

The Q & A with Rabbi Breitowitz Podcast
Rabbi Dr Yitzchak Breitowitz
Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz's weekly Question and Answer sessions at Ohr Somayach, Jerusalem.
A Project of Ohr.edu
Questions? Comments?
We'd love to hear from you at:
Podcasts@ohr.edu
A Project of Ohr.edu
Questions? Comments?
We'd love to hear from you at:
Podcasts@ohr.edu
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
Q&A: Aggadah, Rebuke & Ancestral Sins
🚨 NOW MORE THAN EVER – Klal Yisrael needs Torah's protection 🚨 📖Ohr Somayach Yarchei Kallah | July 7–9, 2025 | Yerushalayim 🗣️ With Rav Breitowitz & Rav Asher Weiss +Senior Ohr Somayach Lecturers 🔥 3 days of Torah, chizuk & achdus 📩 Reserve: bentzys@ohr.edu | https://bit.ly/OSYarchaiKallah | https://forms.gle/BkNTnfEsvQL3eumG9 Torah protects. Torah unites. Join the mission. See you there! Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Episode dedicated by Boris Liberman in honor of his parents- Solomon and Hayusya Liberman- & with prayers for the safety of Israel and freedom of the hostages. ---------------------------------------------------- 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_israelwhatsapp 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 0:40 Is Rav Chaim's derech needed for Brisker mahalach 4:40 why is the norm in the Yeshiva world not to have a beard despite what the Torah says about not using a razor 10:30 what is ayin hara and how does it work 17:50 does saying beli neder work, does bidding on aliyahs create a neder 20:55 how did Onkulus a Ger become so learned 29:40 is Judaism the only major religion that creates nationhood 33:20 does shomer habrit result in seed wastage and deformed children regardless even if one follows Halacha 43:45 How could David HaMelech lust over a woman bathing on a roof 50:45 it is appropriate to answer lachiam after savri maranan during kiddush 51:50 what it is about agadatah that Chazal felt the need to incorporate it making it harder to understand 1:02:45 why does Halacha only apply adultery to a cheating wife and why is a get only in the hands of the husband to give 1:09:30 Is there a basis to claim that the Baal Shem Tov created a new religion in relation to the 13 principles 1:14:00 should one give rebuke or argue against a parent who espouses anti-Torah rhetoric 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

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 38min
Q&A: Shana Rishona, Birth Control & Haskamos
Dive into the significance of a couple's first year of marriage, exploring trust and lifelong commitments. Discover the complex discussions around birth control in Jewish law and the implications for family planning. Learn about the role of women in religious rituals and how modern views are reshaping traditional practices. The podcast also tackles the historical significance of the tribes of Israel and the relevance of agricultural laws today. Enjoy a rich dialogue that integrates spirituality, tradition, and contemporary challenges.

May 30, 2025 • 1h 40min
Q&A: Conversion, Zohar & Kosher Certification
Join us in Jerusalem for Ohr Samayach's 2nd Yarchei Kallah event from July 7th to 9th, 2025! Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more Click here for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu 0:00 were Ruth and Orpah converts at the time of marriage to Naomi's two sons 9:50 can we say that both psaks are correct in a halachic makloket How do we resolve the concept of one soulmate with the ability to have multiple wives What is the cause of the Shidduch crisis Can others rely on the Temani Masorah for eating kosher Grasshoppers Wearing tzitzit without Techelet 30:50: activities that cause one to forget his learning 32:50 do we have a Masora of transmission of the Zohar from Rav Shimon Bar Yochai to Rav Moshe DeLeon 38:25 how does one use their relationships with others to enhance our relationship with Hashem 41:05 what are the parameters for being allowed to break Shabbat for emergency EMT work 45:50 are lower quality hekshers like Rabbanut fully operating within permitted leniencies or do they violate some kashrut laws 55:35 will many things still continue as per normal after Mashiach 1:01:15 when the Mashiach, will we not get as much reward for mitzvot, will gerim be allowed 1:05:45 why isn't mashiv haruach morid hatal mentioned fully in tefilah 1:09:15 why is there a discrepancy between secular and Jewish dating of the temple periods 1:17:50 why is the schmita requirement only limited to farmers and not other professions 1:21:15 why are there 2 days of Yom Tov for Shavuot which is determined by counting down 1:25:25 when are certain people zocheh to learn with a magid or Eliyahu HaNavi 1:28:15 what does the Rav consider to be the best proof for Judaism 1:30:55 is there a way to explain the Torah through science 1:33:30 what are the halachic ramifications of being a plant geneticist 1:35:00 why do we keep 2 days of yom Tov but not Rosh Chodesh 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_israelwhatsapp 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 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

