Best Moshe Kurtz Podcasts (2025)

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80. Conjoined Twins and A Tribute to Rav Tendler zt"l - Feat. Rachel Rosensweig 38:26

13h ago38:26

38:26

This is a very special episode for me, in which we discuss my Rebbe, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Dovid Tendler zt"l. We are joined by one of his granddaughters and a longtime colleague of mine, Rachel Rosensweig. She provides a synopsis of the Conjoined Twins ruling he was involved in and speaks more broadly about more personal aspects of Rav Tendler that m…

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79. Should I Join the Army? A Responsum of Rav Zev Wolf Leiter - Feat. R' Yitzy Tanner 31:35

7d ago31:35

31:35

In this episode we are joined by R' Yitzy Tanner who shares with us a responsum of the Beis Dovid (no. 71) about Kohanim - or any Jewish male - serving in their country's armed forces. We also learn about the author, Rav Zev Wolf Leiter zt"l, who was a local rabbi in Pittsburgh, but who earned an international reputation.…

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78. Education vs. Excommunication: The Rashba Combats a Communal Rupture - Feat. Rabbi Daniel Korobkin 31:43

13d ago31:43

31:43

We are joined by Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, medieval scholar and the translator/annotator of the Feldheim edition of Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi’s Kuzari, who takes us into the story of a community in arms over whether and when to permit the study of secular knowledge. By looking at several responsa of the Rashba (1:415-417; Kisvei Yad no. 150) we get a glimps…

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77. A Distillation of the (Pesach) Kashrus Industry - Feat. Rabbi Yehoshua Domosh 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

Can I drink beer and Scotch on Pesach? Don't get your hopes up just yet, but Rabbi Yehoshua Domosh, a trained Kashrus professional, takes us through some fascinating halachic analysis (Responsa of Rivash, no. 255) about why distilled alcoholic beverages might not be so bad afterall - and also why an innocuous, unflavored seltzer may indeed have som…

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76. A Seder From Afar: The COVID Seder...Five Years Later - Feat. Rabbi Yehuda Halpert 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

Rabbi Yehuda Halpert takes us 5 years back to the COVID Zoom Seder controversy, contrasts the different rabbinic responsa, and unpacks their significance for the post-pandemic era. Stay tuned for his upcoming book: Speaking to an Empty Shul: Timeless Lessons from Unprecedented Times (Mosaica Press, 2025).…

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75. Kehuna for Sale? The Problematic Purchase of a Priestly Pedigree - Feat. Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky 37:53

3M ago37:53

37:53

Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky shares with us a whimsical, yet real, case adjudicated by the Beis Yitzchak (E.H. 1:23) about a man who "purchased" for himself the Kohen status...which sounded good at first, until it had serious ramifications for his marriage. We delve into the principles of halacha which govern speech, deed and much more to understand how t…

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74. Until I'm Six Feet Under? A Texas Burial Brouhaha - Feat. Rabbi Barry Gelman 28:01

3M ago28:01

28:01

In this episode, Rabbi Barry Gelman shares with us a personal case he dealt with regarding a family who was adamant about reburying their deceased six feet under. Rabbi Gelman shares with us the responsum he received from Eretz Hemdah (B'Mareh HaBazak 7:81) and how it made its way into a Texas courtroom. This is a fascinating discussion that incorp…

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73. "Avram", Academia, and Acceptance - Feat. Zachary Ottenstein 39:53

4M ago39:53

39:53

Today, Zachary Ottenstein join us as we look at the monumentalMinchas Yitzchak of Dayan Yitzchok Yaakov Weiss and explore a lesser known responsum(4:30) about secular text books which has broader implications for recent trends in the Jewish world.

