Halacha Headlines

NO DRIVER. NO MELACHA. NO PROBLEM?!

Is the driverless car the ultimate Shabbos loophole — or a blatant חילול שבת?
When technology takes the wheel, does Halacha hit the brakes?

with Rabbi Rabbi Yisroel Krengel – Tzomet Institue – 21:20
with Rabbi Benjamin Yasgur – Rov, Century Village Boca Raton, Florida – 39:32

מראי מקומות 

How did lavish Simchas Beis HaShoeva celebrations turn into drinking parties with out-of-control buchurim - and who is responsible for what happens? Are wealthy “gevirim” fueling a dangerous drinking culture in our community? Are they violating Lo Sa'amod al Dam Re'echa? Why are some Roshei Yeshiva unwilling to confront the problem? Is “Boys will be boys” an acceptable response? Why is alcohol such a serious problem among Orthodox teenagers and bochurim?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Zev Ginzberg – Rav of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center, Cedarhurst NY – 10:00
with Eliezer – Resident of Yerushalayim – 40:30
with Rabbi Dovid Kapl...

Is drinking among American yeshiva bochurim learning in Israel getting worse?
Why has drunkenness become part of Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebrations?
Who is responsible - yeshivos, parents, the bochurim themselves, or the Gevirim throwing the parties?
What can be done to change the yeshiva drinking culture?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Rafael Kleinman – educator and resident of Yerushalayim – 7:38
with Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz – posek, Rav and Senior Lecturer at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach – 17:31
with Rabbi Dr. Ethan Eisen – Licensed clinical psychologist in Israel and the U.S. – 41:56

Conclusions and Takeaways –...

Why does the Mishnah say בן שמונה עשרה לחופה? Is 18 an ideal age or a requirement?
How do we reconcile the different ages for marriage mentioned by Chazal and the Poskim?
What should a young man have in place before getting married - Torah learning, parnassah, and emotional maturity?
Are the considerations for girls different from those for boys?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Yitzchok Silber – Posek, Rav at the Mir Yeshiva, author, and expert on shidduchim and Shalom Bayis – 5:20
with Yehuda Geberer – historian specializing in Jewish history and the history of Jewish communities – 38:57
with Mrs. Chana Levitan...

How does this affect the frum community?
Are there important points for us to watch out for?
Is it ever permitted?
The Torah's view on DNR
and much more.... 

with Rabbi Asher Millman – Rav of Khal Shaarei Avraham in Passaic NJ, Rabbinic Advisor for Hatzolah of Passaic-Clifton, Rav on Chayim Aruchim – 9:53
with Rabbi Yehuda Leib Weiner – Senior Rabbi Cedars Sinai Medical Center LA, Rov of Knesses Yisrael – 32:52
with Harav Dovid Feintein ZT"L – Rosh Yeshivah of MTJ, Renowned Poseik, Son of the RASHKABAHAG Reb Moshe ZT"L – 57:45

מראי מקומות 

Private investment or stock market – what’s the difference, and what are you really risking?
How much due diligence should you do before investing your money?
What are the red flags that should make you walk away from an investment?
If the investment goes bad, who is responsible – you or the people who sold it to you?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Yonah Reiss – Av Beis Din of the CRC – 11:43
with Rabbi Daniel Rapp – Dayan at the Beis Din of America, Maggid Shiur at RIETS – 41:08
with Michael Eisenberg – General Partner at Aleph venture...

What’s your favorite Devar Torah for the Yamim Noraim?
Why do our Kabbalos so often fade – and what actually makes them last?
How can we turn the inspiration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into real, lasting change?
What’s one small thing we can do this year that could make a big difference?

with Rabbi Binyomin Wolff – Mora De'asra of Yad Avraham Shul, Yerushalayim – 10:10
with Mrs. Michal Horowitz – lecturer and teacher – 19:22
with Rabbi Isaac Rice – Mora De'asra of Congregation Anshei Chesed, Hewlitt NY – 27:01
with Rebbetzin Slovie Jungreis Wolff – teacher, author and lecturer...

Collectors during davening - must give, can give or shouldn't give?
Are you מקיים a Mitzvah?
Are you obligated to give Tzedaka for someone who's collecting to buy their children an apartment?
Are musical Selichos prohibited or on the contrary should they be encouraged?
with Rabbi Aharon Sorscher – Rov of Yeshivah community in Waterbury – 11:08

ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL!
CHAREIDIM AND THE DRAFT!
WHAT’S BEST WAY FORWARD?
HEAR THEIR STRATEGIES
with Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer – Rov and Dayan in Yerushalayim, Rabbinical chairman of Hatzibbur Hareidi – 42:00
with Rabbi Yitzchak Pindrus – MK for United Torah Juda...

What should the shevarim and teruah sound like? What are the different minhagim? The tekiah’s tone changed or wavered in the middle – is it still valid? When is it necessary to repeat only that particular blast, and when must the entire set be repeated? Is there a reason to hear more than 100 blasts in order to fulfill the various minhagim?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Shimon Boxer – expert in all aspects of the Shofar, author of Shufra D’Shofar – 10:05
with Rabbi Shaul Felman – Ba’al Tokeah for 40 years, Maggid Shiur at Nevi Tzion Yeshiva – 48:10

Conclusions a...

When should a ba’al tefillah or ba’al keriyah be corrected - and when is it better to let the mistake go?
If someone’s talking, pacing, or other behavior is distracting the congregation, when is it appropriate for a gabbai or rav to intervene?
What about a chazzan who is davening too slowly? When should he be asked to speed up - and when should the tzibbur simply be more patient?
Which shul halachos should be enforced, and which are we too strict about?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Yitzchok Berkow...

May a guest take leftover food home, or does the food remain the property of the host or caterer?
May a guest take flowers, centerpieces, decorations, or unopened bottles from the table after the simcha?
If someone accepted an invitation but failed to attend, must he reimburse the host for the meal ordered on his behalf?
Who owns gifts distributed at the tables—such as bentchers, souvenirs, yarmulkes, or children’s prizes—and may a guest take additional ones for family members?
Is there a halachic obligation to attend a wedding, bris, bar mitzvah, or sheva...

What's the Tafkid of a Rov 
What's the challenges of a Rov
What's the rewarding parts of Rabbonus
What's unique challenges to Rabbonim these days?
Hear fascinating Shailos that come up

Guest host: Rabbi Moshe Taub – Rov of Young Israel of Holliswood

with Rabbi Noach Isaac Oelbaum – Rov Khal Nachlas Yitzchok Queens, Renowned Mechaber Seforim and Speaker – 3:30
with Rabbi Moshe Weinberger –  Rov of Aish Kodesh Woodmere, Renowned Mashpia and Mechaber Seforim – 41:12
with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Rov of Kehilat Lev Ra'anana, Founder of Semichas Chaver – 1:34:32

מראי מקומות

The history and the present reality of antisemitism in America.
What can we do?
How to deal with it?
The history of Five Towns
and much more...

Guest host: Rabbi Moshe Taub – Rov of Young Israel of Holliswood

with Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky – Rosh Yeshivah Yeshiva of South Shore, writer and author – 22:20
with Chaskel Bennett – Business Owner, Political Activist, and longtime Hatzolah member – 49:08

מראי מקומות 

What makes a successful Bein Hazmanim?
When should parents intervene if a son isn't thriving in yeshiva?
What's the biggest parenting mistake during Bein Hazmanim?
Can enthusiasm for Torah and tefillah be taught?
How much learning and minyan should parents expect during Bein Hazmanim?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger – Rabbi of Congregation Beth Abraham, Bergenfield, New Jersey – 8:24
with Rabbi Dovid Kaplan – Mashgiach Ruchani, Yeshivas Beis Yisrael – 33:48
with Rabbi Aharon Spivak – Rav of KBY in Monsey, author and therapist – 56:08

Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:15:21

מראי מקומות 

What’s behind the push to integrate women into combat roles in the IDF?
Is this debate unique to the IDF, or does it reflect broader issues in Israeli society?
Does the prohibition of yichud apply inside a tank?
How should religious soldiers navigate these challenges?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Dovid Fendel – Founder and Rosh Yeshiva of the Hesder Yeshiva in Sderot – 14:34
with Rabbi Dovid Stav – Founder and Chairman of Tzohar and Chief Rabbi of Shoham – 34:01
with Rabbi Itai Asman – co-founder of Torat Lechima, promoting Jewish identity in the IDF – 57:17

Skiing, Heli Skiing, Sky Diving, Bungee Jumping, Escooters, Ebikes, Rock Climbing
Is it Muttar?
How do we reconcile 'ונשמרתם מאד לנפשותיכם & שומר פתאים ה?
with Eli Rowe – Captain of HatzalahAir – 7:28
with Rabbi Aryeh Kerzner – Rav, Agudah of Montreal, Rosh Kollel Ichud Hakehillos D'Montreal, writer for Mishpacha Magazine – 19:23

How to have a successful marriage
with Rabbi Avraham Kaas – Social Worker and Marriage Therapist – 54:02

מראי מקומות 

Is it wise to buy stocks based on a “hot tip”? When does investing cross the line into gambling? How does halacha view margin investing (borrowing money to invest)? What is the status of trading options and other derivatives? Is it permitted to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies? Is there a way to realistically double your money without taking on significant risk?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Daniel Rapp – Dayan at the Beis Din of America, Maggid Shiur at RIETS – 12:08
with Mr. Morris Smith – Former Manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund – 38:20
with Mrs. Stacey Zrihen – Seni...

Gambling has moved from casinos to our phones.
FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, Kalshi, and day-trading platforms have made “action” available every minute of the day.
When is risk-taking legitimate, and when does it become gambling?
Is sports betting different from day trading or prediction markets?
What are the dangers of addiction, wasted time, and chasing easy money?

with Rabbi Chaim Jachter – Rav of Sha’arei Orah in Teaneck, Dayan on the Elizabeth Beis Din – 28:15
with Rabbi Moshe Rotberg – Rav of Zichron Yechezkel, Toms River NJ, Rov of Hatzalah of Central Jersey, Pyscotherapi...

Is there a mitzvah to live in Israel nowadays?
What are the largest financial differences between living in Israel and out of Israel?
What budget is necessary to come, at least for a year?
What lends to being successful in moving to Israel and what are the challenges?
What trade-offs do people usually face between cost, community, and lifestyle?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Akiva Dershowitz – Rosh Kollel, Toras Efrayim Shlomo, Yerushalayim – 10:42
with Jonathan Rosenblum – Mishpacha Columnist and author – 39:30
with Rabbi Paysach Freedman – CEO and co-founder of Chaim V'Chessed - 50:24

Is “Dati Leumi” in Israel the same as “Modern Orthodox” elsewhere?
Is “Chareidi” in Israel the same as “Yeshivish” elsewhere?
What are their respective views of secular studies, engaging in the modern world, and serving in the IDF?
What are the most common misperceptions each has of the other, and what can each learn from the other?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz – posek, Rav and Senior Lecturer at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach – 11:14
with Jonathan Rosenblum – Mishpacha Columnist and author – 40:02
with Rabbi Moshe Taragin – Ram at Yeshivat Har Etzion, Gush Etzion, Israel – 1:02...

A boy lost 150 pounds through Ozempic. Does he have to disclose?
A girl struggles with anxiety and takes medication occasionally. Does she haveto disclose? At what stage? 
A boy has mild asthma controlled by an inhaler. Is that considered a medical condition requiring disclosure? 
A girl once had depression in college but has been stable for 5 years. Does “past history” need to be revealed? 
A boy’s father spent time in prison decades ago and completely rebuilt his life. Must that be disclosed to the other side? 
A girl has a sibling who left religion e...

