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Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
When putting on shoes, as we have seen, one should put the right shoe on before the left shoe in order to show importance to the right side, though he should tie the laces of the left shoe before the laces of the right shoe, because the left side has greater importance with respect to tying. When removing one's shoes, one should show respect to the right side by reversing the sequence – removing the left shoe first, so that the right shoe remains on the foot for longer. Intuitively, we might assume that the entire process should be reversed, such that one first unties the right shoe, unties and removes the left shoe, and then removes the right shoe. This is, indeed, the opinion of several Poskim, and the position adopted by Hacham David Yosef in Halacha Berura. By contrast, the Az Nidberu (Rav Binyamin Zilber, 1916-2008) maintained that one unties and removes the left shoe, and then unties and removes the right shoe. He reached this conclusion on the basis of the Gemara's formulation (Shabbat 61a) – "Holetz Shel Semol" ("removes the left [first]"). The verb H.L.TZ. used here in reference to removing shoes appears also in the context of Halisa – the procedure required when a married man dies without children, and his brother chooses not to marry the widow (which would fulfill the Misva of Yibum). The Torah requires the widow to remove her brother-in-law's shoe from his foot, using the word "Ve'halsa" (Debarim 25:9). This is understood as referring to both untying the shoelaces and removing the shoe, seemingly proving that the root H.L.TZ. includes both steps of the process, and not merely the shoe's removal. By extension, then, when the Gemara requires, "Holetz Shel Semol," it means that one should first untie and remove the left shoe before untying the right shoe. As mentioned, however, other Poskim ruled that one should first untie the right shoe before removing the left shoe. Therefore, one has the option of which procedure to follow. It is told that the Sadik of Nasaud ( Rav Avraham Yehoshua Freund, 1850–1932) once needed to remove only his right shoe, to have it repaired. He made a point of first removing the left shoe, in order to observe the Halacha requiring removing the left shoe before the right shoe. This shows that at least in his opinion, even if one needs to remove only the right shoe, he should remove the left shoe first. Rav Abraham Yishak Ha'kohen Kook (1865-1935) drew an intriguing distinction between the ordinary removal of shoes, and removing shoes for a Misva purpose – such as before Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Ab, a Kohen preparing for Birkat Kohanim, or when changing into one's Shabbat shoes on Friday afternoon. Normally, one shows greater respect to the right side by leaving it on for longer. However, when the shoe's removal fulfills a Misva, then to the contrary, one shows greater respect to the right shoe by using it for the Misva first. Rav Kook thus maintained that whenever one removes his shoes for the purpose of a Misva, he should remove the right shoe first. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995) fundamentally agreed with Rav Kook, though he disputed the application of this reasoning to the removal of shoes before Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Ab. On these occasions, the purpose of removing the shoe is to deprive oneself the comfort of wearing shoes. Therefore, Rav Shlomo Zalman contended, one shows greater respect to the right shoe by leaving it on and enjoying the comfort it provides for longer than the left shoe. In the other situations of a Misva, Rav Shlomo Zalman concurred with Rav Kook's position. However, Rav Yisrael Bitan noted that the earlier sources make no mention of such a distinction. Moreover, the Lebush (Rav Mordechai Yoffe, c. 1530-1612) explained the requirement to remove the left shoe first by stating that it is disrespectful for the right foot to remain bare for a few moments while the left foot is still in a shoe. According to this explanation, it would certainly seem that the purpose of the shoe's removal is not relevant as far as this Halacha is concerned, and thus in all situations, one should remove the left shoe before the right shoe. Summary: When one removes his shoes, he should remove the left shoe before the right shoe. According to some Poskim, one should first untie the right shoe before untying and removing the left shoe, whereas others maintain that one should untie and remove the left shoe, and then untie and remove the right shoe.
O shiur analisa a profunda lealdade entre Rute e Naomi, detalhando a ousada estratégia mística e social usada para despertar o compromisso de Boaz em perpetuar a linhagem familiar. A aula explica as leis espirituais de resgate de bens e o casamento levirato (Yibum), revelando como grandes almas e propósitos divinos costumam vir camuflados em cenários improváveis.
In this inspiring episode for Shavuot, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe presents a complete overview and deep dive into the Book of Ruth (Megillat Ruth). Written by the Prophet Samuel, it tells the story of Ruth the Moabite princess who converts to Judaism out of genuine love for Naomi and the Jewish people, ultimately becoming the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Moshiach. The book emphasizes themes of kindness (Chesed), loyalty, modesty, second chances, and personal commitment to Torah.Rabbi Wolbe highlights why Ruth is read on Shavuot: it shows the Torah is acquired through difficulty and dedication (not luxury), Ruth's conversion mirrors our acceptance of the Torah at Sinai (“Na'aseh v'nishma”), the story occurs during the harvest season (Chag HaKatzir), and it underscores the centrality of Chesed — the very foundation of the Torah. He also explains key halachic concepts from the book (Leket, Pe'ah, Shikcha, Yibum, Chalitzah) and powerful lessons about not running from challenges, embracing one's unique journey, and understanding that apparent setbacks often pave the way for redemption and greatness.To Download the Book of Ruth Outline: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z6J6Zcvl8EJ0R8s_nSGhzGxLV5uM81eb_____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 19, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 20, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer 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 http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #BookOfRuth, #Ruth, #Shavuot, #Chesed, #Conversion, #KingDavid, #Mashiach, #NaasehVNishma, #KindnessMatters, #Omer, #JewishHistory ★ Support this podcast ★
In this inspiring episode for Shavuot, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe presents a complete overview and deep dive into the Book of Ruth (Megillat Ruth). Written by the Prophet Samuel, it tells the story of Ruth the Moabite princess who converts to Judaism out of genuine love for Naomi and the Jewish people, ultimately becoming the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Moshiach. The book emphasizes themes of kindness (Chesed), loyalty, modesty, second chances, and personal commitment to Torah.Rabbi Wolbe highlights why Ruth is read on Shavuot: it shows the Torah is acquired through difficulty and dedication (not luxury), Ruth's conversion mirrors our acceptance of the Torah at Sinai (“Na'aseh v'nishma”), the story occurs during the harvest season (Chag HaKatzir), and it underscores the centrality of Chesed — the very foundation of the Torah. He also explains key halachic concepts from the book (Leket, Pe'ah, Shikcha, Yibum, Chalitzah) and powerful lessons about not running from challenges, embracing one's unique journey, and understanding that apparent setbacks often pave the way for redemption and greatness.To Download the Book of Ruth Outline: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z6J6Zcvl8EJ0R8s_nSGhzGxLV5uM81eb_____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 19, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 20, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer 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 http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #BookOfRuth, #Ruth, #Shavuot, #Chesed, #Conversion, #KingDavid, #Mashiach, #NaasehVNishma, #KindnessMatters, #Omer, #JewishHistory ★ Support this podcast ★
In this inspiring episode for Shavuot, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe presents a complete overview and deep dive into the Book of Ruth (Megillat Ruth). Written by the Prophet Samuel, it tells the story of Ruth the Moabite princess who converts to Judaism out of genuine love for Naomi and the Jewish people, ultimately becoming the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Moshiach. The book emphasizes themes of kindness (Chesed), loyalty, modesty, second chances, and personal commitment to Torah.Rabbi Wolbe highlights why Ruth is read on Shavuot: it shows the Torah is acquired through difficulty and dedication (not luxury), Ruth's conversion mirrors our acceptance of the Torah at Sinai (“Na'aseh v'nishma”), the story occurs during the harvest season (Chag HaKatzir), and it underscores the centrality of Chesed — the very foundation of the Torah. He also explains key halachic concepts from the book (Leket, Pe'ah, Shikcha, Yibum, Chalitzah) and powerful lessons about not running from challenges, embracing one's unique journey, and understanding that apparent setbacks often pave the way for redemption and greatness.To Download the Book of Ruth Outline: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z6J6Zcvl8EJ0R8s_nSGhzGxLV5uM81eb_____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 19, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on May 20, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer 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 http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #BookOfRuth, #Ruth, #Shavuot, #Chesed, #Conversion, #KingDavid, #Mashiach, #NaasehVNishma, #KindnessMatters, #Omer, #JewishHistory ★ Support this podcast ★
Today we discuss:1. the mitzva of ensuring that weights and measures are honest and accurate.2. The notion of Yibum and perpetuating the name of the dead.
Yevamos 53a: Does the Yavam have to fast on the day he does Yibum?
Rabbi Resnick offers clear and to-the-point classes in plain English on the daily portion of Rambam's Mishneh Torah for the 3 chapters a day cycle.
Rabbi Resnick offers clear and to-the-point classes in plain English on the daily portion of Rambam's Mishneh Torah for the 3 chapters a day cycle.
A Torá nos diz que quando um homem morre sem deixar filhos, há uma mitsvá para seu irmão se casar com a viúva. Isso é chamado de yibum em hebraico, ou casamento levirato (lēvir é latim para “irmão do marido”). Se uma das partes não quiser se casar, existe uma cerimônia alternativa chamada chalitzá, que a isenta dessa obrigação.CURTIU A AULA?FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA#Yibum #CasamentoDeLevirato #Halacha #Torá #Judaismo #Mitsvot#Chalitza #TradiçãoJudaica #Responsabilidade #Continuidade#Espiritualidade #Cabalá #Família #IdentidadeJudaica
The Masechta opens by listing close relatives with whom yibum is not allowed — including cases of eishes ach (a brother's wife) outside the mitzvah of yibum.This immediately raises the core question: How can yibum ever work? Yibum is, by definition, marrying an eishes ach, which is normally an issur punishable by kares.Tosfos based on Kovetz He'aros 9Yibum works through the rule of aseh docheh lo sa'aseh — a positive mitzvah overriding a prohibition.The issur of eishes ach remains fully in place; it is simply overridden in this scenario.Tosafos asks: If yibum overrides ervah, why not apply it to other forbidden relatives, like a wife's sister?Tosafos answers: Yibum is allowed only because the Torah explicitly commands it. The override applies only here, nowhere else.Yad Ramah's Approach (Sanhedrin 53a):Yibum is not based on aseh docheh lo sa'aseh.Rather, the Torah's prohibition of eishes ach never applied to a case where yibum is possible.The issur applies only when the woman has children and yibum is off the table.Ramban's View (Toras Ha'adam):Agrees with the Yad Ramah.Compares it to a kohen becoming tamei for a mes mitzvah: it's not an exception — that case simply wasn't included in the original prohibition.So too, eishes ach simply doesn't apply in a scenario of yibum.Nafka Minas (Practical Differences Between the Views):Kiddushin with a Yevama:Rashi says kiddushin cannot take effect, because the issur of eishes ach still exists (fits with Tosafos/Rav Elchonon).According to Ramban/Yad Ramah, kiddushin might work, since eishes ach isn't present at all in a yibum case.Yibum for the Wrong Reasons:The Gemara warns it's like living with an ervah.Rambam says it's not actually an ervah at all — once the brother dies, the issur disappears.Rambam fits with Ramban: the issur is simply gone in a yibum case.Tosafos/Rashi fit the stricter language of the Gemara — the issur exists but is overridden.This sugya sets up a major theme of Yevamos:Is yibum an override of eishes ach, or is eishes ach simply not present when the Torah commands yibum?
This is the third and final week of our Summer Listening Series, where I share some of the podcasts I enjoy on my commute. Next week, we'll be back with a brand new episode—stay tuned.This week's pick is from Shu"t First, Ask Questions Later, hosted by Rabbi Moshe Kurtz. This podcast truly takes advantage of the medium—bringing together voices from across the Jewish world to learn Torah in conversation.The featured episode is especially relevant to Shtark Tank listeners, as Rabbi Kurtz is joined by Mr. Gedalia Wielgus, a lawyer and talmid chacham, for a thought-provoking discussion about a wild case of Yibum.Check out Shtarktank.org for exclusive written articles!
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
It is customary to read Megillat Rut on Shabuot, and several different reasons have been given for this custom. The Mordechi (Rav Mordechai Ben Hillel, Germany, 1250-1298), in Masechet Megilla (chapter 1), as cited by the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles of Cracow, 1525-1572) in Darkeh Moshe (494), explains that the story of Rut took place during the harvest season, around the time of Shabuot, and it is therefore appropriate to read this story on this holiday. Others explain that at the time of Matan Torah, the Jewish People underwent a process of "conversion," for, like converts, they had been obligated only in the Seven Noachide Laws, and then committed themselves to the Torah's 613 commands. (Interestingly, the Hebrew word "Gerut" has the numerical value of 620, corresponding to the 613 Biblical commands plus the seven Misvot instituted by the Sages.) Therefore, on the day we celebrate Matan Torah, we read the story of Rut, which tells of Rut's conversion and acceptance of the Misvot. Thirdly, we read Megilat Rut as a reminder that accepting the Torah includes not only our obligations toward G-d, but also our obligations to other people. The story of Rut is all about Hesed: Rut accompanied her mother-in-law, Naomi, and left her homeland to be at her side; Boaz cared for Rut when she arrived in Bet-Lehem, and then married her; Rut performed kindness for her deceased husband by allowing his soul to be perpetuated through the process of Yibum. We read this story to remind ourselves that kindness and sensitivity to other people is part and parcel of our acceptance of the Torah. Additionally, Megillat Rut is a story of remarkable "Mesirut Nefesh" – self-sacrifice. Rut was the daughter of the king of Moav, yet she was prepared to leave her life of royalty and all the amenities and luxuries it offers in order to become a Jew. This story reminds us that we need to sacrifice in order to succeed in Torah and Misvot. We cannot expect to excel in our devotion to Torah while enjoying all the comforts and luxuries that life offers. "Mesirut Nefesh" is an indispensable prerequisite for a successful Torah life. Finally, the story of Megillat Rut concludes with Rut's marriage to Boaz and the birth of their son, who ultimately became the grandfather of King David, who was born and passed away on Shabuot. It is thus appropriate to read this story on Shabuot, when we remember and reflect upon David Ha'melech.
Thursday 24 Iyar
Thursday 24 Iyar
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Wednesday 23 Iyar
Wednesday 23 Iyar
Tuesday 12 Sivan
Tuesday 12 Sivan
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Monday 11 Sivan
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Sunday 10 Sivan
Sunday 10 Sivan
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.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
It is customary to read Megillat Rut on Shabuot, and several different reasons have been given for this custom. The Mordechi (Rav Mordechai Ben Hillel, Germany, 1250-1298), in Masechet Megilla (chapter 1), as cited by the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles of Cracow, 1525-1572) in Darkeh Moshe (494), explains that the story of Rut took place during the harvest season, around the time of Shabuot, and it is therefore appropriate to read this story on this holiday. Others explain that at the time of Matan Torah, the Jewish People underwent a process of "conversion," for, like converts, they had been obligated only in the Seven Noachide Laws, and then committed themselves to the Torah's 613 commands. (Interestingly, the Hebrew word "Gerut" has the numerical value of 620, corresponding to the 613 Biblical commands plus the seven Misvot instituted by the Sages.) Therefore, on the day we celebrate Matan Torah, we read the story of Rut, which tells of Rut's conversion and acceptance of the Misvot.Thirdly, we read Megilat Rut as a reminder that accepting the Torah includes not only our obligations toward G-d, but also our obligations to other people. The story of Rut is all about Hesed: Rut accompanied her mother-in-law, Naomi, and left her homeland to be at her side; Boaz cared for Rut when she arrived in Bet-Lehem, and then married her; Rut performed kindness for her deceased husband by allowing his soul to be perpetuated through the process of Yibum. We read this story to remind ourselves that kindness and sensitivity to other people is part and parcel of our acceptance of the Torah.Additionally, Megillat Rut is a story of remarkable "Mesirut Nefesh" – self-sacrifice. Rut was the daughter of the king of Moav, yet she was prepared to leave her life of royalty and all the amenities and luxuries it offers in order to become a Jew. This story reminds us that we need to sacrifice in order to succeed in Torah and Misvot. We cannot expect to excel in our devotion to Torah while enjoying all the comforts and luxuries that life offers. "Mesirut Nefesh" is an indispensable prerequisite for a successful Torah life.Finally, the story of Megillat Rut concludes with Rut's marriage to Boaz and the birth of their son, who ultimately became the grandfather of King David, who was born and passed away on Shabuot. It is thus appropriate to read this story on Shabuot, when we remember and reflect upon David Ha'melech.