitachon? 18:40 What are the boundaries of what can be considered ‘Torah’? 23:40 Many Chassidish weddings have the mitzvo tanzt. How is this not an issue of proteus, and where did it come from? 26:43 How can we explain the seeming-genocide of the prior inhabitants of eretz yisroel? 33:33 Why is it that at Ashkenazi weddings the kallah walks around the chasan 3 or 7 times. Why is this? 35:24 How do we understand Manoach, even if a Navi can suspend halacha for a one-time necessity? 40:41 How can we understand a soulmate if one person can choose not to enter the shidduch? 44:52 The Girgashiy moved. Where did they go? 47:34 If a goy stills a pruta he is chaiv misa. Why so severe? 52:29 What is the Jewish approach to extending an animal’s life if it would cause further pain? 54:32 Learning of Nach is often neglected, and yet we see many books on topics like mussar, emunah etc.. Are these books an attempted replacement? 58:49 What is the origin of gematria? What is At-bash? 1:03:52 Is there an allowance for an abortion caused from rape? 1:05:12 Can anyone darshn gematrias? 1:06:39 What are tips on correcting bad midos? 1:10:35 Is there any religious value in work itself beyond parnasa? 1:13:20 Tzaddaka that brings something in return (eg raffle ticket), is this really tzaddaka? 1:15:20 Is there a way to understand the difference with Ashkenazi and Sephardi pronunciations? 1:18:49 Some people think Beta Israel aren’t Jews. Why is this? 1:21:37 What did R’ Ovadia Yosef mean for Klal Yisroel? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

274

4 - Zionism II - Hashkafic History Series II

Oct 31, 2021

1:03:32

Hashkafic History Series II Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Program 5776-4-Zionism Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". For comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at: [email protected] (Originally Rec 2015-16) (Produced by: CedarMedia Podcasting 2021)

275

Q&A- Rabbanut Kashrus, Geirim & Mamzerim

Oct 27, 2021

1:41:29

00:00 What is the Rav’s opinion on the Rabbanut (for kashrus)? 4:51 Where does 1/60 come from in kashrus, olam haba etc.? 7:11 What is tznius for men? 13:15 Simchas Torah seems to be a holiday that developed naturally. It is a separate holiday? 18:00 Someone starting to take on mitzvos from scratch, should he start with deoreisa first, or would the Rambam disagree? 22:28 For one in Shidduchim, should he look at photos? 26:07 Is there a problem speaking Lashon haKodesh while involved in divrei chol? 35:20 How is birchas hamazon different among different groups. How can people add to it? 39:24 Why did HaShem create such vastness in the universe? 44:45 If a website shop gives a discount for the 1st order, can one always just make a new account? 48:05 Does the Torah say anything about math existing before physicality? 49:55 Kiddish levana doesn’t seem so Jewish. 53:47 the 19th bracha of shemoneh esrei was added late, but even Avraham and Bruria prayer for sinners 58:00 Is there evidence amoraim didn’t know pesukim? 59:50 There is a Gemara that the world exists in the merit of 36 tzadikim. Can we know who these are? 1:01:12 Sifrei kabala are often not revealed until many centuries after they were written. How can we accept these? 1:07:32 How can a mamzer be held accountable for the sins of his parents? 1:11:42 Is there any way to understand the achievements of Rashi? 1:14:06 Why can a Ger marry a mamzer if one has the same status as a born-Jew? 1:18:40 If a kohen marries a divorcée, is the child a mamzer? 1:19:10 In the 6 zchiros it makes point of Miriam’s tzaras when leaving Mitzrayim. Why not in bamidbar, where they were? 1:22:00 What does it mean for the chiuv of chiuv es habrios? 1:23:36 We still wash hands in the morning, but not feet. Why not? 1:25:00 When we speak on the lowering of generations, what is the floor? 1:27:04 There’s a machloches on the source of Ashrei, and csav ashures was used before anyway. 1:30:30 If a Christian missionary marries someone or is mesader gittin, what happens now? 1:33:20 According to the Rambam, are events of Tanakh metaphor? 1:33:45 We see great relation genetically, linguistically etc. with Canaanim. How can this be? 1:35:13 Why do malachim in Tanakh want to give over his name? 1:36:20 Of diasporic languages, why is Yiddish more developed than Ladino? 1:39:15 Chanoch was taken by Hashem and became a malach. What happened? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! Produced by:

