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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 glimpse into the age old question of how Judaism ought to interact with the broader world around it. 

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 some potential issues bubbling just under the surface....

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).

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 this case was resolved and how it served as a precedent for future batei din. 

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 incorporates Halacha, the American legal system and a regrettable family drama all wrapped up together. 

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.

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, Rabbi Michoel Zylberman delves into a fascinating responsum by HaRav Nota Greenblatt zt"l of Memphis (reprinted in Kol Tzvi 22-23, 5782-5783) in which he defends a local conversion that was later challenged by rabbis in New York. Rav Greenblatt's uncompromising fealty to rigorous halachic standards and to the needs of his community serves as a paradigm for rabbinic leadership in America.  Rabbi Michoel Zylberman is the Sgan Menahel (Associate Director) of the Beth Din of America. A Yadin Yadin musmach of RIETS, he was a member of the Bella and Harry Wexner Kolel Elyon, and holds an MA from the Bernard Revel Graduate School in Medieval Jewish history.  In addition to his work at the Beth Din of America as an administrator, mesader gittin, and dayan, Rabbi Zylberman serves on the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary faculty as a rosh chabura and functions as the director of geirut for the Rabbinical Council of America.  He is the author of Tov Lev on Masechet Pesachim with an appended Kuntreis Da'at Yehudit on the laws of Gittin and Gerut.

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 distinctive methodology, which combined rigorous halakhic analysis with a deep concern for the integration of Jewish Israeli society. By incorporating the complexities of Israeli society into his Torah teachings, Rav Cherlow' continues to serve as a role model for the next generation of Jewish leaders and thinkers.

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 different perspectives on artificial insemination and surrogacy - and walk away with an appreciation for the important work PUAH is doing within the realm of responsa and the real lived experience.  Rabbi Elan Segelman is the rabbinic director for PUAH in America. After studying in Israel for two years at Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, Rabbi Segelman attained a B.A. in Psychology from Touro College's Lander College for Men, as well as an M.A. from Touro College's Graduate School of Jewish Studies. Shortly after completing his Semicha, he was appointed as a Shoel U'Maishiv and Rebbe in the Lander College Judaic Studies Program. In 2016, Rabbi Segelman became the Rabbinic Educator at New York Medical College & Touro College of Dental Medicine in Valhalla, NY. Rabbi Segelman currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he serves as the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Hancock Park. He can be reached at: esegelman@puahfertility.org To learn more about PUAH, click here. To purchase their books, click here.

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.

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-rishonim https://sites.google.com/view/rishonim 

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 into the complex relationships between Rabbanite and Karaite communities, revealing surprising interactions - even marriages! - that challenge our conventional understanding of early Jewish sectarianism. Rabbi Zachary Rothblatt is a Judaic Studies teacher at Kohelet Yeshiva in Merion Station, Pennsylvania. He received rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University where he also earned a master's degree in Bible and Talmud and a certificate in Mental Health Counseling. Rabbi Rothblatt holds both an M.A. in Education and a B.A. in Business from Johns Hopkins University. He has also studied at Ner Israel Rabbinical College and Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh. Based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Talmud at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University.

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 Schachter's distinctive style of pesak. This insightful conversation showcases Rav Schachter's nuanced understanding, meticulous analysis, and compassionate application of halacha, highlighting the profound impact of his leadership on contemporary Jewish law. Click here to purchase his latest sefer: Kinyan Halacha: From Pesukim to Poskim (Bereishis).

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 Terumas HaDeshen fabricated his own inquiries, provides an in-depth exposition of how the Terumas HaDeshen ruled in a case that pitted Torah study against parental concerns (responsum no. 40) and does a rapid fire round of teshuvos toward the end.  Rabbi Yehoshua Duker is a teacher and editor living in Ramat Beit Shemesh. He taught for many years in post-high school yeshivas for overseas students, and currently teaches in Yeshivat Neveh Shmuel in Efrat. He has edited many English sefarim in Halacha and Machshava, most prominently serving as the senior editor for the Koren Steinsaltz Talmud Bavli. 

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 the Director of Institutional Advancement at Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi. In addition, he has held numerous posts in education from the high school level through adult education. A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Graduate School, he learned at Yeshivat Har Etzion and received Semikha from Yeshivat HaMivtar in Efrat. He founded the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) at Brandeis University and served as the rabbinic advisory to the Orthodox community there for several years. Previously, he was a RaM at Midreshet Lindenbaum and he currently lives in Efrat.

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 (illegitimate offspring) in question. Rabbi Ezra Schwartz is the Harry Rabin Professor of Talmud and Jewish Law at RIETS / Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchonon, where he also serves as a Rosh Yeshiva and bochein. He also coordinates the Bronka Weintraub High School Bekiut Program, for high school students to study Talmud and served as the Senior Rabbi of Mount Sinai Jewish Center of Washington Heights. 

