Halacha Headlines

Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz, head of semicha at RIETS, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, founder of the Yeshivah of South Florida, and Noach Levin, a digital media expert, delve into the complex relationship between technology and spirituality. They explore whether mindless phone use constitutes wasteful time, the impact of devices on personal relationships, and practical strategies for healthier digital habits. Levin shares insights on the attention economy, while the rabbis emphasize the importance of mindful technology use in fostering meaningful connections and community.

Is it possible to determine that an abuser is no longer a risk? What’s the success rate of treating serious abusers? Why do community leaders sometimes advocate for the early release of an abuser? How does halacha view cases where a Jewish prisoner receives a disproportionate sentence? Should the community celebrate someone’s release from prison? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Dr. Gavriel Fagin – Director of Tikunim Counseling Services – 14:49 with Rabbi Yonah Reiss – Av Beis Din of the CRC – 50:20 with Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Zev Ginzberg – Rav of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center, Cedarhurst NY – 1:17:47 with Mrs. Nicole Meyer – advocate against abuse – 1:50:14 Conclusions and takeaways – 2:09:07 מראי מקומות   

In this engaging discussion, Rabbi Zecharya Greenwald, dean of Me'ohr Bais Yaakov, shares insights on why seminaries ask about mental health in admissions. Mindy Blumenfeld, a licensed therapist, highlights the stigma these questions create, urging a shift to post-acceptance disclosures. Dayan Yitzchok Grossman examines the halachic implications of honesty in applications, suggesting leaving intrusive questions unanswered. Attorney Yair Bruck discusses legal boundaries and the risks of broad mental health inquiries, emphasizing the importance of focused, safety-oriented questions.

Join Rabbi Michoel Frank, a community rabbi from Silver Spring, and Rabbi Dovid Genish, a Sephardic expert, as they debate the nuances of women's hair covering. Rabbi Tzvi Ortner shares Hasidic insights, discussing the pros and cons of sheitels versus tichels. Rebbetzin Shalvie Friedman offers a personal touch, exploring the spiritual significance behind these practices. Delve into topics like the origins of sheitel customs, the significance of shaving heads after marriage, and the balance between leniency and community expectations.

What draws men to these gatherings? How do they impact the home — especially when alcohol is involved? What is the halachic basis for tasting food before Shabbos? What are the halachic concerns with entering Shabbos intoxicated or eating too close to Shabbos? What should an ideal Erev Shabbos look like? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Zev Ginzberg – Rav of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center, Cedarhurst NY  – 13:11 with Rabbi Isaac Rice – Mora De’asra of Congregation Anshei Chesed, Hewlitt NY  – 34:36 with Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser – Rav of Khal Bais Yitzchok, Flatbush NY  – 1:05:41 with Mrs. Elisheva Liss – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, lecturer, and author  – 1:22:52 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:42:55 מראי מקומות 

Dayan Chaim Yosef Dovid Weiss, a prominent rabbinic judge from Antwerp, discusses the complexities of drug smuggling in light of Jewish law. Rabbi Moshe Taub emphasizes community responsibility in reporting drug activity, especially with the rising dangers of fentanyl. Tzvi Gluck, founder of Amudim, addresses addiction and the critical need for emotional support to prevent suicide. The fascinating case of Bochurim trapped in Japan illustrates the often unseen challenges faced by the community.

How common are controversies over leadership in the Litvish yeshiva system? Is the Ponevezh controversy unique? What were the main points of the machlokes and how did they develop? Who halachically owns assets donated to a yeshiva — the Rosh Yeshiva, the fundraiser, or the institution itself? When, if ever, may a yeshiva bring a dispute to secular arbitration or secular court rather than to Beis Din? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Professor Benjamin Brown – Professor at Hebrew University, expert on contemporary Haredi society – 6:49 with Dayan Shlomo Cohen – Dayan and author of the two-volume work Pure Money – 29:08 with Rabbi Pini Dunner – Rov in Beverly Hills CA, historian and lecturer – 45:54 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:10:30 מראי מקומות   

Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, a congregational rabbi and LCSW, highlights the delicate balance between rabbinic spiritual guidance and clinical therapy, emphasizing the importance of boundaries. Rabbi Daniel Travis discusses halachic considerations for teaching women and the prohibition of one-on-one learning due to intimacy risks. Rabbi Benzion Klatzko shares insights from decades of campus kiruv, noting emotional infidelity as a significant danger and advocating for structured transitions to female staff. The discussion stresses the need for supervision and clear policies to ensure a safe environment.

Now that there's a Frum brigade what's the justification of Frum people at least who aren't learning not to go to the army? If there's a shortage of soliders why wouldn't yeshiva bochurim be obligated to join – isn't Pikuach Nefesh Doche the whole Torah? If the Frum will become a majority in the country what will you do then? If Torah obligates hishtadlus, what is the minimum practical hishtadlus a nation must take to prevent harm? Can tefillah alone replace defensive capability? If the IDF ceased to exist tomorrow, what do you realistically foresee happening to Jewish cities like Bnei Brak, Ashdod, or Yerushalayim? with Yonatan - Father of 5 In Miluim for over 400 days – 15:41 with Rabbi Zev Leff - Rav of Moshav Mattisyahu, Renowned teacher and lecturer –  24:39 with Commander Amram Chivan – Commander of Chashmonaim Brigade – 57:39 with Rabbi Yehoshua Pffeffer – Rov in Yerushalayim, Head of Netzach Yehuda – 1:04:45 with Rabbi Nachum Eisenstein – Rav of Ma'alot Dafna neighborhood, Head of the International Rabbinical Committee on Conversion – 1:22:34 מראי מקומות   

Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, a leading halachic authority, discusses the ethics of online dating in Orthodox communities, emphasizing honesty in profiles and the risks of sharing photos. Dr. Rachel Ginsberg shares fascinating research on dating behaviors, noting that Modern Orthodox singles are more likely to use apps than their Yeshivish counterparts. Lisa Elefant presents AdoptAShadchan's innovative matchmaking support, while Malka Levitin explains Canopy Shiduchim's privacy-first approach to connecting singles. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of shidduch practices.