276

3-Varieties of Zionism - Hashkafic History Series II

Oct 24, 2021

1:08:33

Hashkafic History Series II Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Program 5776-3-Varieties of Zionism Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". For comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at: [email protected] (Originally Rec 2015-16) (Produced by: CedarMedia Podcasting 2021)

277

Q&A- Guilt, R' Shlomo Carlebach & Evolution

Oct 22, 2021

1:27:05

How is it that in the Gemara that some people have a mesora and others don’t? How does deal with feelings of guilt moving forward having grown up doing aveiros? What’s the halacha regarding a tchup? It seems like the frum world sees women place more emphasis on emunah but less with men? Why does the Torah spend time going through the generations as in Parashas Bereshis and Noach? If there will never be a prophet as great as Moshe Rabbeinu, what should be expected from Moshiach? How did Eliezer come to Avraham? If he was connected to Nimrod, why did he send him to his enemy? Will the yetzer hara for avoda zara come back after moshiach? Are the descendants of Yishmoel and B’nei Katura also chaiv in bris milah, even today? Note from Rabbi Breitowitz: I was asked about the halachic obligation of the descendants of Yishmael to have Bris Milah . I cited the Rambam that Bnai Yishmael are exempt from Milah though Bnai Keturah are obligated (as opposed to Rashi who maintains that only the actual sons of Keturah needed Milah and not their descendants ).So far ,so good. I then said that since the Bnai Ketura have intermingled with Bnai Yishmael and are no longer a distinct group ,all who identify as Bnai Yishmael are now exempt .This was an error on my part . Rambam says exactly the opposite The intermingling of Bnai Ketura with Bnai Yishmael obligates the entire group . (In partial defense[not really!]I was thinking of the Minchas Chinuch who does indeed suggest that the intermingling should exempt the group rather than obligate it but that is not Rambam,s view). I apologize for the error .Bivracha ,YBreitowitz How should one respond when asked by a non-religious person about olam haba?—Are there sources? Are there any ramazim for how we can relate to olam haba? How do we define what a hashkafa is? It seems like learning Torah lishma is ideal, and others say it must lead to something? Is there the possibility of alternate universes regarding quantum mechanics? With Rav Shlomo Carlebach yahrzeit coming up, how should we commemorate? Muslims around Israel have certain good qualities eg Tzanua? Are we supposed to learn from them? Did HaShem always intend for there to be war in the world? Can evolution in its entirety be consistent with Torah? Yeshayahu gives musste that people do mitzvos by rote, how do we avoid this? By Tannis, the Gemara says that during a plague (given population ratios) we fast and blow the shofar. Why was this not done during covid? One can’t conduct normal business on Shabbos, so how can the rabbi ‘work’ on Shabbos? Comments? Feedback? 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 !

278

2-Yishuv Eretz Yisrael - Hashkafic History Series II

Oct 17, 2021

1:02:01

Hashkafic History Series II Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Program 5776-2-Yishuv Eretz Yisrael Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". For comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at: [email protected] (Originally Rec 2015-16) (Produced by: CedarMedia Podcasting 2021)

279

Q&A- Smoking, Neturei Karta & Heter Mechira

Oct 13, 2021

1:25:03

00:00 Yaakov lived with Lavan for so many years. How did he do this and what can we take from this? 03:58 Assuming there is moderation, could it be permitted to smoke, and do those with an addiction have a chiuv to stop? 13:08 How should understand the Holocaust when G-d is all-loving? 24:40 Is it possible for a secular Jew to truly feel content in life? 27:38 Parshas Lech Lecha, we have the imagery of bris Bein habasarim. Could you explain some of this? 30:31 What exactly is a ‘raban’? 37:37 At what point does someone who grew up secular have the daas to have a chiyuv of Shabbos? —Is there permanent gehenom? 47:57 Can the luz bone be totally destroyed? 48:58 Sometimes we use a feminine word for Hashem? 52:42 Do we look at someone with a Jewish father different? 56:32 Why did the trees rebel that their bark should taste like the fruit? 58:44 If Gemara is the pinnacle of learning, why is it not so encouraged for women? 1:04:41 Has neturei karta done anything positive for klal yisroel? 1:11:30 Is a shared mitzvah (such as bochor) then what of the schar? 1:12:25 Arum means nakedness and cunning. What is the relation, as in bereshis? 1:14:42 One can be a Ben olam haba for davening netz, or saying ashrei 3 times a day. If one can have one, why try for the other? 1:16:20 What is the connection between birchas kohanim and dreams? 1:19:01 Is heter mechira valid? 1:20:15 If the shmita year is not certain, is there any leniency? 1:23:30 Are things like life insurance hishtadlus? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! (Produced by Cedar Media Studios Podcasting 2021)