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 father. --- Dr. Rivkah Blau served as an adjunct professor at Stern College and began teaching Torah when she was fifteen.  She has been a teacher, principal, lecturer and author in the decades since. Her doctoral thesis at Columbia was on Psalms in English poetry. And she is a member of the editorial board of Tradition.Learn Torah, Love Torah, Live Torah, her biography of her father, Rav Mordechai Pinchas Teitz, z'l - who is the subject of today's episode - was published in Israel as V'Samachta B'Chayecha, conveys his approach of Torah knowledge for everyone, while enjoying what is good in modern life.

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, including The halachic implications of relying on others' assessments, the boundaries of dining in others' homes, and the general interplay between unity, inclusivity, and halachic adherence. Rabbi Chaim Jachter serves as a Rebbe at Torah Academy of Bergen County, Rav of Congregation Shaarei Orah the Sephardic Congregation of Teaneck, a Dayan on the Beis Din of Elizabeth NJ, advises more than sixty communities throughout North America with their Eruvin (including our own), and author of 19 sefarim...and today we get a sneak peak at his upcoming work on many pressing contemporary Kashrus issues.

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 hallmark of Jewish education.  Rav Yaakov Bender is the Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, NY. He is a Musmach of the Mirrer Yeshiva, Founder of Hatzalah in Flatbush and Far Rockaway, member of the Vaad Roshei Yeshivos of Torah Umesorah and Resident Rabbi at Camp Banim for over 50 years.

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 from this case. Rabbi Jeffrey Saks is the founding director of ATID – The Academy for Torah Initiatives and Directions in Jewish Education, in Jerusalem, and its WebYeshiva.org program. He is the Editor of the journal Tradition, Director of Research at the Agnon House in Jerusalem, and teaches at Midreshet Amudim. A three-time graduate of Yeshiva University (BA, MA, Semicha), Rabbi Saks has published widely on Jewish thought, education, and literature and served as Series Editor of The S.Y. Agnon Library at The Toby Press.

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 the place for legal workarounds (ha'aramos) and how they actually help by maintaining the integrity of the halachic system. Dr. Elana Stein Hain is author of Circumventing the Law: Rabbinic Perspectives on Loopholes and Legal Integrity (30% discount: use PENN-ESHAIN30 at checkout) and host of the bi-weekly podcast TEXTing, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary relevance. She gives a weekly online shiur on halakhic concepts called Din and Daf and serves as Rosh Beit Midrash at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. She and her family are privileged to spend this year living in Israel.

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 prohibited wool/linen admixture.  To request Rabbi Moldovan's Sha'atnez and STa"M services, please email: rymoldovan@gmail.com

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 his responsa, Shoel B'Shlomo, including Health, Shabbos, Kashrus and Eretz Yisrael.  Rabbi Bush's sefer can be purchased here: https://oupress.org/product/shoel-bshlomo/

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. Feinstein's analysis. Chief among them - what happens when a halacha appears to be predicated on a historical error? 

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 military and civilian life. His scholarly, yet controversial rulings have impacted the reception of his books, which we discuss toward the end of the show.

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 Aharon Kotler (Mishnas Rebbi Aharon 35:6) - which has implications for the entire enterprise of Brisker methodology.

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 erudite 20th century rabbinic figure.  Rabbi Katz has compiled historical data about Rabbi Zuber and created the following wikipedia page: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Zuber 

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.

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 dayan, Rabbi Laufer navigates the intricacies of Jewish law, offering valuable insights for how the Jewish community can better approach these critical issues.  To learn from Rabbi Laufer and other esteemed experts, we welcome listens to explore the RIETS Certificate Program in Jewish Bioethics: https://www.yu.edu/riets/bioethics

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 on how halachic authorities have employed "ha'aramos" to balance competing values and reconcile seemingly irreconcilable tensions. Through our conversation, we gain insight into the dynamic and adaptive nature of the halachic system, and how these strategies continue to shape Jewish legal and ethical discourse. To purchase Rabbi Feldman's sefer on the topic, please click here. A special thanks to Rabbi Jordan Auerbach for helping make this episode happen.

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 reprinting of Maimonides' monumental work, the Mishneh Torah - as addressed by the Rema (responsum no. 10). From the printing presses of 16th-century Italy to modern-day copyright disputes, we explore how this controversy reflects deeper tensions between ownership, accessibility, and the public good. With Dr. Morsel-Eisenberg's insightful guidance, we uncover the complex dynamics shaping the future of Jewish publishing and the dissemination of Torah knowledge. Bio: Dr. Tamara Morsel-Eisenberg is assistant professor of Jewish History at NYU's Skirball Department for Hebrew and Judaic Studies. She specializes in the cultural and intellectual history of early modern Ashkenaz, especially the history of halakha, and is interested in how knowledge, law, and history interact. Dr. Morsel-Eisenberg has held fellowships at the Leo Baeck Institute, the Center for Jewish History, and Harvard. She has written numerous articles on early modern halakha and the transmission of knowledge in academic journals, including the Journal for the History of Ideas, AJS Review, Diné Israel and Critical Inquiry, as well as more popular outlets such as Tablet magazine and the Lehrhaus. Starting in Spring 2025, Dr. Morsel-Eisenberg will be teaching at Tel Aviv University. To view the Mishneh Torah 1550 Justiniani Title Page referenced in the episode, please click here.