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72. Clarifying a Contested Conversion - Feat. Rabbi Michoel Zylberman 28:08

4M ago28:08

28:08

Editor's Note: This episode is dedicated in memory of Joy Rothke (Shayna Fradel bas Reb Velvel) a"h. I want to thank Ben Rothke for his friendship and ideas that have helped me throughout this project. May our learning be a zechus for his sister's neshama and may Hashem give him and his entire family much nechama. - Moshe Kurtz --- In this episode,…

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71. The Internet's Rabbi: Rav Yuval Cherlow - Feat. Rabbi Roy Feldman 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

Join our guest Rabbi Roy Feldman as he explores the remarkable accomplishments of Rav Yuval Cherlow, a pioneering Israeli rabbi who was on the vanguard of those who used the internet to answer the halachic questions posed by society. Rabbi Feldman presents us with one of his sefarim, ReShu"t HaTzibbur (pp. 173-176), to better understand his distinc…

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70. Family, Fertility and Halacha: Presenting Shu"T PUAH - Feat. Rabbi Elan Segelman 38:19

5M ago38:19

38:19

Today, we explore the recent compendium of responsa called Shu"T PUAH, produced by PUAH, an organization that helps families with the range of challenges in the fertility journey, including halacha, medicine, finances, counseling and more. We had the privilege to hear from Rabbi Elan Segelman, PUAH's rabbinic director in America. We explore differe…

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69. Ashkenazim Trapped in Sephardic Service - Feat. Rabbi Yigal Sklarin 30:44

5M ago30:44

30:44

Just in time for Chanukah, Rabbi Yigal Sklarin introduces us to the Responsa Keneses Yisrael (no. 17) which not only addresses the classic Ashkenazic and Sephardic variances in the lighting of Menorah, but the social tension that developed when Ashkenazic servants found themselves in the homes of their Sephardic masters.…

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68. The Medium, the Message, and the (Ri) Migash - Feat. Rabbi Shmuel Lubin 37:12

5M ago37:12

37:12

Today we are joined by Rabbi Shmuel Lubin, a RIETS musmach, doctoral candidate in Microbiology, and host of "The Rishonim Podcast" who introduces us to the responsa of the Ri Migash (no. 114) and what it means for the study of Talmud, Responsa, and Halacha nowadays. Check out the Rishonim podcast here:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/the-risho…

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67. A Tour of the Cairo Geniza - Feat. Rabbi Zachary Rothblatt 36:21

5M ago36:21

36:21

Rabbi Zachary Rothblatt takes us on a fascinating journey through the Cairo Geniza, a recently discovered treasure trove of Jewish texts and artifacts. This episode uncovers the Geniza's secrets, shedding light on the lives and traditions of medieval Egyptian Jewry. Rabbi Rothblatt also shares with us an intriguing responsum which provides insight …

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66. HaRav Hershel Schachter: The Pesakim & The Personage - Feat. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz 34:48

6M ago34:48

34:48

Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, a close disciple of the preeminent HaRav Hershel Schachter (and a leading scholar in his own right), offers an intimate glimpse into the renowned posek's approach to halachic decision-making. Drawing on Rav Schachter's earlier work, Eretz HaTzvi (no. 6), Rabbi Lebowitz shares a compelling example which illustrates Rav Schachte…

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65. The Terumas HaDeshen: Bridging Medieval and Modernity - Feat. Rabbi Yehoshua Duker 38:19

6M ago38:19

38:19

In this episode, Rabbi Yehoshua Duker delves into the fascinating world of the Terumas HaDeshen, a foundational work in the development of halacha. Written by Rabbi Yisrael Isserlin in the 15th century, this seminal text bridged the medieval and modern eras, addressing complex halachic queries. Rabbi Duker explores the question of whether the Terum…

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64. Medresh, Machshava and Dikduk: Do They Really Matter? - Feat. Rabbi Tuvia Berman 45:44

6M ago45:44

45:44

Our guest, Rabbi Tuvia Berman seeks to identify the essential components of Jewish education. What - if any - is the role of Lomdus, Medresh, Machshava, and Dikduk? He breaks down the Chavos Yair's (responsum, no. 124) incisive approach and offers general insights from his long and multi-faceted career as a Jewish educator. Rabbi Tuvia Berman is th…