280

1-Movements of 19th Century - Hashkafic History Series II

Oct 10, 2021

54:48

Ohr Lagolah Rabbinic Training Program 5776-1-Hashkafic History I-Movements of 19th Century Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz, of Ohr Somayach Jerusalem, "Hashkafic History". For comments, questions, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at: [email protected] (Originally Rec 2015-16) (Produced by: CedarMedia Podcasting 2021)

281

Q&A- Dinosaurs, Tachanun & Wigs

Oct 7, 2021

1:26:35

00:00 What was Reuben’s cheshban in moving Yaakov’s bed? What of kibud av? 4:14 Chazal say it’s a mitzvah to marry one’s niece, but genetically this can be dangerous... 6:55 During chet haegel, Moshe argues with HaShem against starting a nation. What does it mean for one to argue against HaShem? 11:47 There is an assumption that earlier rabbis are correct, what is the source for this? 15:17 Did the Avos keep the Torah before it was given, and how did it look? 0:21:34 what is the Rabbis opinion on wigs? 0:27:42 Some people are annoyed about having to start saying tachanun again. Can Rebbi share anything about the importance and beauty of it? 0:32:00 How can a Jew be a secular judge? 0:34:44 Believe on unbroken tradition, how can we justify the idea of machloket and differing opinions? 0:45:16 What is the Torah’s view on Dinosaurs? 0:49:19 What is the difference between psychology and mussar? 0:52:02 Why is same Bracha chatima of psukei dezimra same as Baruch sheamar? 0:55:30 Why is taf pronounced as tzaf by askenazim? 0:59:50 What is the origin of rashi script? 1:01:40 Is there a remez for America in the Torah? 1:03:24 What is mans goal in striving for faith in G-d juxtaposed with logic? 1:07:15 How can we say that we will promise to G-d that we will praise him forever? 1:09:40 How do we learn halacha? Lets say I'm learning the mishnah berurah. How do i know if we paskin like it? How do i know which sefer we paskin like instead? Do i always have to double check with a rabbi? 1:15:15 What is the source for matrilineal descent? 1:17:50 Why does it seem that prayer doesn’t work in bleak situations? 1:22:15 When we finish a sefer we say hadran halach, but most don’t at Simchas Torah? 1:24:30 is it permissible to grow sprouts in a windowsill, in water? Comments? Feedback? 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 !

282

Thoughts on Hakafos 5782

Sep 26, 2021

7:44

While Rav Breitowitz is out on bein hazmanim, we have the privilege to bring you some of his Torah thoughts on the significance of the Hakafos. We hope you enjoy! - R' Zevi Kaufman (Producer of the Ohr Somayach Podcast Network) Print out here! Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

283

Hoshana Rabbah - Simchas Torah - The Culmination of the Days of Awe

Sep 22, 2021

50:00

Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (10-22-2016) (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

284

Ohr Somayach Pre Rosh Hashana Seminar

Sep 5, 2021

1:27:06

2:44 Rabbi Gettinger 29:10 Rabbi Breitowitz 1:05:52 Rabbi Tatz Sign up here!! Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

285

Q&A- Simanim, Taliban & Aggadita

Sep 2, 2021

58:45

What is the reason for avoiding doing chesed to a non-jew? What is the Jewish position on organ donation once one passes away, and can a Jew work on cadavers as a med students? How do we understand by the creation that the trees deviated from Hashem’s commandment that they should taste like fruit?—Do trees have bechira? With the Taliban take over, many Jews sympathize with the civilians, but isn’t Sharia more in line with halacha than Western values. 2 Poskin, Rav Moshe Feinstein and Minchas Yitzchak, have different drachim in deriving sources for psakim. Why is this? What is the Jewish perspective on the ideal power-system? How do we interpret (seemingly) physical descriptions of HaShem, especially in Yehezkel or Daniel? In the Gemara in Sukka, it describes HaShem as being 10 tefachim, and Moshe below 10. What does this mean? Can we say “everything happens for a reason” and have free will? Or can someone’s decisions affect someone else’s free will? The Gemara in Sukka it describes the keruvim as being 10 tefachim over the mishkan. The keruvim min hatzad built by Shlomo were much bigger. Is there something particular that both were 1/3 of the size of their environments? A man caused, due to road-rage, by grama a car crash which killed someone. Is this man to be rebuked? If a person reads a secular self-help book, can someone get the schar for learning Torah? There are many cryptic messages in the agada of the midrash and gemara (eg with monsters etc). How do we interpret this? What is the significance of saying akainu seudasa?

286

SPECIAL: Selichos - 5781

Aug 29, 2021

29:28

SPECIAL: SELICHOS AT OHR SOMAYACH JERUSALEM Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

287

Q&A- Baal Teshuva Integration, Free Will & Jews on Politics

Aug 25, 2021

1:03:36

This episode has been generously sponsored by Daniel and Rachel Rabizadeh In loving memory of George Rabizadeh ישראל דוד בן רבי אבא 00:00 If two brothers marry two sisters, does one widow have a chiyuv of yibum? 4:42 Why do chazal and halacha speak of things like spontaneous generation which modern science can’t prove? 12:40 Sometimes Baalei Teshuva have a difficulty integrating into frum society. Why should this be? 17:58 Why was R’ Yehuda haNasi not martyred along with the 10 rabbis? 21:42 In one’s search for Yiddishkeit, to what extent does one keep looking for proofs? 27:14 What is the most practical answer to the how we have free will if HaShem knows the future? 32:36 Every generation has a moshiach, so how can there be a set date? 38:18 Is triage halachically acceptable and if so what criteria can be used? 46:08 Are Jews allowed to express political views? 49:02 Is there something after olam haba? 55:44 Does power/authority affect free will? 59:35 Considering the work of Christians to prosthelytize Jews, should there be a concerted counter response? Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

288

SPECIAL: JLE Q&A- (with Excursus on Science and Religion)

Aug 24, 2021

51:34

This weeks episode has been generously sponsored by Daniel and Rachel Rabizadeh In loving memory of George Rabizadeh ישראל דוד בן רבי אבא SPECIAL JLE - Q&A Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

289

Q&A- Nichush, The Zohar & Teiku

Aug 18, 2021

1:01:55

This weeks episode has been generously sponsored by Daniel and Rachel Rabizadeh In loving memory of George Rabizadeh ישראל דוד בן רבי אבא Comments? Feedback? 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 ! 00:00 in the amida, we ask HaShem to remember he chesed of our Avos. What does that mean? 6:35 Rambam discusses that for someone to be learning full time supported by the community, but if he is pushed into it for social reasons (ie not chosen by community or out of deep love for Torah) is this a chillul HaShem? 18:00 Can a Jew own a store to sell legal cannabis? 22:12 There could be a problem of Jews living in Egypt even today. Could you elaborate on that? 27:29 Does a person have a responsibility to take care of his pets? 32:14 Is putting an animal out of its misery issur re tsar baal hachaim? 34:35 Considering the issur of nichush, how can people look at signs/omens today? 37:37 Is having a broad base of knowledge acquired methodologically or just what he comes across? 41:21 The levi’im seemed to excel in its holiness and avoiding aveiras, so why did it split along the lines of the kohanim and levi’im which were so disparate? 44:14 What halachic issues might arise in being a psychologist?—Is it appropriate for a ben Torah? 52:12 Who are chazal? 55:44 What is the Nehalem? 56:52 Why does the Zohar contradict a lot of halachic rulings? 58:02 Why do gemaras that end in a “teiku” included?—how do we develop modern halachos from these?

290

SPECIAL: The Nature of Rabbinic Authority

Aug 16, 2021

46:43

Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting) (Center 5781-Parshas Shoftim -The Nature of Rabbinic Authority)

291

Q&A- Cameras, Kitniyos & Career Choice

Aug 12, 2021

1:09:10

Comments? Feedback? 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 ! 00:00 What does it mean that the Lavush (sefer) did not have the success of the Shulchan Aruch? 11:28 the Sanhedrin existed after the churban beis hamikdash, why don’t we have a Sanhedrin now? 22:08 Netilas yadayim can work in the ocean, but could maybe mayim achronim could also work even though ocean water has salt? 24:50 Sefer Yehoshua references sefer hayashar. What is this book? 28:03 What is the role of cameras for a Jewish witness system? 35:59 With kitniyos, why are we not lenient if we can have supervision? 38:10 we describes milchamas Torah, so is there an issue of learning Torah in a calm way? 42:04 How does one know what career one should choose? 46:42 What happened to the yeshiva at Volozhin? 59:00 Why is ear-piercing allowed? 59:57 Why is there so much machlokes in Mishnayos 1:07:57 Have we lost mesechtas? (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