May 26, 2025 • 38min
Yom Yerushalayim
Join us in Jerusalem for Ohr Samayach's Inaugural Yarchei Kallah event from July 7th to 9th, 2024! Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more Click here for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- 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_israelwhatsapp 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 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

May 15, 2025 • 40min
The Two Faces of Lag BaOmer
Join us in Jerusalem for Ohr Samayach's Inaugural Yarchei Kallah event from July 7th to 9th, 2024! Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more Click here for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- 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_israelwhatsapp 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 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

May 12, 2025 • 1h 31min
Q&A: Light Unto The Nations, Animal Pain & Wishing Wells
Join us in Jerusalem for Ohr Samayach's Inaugural Yarchei Kallah event from July 7th to 9th, 2024! Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more Click here for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Episode dedicated by Harold and Gilla Saltzman in appreciation for the Torah learned from Rav Breitowitz over the years. 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! Q&A Timestamps 7 May 00:00 - How do Hareidim balance being reclusive and being a light to the nations? 03:55 - Why do we have a modern-day obligation to give Maaser on money when the Torah only refers to it in regard to agricultural produce? 10:35 - Is there an issue of Tzar Baalei Chaim to tag the ears of cattle? What about piercing a person's ear? 17:35 - What caused the Mussar movement? Did they not need Mussar before that? 29:15 - Why is it forbidden to use electricity on Shabbos? 44:28 - Can someone lose his status as a Jew? 51:00 - What is the status of Amen? 56:34 - Is sirloin steak worse than pork? 01:06:22 - Why do we permit listening to music? 01:10:47 - In the Haftorah: when Dovid HaMelech made a mistake in how he transported the ark why should Uza be punished; how could he give such rebuke to Michal? 01:15:55 - Are wishing wells considered Avodah Zara and could one take the coins from them? 01:17:55 - Why is Birchas Cohanim in Loshon Yochid? 01:21:55 - Why should it be permitted to go on a ship on shabbat but not a train or a car? 01:27:34 - How is it that disparate people converge on the same interest? 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

May 5, 2025 • 1h 16min
Q&A: AI, Atheism by Trauma & The Omer
Join us in Jerusalem for Ohr Samayach's Inaugural Yarchei Kallah event from July 7th to 9th, 2024! Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more Click here for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Episode dedicated by Harold and Gilla Saltzman in appreciation for the Torah learned from Rav Breitowitz over the years. 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! Q&A Timestamps 30 April 00:48 - Can a Jew go somewhere without sunset and sunrise such as the Arctic circle? 05:58 - The scientists say that the universe will end. Is there such an idea in Torah thought? 09:13 - Is it a Jewish concept to attach sentimental value to physical items? 12:43 - If you cross the international date line to the previous day would you daven again? 25:23 - How would you deal with someone who attacks Orthodox Judaism based on the behaviour of Jews? 28:40 - Does Judaism require that we look at the Torah as historical fact? 36:00 - What would be the status in Kashrus of something cooked entirely by a robot? 38:23 - Does putting one's finger in his ear, nose or mouth require cleaning his hands before learning? 41:13 - And what about socks? 42:12 - What does it mean when Rishonim say L'Halacha v'Lo L'Maaseh? 46:23 - How do we understand refining oneself for a self-serving purpose? 53:25 - What if someone is an atheist based on trauma? 55:23 - Is one's consciousness and his neshama the same? 56:20 - Should one be able to identify what mitzvah he is doing at each moment? 01:03:58 - Rambam says we should look at the maasim of Hashem to bring us to awe and love of Him. Does that mean we should study science? 01:08:53 - What is the best way to make use of the Omer period to prepare for Kabbolos HaTorah? 01:12:11 - Why do we discuss the difference between Magen Avraham and Gra for Sof Zman Krias Shema but not by Sof Zman Tefillah? 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

Apr 10, 2025 • 25min
Pesach Freedom, Responsibility & the Hard Boiled Egg
🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you're new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📱 WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/OSREGISTER 📞 Call our placement specialist: +1-254-981-0133 🎧 Subscribe to Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast: Don't miss out! https://plnk.to/rbq&a 📝 Submit your questions for Rabbi Breitowitz: https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Explore more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 💡 Find Ohr Somayach Programs Anytime, Anywhere: 📲 Download the Ohr Somayach app on Apple & Google Play, or visit us at ohr.edu. Note: Please do not watch or listen to this content on Shabbos or Jewish Holidays. 🎙️🎥 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios 🌟 Join, subscribe, and share!

