The Weekly Torah Controversy

From Elie Wiesel and Yosel Rakover to the prophet Chavakuk and Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, we explore the controversial approach to challenging and confronting Hashem.

We explore the ancient controversy between the traditional Halachic Jews and their Sudducee opponents in light of the modern day events in Israel.

A plea for renewing our passionate debate about Israel and cultivating a sense of connection with Eretz Yisrael.  

Exploring the longstanding debate over the ideal Matzah for the Seder: hand made or machine made?

Understanding the controversy regarding the Kashrut of veal through the development of Halacha and its practical complexities.

We explore the background and potential perils of the Purim Shpiel.

An overview of the complexities regarding ascending the Temple Mount today from a Halachic perspective.  

A discussion of issues related to the Mechitzah in Shul, with historical, Halachic and personal implications.

 A quick snapshot of the WWII era Halachic controversy and its contemporary implications.  

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik delivered a historic eulogy for Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski; we consider this perspective in light of the Rav's transition from Agudah to Mizrachi and the role of Torah leaders in general life decisions.

This week's presentation explores the Keruvim- the controversial sculptures above the Aron- to understand their shape, meaning and significance.

This presentation explores the context and development of women's Talmud Torah in light of key historical figures and Halachic sources.

We explore the controversy regarding the legacy of Rav Menachem Ziemba zt"' Hy"d, his role in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and its complicated implications.

The legend about Moshe Rabbeinu, cited by the Tiferes Yisrael, stirs and controversy and a question about how we pursue perfection in our Torah lives.  

This presentation explores a new, spiritual dimension of the debate regarding the Jewish definition of death: the role of the brain and the heart.

Arguably the most significant and famous rabbinic controversies of the modern era, the  Emden - Eybeshutz  argument remains an unsolved mystery.

We explore the intense debate between Rabbi Seligman Ber Bamberger and Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch regarding Orthodox secession from the general Frankfurt Jewish community with contemporary implications.

This controversy surrounds Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' post 9/11 book which proposes his interpretation of a Jewish worldview on how he views "the Other" and other Religions.

The Manhattan Eruv was one of the most prominent Halachic controversies in 20th century American life. This presentation explores historical highlights through the prism of Jewish law.

This week we explore the controversy regarding Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm zt”l's speech at the RIETS centennial dinner regarding Torah learning and the cave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

This week's episode explores the controversy surrounding Rav Kook's remarks at the memorial for Theodore Herzl in Jaffa in 1904 with an appreciation of its subtle messaging.

This segment of the weekly Torah controversy explores Rav Moshe Feinstein's Halachic view of artificial insemination with its wide ranging implications.

We explore the recent and historical controversies of Metzitzah B'Peh in light of the overarching question regarding our sages' understanding of science.    

This week's introductory episode highlights attitudes toward controversy in the Jewish tradition and explores how we portray Rabbinic role models and view Biblical giants, with a takeaway from opposing perspectives on Noach. 

Find out what Rabbi Reuven Brand's Weekly Torah Controversy Podcast is all about.