What financial conversations absolutely need to happen before a couple gets married — beyond just “how much money do we have”?
What are the most common financial disagreements between couples?
How can couples get control of their finances instead of constantly living “in the red”?
When spouses come from very different financial backgrounds or mindsets, can those differences realistically be bridged?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder – Rosh Yeshiva at REITS – 9:30
with Mrs. Stacey Zrihen – Senior Director of Coaching for Living Smarter Jewish and Senior Financial Advisor for Achiezer – 34:02
with Mrs. Chani Ju...

SCP Shavuos Challenge 5786 is here!🔥🎉
Sign up and download material here: Bit.ly/SCPchallenge
with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Rov in Rannana, Founder of Semichas Chaver – 20:04

Is there an obligation to keep healthy? If yes what is the source?
Does a spouse have a say in your health? Can you stop your spouse from donating a kidney etc?
Can you take ozempic if isn't doesnt have enough testing what the long-term side effects can be? Or can it be taken even if it has doing some side effects?
Are you allowed to cause damage to...

What does it mean to be “ready” for marriage?
What’s currently taught to chassanim and kallos – and what’s still missing?
Are too many singles entering marriage with unrealistic expectations?
Which common marital struggles could be prevented through better preparation?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Yosef Greenfeld – Rav of the Chestnut Shul in Lakewood & Chosson teacher – 6:16
with Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman – psychologist & author of From Boys to Men – 34:08
with Mrs. Elisheva Liss – licensed marriage and family therapist, lecturer & author – 1:05:05

Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:37:35

מראי מקומות 

Find out from farmers what percent of grain in circulation is Chodosh
How to practically keep Yoshon
Can we rely on a dream of the Baal Shem Tov in Halacha?
Is the dream accurate?
What's called a Shaas Hadchak?
Was the Heter only based on Shaas HaDchak?
Does it make sense to be Machmir on Cholov Yisroel and be Meikel on Chodosh?
Can you be Makpid on Chodosh only when you are home?
And much more……

with Rabbi Mordechai Farkash – Chabad Shaliach, Rov and Poseik in Bellevue Washington – 24:25
with Rab...

Are there halachic caps or guidelines on salaries and benefits?
Does nepotism ever become a legal or halachic problem?
What constitutes "reasonable compensation" for operators of religious non-profits?
Can money be taken out in indirect ways, such as consulting fees?

Host: Ari Wasserman

with Rabbi Chaim Kohn – founder of the Business Halacha Institute (“BHI”) and Av Beis Din – 10:20
with Mr. Raphael Grossman – C.P.A. representing individuals, families, corporations and numerous non-profits – 26:23
with Rabbi Jonathan (Yoni) Schick – president of GOAL Consulting Group – 50:50

Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:05:58

מראי מקומות 

Why do we rely on leniency these day when the Heter was due to שעת הדחק and we don't have a shortage of food? If the Heter is based on Safek, nowadays the Safek is verifiable and can't be relied upon
If a store has information posted that it's not Yoshon - there's no Safek at all - what do people rely on?
Why are people making on Stam Cholov which is maybe a Safek Derabbanan and not on this?
If a person needed to eat because of פיקוח נפש and it was a question of הקל הקל תחלה should he eat Chodosh or drink Stam Cholov?
...

How has the role of being a Rav changed due to the war?
What should a shul’s policy be when a siren goes off during davening?
How are people doing emotionally with the constant sirens, sleep deprivation and stress?
What are the most interesting or unusual halachic questions that were asked during the war?

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

Rabbi Avishai David – Rav of Kehillas Beis Tefillah Yonah Avraham – 12:00
Rabbi Dovid G...

Do we also receive a Neshamah Yeseirah on Yom Tov?
Does it have any effect on our capacity to eat?
Is there any medical or scientific basis for the claim that calories are “absorbed” by the Neshamah Yeseirah and therefore don’t count on Shabbos and Yom Tov?
What are some practical ways to manage our eating on Pesach while still fully enjoying the Yom Tov?

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 Yehon...

What makes gambling so alluring, and how widespread is it?
To what extent is gambling linked to following professional sports?
What strategies are effective in helping someone quit gambling?
Should watching professional sports be banned?
If a child uses a parent’s credit card to gamble without permission, is that considered stealing?
Halachically speaking, is the parent responsible for charges made by the child?

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 Rab...

Does collateral damage in war have a limit – can you destroy a missile base that will kill many civilians in the town nearby. Can you hit a nuclear reactor that will contaminate millions?
Are citizens who support the regime considered combatants?
What Issurim can you be Doche because of mental health – using phones on Shabbos, or other electric devices that will calm them down? 
Does Iran have a Din of an active Rodef if it's only something in the future – they're in middle of making a nuclear bomb that won't be ready for another two years?
Is...

Can a family member who is less qualified be hired before a more qualified candidate?
Must admissions be based on merit?
When is nepotism allowed?
Can the Menahel/Principal keep any donations (bribes?) made to him personally? What if they are non-monetary, like expensive liquor, a new megillah, etc.
Can the son of the Menahel sell access to his father?

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 Eliezer Breitowitz – Rosh Yeshiva, Yes...

Is failure to disclose a significant personality disorder considered a mekach ta’us in marriage?
Are there halachos guiding how to treat one’s spouse during divorce, especially in high-conflict cases?
When is it appropriate to turn to secular courts during divorce proceedings – for example, to obtain a restraining order against a spouse?
Can refusal to go to the mikveh be considered a halachic violation when used as a tool in marital conflict?

Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on th...

What’s the best path for serving Hashem in our generation?
Does it have to be one or the other?
Can it be a combination?

Host: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg – Rov of Boca Raton Synagogue

with Rabbi Daniel Glatstein – Rov of Kehilas Tiferes Mordechai Cedarhurst NY, Renowned lecturer and author – 8:26
with Rabbi Yaakov Danishefsky – Rov Avodas HaLev in Chicago – Mechaber Seforim, LCSW – 28:28

מראי מקומות 

Can a woman receive semicha and give halachic guidance?
Does the historical precedent against it prohibit change? Does is violate our Mesorah?
Is the Israeli Supreme Court’s push for women’s Rabbanut Semicha a religious goal or part of a broader feminist push?

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 Yonah Reiss – Av Beis Din of the CRC – 11:17
with Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, Esq. – kashrus professional and Chairman of the Rabbinic Circle at Coalitio...

How does coming to Israel for yeshiva and seminary affect a student’s mental health?
When do difficult emotional feelings cross the line from normal struggles to something that should be addressed?
Should a student who believes another is emotionally unstable report that behavior to the school administration?
What are the key similarities and differences in how boys and girls experience stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional pressures?

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

wit...

Do you need a human mind for Psak?
Do you need Shimush?
Do you need human emotion for Psak?
Can a computer be called שופט שבימיך?
And much more……
Why would there be a Kol Korah against AI?

with Rabbi Dovid Cohen – Rov of Gvul Yaavetz – 6:27
with Rabbi Hershel Schachter – Rosh Yeshivah of YU, Poseik of the OU – 8:07
with Rabbi Yoni Levin – Rosh Yeshiva of South Florida, Assistant Rov of Aish Kodesh, Woodmere NY – 11:04
with Rabbi Aharon Lopiansky – Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivah of Greater Washington Tiferes Gedaliyahu – 21:11
with Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt – Associate Rabbi...

What practical strategies can help us reduce phone usage and establish healthy boundaries? Does someone need to stop usage fully or can partial solutions be effective? What behaviors can we change in as little as thirty days? Does it last?

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 Elyada Goldvicht – Rav of KLR in Raanana, Rosh Yeshiva of Semichas Chaver – 8:04
with Rabbi Duvi Rubin – Rav of Kehillas Ohr Yisrael, Baltimore – 8:04
with Mr. Richard Simon – author of Unplug: How...

Can a cellphone be used in shul for non-tefillah purposes? Does mindless scrolling on a phone constitute an issur of bitul zman? Is it preferable to daven from a physical siddur rather than from a phone? How do our phones affect our relationships with our spouse, children, and friends? What practical strategies can help us reduce usage and establish healthy boundaries?

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 Aryeh Lebowitz – Rav of Bais Haknesses of North Woodmere, Head...

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...