Shiurim

03/05/26 - SHIUR 551 (2,218 Downloads)

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?

02/27/26 - SHIUR 550 (19,128 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

How Mental Illness Can Wreck a Marriage and a Divorce

Is failure to disclose a significant personality disorder considered a mekach ta’us in marriage?
Are there halachos guiding how to treat one’s spouse during divorce, especially in high-conflict cases?
When is it appropriate to turn to secular courts during divorce proceedings – for example, to obtain a restraining order against a spouse?
Can refusal to go to the mikveh be considered a halachic violation when used as a tool in marital conflict?

02/12/26 - SHIUR 548 (22,060 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Semicha for Women? | Can a woman receive semicha and give halachic guidance?

Does the historical precedent against it prohibit change? Does is violate our Mesorah?

Is the Israeli Supreme Court’s push for women’s Rabbanut Semicha a religious goal or part of a broader feminist push?

02/05/26 - SHIUR 547 (21,208 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Mental Health Challenges of Boys in Yeshiva & Girls in Seminaries

How does coming to Israel for yeshiva and seminary affect a student’s mental health?

When do difficult emotional feelings cross the line from normal struggles to something that should be addressed?

Should a student who believes another is emotionally unstable report that behavior to the school administration?

What are the key similarities and differences in how boys and girls experience stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional pressures?

01/29/26 - SHIUR 546 (22,498 Downloads)

The Ban on AI – Why was it banned? | Will Artifical Intelligence ever replace Rabbonim? When perfected will you be able to rely on AI for Psak?

Do you need a human mind for Psak?
Do you need Shimush?
Do you need human emotion for Psak?
Can a computer be called שופט שבימיך?
And much more……
Why would there be a Kol Korah against AI?

01/22/26 - SHIUR 545 (21,248 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Join the Headlines $3,000 challenge – Solutions to Break the Phone Habit

What practical strategies can help us reduce phone usage and establish healthy boundaries?
Does someone need to stop usage fully or can partial solutions be effective?
What behaviors can we change in as little as thirty days? Does it last?

To sign up for the Headlines “30-day Phone Challenge”: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EAGHMhEm2mQ4ilA7FTNXby

To donate for Rav Zev Leff’s Haggada Set – https://pay.banquest.com/mchonkisveiravzevleff; for donations in Israel https://nedar.im/BGEu; for more information contact Shimon Leff at leffshimon@gmail.com

01/15/26 - SHIUR 544 (20,056 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Breaking the Phone Habit – From Compulsion to Conscious Use

· Can a cellphone be used in shul for non-tefillah purposes?

· Does mindless scrolling on a phone constitute an issur of bitul zman?

· Is it preferable to daven from a physical siddur rather than from a phone?

· How do our phones affect our relationships with our spouse, children, and friends?

· What practical strategies can help us reduce usage and establish healthy boundaries?

01/09/26 - SHIUR 543 (20,394 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

How can you know an abuser (or other criminal) is no longer a threat? Is there a mitzvah of “Pidyon Shvuyim” to get a Jew out of jail when he was convicted of a crime?

Is it possible to determine that an abuser is no longer a risk? What’s the success rate of treating serious abusers?
Why do community leaders sometimes advocate for the early release of an abuser?
How does halacha view cases where a Jewish prisoner receives a disproportionate sentence?
Should the community celebrate someone’s release from prison?

12/18/25 - SHIUR 540 (22,082 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

“Leil Shishi” & Friday “To’ameha” – Do they enhance Shabbos or detract from it?

What draws men to these gatherings?
How do they impact the home — especially when alcohol is involved?
What is the halachic basis for tasting food before Shabbos?
What are the halachic concerns with entering Shabbos intoxicated or eating too close to Shabbos?
What should an ideal Erev Shabbos look like?

12/12/25 - SHIUR 539 (22,018 Downloads)

Narco Terrorist being blown out of the water – How does the Torah view it ? | The fascinating saga of the Bochurim in Japan | Dealing with suicide in our community

Does a person smuggling in drugs have a Din of a Rodef?
Should you report someone who’s trying to sell drugs in the community?
Should you report someone giving out alcohol irresponsibly?
What to be aware of when someone asks you to take a package?
What causes suicide in our community?
How common is it?

12/04/25 - SHIUR 538 (20,198 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Ponevezh Yeshiva: Understanding the Machlokes and is it finally over?

How common are controversies over leadership in the Litvish yeshiva system? Is the Ponevezh controversy unique?
What were the main points of the machlokes and how did they develop?
Who halachically owns assets donated to a yeshiva — the Rosh Yeshiva, the fundraiser, or the institution itself?
When, if ever, may a yeshiva bring a dispute to secular arbitration or secular court rather than to Beis Din?

11/27/25 - SHIUR 537 (20,148 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Sacred Roles, Serious Risks: When Rabbis, Male Therapists, and Kiruv Professionals Work With Women

What are the primary risks and the necessary gedarim?
May a Rabbi teach Torah to women or girls? What about one-on-one?
How should one handle a situation where women attending a class are not dressed modestly?
What can be done about predators who exploit those they are being mekareiv?

11/20/25 - SHIUR 536 (26,130 Downloads)

Chareidim in the IDF – Now that there’s Frum Battalions is it an obligation to join? – Hear from the inside!!!

Now that there’s a Frum brigade what’s the justification of Frum people at least who aren’t learning not to go to the army?
If there’s a shortage of soliders why wouldn’t yeshiva bochurim be obligated to join – isn’t Pikuach Nefesh Doche the whole Torah?
If the Frum will become a majority in the country what will you do then?
If Torah obligates hishtadlus, what is the minimum practical hishtadlus a nation must take to prevent harm? Can tefillah alone replace defensive capability?
If the IDF ceased to exist tomorrow, what do you realistically foresee happening to Jewish cities like Bnei Brak, Ashdod, or Yerushalayim?

11/13/25 - SHIUR 535 (17,008 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Online Dating in the Orthodox World

How common is online dating in the Yeshivish community? What about Modern Orthodox?
Is it ever acceptable to adjust your age, height, or weight on a dating profile?
Should men and women post profile photos, and what are the concerns?
Is using an older photo to appear younger misleading?
What are the halachos of leaving feedback or “reviews” for shadchanim or daters?

11/06/25 - SHIUR 534 (20,868 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Bullying by children and adults – Who Bullies? Who Gets Bullied? How Should It Be Handled?

Why does bullying happen, and who is most at risk?
How should victims respond, and what are the best ways for families, teachers, and community leaders to intervene?
How should the bullies themselves be dealt with?
What practical strategies can we employ to prevent abuse and foster respect?

Please donate to the 10 orphans of the Makeler family in Rechovot, Israel https://www.charidy.com/keren375?2

10/23/25 - SHIUR 532 (19,348 Downloads)

Men & Women Working Together: The Frum Woman’s Perspective: | Risks, Concerns, and Practical Solutions

What’s the proper way to interact with male colleagues?
How should a frum woman dress in the workplace?
How do Heimish workplaces compare to secular ones?
How should a woman respond to uncomfortable moments – like a handshake or a hug?
Should she attend office events, parties, and social gatherings?

10/17/25 - SHIUR 531 (22,880 Downloads)

Men & Women in a Mixed Workplace: What Are the Risks? Can We Stay Separate While Working Together? | Plus, Thoughts and Memories in Tribute to Rabbi Moshe Hauer, EVP of the OU

What are the risks and halachic concerns of a mixed gender workplace?
Should conversations be limited to only what’s necessary for work?
Can first names be used?
What if a woman extends her hand to shake hands with a man?
How can couples protect their shalom bayis when one spouse works in a mixed environment?

09/18/25 - SHIUR 529 (21,780 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur Special: Making 5786 into “The Year”

What’s your favorite Devar Torah for the Yamim Noraim?
How can we make our Kabbalos last – and what really works?
What’s the most powerful lesson you’ve learned this past year?
What do you hope to carry forward into the year ahead?

09/11/25 - SHIUR 528 (20,404 Downloads)

“The Voice of Awe” – Halachic Debates on Chazanus and the Yamim Noraim

When does chazanus cross into tircha d’tzibburah?
Can a chazan use popular tunes, repeat words, or sing with a choir?
Should a professional chazan be hired for the Yamim Noraim, or is simplicity preferred?
Is chazanus an ideal form of avodas Hashem — or is it frowned upon?
What are the qualifications required of a Yamim Noraim chazan?

08/28/25 - SHIUR 526 (22,354 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

The “Epstein Files” – Do we have the right to know if someone is a threat to our community —whether a pedophile, abuser, or swindler?

What level of proof is required before sounding the alarm?
When risks are identified, should they be broadcast widely, or kept within a limited circle?
What happens when victims are silenced, ignored, or when abuse is covered up?
How can we, as a community, ensure that abuse is never minimized or swept under the rug?
What role do journalists, news outlets, and podcasts play in exposing the truth and safeguarding the public?

08/21/25 - SHIUR 525 (22,058 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

UnKosher Competition – The Four Halachic Red Lines in Business You Can’t Cross | Rabbi Berel Wein ZT”L – never published interview | The Headlines Quit Smoking Challenge

When is it prohibited to interfere with someone else’s pending transaction? (“Ani Hamehapech B’chararah”)

When is it prohibited to capitalize on someone else’s groundwork? (“Ani Hamenakef”)

Beis Din in Action:
• Outbidding someone for an apartment
• Poaching a long-term client
• Taking a business idea and running with it

08/04/25 - SHIUR 523 (25,374 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Tznius Standards: Clear Halacha or Personal Interpretation? What’s Required and Why It’s Being Ignored

What are the minimum requirements of Tznius when it comes to women’s dress?
Are the reactions by girls/women when taught Hilchos Tznius any different than for Hilchos Shabbos and the like?
What specific things are more difficult for certain women to be responsive to?

How should Hilchos Tznius be taught so that it will be accepted?
Can up to a Tefach be shown? Long skirts worn? Denim clothing? Slits in skirts?
Should shul Rabbanim speak up against the lack of modest dress and prohibited interactions between the genders?

07/24/25 - SHIUR 522 (22,654 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Smoking and vaping – Is there any heter? What do smokers rely on?

Do any contemporary Poskim permit smoking?
Is vaping halachically better than smoking?
What’s the argument that smoking is permitted?
What are the risks of second-hand smoking and vaping?
If someone already smokes, do they need to quit?
How far must a smoker distance himself from others?

07/17/25 - SHIUR 521 (27,720 Downloads)

Jew vs. Jew: The Housing Fight Tearing Rockland Apart

Is it permissible according to Halacha to establish communal guidelines or enactments that restrict the sale or purchase of homes within a defined radius of the community?
May a Jew purchase property in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood with the intent to rent it out to non-Jews?
Does it matter what type of tenants are placed in the property—for example, individuals of questionable character, multiple families, or undocumented immigrants?
If such tenants are likely to negatively impact the spiritual atmosphere of the neighborhood, is that a legitimate halachic concern that should be weighed?
Can one invoke the principle of kim li in a way that causes harm to others—for instance, to justify behavior that may otherwise be morally questionable?

07/10/25 - SHIUR 520 (21,892 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

When is competition allowed and when does it violate “Hasagas Gevul”?

Can a second business open up next to another and compete?
What if the second business will hurt or destroy the first business?
What does a Beis Din do when potential Hasagas Gevul issues come before it?
How does Hasagas Gevul apply in our modern, large cities nowadays?
Is the prohibition of Hasagas Gevul only on the new competitor, or also on those who purchase from him?

07/03/25 - SHIUR 519 (25,868 Downloads)

Hashgacha Pratis: is Hashem watching over you every minute..

The Shitos in the Rishonim
The Baal Shem Tov and the Gra’s Shita
If you hold like the Rambam and the Ramban’s Shita are you an Apikorus according to the Gra and Baal Shem Tov
Is Hashem busy with the animal kimgdom?
Can you do something to someone if it wasn’t preordained?
Why do bad things happen in the world?
What’s the point of Hishtadlus if everything is preordained?
What does Hester Panim mean?

06/26/25 - SHIUR 518 (21,670 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Into the Danger Zone? The risks of being in Israel during a time of war. When is risk-taking permitted?

Can you visit Israel during a war due to the danger?
How do hospitals deal with patients during missile alerts?
Is there an obligation to go to a bomb shelter while you are learning Torah?
Is it permitted to travel to and from Israel via Egypt, Jordan or Cyprus when Ben Gurion Airport is closed?
Can someone in Yerushalayim travel to Bnei Brak or Tel Aviv where it’s more dangerous?

