Best Responsa Podcasts (2025)

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Can I Lead Prayer if I Don't Believe in God? 44:06

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8d ago44:06

44:06

What does it mean to serve as shaliach tzibbur—the representative of a community in prayer—if you struggle with belief in God? This episode explores the halakhic and theological dimensions of a question that sits at the heart of Jewish spiritual life. Does disbelief disqualify someone from leading davening, or does the act of prayer itself create a…

1
History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Slobodka - December 23 1:40:22

2d ago1:40:22

1:40:22

History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Slobodka - December 23 - Dec 23, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

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Hakirah Article: R' Soloveitchik on Torah U-Madda Compared to R' Hirsch. Suicides. Importance of Women Poskim. R' Menashe Klein – Answering Questions Via Telephone. R' Yosef Eliyahu Henkin: His Life in ... 1:38:54

4d ago1:38:54

1:38:54

Hakirah Article: R' Soloveitchik on Torah U-Madda Compared to R' Hirsch. Suicides. Importance of Women Poskim. R' Menashe Klein – Answering Questions Via Telephone. R' Yosef Eliyahu Henkin: His Life in Europe, His Move to the US, and His Uniqueness - Dec 21, 2025 - Torah im Derech Eretz - Yocheved Friedman, Hakirah 37: Why it is hard to find precis…

1
Can We Have Joint/Group Aliyot? 44:31

15d ago44:31

44:31

I recently started attending a shul that gives joint aliyot. What, if any, are the halakhic issues with two people receiving an aliyah at the same time? Do any of the issues rise to the level that I should privately request only solo aliyot from the gabbai, or perhaps even ask not to receive an aliyah at all? Have a question you'd like answered on …

1
Can We Add Aliyot to the Torah Reading? 37:22

23d ago37:22

37:22

I am starting an adult b'nai mitzvah program this year and will be holding a Shabbat morning service for the students in the program. I have twelve students participating and am trying to figure out a way to give them each an individual aliyah. Is it permissible to add aliyot in order to do so? If so, would you repeat an aliyah or divide the aliyot…

1
Rav Rakeffet with Rav Yosef Mendelevich — A Discussion with Rav Yosef and a Book Launch. 1:16:48

25d ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Rav Rakeffet with Rav Yosef Mendelevich — A Discussion with Rav Yosef and a Book Launch. - Dec 1, 2025 - A Discussion with Rav Yosef about his experiences as a Prisoner of Zion in the Soviet Union. And a Book Launch of Rav Yosef's new book in English on the lives of the Jewish Cantonists in the Army of the Russian Czar.…

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R' Menashe Klein, Mishneh Halakhot: Studying Halakhah is Far Superior to Studying Analysis. Implications of the Concept that Angels Teach the Embryo. The Reasons a Rav Must Not Answer a Halakhic Question ... 1:37:41

26d ago1:37:41

1:37:41

R' Menashe Klein, Mishneh Halakhot: Studying Halakhah is Far Superior to Studying Analysis. Implications of the Concept that Angels Teach the Embryo. The Reasons a Rav Must Not Answer a Halakhic Question He Receives via Telephone - Only in Person. - Nov 30, 2025 - Uri Ilan: "I did not betray." Suicides, Charedi in particular. R' Menashe Klein, Mish…

1
Can I Get a Reiki Treatment? 40:07

30d ago40:07

40:07

I occasionally get a massage. Recently, there was a change in massage therapists. The new therapist emphasized that she uses Reiki, which is concentrating an energy field to help in healing. I mentioned this to a friend who is very knowledgeable in Reiki, and she mentioned that Reiki is an independent, sentient entity with volition and intelligence…

1
The Mussar Movement. R' Nosson Tzvi Finkel: The Alter of Slabodka. Descriptions of his Interactions With Others Within the Mussar Movement. Problems With the Mussar Concept and How it Functioned. Creation ... 1:41:06

1M ago1:41:06

1:41:06

The Mussar Movement. R' Nosson Tzvi Finkel: The Alter of Slabodka. Descriptions of his Interactions With Others Within the Mussar Movement. Problems With the Mussar Concept and How it Functioned. Creation of Slabodka Yeshiva and How the Alter Ran It. - Nov 24, 2025 - Slabodka is a suburb of Kovno. The controversy over Mussar. Torah was not given to…

1
R' Menashe Klein, Mishneh Halakhot: 12:128: The Cause of Unhappiness Among Bnei Torah is Poverty. R' Menashe Explains Why Talmidei Chakhamim Should Take Money at This Point in History as Opposed to in ... 1:44:19

1M ago1:44:19

1:44:19

R' Menashe Klein, Mishneh Halakhot: 12:128: The Cause of Unhappiness Among Bnei Torah is Poverty. R' Menashe Explains Why Talmidei Chakhamim Should Take Money at This Point in History as Opposed to in the Past. Concept of Eit La'asot La-Hashem. - Nov 23, 2025 - R' Jay Marcus: His impact on Torah in Staten Island & his creation of Yeshivat Reishit. …

1
What Is the Scope of Pikuach Nefesh (Can I File a Death Penalty Appeal on Shabbat)? 36:38

1M ago36:38

36:38

I am an attorney currently working on a death penalty appeal on behalf of a convicted client. We have a brief in the case due on a Friday, and I lined up assistance from non-Jewish colleagues in case the brief isn’t ready when Shabbat starts. Was that necessary here, given that I am trying to prevent an execution and save a life? Are there any circ…

1
History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Slabodka - November 18 1:35:57

1M ago1:35:57

1:35:57

History of Eastern European Yeshivot - Slabodka - November 18 - Nov 18, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

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R' Menashe Klein: Should One Devote One's Life to Studying Torah or Teaching Torah to Others and Influencing Others? Mishneh Halachos 12:129. Answering the Phone in the Beit Midrash. 12:128 The Cause ... 1:43:43

1M ago1:43:43

1:43:43

R' Menashe Klein: Should One Devote One's Life to Studying Torah or Teaching Torah to Others and Influencing Others? Mishneh Halachos 12:129. Answering the Phone in the Beit Midrash. 12:128 The Cause of Unhappiness Among Bnei Torah. - Nov 16, 2025 - Is the ideal shul rabbi a great scholar or one who gives great sermons? R' Melamed's article about R…

1
What Does Halakhah Have to Say About Plasma Donation? 41:55

1M ago41:55

41:55

Can one sell their plasma for export? The US is a major player in this field of plasma export. Does Halacha say anything relevant about this? Are there any specific considerations about use of blood? And do we need to take into account the risk of taking advantage of desperate people, who may not really be doing this voluntarily? Have a question yo…

1
YAKAR. Event Memory Within the Framework of the Mussar Movement. R' Nosson Tzvi Finkel: The Alter of Slabodka. Descriptions and Short Biographies of Some of His Many Students. 1:39:51

1M ago1:39:51

1:39:51

YAKAR. Event Memory Within the Framework of the Mussar Movement. R' Nosson Tzvi Finkel: The Alter of Slabodka. Descriptions and Short Biographies of Some of His Many Students. - Nov 11, 2025 - Effy Hochstein's bus ride. R' Moshe Hauer, zt"l: His influence & role in OU. R' Yaacov Kopul Rosen. His son Michael opens YAKAR. The Rav on Xmas trees. The t…

1
Responsa - November 9 1:58:53

2M ago1:58:53

1:58:53

Responsa - November 9 - Nov 9, 2025 -By Rakeffet-Rothkoff, Rabbi Dr. Aaron

1
How Do I Dispose of Christian Religious Items After I Convert? 31:45

2M ago31:45

31:45

I grew up in a very religious Catholic family and attended Catholic schools through college. Through my upbringing, I accumulated a number of rosaries, bibles, and other accoutrements. When I started converting, I took all these things and put them in a box. My family is no longer religious whatsoever and also has no use for them. I didn't want to …

1
Can I Attend a Wedding in a Church? 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

A close friend is getting married in a church and I'm very conflicted about what to do. I have always avoided entering churches as I was taught that this was forbidden. But I feel terrible skipping my friend's wedding. What are the relevant halakhic considerations and sources? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at respo…

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

7M 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

7M 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
Minor Fast Days 36:42

7M 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

7M 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
Can I Bring in a Second Day of Yom Tov Early? 31:30

7M 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
Can I Say the Names of Other Gods? 38:51

8M 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
Should I Purchase Life Insurance? 30:25

8M 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
Suicide and Burial 43:51

8M 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
Which Direction Should I Face During Prayer? 40:50

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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].

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

9M 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

9M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

12M 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

12M 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

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y ago44:51

44:51

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

1
Can I Use Generative Artifical Intelligence? 43:27

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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

1+ y 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].…