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63. Marriage, Mamzeirus and Money - Feat. Rabbi Ezra Schwartz 33:01

6M ago33:01

33:01

Our guest, Rabbi Ezra Schwartz examines Chacham Ovadia Yosef's ruling on suspected infidelity (Yabia Omer, Vol. 3, E.H. #1) which has implications for the couple's marital status and finances alike. Rabbi Schwartz summarizes the key principles employed by Chacham Ovadia and highlights the unique methodology employed to protect the potential mamzer …

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62. Savior of Seforim and Souls: Rav Mordechai Pinchas Teitz zt"l - Feat. Dr. Rivkah Blau 31:37

7M ago31:37

31:37

Discover the extraordinary legacy of Rav Mordechai Pinchas Teitz, the rabbi of Elizabeth, NJ, and a visionary leader who rescued sacred texts and transformed the lives of countless American Jews. Dr. Rivkah Blau shares a teshuva he published in the journal, HaPardes (Year 25, Issue #3, p. 5) and provides several inspiring stories of her esteemed fa…

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61. A Kashrus Compromise? The Parameters of Personal Trust in Halacha - Feat. Rabbi Chaim Jachter 29:55

7M ago29:55

29:55

This episode features Rabbi Chaim Jachter's scholarly examination of the relationship between kashrus and personal trust in halacha (kim lei b’gavei). By introducing the recent Responsa Atzei Besamim (Y.D., no. 10), Rabbi Jachter investigates the parameters of trusting individuals with varying kashrus standards. His discussion addresses key issues,…

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60. A Career of Compassionate Jewish Education - Feat. Rabbi Yaakov Bender 30:37

8M ago30:37

30:37

Returning to his early educational roots, Moshe Kurtz interviews his lifelong Rebbe and Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Yaakov Bender about an array of questions pertaining to Jewish education. Through the lens of several teshuvos in Igros Moshe (Y.D. 2:104, Y.D. 4:30, and C.M. 2:51), Rabbi Bender emphasizes the importance of compassion and inclusivity as a ha…

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59. Tenuous Texts, Hot Air Balloons, and Shai Agnon: Not Your "Typical" Chalitza Case - Feat. Rabbi Jeffrey Saks 51:41

8M ago51:41

51:41

In this episode, Rabbi Jeffrey Saks delves into the intriguing world of Chalitza, a Jewish law procedure for dissolving a levirate marriage, through the lens of the Maharsham's Responsum (1:14). This complex case involves a hot air balloon ride, obscure texts, and an exclusive revelation about the Nobel laureate Shai Agnon's potential influence fro…

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58. "He Said, She Said": A Tale of Two Teshuvos - Feat. Dr. Elana Stein Hain 34:59

9M ago34:59

34:59

In this episode, Dr. Elana Stein Hain examines a unique pair of responsa by the Rambam (no. 160-161, Mechon Yerushalayim Ed.), which present a harrowing marital dispute from two opposing perspectives - one from the wife's point of view and the other from the husband's. By analyzing these two teshuvos, Dr. Stein Hain gets to the deeper meaning of th…

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57. Disentangling the Secrets of Sha'atnez - Feat. Rabbi Yirmiyah Moldovan 37:00

9M ago37:00

37:00

In addition to his sha'atnez expertise, our guest, Rabbi Yirmiyah Moldovan, is a sofer, shochet, ba'al kriah, and ba'al tokeah. Through the prism of Igros Moshe (Y.D. 1:72), he delves into the obscure world of sha'atnez, exploring both the halachic issues and practical methods for determining which clothing ACTUALLY needs to be tested for the prohi…

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56. A View from the Vanguard: A Conversation with a Contemporary Posek - Feat. Rabbi Asher Bush 37:54

9M ago37:54

37:54

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Asher Bush, a contemporary posek (Jewish legal authority), who offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a modern halachic decisor. Rabbi Bush shares his experiences and insights on how he navigates the complex challenges of the modern world while rendering halachic decisions. We touch on a host of topics from…