292

SPECIAL: Q&A- Divine Authorship, Literalness vs Metaphor & Paranormal Activities

Jul 26, 2021

1:47:52

Episode Generously Sponsored in the zchus of a Refuah Shleimah for Yardena Meira bat Mindel SPECIAL JLE - Q&A Comments? Feedback? 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 ! We are proud to announce the beta-launch of the Ohr Somayach app! Access your favorite Ohr Somayach podcasts on the app, at podcasts.ohr.edu or on any podcast platform! DOWNLOAD THE APP! ANDROID APPLE (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

293

Q&A- Gehennom, Gilgul & Naftali Bennet

Jul 15, 2021

1:21:09

Comments? Feedback? 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 ! 00:00 In shidduchim, what is a dealbreaker and what is a legitimate compromise? 4:01 It is said when a person becomes a baal teshuva he amputates his limbs—what does that mean? 10:20 Why do we follow rabbinic ordinances so much these days when the Torah says both not to add and subtract, and also to follow one’s rabbi? 23:00 How do we have a consensus on a gadol hador, and why do Charedim ask him for everything including personal advice? 33:24 If the takana of Rabbeinu gershom only applied to Ashkenazim, why do Sephardim also follow it? 37:33 How are we so mediak in the Rambam if it is translated (from Arabic)? 39:19 Media are calling Naftali Bennett the first religious PM of Israel, but they also say his wife is secular. Can both be true? 42:31 We try and avoid a machloches in metzios, but in meseches midos this is the case. 46:44 Some involved in Kiruv use more forceful methods. To what extent to these scare-tactics justify the means of it might push some away? 51:45 What’s the difference between sheidim and malachei chabala? 55:14 It seems the Torah world’ attitude on technological advancement is to leave it to the goyim. Is there any idea of being involved in the creation? 1:02:38 How could the Gra praise secular understanding and decry the Rambam learning Greek philosophy? 1:03:33 Why are there both gehenom and gilgul? 1:07:27 The Maharal says that tzitzis is the mitzvah to encapsulate the rest, and yet it seems to technically be an optional mitzvah. How can that be? 1:09:38 a man crossing the dateline from San Francisco to Australia could skip all of a day’s davening. How can that be? 1:12:00 What is the difference between malachei chabala and malachei hashares 1:13:40 What is the difference between a traditional marriage and a pilegesh? 1:17:25 Why did Herod renovate the Beis Sheini? (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

294

SPECIAL: Thoughts on the 9 Days

Jul 12, 2021

41:02

Comments? Suggestions? 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 ! (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

295

Q&A- Yerusha, Genetic Manipulation & Chareidi Schools

Jul 8, 2021

1:21:15

Generously Sponsored by Atara and Lozi Liff In honor of the wonderful Ohr Somayach Rabbeim and the people who make this podcast happen! (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting) 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 ! 00:00 The Gemara in Eruvin says that a person could learn midos without Torah from animals. Why don’t people take these simanim? 3:00 Why did HaShem call the day starting at night, but we don’t speak of it as a day? 4:57 Why is mincha called as such if we know there was a mincha offering once given in the morning? 8:34 What does the Torah mean by the 4 corners of the world? 11:08 If the Torah has a specific way of doing yerusha, why do we go along with the way it’s done in the secular world? 17:00 What are we to make of disruptive phenomena that occur on Shabbos? 21:43 Is it assur to take a picture without someone’s knowledge/permission? 24:00 Ezra instituted a takkana which was later made batul. Who has that authority? 30:05 The Torah says the whole generation of bamidbar would die out in the desert except Calev and Yehoshua, but all of shevet Levi did too, and several women too. 39:30 (follow up) Why do we count leviim in a minyan if they weren’t in the chet hameraglim 40:12 Is there an inyan of techelis from a chilazon? 49:30 Can someone get around a prohibitive takkana (eg riding a bike lest someone fix it) by making a public neder? 52:05 Is genetic manipulation for humans mutar? 57:34 Charedi schools are found to have a great deal of discrimination particularly for sephardim and baalei teshuva. 1:09:55 Many people are machmir to not carry even in an eruv. What is the reason for this? 1:15:50 Where is the origin of holding a kiddish cup from the bottom from? 1:16:47 We know when Eliyahu is protesting the Baal a fire came down from heaven for his korban. It is said the end of days will see a different test but with the opposite result for emunah. Is this true and where is this found?