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 community apart. Rabbi Altshul masterfully unpacks the Chasam Sofer's nuanced approach, as he navigated the delicate balance between upholding stringent standards and addressing the practical needs of his community. Through this fascinating case study, we gain insight into the Chasam Sofer's leadership, his commitment to halakhic excellence, and why he became immortalized as one of the greatest poskim of the recent centuries. 

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 what made him unique and so widely renowned. A synopsis of this topic, can be found in Rabbi Kamman's publication, a A Chassidisher Derher. This episode is sponsored by Lev Podelko in honor of the upcoming 30th wedding anniversary of his parents Marina and Dr. Alexander Podelko.

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 Kelman Rabbi Yitzchak Sprung Rabbi Shlomo Weissman Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon

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) - addressed this tension. From the debates of the Talmud to the insights of modern poskim, Rabbanit Schlesinger guides us through the complex interplay between tradition and law. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the dynamics of minhag and halacha, and how they shape our Jewish practices.

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.TalmudReclaimed.com.

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 on the role of historical and cultural context, the relationship between human and Divine authorship, and the implications of scholarly inquiry for faith and practice.  To illustrate this, our guest, Rabbi Steven Gotlib, presents a responsum from Conservative scholar R. Prof. David Golinkin and contrasts it with Rabbi Jonathan Sack's letter to Rabbi Louis Jacobs (author of Theology in the Responsa).    Let us know if you liked our exploration of this unique teshuva topic in the comments. Enjoy!

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 document to understand the Rambam's message of resilience and faith, and its enduring message for today.

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) Challenging Assumptions (Mosaica Press, 2023) on Amazon. 4) Rabbi Moshe Kurtz's general website. 5) Email for speaking requests and general inquiries: rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org

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 Shabbos/Yom tov is not just permissible...it's a mitzvah! A special thanks to Mr. Ben Rothke for his help with making this episode a reality.

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.

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 head-spinning responsum of the Beis Yosef (Yibum v'Chalitzah, no. 2) and how he addressed the questions listed above and much more! To listen to his previous shiurim, please click here.

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 translation of this responsum can be found on Sefaria. Please note his more recently updated bio: Rabbi Elli Fischer is an independent writer, translator, and rabbi. Previously, he was the JLIC rabbi and campus educator at the University of Maryland. He holds BA and MS degrees from Yeshiva University, rabbinical ordination from Israel's Chief Rabbinate, and is working toward a doctorate in Jewish History.  He is a founding editor of The Lehrhaus, a web magazine of contemporary Jewish thought. His original writing has appeared in numerous Jewish publications. Among the issues he writes about are the history of halakhah; religion and politics in Israel; the interplay between legal and nonlegal elements of the Talmud; and Central European Jewish History. He edited ten volumes of Rabbi Eliezer Melamed's Peninei Halakha series in English and is a cofounder of HaMapah, a project that applies quantitative analysis to rabbinic literature.

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.

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.

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.

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 controversies, Ashkenazic-Sephardic divergences and much more! The text for the responsum can be found here: https://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=43020&st=&pgnum=82

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. 

May a medical student observe a surgery performed on Shabbos? What about a common person who wants to observe it out of curiosity or "entertainment"? R' Yaakov Wolff, host of Shtark Tank, unpacks a responsum from Rav Yaakov Emden (She'ailas Ya'avetz, no. 41) on this topic and contextualizes it within the broader literature. Check out the Shtark Tank podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/34xll8GhTfu1BiRdhb8AyR?si=nkZT9JV5T8mvliMIxgIC0g

In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Sayani presents two diametrically opposed traditions of approaching Taharah and other post-mortem religious practices. The Mystical/Sephardic approach found in Responsa Yaskil Avdi (Y.D. 4:24) and the pragmatic/"litvishe" approach espoused by the Igros Moshe (Y.D. 3:135-137). We discuss the later innovation of dipping the deceased into the mikvah and what such practices mean theologically and economically for the common Jew.

In the lead up to Purim, R. Gil Student analyzes a pivotal responsum of the Maharik (no. 167) regarding an inadvertent infidelity, what we can learn from Esther, and its implications for post-Talmudic hermeneutics. (As the title indicates, we discuss some sensitive topics so listeners' discretion is advised.) At the end of this episode, Rabbi Student reveals his latest groundbreaking initiative: TorahApp (thetorahapp.org).