Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi – Uses this whole lecture to answer several common halachic questions both about what is permitted and not permitted on Shabbat and at other times as well. Some have very short answers, others the Rabbi gives more background. Good Q&A video for reference.
0:00 The Gemara says there is a kosher way to have any enjoyment in the world. How does that apply to the sin adultery? 1:40 Where will be the safest place to be during the war of Gog HaMagog? 8:55 If the Torah is infinite how can it be confined to a Sefer Torah/Tanach/Gemara which are finite? 15:05 Does Hashem care if we follow every intricate detail of the halacha? 29:35 If all blessing for the world comes through Shabbos, how do those who don’t keep Shabbos receive that blessing? 31:27 Why are some poskim against wearing Sheitels? 38:40 Why do people need to daven? Many Jews and gentiles who don’t pray are still successful, and it seems that the overall success rate is relative the same between someone who davens and someone who does not. 42:35 What does that mean that Eliyahu Navi didn’t die? 46:10 What is the Jewish perspective on exercise? 49:12 Why does Hashem give us test that he knows we will not be able to pass? 51:21 Does bitachon mean only good things happen when you trust in Hashem? 55:37 In Iggeret Haramban, it says to honor wealthy person? Why? 1:00:52 How to advise a woman who becomes depressed during and after pregnancy? 1:04:13 How to look at and perceive the mayoral election in NYC? 1:08:16 Are the Avot considered the bnei Noah and can a Kohen go to Kever Machpelah? 1:13:03 Why do we hold the Akedat Yitzchak in such high regard, when it is just simply a command of Hashem? 1:14:10 Does Rabbi have any word about the passing Rabbi Ezra Neuberger ZT’L? 1:16:15 Is it good for the Jewish people to have a uniform? 1:22:00 Why do some people have long beards, but have short peyot? 1:24:00 Where does the concept of cutting a child’s hair at 3 years old come from? 1:28:15 Does the concept of a “goyish” style of music exist, and if so, why and how does it work? 1:34:05 Can we learn from Avraham’s battle with the five Kings that when we have close friend in trouble that doesn’t involve us that we should involve ourself to help them?
📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs.
Rabbi Breitowitz – Would Hashem want one to interrupt his tefilahs when an ani approaches him for tzedakah? Also, if one is done praying what are his requirements to answer the prayers of the next upcoming minyan.
Do we have to be careful on Sun-Tues not to michshol secular Jews who don’t say havdala in being mehalal Shabbat mederabban?
Rabbi Breitowitz – Shares various halachos (Jewish laws) as they pertain to the following topics with their time stamp in the video:
0:00 Explanation of pardes 2:35 is there a halachic basis for tucking out tzitzit as being gaivadic 4:50 what is gehenom like, does saying Kaddish do anything for a neshama that’s already in olam haba 15:45 who is qualified to receive nevuah, are gerim eligible 21:45 what Torah laws are assur for goyim to keep, are they allowed to enforce halachic observance on Jews 30:00 since limud Torah is so excluded, why are women excluded and why are there discrepancies in learning talent 40:00 what criteria did Hashem use for selecting Bilam and Moshe 45:50 how do kiruv leaders of Jewish co-ed camps best maintain their shomer einayim and kedusha onsite 56:20 can you explain the vilna gon in saying that Torah will strengthen midot 1:00:40 why did Rav Ovadia matir heter mechira given that it is assur for non-Jews to own land in Eretz Yisrael 1:04:25 can you explain the recent daf yomi gemera instructing the right way to learn Torah 1:10:00 may Benei Torah maintain close friendships with non-Jews, does the sin of intermarriage apply to non-Jews 1:13:50 advice for Baal tshuvas struggling in conformity within the litvish system 1:18:40 is there anything going on today like a student initiative in Harvard 40 years ago in which married frum couples invited non religious students to their Shabbat meals 1:20:35 what’s the Halacha if a Jew is forced to do avodah Zara and he does so without kavanah
Rabbi Breitowitz – It is appropriate to answer lachiam after savri maranan during kiddush? Rabbi Breitowitz answers the difference between Sefardi and Ashkenazi for this topic.
Rabbi Dovid Gottleib – Answers various questions from Ohr Sameach students about Jewish Philosophy. One question in particular around the 14:00 minute mark of the video, focuses on what Rabbi Dessler says that there are the goals that we are meant to achieve in this World and separately but obviously related are the means in which we are given to achieve those goals. Prayer can only be effective in the former and not the later – if we to divert ourselves for our primary goal/mission in life it won’t work but if we pray to be given the means to achieve the primary goal than those prayers are more likely to be answered.
Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky – Shares the concept of learning how to not focus on answering a question but on answering a questioner since each one has different motivations when asking questions. This helps us avoid getting stuck and stumbling at best and confrontational at worst. Good tips for Rabbis and regular folks alike.
Rabbi Breitowitz – Interesting Q&A sessions including answering questions like:
What is Karet (excision of the soul)? Including the machloket (disagreement) about what it actually means. (time stamp 31:55)
What does it mean Derech Eretz Kadma L’Torah? (common decency before the Torah). It might be different than one might think. (time stamp 1:06:35)
Do we encourage people to convert who have a lot of opposition from their family? This also includes a Jew who is becoming more religious in opposition to their family. There are important sensitivities involved. (time stamp 1:19:11)
Did the holocaust lead to the State of Israel? (time stamp 1:27:20)
Rabbi Breitowitz – Shares some very important thoughts on these two questions that come up often for both newly religious and religious from birth folks. The Rabbi’s balanced and practical approach is not only appreciated by Jews looking to learn but helpful and inspiring in how we can apply it in the times we live in.
Rabbi Breitowitz – Answers several questions in this Q&A including the halachot of women’s modesty dress, the status of a fetus in the abortion debate, Rav Nachman of Breslov, and the halachot of serving in the Army.