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55. What Happens When Halacha Appears to Get History Wrong? - Feat. Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter 34:38

9M ago34:38

34:38

What happens when a posek steps into the realm of history? Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, one of today's leading Jewish scholars, assesses the historical claims advanced in a late responsum of R. Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe, Y.D. 4:57:11) against instituting new fast days. R. Dr. Schacter raises several fundamental questions that arise from R. Feins…

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54. The Pioneering Pesakim of Rav Shlomo Goren - Feat. Rabbi Chaim Metzger 36:47

9M ago36:47

36:47

In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Metzger explores the groundbreaking halachic rulings of Rav Shlomo Goren, a pioneer and previous Chief Rabbi of the Israeli Defense Forces, based on his sefer Meishiv Milchamah (no. 2). Through an analysis of Rav Goren's innovative rulings, Rabbi Metzger reveals how he navigated complex issues facing both the Israeli mi…

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53. The Briskers Got it Right! (At Least This Time) - Feat. Rabbi David Fried 37:28

10M ago37:28

37:28

Rabbi David Fried explores how a responsum of the Rambam (Shu"T HaRambam, Mechon Yerushalayim Edition, No. 104) sheds light on ambiguities and seeming contradictions in his magnum opus, the Mishneh Torah. He demonstrates how reading the "original" responsum can possibly settle a debate between Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe, Y.D. 2:7) and Rav Aha…

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52. Recovering the Remarkable Rulings of Rav Nosson Nota Zuber zt"l - Feat. Rabbi Yossi Katz 35:53

10M ago35:53

35:53

In this episode, Rabbi Yossi Katz delves into the fascinating life and works of Rav Nosson Nota Zuber, a Talmudic scholar who served as the rabbi of Roselle, NJ. Through a general exploration of Rav Zuber's responsa contained in Zichron Menachem, Rabbi Katz reveals the remarkable rulings and insights made by this less-well-known, yet exceedingly er…

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51. Ona'as Mamon: Approaches to Jewish Economic Regulation - Feat. Rabbi Tzvi Benoff 34:11

10M ago34:11

34:11

In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Benoff explores the concept of Ona'as Mamon, a Jewish law regulating fair business practices and economic conduct. With a focus on Responsa Shevet HeLevi (O.C. 4:1), he delves into the nuances of this principle, discussing various approaches to its interpretation and application in contemporary economic life.…

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50. The Get of Kleves: From Divorce to Dementia in Jewish Law - Feat. Rabbi Kalman Laufer 36:50

11M ago36:50

36:50

In this episode, Rabbi Kalman Laufer explores the complex and sensitive topic of "The Gett of Kleeves" and its implications for dementia in Jewish law. Through his analysis of the responsa collected in Sefer Or HaYashar, Rabbi Laufer sheds light on the halachic considerations surrounding divorce and claims of mental incapacity. As a bioethicist and…

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49. Evasion, Avoidance and Workarounds in the Halachic System - Feat. Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman 40:13

11M ago40:13

40:13

In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman joins us to explore the fascinating themes of his book "Letter and Spirit: Evasion, Avoidance, and Workarounds in the Halachic System". We delve into the intricate strategies and mechanisms that have evolved within Jewish law to navigate complex ethical and legal dilemmas. Rabbi Feldman shares his expertise …

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48. Printing Press Politics: Investigating the Mishneh Torah Copyright Controversy - Feat. Dr. Tamara Morsel-Eisenberg 37:31

12M ago37:31

37:31

Join us for a fascinating journey through the intersection of Jewish history, copyright law, and community politics in our latest episode, "Printing Press Politics: Investigating the Mishneh Torah Copyright Controversy". Dr. Tamara Morsel-Eisenberg, a renowned expert in Jewish studies, joins us to delve into the contentious debate surrounding the r…

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47. The Lesser of Two Evils: Is it Ever Kosher to Look the Other Way? - Feat. Rabbi Shimon Altshul 38:14

12M ago38:14

38:14

In this episode, Rabbi Shimon Altshul joins us to delve into a captivating responsum of the Chasam Sofer (Y.D., no. 45), one of the most influential Jewish scholars of the 18th/19th century. We explore a kashrus controversy that rocked his community, where a debate over the potentially treif status of much of their food threatened to tear the commu…

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46. Cutting it Close: The Problem with Pre-Shabbos Surgeries - Feat. Rabbi Yossi Kamman 38:43

12M ago38:43

38:43

In this episode, Rabbi Yossi Kamman joins us to explore a fascinating responsum (Likutei Sichos, Vol. 16, p. 518) of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (R. Menachem Mendel Schneerson) against scheduling elective surgeries within a few days of Shabbos. Rabbi Kamman presents us with an insightful profile of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, his approach to halachah, and wha…

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45. [Special Episode] Responsa from the RCA - Feat. Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, Rav Mark Dratch, Rav Shlomo Weissman and more! 42:30

1y ago42:30

42:30

We attended the Rabbinical Council of America Conference 2024 and did some rapid fire interviews with many of the rabbis who were present. They were given a few minutes to share their favorite responsa and which topic they (in theory or in practice) would write a teshuva about. Order of guests: Rabbi Mark Dratch Rabbi Jordan Aurebach Rabbi Maury Ke…

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44. Minhag vs. Halacha: The Friday Night Kiddush Controversy - Feat. Rabbanit Ayelet Schlesinger 36:44

1y ago36:44

36:44

In this episode, we're joined by Rabbanit Ayelet Schlesinger for a fascinating exploration of a recurring question: What happens when minhag (custom) conflicts with halacha (Jewish law)? Using the case study of Friday Night Kiddush, we delve into how three responsa - Yachin U'Boaz (1:118), Or Zarua (Vol. 1, Responsum no. 752), and Yabia Omer (1:15)…

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43. The Way is Shut: A Probing of Post-Talmudic Authority - Feat. Rabbi Shmuel Phillips 38:08

1y ago38:08

38:08

May later generations disagree with their predecessors? Can religious authority be controlled by a specific locale? Our guest, Rabbi Shmuel Phillips addresses these questions and distills several fundamental lessons from a lesser known responsum of the Rambam (Iggeres no. 18). More info and the best links for buying his books are at www.TalmudRecla…

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42. Should I Study Biblical Criticism? - Feat. Rabbi Steven Gotlib 36:38

1y ago36:38

36:38

Should I Study Biblical Criticism? In this episode, we provide a glimpse into the complex and often contentious world of Biblical criticism, exploring how two prominent theological schools of thought - Conservative and Orthodox - approach the study of our holy Torah. While both sides affirm the general authority of the Bible, they diverge sharply o…

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41. The Epistle to Yemen - Feat. Rabbi Chezkie Glatt 37:43

1y ago37:43

37:43

In this episode, we explore the Rambam's Iggeres Teiman (Epistle to Yemen) - a powerful and poignant letter written to the Jewish community of Yemen around the year 1173/1174.Our guest, Rabbi Chezkie Glatt explains how the letter offers words of comfort, encouragement, and hope in the face of heresy and hardship. We provide a general survey of the …

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40. [Special Episode] Letters to the Editor - Feat. The Listeners! 21:04

1y ago21:04

21:04

It's finally here! In this episode, we go through YOUR reactions to previous episodes of the podcast and much more! God willing, we will return with more regular episodes following Pesach. Links to references made in the episode: 1) Support the Podcast / Sponsor an Episode - Eichlers Registry. 2) Igros Moshe Series with Tradition Online. 3) Challen…

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39. Dancing on Shabbos: Where Halacha Meets Hasidut - Feat. Rabbi Dr. Zvi Leshem 36:29

1y ago36:29

36:29

The Mishnah (Beitzah 36b) forbids dancing and clapping on Shabbos/Yom Tov. How do we make sense of the many ostensibly observant people, including Torah scholars, who appear to disregard this explicit stricture? R. Dr. Zvi Leshem, an expert in Chassidic thought, breaks down the unique approach of the Minchas Elazar (1:29) who argues that dancing on…

