8/1/26 – Shiur 570 – Jews in America 1776 - Jews in America 2026 - Anti Semitism In America
Friday · 1 hr 12 min
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Halacha Headlines
Halacha Headlines
Halachic Debates of Current Events
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7/25/26 – Shiur 569 – The Biggest Mistakes Bochurim (and Parents) Make During Bein Hazmanim
What makes a successful Bein Hazmanim? When should parents intervene if a son isn't thriving in yeshiva? What's the biggest parenting mistake during Bein Hazmanim? Can enthusiasm for Torah and tefillah be taught? How much learning and minyan should parents expect during Bein Hazmanim? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger – Rabbi of Congregation Beth Abraham, Bergenfield, New Jersey – 8:24 with Rabbi Dovid Kaplan – Mashgiach Ruchani, Yeshivas Beis Yisrael – 33:48 with Rabbi Aharon Spivak – Rav of KBY in Monsey, author and therapist – 56:08 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:15:21 מראי מקומות
July 24 · 1 hr 23 min - HH
7/18/26 – Shiur 568 – The Battle Over Mixed-Gender Combat Units in the IDF
What’s behind the push to integrate women into combat roles in the IDF? Is this debate unique to the IDF, or does it reflect broader issues in Israeli society? Does the prohibition of yichud apply inside a tank? How should religious soldiers navigate these challenges? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Dovid Fendel – Founder and Rosh Yeshiva of the Hesder Yeshiva in Sderot – 14:34 with Rabbi Dovid Stav – Founder and Chairman of Tzohar and Chief Rabbi of Shoham – 34:01 with Rabbi Itai Asman – co-founder of Torat Lechima, promoting Jewish identity in the IDF – 57:17 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:14:11 מראי מקומות
July 17 · 1 hr 23 min - HH
7/11/26 – Shiur 567 – Extreme Sports and Halacha| How to have a successful marriage
Skiing, Heli Skiing, Sky Diving, Bungee Jumping, Escooters, Ebikes, Rock Climbing Is it Muttar? How do we reconcile 'ונשמרתם מאד לנפשותיכם & שומר פתאים ה? with Eli Rowe – Captain of HatzalahAir – 7:28 with Rabbi Aryeh Kerzner – Rav, Agudah of Montreal, Rosh Kollel Ichud Hakehillos D'Montreal, writer for Mishpacha Magazine – 19:23 How to have a successful marriage with Rabbi Avraham Kaas – Social Worker and Marriage Therapist – 54:02 מראי מקומות
July 10 · 1 hr 9 min - HH
7/4/26 – Shiur 566 – Stock Market Investing: How Much Risk Is Too Much?
Is it wise to buy stocks based on a “hot tip”? When does investing cross the line into gambling? How does halacha view margin investing (borrowing money to invest)? What is the status of trading options and other derivatives? Is it permitted to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies? Is there a way to realistically double your money without taking on significant risk? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Daniel Rapp – Dayan at the Beis Din of America, Maggid Shiur at RIETS – 12:08 with Mr. Morris Smith – Former Manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund – 38:20 with Mrs. Stacey Zrihen – Senior Director of Coaching for Living Smarter Jewish and Senior Financial Advisor for Achiezer – 1:15:15 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:29:55 מראי מקומות
July 3 · 1 hr 38 min - HH
6/27/26 – Shiur 565 – The New Gambling Epidemic: Sports Betting, Kalshi, Day Trading, and Halacha
Gambling has moved from casinos to our phones. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, Kalshi, and day-trading platforms have made “action” available every minute of the day. When is risk-taking legitimate, and when does it become gambling? Is sports betting different from day trading or prediction markets? What are the dangers of addiction, wasted time, and chasing easy money? with Rabbi Chaim Jachter – Rav of Sha’arei Orah in Teaneck, Dayan on the Elizabeth Beis Din – 28:15 with Rabbi Moshe Rotberg – Rav of Zichron Yechezkel, Toms River NJ, Rov of Hatzalah of Central Jersey, Pyscotherapist - 50:16 with Mr. Yehuda Liff – Therapist at Retorno, Specializing in addiction – 1:12:43 מראי מקומות
June 25 · 1 hr 26 min - HH
6/20/26 – Shiur 564 – Should You Move to Israel? What about trying it for a year?