296

Q&A- Choosing a Rebbi, Land for Peace & The Meaning of Life

Jul 1, 2021

1:17:51

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 ! 00:00 Was there any mention in Tanakh or elsewhere of the order of the return of any particular shvatim coming back? 4:20 Modern advances and translations make Halacha very accessible, what qualities does one look for in a flesh-and-blood Rabbi post-yeshiva? 9:12 If HaShem knows what’s good for us, why would we have to daven? 12:25 The Vilna Gaon can argue with a rishon, but who gave him the rule? 15:54 A shechted animal conveys tahor, so would someone who died al kidush HaShem be tahor? 18:02 Would goyim have to eat kosher meat? 20:48 In the 9th perek of brachos it mentions that a bad interpretation of a dream will result in negative consequences, and conversely with positive interpretations. Is this true today? 25:12 How can we comprehend the importance of talmud Torah? 34:26 How does one work on appreciating the goodness of oneself? 39:37 What is the halachic background for “Land for Peace” 45:15 The way of coming to truth is to way arguments, so how much should we bring in all views for discussions of Judaism? 57:42 if someone thinks that Torah is truth and the way to a deepest connection to Hashem, so why should be avoid evangelize? eg Would the Rambam want Aristotle to become Jewish given how much he revered him? 1:01:43 In the Torah, if someone steals and needs to repay double, but why can’t we carry this out without a Sanhedrin? 1:05:52 When speaking to people less observant, how does one bring up issues of ichud or other possibly controversial issues? 1:08:00 drinking is not allowed in excess, but may be allowed in small quantities. Why then are some things like cannabis totally asur? 1:11:39 What’s the meaning of life—is it a paradox? 1:14:00 Now we have so many cameras, do we still have yiush? 1:16:20 The Gemara often uses 60 or 1/60. What is the significance of this number? (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

297

Q&A- Tzimtzum, Nefilim & Artscroll

Jun 24, 2021

1:21:41

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 ! 00:00 Can you speak on the makloches of tzimtzum? 6:03 Is laboratory meat an issue of eiver min hachai/basar min hachai? 14:08 How do we get around milk from a treifa cow when milk is mixed together in factories? 22:57 What became of Nephilim? Are they around? Could it explain alien encounters? 25:35 Does lashon hara apply in reference to sports players? —What of politicians? 30:24 When Moshiach comes, will Moshe Rabbeinu have modern technology? 32:26 With regards to abortion, why is there an apparent discrepancy between Jews and non-Jews? 38:40 How are non-Jews expected to know the 7 Noahide laws? 42:42 If someone consents for an aveira (e.g. dueling) is this permissible?—what of losing when gambling? 47:00 Where does the bill stop if all aveiras are judged including the repercussions of previous generations? 50:58 Why does the Torah have a greater penalty for a thief (ganav) than a one-time burglar? 52:38 How do we have different shitas for the order of parshios in tefilin that we had an original pair and no period without tefilin? 56:57 What are practical ways to deal with geiva without diminishing self-esteem? 59:18 Are voice-operated technology (eg Amazon Alexa) allowed for Shabbos for lights? 1:04:02 How can HaShem know the future if we have free-will? 1:11:46 According to Chazal, if the baby is born on the 8th month the baby is considered certainly dead, but this is not true if a baby is the baby is born in the 7th month. Doesnt this seems out of order? 1:13:34 One shouldn’t shop around for poskim, but if one is told for life-and-death (eg heart-transplant) that might be considered murder but might save ones life, can one go on a that opinion? 1:16:30 If one should avoid seeking honor except when necessary, how does one know his intentions won’t be egotistical? 1:18:32 In light of books which have commentary added (eg ArtScroll) what does this mean for the need for a rebbe? (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