06/19/25 - SHIUR 517 (22,704 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

The “Iran War” – on the Halachic Frontlines

Is it prohibited to go to Minyan when the “Home Front Command” and Chief Rabbis say not to go?
Can you carry a phone on Shabbos to hear the warnings of incoming missiles?
Can you leave on the news (radio, TV, Internet) on Shabbos to hear what’s going on?
Should we say Hamapil before sleep, since we may need to immediately head to the bomb shelter?
Do you need to wash Netilas Yadayim before heading to a bomb shelter in the middle of the night?
Does the IDF need to be concerned that the bombing of nuclear reactors could cause “collateral damage” to millions of Iranian citizens?
What’s life like right now living in Israel with regular Iranian missile attacks?

06/11/25 - SHIUR 516 (26,122 Downloads)

The irreligious and Yayin Nesech: Clearing up common misconceptions

Why is wine touched by a non-Jew prohibited? Does this prohibition apply to a non-Jew who’s not an idol worshipper?
Is this extended to a nonreligious Jew who doesn’t keep Shabbos?
What is the status of someone who desecrates Shabbos but goes to shul or makes Kiddush?
What is the law of someone who’s embarrassed to desecrate Shabbos in front of a prominent person?
Do you need witnesses to testify in front of Beis Din to deem someone a Mechalel Shabbos?
Are you allowed to give non-religious Jews wine for them to drink?
Does touching a bottle of wine prohibit the wine?

05/29/25 - SHIUR 515 (23,990 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Is A Psychedelic Trip the Derech HaShem?

Is using psychedelic drugs to get close to Hashem a Mitzvah or Aveira?
What about for therapeutic and recreational purposes?
How do psychedelics affect people and what are the side effects?
Are people in the frum world really using these drugs and, if so, how broadly?
How should we think about Rabbanim who use – and advise others to use – psychedelics?

05/22/25 - SHIUR 514 (19,954 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Should Boys and Girls Turn to Friends for Dating Advice? Is it Helpful or Harmful?

Should a boy consult with his friends, like his roommate or chavrusa, if they think he should date a given girl?
Is there a problem discussing the attractiveness of a potential Shidduch with friends?
Have promising Shidduchim been ruined by what friends have said?
Should parents be involved in the Shidduch process? And, what if the child does not want his/her parents involved?

The Semichas Chaver Shavuos program with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht https://bit.ly/SCPchallenge

05/16/25 - SHIUR 513 (24,364 Downloads)

When One Spouse Becomes Less Religious or Irreligious

Can we trust the wife she did zayin nekiiim and went to the mikvah?
Can we trust their kashrus if they say things are kosher or they didn’t make the utensiks treif?
Does their food have a din of פת עכו”ם ובישול עכו”ם?
Is the wine they touch יין נסך?
Can we serve them food knowing they won’t make a brocha or wah their hands – לפני עור?
Things they cooked on Shabbos is it Assur like ?מעשה שבת
If they have chametz in the house on Pesach do you have to get rid of it?
Is it Assur because of חמץ שעבר עליו הפסח?
Making Brochos if they aren’t dressed properly?
If they want to send the childrens to ireligous schools, camps etc
Can you impose your chumros on your spouse?

05/08/25 - SHIUR 512 (22,654 Downloads)

How easy is it to “hit it big”? What are the pitfalls of starting your own business?

Is the belief among Yeshiva bochurim that making money is easy — fact or fiction?
According to Halacha, what happens when business partners fail to discuss equity upfront?
What if one partner works harder or originally came up with the business idea — how should that be handled?
Can you start your own business while working for someone else — and what if it’s competitive?
What does it really take to succeed as an entrepreneur?

05/01/25 - SHIUR 511 (20,792 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Fraud in Frum Clothing: The Conspiracy Against Eretz HaKodesh. When the Conservative Movement infiltrated the Chareidi world — what really happened?

Did Conservative activists violate Geneivas Daasand Lashon Hara by secretly steering the WZO election?
Is it ethical for Chareidi media to be paid to promote an anti-Eretz HaKodesh agenda?
Should frum magazines vet who’s behind their ads?
Can you trust a “Psak” when you don’t know the full story?
How should our leaders respond now that the truth is out?
What are the long-term political risks for the Chareidi community?

You can order “Halachic Q & A on the Job” at https://mosaicapress.com/product/halachic-q-a-on-the-job/

04/24/25 - SHIUR 510 (24,050 Downloads)

Revisiting the WZO controversy | The Tzedaka Generation – But what are our priorities?

What’s the difference between this and joining the Knesset?
Why’s this difference than the Moetzes pushing Avi Schnall to run specifically as a democrat?
Is this the old age Hashkafic Machlokes between Satmar and Brisk VS the Agudah?
Why did they stop second Seder in BMG for a political rally?

Have we lost our priorities to the glitz and the glamor?
Are we giving large glamorous Tzedakahs at the expense of our local institutions?
Should you give money to an out-of-town Yeshiva or Kollel when your son’s Yeshivah can’t make its budget?
Should we be sending our daughters to seminaries due to the tuition prices?
How much does a Frum Family need today to get by?

04/10/25 - SHIUR 509 (22,506 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

“Free Money” – Taking money from the government (food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, etc.) to stay in Kollel

Is it permitted to not disclose off-the-books income when applying for government benefits?
What if there’s a colorable argument that you fit the criteria? Is that enough?
Are there any Heterim to take funds when you don’t fit the eligibility requirements?
Is putting yourself in a position that you need to take money from the government allowed? Is it le’chatchila to take government assistance in order to stay in Kollel?
Is it a chilul Hashem if many frum people receive government assistance, when it’s not intended for those who can work?

04/03/25 - SHIUR 508 (18,466 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

What does “Daas Torah” really mean and does it have anything to do with the WZO Election?

What is Zionism? Did it accomplish its goal? Is it good or bad for Jews?
Assuming Zionism is wrong, can you vote in the WZO election?
What’s the history of the concept of “Daas Torah” and what does it mean? When did the phrase and concept come into being?
Why would one Gadol say it’s mutar to participate in the WZO election and another say it’s totally assur?

You can order “Halachic Q & A on the Job” at https://mosaicapress.com/product/halachic-q-a-on-the-job/

03/28/25 - SHIUR 507 (29,620 Downloads)

The YU Settlement: Does the Torah agree to it? | How to prevent children from being left in cars

What is it?
Does the Torah agree to it?
Can we have groups in our yeshivos that we are forced to have or is it better to close down?
Do ends justify the means? Joining up with Ovrei Aveira
Is it diffrent than sitting on the Knesset or the WZO?
Should we have public forums talking about our Yetzer Hora?

03/17/25 - SHIUR 506 (22,834 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

The Battle over the Character of Israel – supporting progressive values or supporting Torah. How to handle Reform Judaism’s attacks against Torah observance

What is the WZO and why is the current election important?
How do the Mizrachi and Eretz Hakodesh parties differ?
How should we relate to Reform and Conservative Jews? Open Orthodoxy?
What lawsuits have the Reform Movement filed against Chareidim, and what’s their motivation?

02/27/25 - SHIUR 504 (17,598 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

Hamas’ (and Iran’s) depravity – when our enemies know no limits: Should We? Do we need to act morally when dealing with an immoral enemy?

What does Hamas hope to accomplish with their psychological warfare?
Should we be swapping live Hamas terrorists for the bodies of captives?
Does international law or world opinion halachically govern how the IDF acts?
Do the Laws of War (e.g., avoid non-combatants) mean that you can never use a weapon of mass destruction?

You can pre-order “Halachic Q & A on the Job” at https://mosaicapress.com/product/halachic-q-a-on-the-job/

02/20/25 - SHIUR 503 (16,712 Downloads) Hosted By: Rabbi Ari Wasserman

“Recharging Ambition”: How We Can Inspire an Un-Motivated Generation

Is it stealing from your Kollel or employer if you regularly come late?
How hard do you need to work on the job?
Can you take personal phone calls, check the news, order your groceries, etc. while on the clock?
Does this impact Shalom Bayis, divorce rates, shmiras ha’mitzvos and hasmada in Torah learning?
How do we motivate those who don’t have motivation?

You can pre-order “Halachic Q & A on the Job” at https://mosaicapress.com/product/halachic-q-a-on-the-job/

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