Is there a mitzvah to live in Israel nowadays? What are the largest financial differences between living in Israel and out of Israel? What budget is necessary to come, at least for a year? What lends to being successful in moving to Israel and what are the challenges? What trade-offs do people usually face between cost, community, and lifestyle? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Akiva Dershowitz – Rosh Kollel, Toras Efrayim Shlomo, Yerushalayim – 10:42 with Jonathan Rosenblum – Mishpacha Columnist and author – 39:30 with Rabbi Paysach Freedman – CEO and co-founder of Chaim V'Chessed - 50:24 with Mrs. Rifka Lebowitz – CFP and founder of Living Financially Smarter In Israel – 1:15:17 with Naftali Derovan - Head of the Aliyah Guidance Division of Nefesh B’Nefesh – 1:41:15 Conclusions and Takeaways – 2:04:31 מראי מקומות
June 19 · 2 hr 13 min - HH
6/13/26 – Shiur 563 –Modern Orthodox, Dati Leumi, and Charedi: Are the Differences Halachic or Hashkafic?
Is “Dati Leumi” in Israel the same as “Modern Orthodox” elsewhere? Is “Chareidi” in Israel the same as “Yeshivish” elsewhere? What are their respective views of secular studies, engaging in the modern world, and serving in the IDF? What are the most common misperceptions each has of the other, and what can each learn from the other? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz – posek, Rav and Senior Lecturer at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach – 11:14 with Jonathan Rosenblum – Mishpacha Columnist and author – 40:02 with Rabbi Moshe Taragin – Ram at Yeshivat Har Etzion, Gush Etzion, Israel – 1:02:02 https://www.mtaraginbooks.com/ Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:56:37 מראי מקומות
June 12 · 2 hr 4 min - HH
6/6/26 – Shiur 562 – Shidduchim — What do you have to disclose? At what point does privacy become deception? At what point does “full disclosure” become cruelty, stigma, and impossible perfectionism?
A boy lost 150 pounds through Ozempic. Does he have to disclose? A girl struggles with anxiety and takes medication occasionally. Does she haveto disclose? At what stage? A boy has mild asthma controlled by an inhaler. Is that considered a medical condition requiring disclosure? A girl once had depression in college but has been stable for 5 years. Does “past history” need to be revealed? A boy’s father spent time in prison decades ago and completely rebuilt his life. Must that be disclosed to the other side? A girl has a sibling who left religion entirely. Is that relevant information or lashon hara? And much more…… with Rabbi Dovid Jaffee – Author, What Can I Say..Today, Maggid Shiur – 16:55 with Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Lowy – Rov of Agudas Yisrael Toronto' Renowned Mechaber Seforim and Poseik on Hilchos Loshon Hora – 46:09 with Rabbi Shlomo Goldberger – MSW, Former Executive Director of The Shidduch of Baltimore – 1:14:18
June 4 · 1 hr 47 min - HH
5/30/26 – Shiur 561 – Finances 101 – financial conflict in marriage
What financial conversations absolutely need to happen before a couple gets married — beyond just “how much money do we have”? What are the most common financial disagreements between couples? How can couples get control of their finances instead of constantly living “in the red”? When spouses come from very different financial backgrounds or mindsets, can those differences realistically be bridged? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder – Rosh Yeshiva at REITS – 9:30 with Mrs. Stacey Zrihen – Senior Director of Coaching for Living Smarter Jewish and Senior Financial Advisor for Achiezer – 34:02 with Mrs. Chani Juravel, LCSW – Author, lecturer and therapist – 1:03:50 with Rabbi Shimon Taub – Author, Laws of Tzedakah and Ma’aser – 1:35:56 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:53:01 מראי מקומות
May 26 · 2 hr 5 min - HH
5/16/26 – Shiur 560 – Hear the Skinny on Ozempic in Halacha
SCP Shavuos Challenge 5786 is here!🔥🎉 Sign up and download material here: Bit.ly/SCPchallenge with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Rov in Rannana, Founder of Semichas Chaver – 20:04 Is there an obligation to keep healthy? If yes what is the source? Does a spouse have a say in your health? Can you stop your spouse from donating a kidney etc? Can you take ozempic if isn't doesnt have enough testing what the long-term side effects can be? Or can it be taken even if it has doing some side effects? Are you allowed to cause damage to your body? Does it lengthen the time of Birchas Hamazon and every brocha Achrona because it takes longer to digest? Or vice versa if someone has quick digestion? Are you obligated in brocha achrona even less than a kzayis because it makes you full? Are you allowed to take on Yom Kippur even though it takes away ?עינוי Is there an issue of Refuah on Shabbos? Is there an issue of chilul shabbos with an injection? Do you have to disclose in Shidduchim? with Rabbi Shay Tahan – Rav, Cong. Ohel Moshe, Brooklyn, Dayan, Rosh Kollel Shaarei Ezra – 25:17 with Tanya Rosen – Founder Nutririon by Tanya – 52:12 מראי מקומות
May 15 · 1 hr 7 min - HH
5/9/26 – Shiur 559 – Are our young men and women "ready for marriage"? How are we preparing them and where are we failing them?
What does it mean to be “ready” for marriage? What’s currently taught to chassanim and kallos – and what’s still missing? Are too many singles entering marriage with unrealistic expectations? Which common marital struggles could be prevented through better preparation? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Yosef Greenfeld – Rav of the Chestnut Shul in Lakewood & Chosson teacher – 6:16 with Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman – psychologist & author of From Boys to Men – 34:08 with Mrs. Elisheva Liss – licensed marriage and family therapist, lecturer & author – 1:05:05 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:37:35 מראי מקומות
May 8 · 1 hr 46 min - HH
5/2/26 – Shiur 558 – What's new with Chodosh II – Is there room for leniency?
Find out from farmers what percent of grain in circulation is Chodosh How to practically keep Yoshon Can we rely on a dream of the Baal Shem Tov in Halacha? Is the dream accurate? What's called a Shaas Hadchak? Was the Heter only based on Shaas HaDchak? Does it make sense to be Machmir on Cholov Yisroel and be Meikel on Chodosh? Can you be Makpid on Chodosh only when you are home? And much more…… with Rabbi Mordechai Farkash – Chabad Shaliach, Rov and Poseik in Bellevue Washington – 24:25 with Rabbi Zalman Graus – Dayan for over 50 years, Formerly Magid Shiur in Belzer Yeshivah, Editor of Otzar HaPoskim, Mechaber Seforim: Habori Vehashemoh; Kol Boi on Eiruvin; Milim shel Halacha - A dictionary of Halachic Words and more – 50:49 with Mr. Randy Watson – Quality Control Stafford Mills – 1:06:09 with Rabbi Beirach Steinfeld – Rov of Khal Dover Tov in Flatbush and head of Khal Dover Tov Kashrus, Halacha Columnist – 1:19:13 with Rabbi Nechemia Salzman – Representative of Kemach – 1:32:54 מראי מקומות
May 1 · 1 hr 45 min - HH
4/25/26 – Shiur 557 –Can a non-profit (school, shul, etc.) be run for profit? Can it be treated as a family business?
Are there halachic caps or guidelines on salaries and benefits? Does nepotism ever become a legal or halachic problem? What constitutes "reasonable compensation" for operators of religious non-profits? Can money be taken out in indirect ways, such as consulting fees? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Chaim Kohn – founder of the Business Halacha Institute (“BHI”) and Av Beis Din – 10:20 with Mr. Raphael Grossman – C.P.A. representing individuals, families, corporations and numerous non-profits – 26:23 with Rabbi Jonathan (Yoni) Schick – president of GOAL Consulting Group – 50:50 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:05:58 מראי מקומות
April 24 · 1 hr 15 min - HH
4/18/26 – Shiur 556 – What's new with Chodosh - Facts on the ground | Why are people so lenient about a Din in the Torah?
Why do we rely on leniency these day when the Heter was due to שעת הדחק and we don't have a shortage of food? If the Heter is based on Safek, nowadays the Safek is verifiable and can't be relied upon If a store has information posted that it's not Yoshon - there's no Safek at all - what do people rely on? Why are people making on Stam Cholov which is maybe a Safek Derabbanan and not on this? If a person needed to eat because of פיקוח נפש and it was a question of הקל הקל תחלה should he eat Chodosh or drink Stam Cholov? People spend a lot of money and time checking vegtables for bugs which the obligation to check is Derabanan but blatantly eat Chodosh - why? Why are Chasidim so lenient - How does a story from the Baal Shem Tov uproot Halacha - even if it's true we go with halacha not stories - we can uproot all the Torah if it's controlled by stories not Halacha? Chassidim specifically love to quote Chasam Sofer "חדש אסור מן התורה" - when it comes to any slight deviance of Minhag or even culture - and חדש itself they don't care about? with Rabbi Menachem Genack – Leading poseik of the OU, Rov in Englewood – 17:35 with Rabbi Dovid Gorelik – Rabbinic Coordinator of the OU – 17:35 with Rabbi Yaakov Teichman – Head of OK Kosher – 43:43 מראי מקומות
April 17 · 1 hr 9 min - HH
4/11/26 – Shiur 555 – From the Shul to the Shelter: Rabbanim in Israel Reflect on Life During Wartime
How has the role of being a Rav changed due to the war? What should a shul’s policy be when a siren goes off during davening? How are people doing emotionally with the constant sirens, sleep deprivation and stress? What are the most interesting or unusual halachic questions that were asked during the war? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job Rabbi Avishai David – Rav of Kehillas Beis Tefillah Yonah Avraham – 12:00 Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb – Rav of Beis Kenesses Kol Eliyahu – 37:32 Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz – Rav of Ahavas Shalom – 56:35 Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer – Rav of Ohr Chadash – 1:18:51 Rabbi Shalom Rosner – Rav of Kehillas Ohel Efraim – 1:37:37 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:57:56 מראי מקומות
April 10 · 2 hr 6 min - HH
3/28/26 – Shiur 554 – What is a Neshamah Yeseirah, and do calories really not count on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Plus, join the Headlines 30-days exercise challenges!
Do we also receive a Neshamah Yeseirah on Yom Tov? Does it have any effect on our capacity to eat? Is there any medical or scientific basis for the claim that calories are “absorbed” by the Neshamah Yeseirah and therefore don’t count on Shabbos and Yom Tov? What are some practical ways to manage our eating on Pesach while still fully enjoying the Yom Tov? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen – Dean of Kinyan Hilchos Shabbos, author of 5 seforim – 14:14 with Dr. Diana (Miriam) Isaacs – Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Cleveland Clinic – 34:45 with Coach K – licensed social worker in New Jersey and Running Coach – 55:26 with Adam Ezekiel – certified fitness trainer and performance coach – 1:15:08 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:28:15 מראי מקומות Sign-up to jog or walk with Coach K at: https://www.runnergize.com/headlines Sign-up to exercise with Adam Ezekiel at: https://www.soulactive.health/30daychallenge
March 27 · 1 hr 39 min - HH
3/21/26 – Shiur 553 – Gambling in the Orthodox Community — What’s causing it, and can anything stop it? To what extent is gambling linked to following professional sports?
What makes gambling so alluring, and how widespread is it? To what extent is gambling linked to following professional sports? What strategies are effective in helping someone quit gambling? Should watching professional sports be banned? If a child uses a parent’s credit card to gamble without permission, is that considered stealing? Halachically speaking, is the parent responsible for charges made by the child? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz – Rav of Bais Haknesses of North Woodmere, Head of Semicha at RIETs – 18:06 with Dr. Jacob Freedman – psychiatrist, speaker and author – 48:02 with Menachem Poznanski, LCSW – Director of The Living Room – 1:04:36 with Ike Dweck – Founder and CEO of the Safe Foundation – 1:35:55 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:59:29 מראי מקומות
March 20 · 2 hr 7 min - HH
3/14/26 – Shiur 552 – Operation EPIC FURY in Halacha – Hear from boots on the ground
Does collateral damage in war have a limit – can you destroy a missile base that will kill many civilians in the town nearby. Can you hit a nuclear reactor that will contaminate millions? Are citizens who support the regime considered combatants? What Issurim can you be Doche because of mental health – using phones on Shabbos, or other electric devices that will calm them down? Does Iran have a Din of an active Rodef if it's only something in the future – they're in middle of making a nuclear bomb that won't be ready for another two years? Is it a Milchemes Mitzvah to start it on Shabbos ? Can you be Mechalel Shabbos for preventive action – such as attacking on Shabbos to preempt an act (Is it תלוי בהותרה או דחויה- smoking while driving a tank)? Do you have to go to a shelter (odds of getting hurt are very small)? Is a tank Chayuv in Mezuza? Can you make it into a Sukkah? Light Chanukah Neiros? Can you listen do the Megillah on zoom? And more.... with Rabbi Binyamin Zimmerman – Rosh Kollel of World Musmachim Semicha Kollel, Senior Educator at the Zomet Institute of Halacha and Technology, Captain (Res.) IDF Rabbinate – 19:17 with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Rov in Ranana, Founder and heaod of Semichas Chaver – 53:04 מראי מקומות
March 12 · 1 hr 13 min - HH
3/7/26 – Shiur 551 – Inside Orthodox Schools: Who gets hired, which students get admitted and who makes the decisions?
Can a family member who is less qualified be hired before a more qualified candidate? Must admissions be based on merit? When is nepotism allowed? Can the Menahel/Principal keep any donations (bribes?) made to him personally? What if they are non-monetary, like expensive liquor, a new megillah, etc. Can the son of the Menahel sell access to his father? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Eliezer Breitowitz – Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Toronto – 15:48 with Mr. Chaim Book – Senior Partner at Book Law LLP in New York – 48:30 with Benjamin A. Goldburd – Partner at Goldburd McCone LLP – 48:30 with Rabbi Jonathan (Yoni) Schick – president of GOAL Consulting Group – 1:15:20 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:33:54 מראי מקומות
March 5 · 1 hr 42 min