298

Q&A- Murder, Challah & Meat

Jun 20, 2021

1:02:10

0:00:00 What else do we know about Korach’s death? 0:01:35 If a Jewish woman is a surrogate is the child Jewish? Can someone be a surrogate for her sister? 0:07:40 If people don’t get their good inclination until 13, how do you understand that kids underage do good things? 0:10:00 Is there any halachic problem in taking medication to lower testosterone levels? 0:11:50 In the shortest pasuk in Torah, oobnei Dan choshim, why does it have extra vav? 0:14:14 When was the term Halacha le Moshe mi Sinai first used? 0:16:00 Why do we say the blessing that we thank G-d for not making us a woman? 0:18:50 Is the essential part of the mitzvah of Talmud Torah specific for teaching or learning? 0:21:05 What is the difference between chochma, bina, and daat? 0:23:27 We say that the order of tefillah as praise, request, and gratitude. Why do the last couple brachot not seem like gratitude prayers? 0:27:00 How do we understand the parah aduma when the person who cleans the ashes would get tameh? What is its significance? 0:34:40 We know certain halachot are dependent on having a walled city. From do we know the names of the cities that were walled from the time of Yehoshoah Ben Nun? 0:38:00 With regards to Bilam, is there a need to be righteous or spiritual merit to be a prophet? 0:42:00 We know when someone is sent to a refugee city his Rebbe has to go with him. Doesn’t the other students lose out from their rebbe? 0:46:05 When there was a murder they would do eglah arufa, what is the connection of that ritual to murder? 0:48:23 We know that women have the mitzvah of challah to atone for the sin of challah. What does this mean and why is Adam called challah? 0:52:20 In Moshe’s last speech he tells us to remember a lot of things. Mitzvah of mezuzah would seem as a zecher from the Torah. However, why is it shown as a protection of the house? 0:55:30 Why are there different halachot about walled cities? 0:56:00 Is there a real problem of having names that have no tanach source as Rav Chaim Kanievsky said? 0:58:40 Eating meat is allowed but...Why is eating meat okay? It may not be healthy, especially in large quantities.... 1:00:00 Has fake meat been declared "fleishig" and does it fulfill the idea of kavod shabbos? 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 ! (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

299

Q&A- Sorcery, Modern Science & Gerus

Jun 10, 2021

1:11:11

0:00:00 When we say “Each person has a chelek of Torah” what does that mean and how to do acquire it? 0:02:34 When the spies came back from EY, why did Moshe strongly support the Jews? Why was the punishment of the golden calf carried over to meraglim of the 40 year punishment? 0:07:00 If a ger converts and then find out afterwards that he was a Jew before his conversion, does he return to being a Jew or remain a ger? 0:12:16 Following Rabbi Moshe Feinstein’s psak on kalei habishul, what is an issue in a kli shlishi for tea? 0:17:50 Can one wax or pluck hair from the body? 0:20:52 In Josephus’s writings, was there a real movement at the time of Yashka or was it something created by the Romans? 0:27:07 What do we do when Josephus contradicts the accounts of Rabbinic literature? How do we reconcile this? 0:32:36 If Hashem loves us, how can he give us challenges that seemingly we can’t overcome? 0:36:25 How much burden should we put on previous generations sin and similarly how do much burden do we put on our own sins? 0:41:40 Was there inflation in time of the Gemara? 0:44:20 Does the character traits of Moshiach have to match that of David? 0:45:28 In the laws of Niddah, is going in to mayim chayim rabbinic? Also, the body of water is described in different terms. Why so? 0:50:17 What is an aveira lishma and are there any records of this? 0:54:00 Why didn’t Hashem respond Moshe’s question on why does bad things happen to righteous people? 0:57:20 Can one interview someone for a job if they have no intention to hire them and they just need information from them? Does it matter if it’s a Jew or a non Jew? 1:00:38 In shemoneh esrei why didn’t the rabbis invoke the merits of the Imahot? 1:03:00 Where do you draw the line between magic/sorcery and modern science which might seem sorcery like? 1:05:47 Gemara says don’t live in cities run by a Talmid Chacham. Is that a validation of a secular politician? 1:07:35 What are the pressing issues facing Torah society? What is a greater motivator than competition?

300

SPECIAL: Gender Identity - Why Is This Happening Now & How It Affects Us

Jun 4, 2021

42:47

Would you like to dedicate an episode? A series? We'd love to hear from you! : [email protected] https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ Visit us @ ohr.edu ! (Produced by CedarMediaStudios Podcasting)

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שו"ת עם הרב ברייטוביץ

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