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Mishnah Berurah Yomi: Siman 1 se'if 4-9 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
This episode explores the halachic background of playing music on Shabbos, focusing on the original rabbinic decree against music due to concern over repairing instruments. We examine a historical leniency that allowed asking a non-Jew to play (and even repair) instruments for the sake of bringing joy to a bride and groom, based on the concept of a double rabbinic prohibition for a mitzvah. The Mishnah Berurah surveys dissenting opinions, limits of that leniency, and contrasts weddings with other celebrations. The episode concludes with the clear ruling of later authorities that this practice has been fully discontinued, and that today there is no basis to permit instrumental music on Shabbos—even via non-Jews—reflecting the universally accepted custom.
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: Siman 1 Se'if 1 (Part 2) and se'if 2 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
This episode continues the Mishnah Berurah's discussion of sound production on Shabbos. We clarify the core rule: objects specifically designed to make sound are generally prohibited, even when the intent is not musical. Practical cases include door knockers, rings fixed to doors, bells, tuning forks, and similar sound-producing items. In contrast, making noise with one's body (knocking with a fist or knuckles, whistling) is permitted. The shiur explores key distinctions—designated purpose versus incidental sound, intent versus outcome—and major views regarding opening doors or curtains that cause bells to ring, including leniencies for mitzvah needs and cases of necessity. We conclude with practical synagogue scenarios, such as silencing a room by banging on a table with a non-designated object.
Why do we light Chanukah candles in shul—if no one fulfills their obligation with that lighting?A sincere question asked between Mincha and Maariv (from a Yid wearing a Chanukah kippah—so of course it had to be taken seriously
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: Siman 1- Se'if 1 (Part 1) by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 342 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 343 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 344 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 341 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 340, 13-14 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
The entire chapter 39 of the Kitzur is about one practical question: “I'm about to sit down for a full bread meal in 15 minutes, but I'm starving right now – can I grab a snack without making a separate after-bracha later?” The answer is mostly yes. If you eat (or drink anything except wine) before washing for bread and you will eat/drink the same thing again during the meal, many authorities (including the Mishnah Berurah's primary opinion) say the Birkat Hamazon at the end covers everything you ate earlier – no extra after-bracha is not needed. To stay safe from doubt, the Kitzur's advice is simple: either (a) don't eat those foods before the meal, or (b) make sure you eat a little of the same food again during the meal so everything is clearly connected.Wine is the big exception (as always): it always needs its own before-bracha, and if you drink it before the meal you should either drink a revi'it again after Birkat Hamazon and make Al Hagefen, or simply avoid wine until Kiddush. Cakes, cookies, pretzels, and other mezonot items follow the lenient rule – if you'll have mezonot again during the meal, Birkat Hamazon covers the pre-meal nosh too. Rabbi Wolbe's bottom line: “Better to avoid the whole question and not snack right before a bread meal… but if you do, just eat a bite of the same thing during the meal and you're golden.”The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #25._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #70) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 9, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #BirkatHaMazon, #gratitude, #foodblessings, #wineblessings, #afterblessings, #Jewishcustoms ★ Support this podcast ★
The entire chapter 39 of the Kitzur is about one practical question: “I'm about to sit down for a full bread meal in 15 minutes, but I'm starving right now – can I grab a snack without making a separate after-bracha later?” The answer is mostly yes. If you eat (or drink anything except wine) before washing for bread and you will eat/drink the same thing again during the meal, many authorities (including the Mishnah Berurah's primary opinion) say the Birkat Hamazon at the end covers everything you ate earlier – no extra after-bracha is not needed. To stay safe from doubt, the Kitzur's advice is simple: either (a) don't eat those foods before the meal, or (b) make sure you eat a little of the same food again during the meal so everything is clearly connected.Wine is the big exception (as always): it always needs its own before-bracha, and if you drink it before the meal you should either drink a revi'it again after Birkat Hamazon and make Al Hagefen, or simply avoid wine until Kiddush. Cakes, cookies, pretzels, and other mezonot items follow the lenient rule – if you'll have mezonot again during the meal, Birkat Hamazon covers the pre-meal nosh too. Rabbi Wolbe's bottom line: “Better to avoid the whole question and not snack right before a bread meal… but if you do, just eat a bite of the same thing during the meal and you're golden.”The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #25._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #70) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on December 7, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 9, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #blessings, #Kitzur, #BirkatHaMazon, #gratitude, #foodblessings, #wineblessings, #afterblessings, #Jewishcustoms ★ Support this podcast ★
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 340, 4 Part 1 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 340, 4 Part 2 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 340, 4 (Part 3) and 5-6 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 340, 7-12 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
A clear overview of the halachos of using trees on Shabbos: why Chazal prohibited climbing or using trees, whether the rules apply to live or dried trees, and what to do if someone accidentally finds themselves in a tree on Shabbos. Includes the Mishnah Berurah's parameters for hanging objects, leaning on trees, vegetation rules, reeds, rigid stalks, and the debate between major poskim on vegetation that resembles tree-like rigidity. Practical guidance on descending from a tree when climbed unintentionally or when climbed before Shabbos.
A practical and detailed overview of the halachic principles governing how to respond to a fire on Shabbos. This episode explains when one may hint to or request assistance from a non-Jew, the limits on protecting property, and how sudden loss changes the halachic framework. We also explore the Rema's ruling that in modern settings every fire involves possible danger to life—making extinguishing it not only permitted but praiseworthy. The shiur reviews distinctions between property protection and life-saving action, obligations to prevent danger, and the Mishnah Berurah's discussion of repentance, fasting, and monetary substitution for transgressions.
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 339, 6-7 and 340, 1 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 339, 4-5 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 340, 2-3 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
A clear, practical overview of indirect fire prevention on Shabbos in the Mishnah Berurah. This episode clarifies when one may prevent a fire's spread through indirect actions, such as placing wet materials, vessels of water, or protective barriers near a blaze. We examine extinguishing when clothing catches fire, using plates to block flames, concerns of laundry when wetting garments, and distinctions between acceptable indirect causation vs. direct extinguishing.Additionally discussed: when a non-Jew may extinguish a fire on Shabbos for a Jew, why a child must be stopped, and how intention affects halachic status. Essential guidance for applying the laws of Shabbos during fire-related emergencies, property loss, or safety concerns.
This episode continues our study of Mishnah Berurah 334, focusing on the laws of saving items from a fire on Shabbos. We examine when one may rescue tefillin stored together with money, distinctions between private and unenclosed domains, and the leniency of placing a loaf of bread or a child with valuables to permit carrying them to safety. We also explore the permissibility of asking a non-Jew to save sacred writings, the status of detached book margins, and the prohibition against rescuing writings produced by idolaters. Additional discussion includes coins bearing divine names and improper customs involving storing mundane objects in the holy ark. This installment clarifies practical halachic guidelines for protecting sacred items while maintaining Shabbos restrictions.
Dirshu Mishnah Berurah November 30, 2025
Dirshu Mishnah Berurah December 01, 2025
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 339, 1-3 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 338, 4-8 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Dirshu Mishnah Berurah November 27, 2025
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 337, 2-4 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 338, 1 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 338, 2-3 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
This episode explores the Mishnah Berurah's guidance on saving property when a fire breaks out on Shabbos. We review when muktzeh may be moved to prevent major loss, distinctions between private courtyards and the public domain, and differing opinions on handling money or valuables during emergencies. The shiur compares cases of fire, theft, and rain damage, clarifies when leniencies apply only to neighbors versus those directly endangered, and explains parallels to carrying small distances before nightfall. We also cover conditions for asking a non-Jew to assist, exceptional cases of communal danger, and practical rules for saving food—including how many meals each household member may rescue and when better-quality food may be taken.
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 337, 1 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 336, 12-13 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 336, 3 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 336, 4-8 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 336, 9-11 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 334, 23-25 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 334, 26 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 334, 27 and 335, 1 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 335, 2-5 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 336, 1-2 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 334, 16-22 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 334, 13-15 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
Mishnah Berurah Yomi: 334, 4-10 by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky