Best Responsa Podcasts (2025)

1
Judith Montefiore: History’s First Jewish “Lady” (feat. Reb. Tugendhaft) pt. 1 of 2 53:28

2d ago53:28

53:28

All but forgotten, Judith Montefiore was a devout and intriguing figure whose contributions to Jewish society shaped the way modern Jewish women perceived themselves. Learn about the life of a woman whose legacy was obscured by the achievements of the grand and great Sir Moses. In conversation with Rebbetzin Shoshana Tugendhaft.…

1
Veiled Reference Unveiled: Your Questions Answered (+Tzipora Fixes the Mistaken Identity in Noda BeYehuda) 17:42

7d ago17:42

17:42

In this Season Two Premiere, Tzipora Weinberg excavates Ladino melodies, unearths forgotten kinos AND explodes the consensus on Levi Barent Cohen.By mishpachaveiledreference

1
Blowing the Shofar: Tips, Tricks, and Considerations 31:30

2M ago31:30

31:30

It's my first time blowing the shofar for my community this year. What tips can you share and what considerations should I be thinking about as I prepare? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: Girl Can Wail by Chloe Dolandis…

1
Roundup of interviews and lectures (links in the notes) 6:14

2M ago6:14

6:14

This is a short episode that rounds up a few other things that I've done recently: 1. I was interviewed by Rabbi Drew Kaplan of "The Jewish Drinking Show" on the Noda BiYehudah's responsum on isinglass (a clarifying agent in beverages, made from the swim bladder of a non-kosher species of fish): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iDlTVVbxfjaWuH9rT0g…

1
R' Leizer Yehudah Finkel Moves to Yerushalayim in 1941 and Reopens Mir Yeshiva. The Brisker Rav. International Date Line Controversy and Yom Kippur. Intravenous on Yom Kippur. Zlata Ginzburg Compares the ... 1:53:24

2M ago1:53:24

1:53:24

R' Leizer Yehudah Finkel Moves to Yerushalayim in 1941 and Reopens Mir Yeshiva. The Brisker Rav. International Date Line Controversy and Yom Kippur. Intravenous on Yom Kippur. Zlata Ginzburg Compares the Torah World of Europe to that of the US. - Jun 9, 2025 - Charlie Buttons (Nassofer). The 3 different groups of new dayanim. YU Pride Alliance. Pre…

1
Kovno Rav's Decision for Judenrat. R' Moshe & Israeli Flag. R' Menashe Klein, Mishneh Halachot. Shochet Who Only Paskens Like Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Key Factors in Evaluating a Shochet. Teaching Torah ... 1:58:14

2M ago1:58:14

1:58:14

Kovno Rav's Decision for Judenrat. R' Moshe & Israeli Flag. R' Menashe Klein, Mishneh Halachot. Shochet Who Only Paskens Like Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Key Factors in Evaluating a Shochet. Teaching Torah via Audio-Visual Technology Not Via a Teacher. - Jun 8, 2025 - Dr. Norman Sohn, ז"ל. Beech-Nut/OU. Kovno Rav's answer to Judenrat on list of names. R…

1
Minor Fast Days 36:42

2M ago36:42

36:42

I grew up fasting on Yom Kippur, and usually on Tisha B’Av also, but I never even knew about the minor fast days. Now I am in a community that does observe them, and I am curious about their importance. Is my obligation to fast on these days the same as on Yom Kippur? Why is there so much variety in how they are observed by people who are otherwise…

1
Can We Decorate Shul With Flowers for Shavuot? And Should I Pull an All-Nighter? 40:33

2M ago40:33

40:33

This episode deals with Shavuot questions about decorating shul with flowers, as well as the custom of having a Tikkun Leil Shavuot, a night of staying up to learn Torah. Where do these customs originate, and what is their status? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: S…

1
Press Conference - Contemporary Issues - May 25, 2025 1:51:33

2M ago1:51:33

1:51:33

Press Conference - Contemporary Issues - May 25, 2025 - May 25, 2025 - Short bio. Torah requires all to serve in IDF. Similarity of Haredi Judaism to Reform. Avoid anger. Problem begins in 1884, with Zionism. Herzl & Moshe Rabbeinu came from non-religious environment, thus succeeded. Great rabbinic Zionist leaders failed. Herzl became a meshuga for…

1
Can I Bring in a Second Day of Yom Tov Early? 31:30

2M ago31:30

31:30

As a parent of little children, our family always has a lot of tension around the second night of a two day Yom Tov, especially when it gets dark very late. I was always taught that you have to wait until it is fully dark after the first day of Yom Tov to start preparing anything for the second day. That means we don’t start cooking or even setting…

1
Shanghai – First Sephardim, Then Russian Jews Arrive. Building the Shul. Mir Yeshiva Moves from Japan to Shanghai. Ships to Canada and Deadly Date Line Problem. R' Meir Ashkenazi. Economic Conditions ... 1:58:56

2M ago1:58:56

1:58:56

Shanghai – First Sephardim, Then Russian Jews Arrive. Building the Shul. Mir Yeshiva Moves from Japan to Shanghai. Ships to Canada and Deadly Date Line Problem. R' Meir Ashkenazi. Economic Conditions. Rickshaws. Bodies on Street. Book Publishing. - May 19, 2025 - Amshinover tells Japanese: We are both Asian. Chassidic Rebbis understand people bette…

1
Rav Menashe Klein: Bekiyut vs. Charifut. Studying Halakhah. Elevator on Shabbat. Best 1st Halakhah Book for a Baal Teshuvah. Shochet Who Rejected Mishnah Berurah. Divrei Chaim. Ohr Hakadosh. Ruach Hakodesh ... 2:00:15

2M ago2:00:15

2:00:15

Rav Menashe Klein: Bekiyut vs. Charifut. Studying Halakhah. Elevator on Shabbat. Best 1st Halakhah Book for a Baal Teshuvah. Shochet Who Rejected Mishnah Berurah. Divrei Chaim. Ohr Hakadosh. Ruach Hakodesh. Satmar Attack on Rav Moshe Feinstein. - May 18, 2025 - Tzeela Gez, hy"d. R' Menashe Klein (MK), Mishneh Halachot (MH) 6:165: Bekiyut preferable…

1
Can I Say the Names of Other Gods? 38:51

3M ago38:51

38:51

What are the halakhic considerations about saying “Chr***” given the prohibition on uttering names of other gods? How does that work in interfaith and academic contexts? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: Planets by Jared Lutes…

1
History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Mir - May 12 1:40:04

3M ago1:40:04

1:40:04

History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Mir - May 12 - May 12, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

1
Responsa - May 11 1:57:02

3M ago1:57:02

1:57:02

Responsa - May 11 - May 11, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

1
Should I Purchase Life Insurance? 30:25

3M ago30:25

30:25

What does halakhah have to say about life insurance? Should we get it or is relying on the community sufficient, or even expected? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: Human Life by Tiffany Thompson

1
History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Mir - May 5 2:01:48

3M ago2:01:48

2:01:48

History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Mir - May 5 - May 5, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

1
Responsa - May 4 1:58:13

3M ago1:58:13

1:58:13

Responsa - May 4 - May 4, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

1
Suicide and Burial 43:51

3M ago43:51

43:51

Should a person who died by suicide be buried "outside the fence?" How does mental illness factor into this question? And are there grounds to consider reburial of someone so that they can be near family members? Trigger warning: This episode deals with sensitive and painful content. Please take care in choosing whether to listen. Have a question y…

1
History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Mir - April 28 1:41:56

3M ago1:41:56

1:41:56

History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Mir - April 28 - Apr 28, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

1
Which Direction Should I Face During Prayer? 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

When davening in a prayer space that is not oriented towards Jerusalem, is there ever a time when it would be appropriate to physically orient oneself toward the east? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: New Direction by Dave Tough…

1
What Do You Mean I Still Can't Eat Bread? (re-release) 17:02

4M ago17:02

17:02

I like to go out the night after Passover to grab a cool beer in celebration of eating hametz (leaven) again. Do I need to worry if the owner of that bar is a Jew that didn't remove his hametz for the holiday? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Hadar Institute

1
Does Everything Need a Kosher for Passover Certification? (re-release) 30:31

4M ago30:31

30:31

Can I use ingredients like spices, pure dried fruit, oil, or nut butter, without Passover certification on Passover? Are there ingredients you can use without a certification? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected].

1
R. Yosef Shaul Natansohn, the Shoel UMeshiv 56:53

4M ago56:53

56:53

Today - 27 Adar, 5785/March 27 2025 - is the 150th yahrzeit of R. Yosef Shaul Natansohn, author of Shu"t Shoel U-Meshiv. In this podcast, we will explore a bit about who he was and the world in which he lived and operated. Here's a link to the map of Shoel U-Meshiv's responsa Link to the teshuvah on the abusive teacher: https://www.sefaria.org/Shoe…

1
Keeping Kosher for Passover When I'm Not in Control (re-release) 34:01

4M ago34:01

34:01

If I spend Passover with family members who don't kasher their kitchens for the holiday can I eat kosher for Passover food from their pots or dishes? Is there room for leniency because they're my family? What if my roommates want to use non-kosher for Passover dishes and products? How can we share the kitchen? Have a question you'd like answered on…

1
Can I Do Something Forbidden For Shalom Bayit? 41:31

6M ago41:31

41:31

What is the halakhic weight of shalom bayit and to what extent is it permissible to do something forbidden for the sake of preserving one’s marriage? For example, I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine during the week, mostly because it prevents me from snoring and disturbing my spouse’s sleep. My spouse wants me to use it on Shabbat too, since …

1
Can I Have a Karpas Course at the Seder? 38:21

6M ago38:21

38:21

I have only ever been to seders where karpas is a simple piece of parsley dipped in saltwater, but there seems to be a growing trend of people doing much more elaborate karpas courses, often with multiple, full-blown appetizer dishes. Is this halakhically permissible? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar…

1
How Do I Forge My Own Religious Path While Respecting My Parents? 40:35

6M ago40:35

40:35

I am a teenager who is becoming more observant. My parents are less then thrilled. For example, I would like to be observe Shabbat and not use my phone, but this sometimes creates difficulties as they will call or text me things during Shabbat. How can I balance my observance with honoring my parents? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa…

1
Can I Print an Overlay to Make Torah Reading More Accessible? 34:21

7M ago34:21

34:21

As a gabbai, I am often reluctant to correct the person reading Torah so as not to add to their anxiety. I am wondering if we are entering a moment where technology might be helpful, such as writing the vowels and trope onto the Torah itself, or, less radically, making a see-through overlay. Would any of those options be acceptable to make reading …

1
Can I Read My Horoscope? 36:14

7M ago36:14

36:14

Can I read my horoscope? Does it matter whether I’m reading it “just for fun” or if I’m really trying to predict the future? Are horoscopes more forbidden for us than they were for medieval rabbis, who probably considered astrology a legitimate science? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music feat…

1
Should the Torah Be Translated as it's Read to Make it More Accessible? 32:52

7M ago32:52

32:52

In the mishnah we see the idea of a person who would translate the Torah into Aramaic after each verse is chanted from the Torah scroll. Would it be appropriate to have something like this now in order to enhance the understanding of the community? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected]…

1
Making Sense of the Mechitzah 39:06

7M ago39:06

39:06

What is the history and reasoning behind the mechitzah? Why do they vary so much in size and material? In a setting where this is a mechitzah, can a man walk over to the women’s side to carry a Torah? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected]

1
Thanking God for "Opening the Eyes of the Blind" When I'm Disabled 35:53

7M ago35:53

35:53

As a person who is disabled, how am I supposed to relate to a system of mitzvot that often assumes its audience is able-bodied? For example, the morning blessings include the line thanking God for "opening the eyes of the blind"—but what if I am blind? Am I supposed to say this blessing? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email …

1
Can I Say Birkat Kohanim While Carrying a Gun? 39:35

8M ago39:35

39:35

I am a kohen who lives in Israel where I make the priestly blessing every day. After October 7th, I was recruited to my town’s First Response Team and am now required to carry my gun at all times, including the synagogue. Is it prohibited to make the blessing of Birkat Kohanim, which is essentially a blessing about peace, while carrying a weapon? H…

1
Kashrut and the Modern Dairy Industry 26:14

11M ago26:14

26:14

There is a principle that says that milk from a deathly sick animal is not kosher. But in today's modern dairy industry it may be reasonable to assume that most if not all cows fall into this category. Can we justify consuming factory milk? If so, how? This episode was recorded live at Hadar's 2024 Halakhah Intensive. Have a question you'd like ans…

1
What is the Role of Doubt in Jewish Law? 35:25

11M ago35:25

35:25

I was at a meal at a non-Jewish colleague's home. We agreed to order food from a kosher restaurant but one of the dishes looks homemade. I don't want to be rude. Can I eat it? How can the framework of "sfeik sfeika," having two axes of doubt, help us make decisions when we don't have all of the information? This episode was recorded live at Hadar's…

1
Can I Swim on Shabbat? 38:59

11M ago38:59

38:59

My community has a retreat over Yom Tov where almost everyone spends a lot of time at the pool. I grew up in a community that never swam on Shabbat or Yom Tov and now I'm trying to navigate a community where everyone does it. What should I do? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected]…

1
Why is the Age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gendered? 42:01

11M ago42:01

42:01

While almost all Jewish communities celebrate a boy's Bar Mitzvah at 13, many communities are split for girls—some 12, some 13. Why should girls be required to do mitzvot before boys? What does this age split accomplish? And is it still relevant in egalitarian Jewish communities? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at re…

1
Should I Say "Amen" in the Bathroom? 27:17

11M ago27:17

27:17

You're not supposed to pray somewhere unclean, like a bathroom. But if I'm in the bathroom and can hear the prayers nearby, am I allowed to say "amen"? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Hadar Institute

1
Property Devaluation (2024-07-03) 44:51

12M ago44:51

44:51

Archive.org version, including handout: linkBy Rabbi Yitzhak Grossman

1
Can I Use Generative Artifical Intelligence? 43:27

12M ago43:27

43:27

With any new industry, there are important questions to address from legal and religious perspectives. Responsa Radio creator David Zvi Kalman comes back to ask this question about generative AI for his new podcast, Belief in the Future. Given the way the new large language models trawl the internet for content, is it permitted to use them or does …

1
Does Jewish Law Care About Non-Jewish Life? 41:30

12M ago41:30

41:30

There's a stereotype that I've seen on the internet recently that Jews don't care about non-Jewish life. How am I supposed to respond when somebody uses this argument? What do Jewish sources say about the imperative of saving the lives of non-Jews? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected]…

1
Are Jews Responsible for One Another? How so? 32:29

1y ago32:29

32:29

I've often heard the phrase "all of Israel are responsible for each other" (kol yisrael areivim zeh be-zeh). But what does this mean? What does the responsibility entail? How is it supposed to change my actions toward other Jews? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected]…

1
Coming Soon: More Responsa Radio 0:38

1y ago0:38

0:38

You asked and we answered! A new season of Responsa Radio begins next week. We're going to dig in to topics like artificial intelligence, the value of human life, and our responsibilities toward fellow Jews, just to name a few. Have a halakhic question you want answered on Responsa Radio? Send your question to [email protected].…

1
R. Ethan Tucker on the Multivocality of Halakhah 1:10:54

1y ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Halakhic works are often a dizzying compendium of multiple perspectives on a given issue, often making it difficult to determine how to behave in a given situation. In this lecture, R. Ethan Tucker argues this is a feature rather than a bug. Critical values that are meant to guide our lives are rarely fully manifest in any given time, place, or sit…

1
Picking up the Pieces: On the Oven of Akhnai 58:31

1+ y ago58:31

58:31

Some thoughts and ideas on the famous story of the Oven of Akhnai, which appears in tomorrow's Daf (Bava Metzia 59)

1
Do the Laws of Eruv Make Any Sense At All? 100th Episode Update 21:40

1+ y ago21:40

21:40

In celebration of 100 episodes of Responsa Radio, we're re-releasing our favorites with an update from Rav Eitan and Rav Avi at the end of the episode. Our producer, Jeremy Tabick's favorite is episode #7: The laws of eruv—constructing a sometimes questionable boundary around a neighborhood to allow carrying objects on shabbat—often seem obscure, b…

1
MINIPOD: Shabtai Zvi, Birkas Kohanim, and the Path Away from the Kosel 15:30

1+ y ago15:30

15:30

By mishpachaveiledreference

1
Is Impossible Pork Kosher? 100th Episode Update 35:41

1+ y ago35:41

35:41

In celebration of 100 episodes of Responsa Radio, we're re-releasing our favorites with an update from Rav Eitan and Rav Avi at the end of the episode. Our sound engineer, David Khabinsky's favorite is episode #78: A few months ago, one of the largest kosher certification agencies announced that it would not certify "Impossible Pork," despite the f…

1
Is There a Blessing on Seeing a Solar Eclipse? 12:40

1+ y ago12:40

12:40

I'm planning on going to the total solar eclipse that will be visible in North America on April 8th. is there a blessing or some other liturgy that I should say as I see it?By Hadar Institute

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