Apr 6, 2025 • 1h 24min
Q&A: Preparing for Pesach, OTD & Imposter Syndrome
Dedicated by Anonymous in Honor of Rav Breitowitz 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you're new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📱 WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/OSREGISTER 📞 Call our placement specialist: +1-254-981-0133 🎧 Subscribe to Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast: Don't miss out! https://plnk.to/rbq&a 📝 Submit your questions for Rabbi Breitowitz: https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Explore more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos Q&A Timestamps 26 March 00:00 - Could the Rav speak about some of Rav Schiller's central ideas? 14:30 - How does one fight the feeling that he could be learning something better? 18:44 - How did we lose certain Mesoras? 24:13 - Does the Rav have tips for raising children to be strong in their Yidishkeit? Why do the children of good parents go off the derech? 41:12 - How much is Hashem involved in raffles? 54:20 - Why is it so hard to find healthy family relationship in Tanach? 56:20 - Why do we not have a tribal structure anymore? 1:01:30 - How would the Rav prove the existence of God? 01:11:19 - Could the Torah have been written by man and given to the 'Jewish' nation? 01:15:05 - Advice on how to prepare for Pesach 01:20:50 - What is the relationship between Yiras Hashem and Chochmah? 💡 Find Ohr Somayach Programs Anytime, Anywhere: 📲 Download the Ohr Somayach app on Apple & Google Play, or visit us at ohr.edu. Note: Please do not watch or listen to this content on Shabbos or Jewish Holidays. 🎙️🎥 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios 🌟 Join, subscribe, and share!

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 49min
Q&A: Chareidi Hashkafa, Mashiach & Petting Dogs
Sponsored by Anonymous in Honor of Rav Breitowitz 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you're new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📱 WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/OSREGISTER 📞 Call our placement specialist: +1-254-981-0133 🎧 Subscribe to Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast: Don't miss out! https://plnk.to/rbq&a 📝 Submit your questions for Rabbi Breitowitz: https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Explore more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos Q&A Timestamps 19 March 00:00 - What is the argument for the Neturei Karta position? 03:27 - Could you make the case for why the Hareidi hashkafa is superior to all other Orthodox hashkafas? 05:21 - Is there a good way to take the best parts of all the different haskafas? 11:38 - How does one choose who to take as a Rebbe? 17:47 - How do we know Hashem didn't make the offer to replace the Jewish people to prophets other than Moshe? 23:55 - How could we arrive at the same questions that the great genius rabbis of the generations asked? 28:00 - Where does the custom to learn Pirkei Avos between Pesach and Shavuos come from? 30:44 - How does an Ashkenazi know when he can use a Sefardi Halachah? 34:25 - Could the Oral Torah exist without the Written Torah? 37:00 - How can one deal with other people being more successful than him? 47:00 - Was the pin test really practiced and what are other similar feats of memory? 54:30 - Which nation is the final one before Machiach? 01:02:10 - Could the Rav elaborate on the discrepancy between the Jewish history time-line and Secular history time-line. 01:12:20 - Why haven't Klal Yisrael recreated real Smicha as according to the Rambam? 01:17:50 - Should one always accept humiliation without retaliation? 01:24:20 - How should one react to others when they treat him badly? 01:27:55 - Can an Ashkenazi eat in a Sephardi restaurant? 01:31:55 - What din of reshut is a large man-made canal? 01:32:51 - Why doesn't the Torah go in chronological order? 01:33:45 - Why do we have an Oral Torah? 01:34:50 - What is the authority of Chazal to uproot a Torah mitzvah? 01:37:00 - When someone davens for a shidduch should he have a list of desirable qualities in mind? 01:37:55 - What is the Jewish view of astrology? 01:40:24 - Can one pet an dog on Shabbos 01:43:00 - Should I put on a black hat? 💡 Find Ohr Somayach Programs Anytime, Anywhere: 📲 Download the Ohr Somayach app on Apple & Google Play, or visit us at ohr.edu. Note: Please do not watch or listen to this content on Shabbos or Jewish Holidays. 🎙️🎥 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios 🌟 Join, subscribe, and share!