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38. Who Let the Dogs In? A Study of Service Animals & the Synagogue - Feat. Rabbi Dan Margulies 38:04

1y ago38:04

38:04

Are animals permitted in the synagogue? What if they provide a service, such as guiding those who are blind? R. Dan Margulies, a former service dog trainer, provides a unique glimpse into R. Moshe Feinstein's iconic responsum (Igros Moshe, O.C. 1:45 on the topic, and a critical data point that many of his detractors were missing.…

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37. Rabbinic Rifts & Family Feuds: A Compelling Yibum Controversy - Feat. Mr. Gedaliah Wielgus, Esq. 36:22

1y ago36:22

36:22

What happens when someone cannot afford to do Yibum but insists on it? What happens when the widow is Ashkenazic and the Yavam is Sephardic? Does it make a difference whether the rabbis are Ashkenazic or Sephardic? Should the mother/mother-in-law's opinion count? In this episode, Mr. Gedaliah Wielgus, who teaches "Shu"T al haDaf", shares with us a …

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36. Have You Ever Seen the Rain? A Radical Ruling of the Rosh - Feat. Rabbi Elli Fischer 39:00

1y ago39:00

39:00

Why do we seem to pray for rain at the wrong times? Can we adjust the dates for V'sein Tal U'matar? Who even came up with setting December 4th/5th as a day of halachic significance? Rabbi Elli Fischer shares with us a radical ruling of the Rosh (Responsum 4:10) on this topic and its intriguingly fraught reception.Rabbi Fischer's very own translatio…

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35. Sephardic Simplicity: Chacham Ovadia's Approach to Chametz - Feat. Rabbi Moses Haber 31:59

1y ago31:59

31:59

In the lead up to Pesach, Rabbi Moses Haber unpacks a seminal responsum of Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yechaveh Da'as 1:11) to clarify how many Sephardim obviate potential mixtures of chametz and to highlight Rav Yosef's programmatic approach to the development of Sephardic halachic-public-policy. This episode is dedicated in memory of Rose Nuni Dayan.…

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34. The Shabbos Bride…Literally! - Feat. Rabbi Zachary Beer 30:46

1y ago30:46

30:46

Rabbi Zachary Beer presents one of the most iconic responsa of the Rema (no. 125) about performing a marriage on shabbos in extenuating circumstances and what it means for broader halachic methodology. This episode is dedicated liyuli nishmas Yitzchak Elimelech ben Akiva Ze’ev by his family.

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33. Uncorking The Rema's Censored Wine Responsum - Feat. Rabbi Drew Kaplan 33:14

1y ago33:14

33:14

Rabbi Drew Kaplan, an aficionado in all things Torah & alcohol related, uncorks a controversial responsum of the Rema (no. 124) about the tenuous permissibility of Stam Yeinam.

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32. From Scandal to Seder: How Geonic Polemic Shaped the Text of the Haggadah - Feat. Yosef Lindell 36:06

1y ago36:06

36:06

In this episode, we go back to one of the earliest examples of responsa literature: The Siddur of Rav Amram Gaon. Yosef Lindell provides us with a framework for understanding the fluidity and development the Haggadah and uses it as a case study in understanding the development of Jewish liturgy, from the ancient Talmuds to the Rabbanite-Karaite con…

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31. Spirits and Slaughter: A (Halachic) Purim Murder Mystery - Feat. Rabbi Avi Hoffman 38:04

1y ago38:04

38:04

From Ancient Persia to Medieval France, Rabbi Avi Hoffman provides a halachic and historical framework for understanding the role of alcohol throughout the ages. In particular, we focus on Rav Avraham ben Yitzchak M'Narbonah (Teshuvos HaRa'Avi ABa"D, no. 149), and how he ruled in a case of negligent homicide committed while under the influence.…

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