Q&A: Demons, Obligatory War & Chanukah Gelt

Dec 13, 2024

Discover the fascinating debate surrounding the prohibition of affectionate touching, especially between men and women, and its differing interpretations among scholars. Explore the theological intricacies of Jewish statehood and the impact of Torah study on character refinement. Delve into blessings, the existence of spirits, and the implications for ethical behavior. Unpack the complexities of Jewish war obligations in contemporary conflicts and the significance of Hanukkah gelt, tracing its evolution from teacher gifts to modern practices.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Source of Negiah Prohibition

The prohibition against men and women touching (negiah) is debated by Rishonim.
Rambam considers it a Torah prohibition, while Ramban views it as a rabbinic fence.

ANECDOTE

Jacob and Rachel

Jacob's kissing of Rachel seems to contradict the negiah prohibition.
Several explanations exist, including Avos only keeping the Torah in Israel or only observing positive commandments.

INSIGHT

Satmar and Zionism

The Satmar Rebbe's anti-Zionist stance relies on the "Three Oaths" Aggadah.
This Aggadah prohibits forcing Jewish return to Israel through military action.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu 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 whatsapp us at https://bit.ly/OSREGISTER 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 the prohibition against men and women touching? How can Yaakov have kissed Rachel?

05:25 - How can Satmer have a shita against Eretz Yisrael based on a piece of agadita? We do not generally pasken from agadita.

15:00 - What does it mean that Torah must be learned in the right way in order to refine one's character?

21:40 - Why was Chazal selective in how brachos were assigned? When I eat food I make a bracha but I do not make a bracha on giving Tzedaka.

30:05 - Do what extent do sheidim or spirits have an impact on us and can we communicate with them?

33:15 - Why would Hashem allow shedim to have an impact on us?

36:20 - Can one trust anyone for Kashrus based on the Gemara that says that a single witness is enough for Isur vHeter?

43:50 - To what extent should one be concerned about Ayin Hara and how can one prevent it?

49:45 - Is there a source in the Torah for wearing a red string to avoid Ayin Hara?

54:35 - Are there any sins that a person cannot do teshuva for and how can someone know when his teshuva has been accepted?

57:05 - How can someone be anti-Israel if they live in Israel? How can Chareidim be against the army even for those who are not leaving yeshiva to go to the army?

01:06:00 - Why is there no reference to the next world in the Written Torah?

01:09:05 - Is it considered Avodah Zara to picture G-d when one prays to Him? How can it be that He is described visually in Nach?

01:12:35 - Is this war a Milchemes Mitzvah or not?

01:19:50 - The Rambam says the only reason we have korbanos is as a concession to Avodah Zara. What about korbanos before Avodah Zara stated?

01:24:00 - Is there a makor for Shlissel Challah?

01:27:00 - How could the Moreh Nevuchim be written for people who are actually perplexed? It seems too complex.

01:31:55 - What is the makor for Chanukah Gelt?

01:34:15 - What is the significance of birthdays 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 @ https://ohr.edu

PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS