Should each of us be setting up Shidduchim? What are the biggest challenges and difficulties? Is the “shadchanus” fee only paid to a professional Shadchan, or even to beginners? What does the Shadchan need to do to earn the fee? Can you set up two non-observant Jews? One frum and one not frum? Two non-Jews? What advice do professional Shadchanim ha…

As the U.S. primary elections unfold, the issue of border security, particularly along the US-Mexico border, has taken center stage. Concerns about the number of people crossing the U.S. southern border illegally have prompted extreme and sometimes fatal measures by U.S. officials to curb the flow of migrants. How effective are these measures at sl…

Is it permitted, forbidden or a Mitzvah? Are you מקיים פריה וריבה? Does it exempt you from חליצה? Is there an issue of ניוול המת? Is there an issue of הנאה ממת? Is there an issue of ביטול מצוות קבורה? Are there any moral issues? with Rabbi Shlomo Brody – Renowned Lecturer and Author – 15:00 with Irit Rosenblum – Attorney, Founder & Executive Direct…

Yeshiva Bochurim in the IDF | Is it possible to be Frum in the IDF? Don’t we have an Achrayus הַאַחֵיכֶם יָבֹאוּ לַמִּלְחָמָה וְאַתֶּם תֵּשְׁבוּ פֹה? What difficulties – if any – do Frum soldiers face in the army? What would a Frum army look like? When a majority of Eretz Yisroel is Frum what will become of the army? with Rabbi..... – Rov, Talmid o…

As advances in technology continue to shape our world, understanding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, and digital privacy has never been more important. In this episode of then & now, we delve into the crucial intersection of technology, law, and policy with John Villasenor, a distinguished professor at UCLA and co-…

What are the biggest challenges, struggles and difficulties confronting our girls today? How have things changed over the years? Should money be given to children if they will use it for the wrong purposes? What’s the impact that technology/smartphones/social media is having on the girls? What solutions do we have to inspire girls today? ***Guest H…

What are the halachic obligations spouses have to each other? How does a relationship change over the course of a marriage? Are there differences in how to stay connected at the beginning of marriage, in the middle and later in life? What causes spouses to disconnect from each other? Can you reconnect once you have already disconnected? What’s the …

While the conflicts between Israel and Palestine and Russia and Ukraine are center-stage, the threat of nuclear weapons hovers ominously over our world. The recent release of the popular movie "Oppenheimer" reminds us of the extraordinary potency of nuclear weapons. Russia's aggression in Ukraine has raised concerns about its nuclear intentions, wh…

Hakaros Hatov to the soldiersBeing Mevaker Choleh soldiersBeing Menachem Avel these familiesSaying a Mi Shebeirach for the soliders with Rabbi Refoel Wolf – Gabbai of Reb Shach zt"l for over 30 years – 28:04 with Rabbi Yissocher Eichorn– Talmud Muvhak of Reb Meir Solovietchik zt"l, Rav of Kehilas Avreicihim in Yerushalayim, Mechaber Sifrei Pi Kohei…

What are the most common fears that people have? How do we get over those fears? What is “Jewish Mindfulness” and how can it help? What are the most common fears in dating and marriage? Can anxiety or OCD ever make a person patur from mitzvos? Is it permitted to take experimental/homeopathic/Chinese medication treatments? ***Guest Hosted by Ari Was…

How much should parents do for their children? What are parents’ financial obligations to their children? Is there a maximum? What causes a child to be spoiled? Is it detrimental to grow up with less than your peers? Do we need to treat all of our own children the same when buying them items? What are the implications of having a spoiled child when…

Abortion of a fetus conceived through rape Women tying tzitzis Sheva brachos without the chosson or kallah Returning home before Shabbos if one knows they will be called up on Shabbos Returning home while one's wife is niddah if he doesn't think he'll be able to withstand the temptation to hug A hug before a spouse leaves for battle if the wife is …

One of the most vexing social problems in U.S. society is our country’s healthcare system, which is wracked by rising costs, inequitable access, and manifold inefficiencies. Unlike Canada or a number of European countries, the United States has never adopted a single-payer system in which the government provides health insurance to all. Instead, it…

What’s currently causing us the most trauma? The war? The captives? Antisemitism? Something else? What’s the implication of not getting a body back from Hamas, and therefore no Kevura and no closure? Is hearing the news and looking at war images helpful or hurtful? How are students from out of Israel who are studying in Yeshivos and Seminaries in I…

How to handle the stress of having a close relative fighting in Gaza and the loss of a loved one killed in battle. Is there a halachic requirement that the IDF bury dead Hamas terrorists? Other Gazans? What are the IDF soldiers experiencing? What about their parents, wives, and close friends? Is it okay for soldiers to use the homes of Gazans witho…

On this episode of then & now, Middle East expert Aaron David Miller offers his perspective on the current state of affairs in Israel and Gaza after October 7, 2023 — and on the broader historical context of the explosion of violence in recent months. Drawing on his decades of service in the U.S. State Department, he also traces the arc of American…

Hear from the trenches – How are the Kehilos and families in Eretz Yisroel Managing with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Rav in Ranana, Head of Semichat Chaver Program, Head of Chevra Kadish in the IDF – 3:58 Shabbos: Is it permissible to place an order with one-day delivery on a Friday? If a package arrives on Shabbos, is it permissible to open and use i…

Is Hakaras Hatov a halachic requirement, or just a nice thing to do? Do we just feel gratitude, or do we need to say “thank you” or more? Historically, did the Gedolim show Hakaras Hatov towards the soldiers of the IDF? Why have a few Roshei Yeshiva said they are concerned about showing gratitude? If Torah learning protects, why does Israel need an…

Is there such a thing as the country of “Palestine”? What are the halachic borders of Israel? Is it mutar to give the Gaza Strip back now that Israel has retaken possession of it? Is there a mitzvah to be buried in Israel? To make Aliyah? To exhume a body to Israel? What does international law say about the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Golan Heights? …

Before WWII a lot of Gedolim were opposed to Zionism, what were their reasons? After the war did a lot of the attitudes switch? Why did they switch? Is Zionism a danger to religion nowadays?with Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro – Author of The Empty Wagon, A book against Zionism – 13:56with Rabbi Yehuda Geberer – Noted Historian – 53:33with Dr. Einat Wilf – Fo…

Is there a Torah idea called Daas Torah? Can it override doctors? Does the "Daas Torah" have to know the facts? Can it override Shulchan Aruch? Even if it's not in contradiction with Halacha, must we listen to it ? Is there such a thing as saying blanket statements without proofs that must be listened to? Are we supposed to be using our heads? If s…

In our final episode of 2023, we are sharing a recording of an event hosted by the UCLA History Department as part of the Why History Matters series. Labor movements have surged to the attention of the public over the past year, with the historic Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes at the beginning of the year as well as the United Auto Workers str…

What’s the original Samtar Rav’s argument against the State of Israel? Has the concept and definition of Zionism changed over time, and what does it mean today? How are Satmar and Neturei Karta similar, and how do they differ? Is there a prohibition of publicly going against the consensus view of Klal Yisrael? ***Guest Hosted by Ari Wasserman *** A…

Was the Rally in Washington correct? In Galus do we keep our heads low, or do we try to garner support? Do we do Hishtadlus or just Daven? Do we join in rallies with people who don’t have the same belief system as ours? Historically, what was the approach of the Gedolim? with Malcolm Hoenlein – Executive vice chairman of the Conference of President…

For this special episode, we are sharing a recording of a Zoom event hosted on November 21 by the UCLA Luskin Center for History and Policy. Featuring two UCLA history professors, Dr. James L. Gelvin and Dr. David N. Myers, this informational session explores the historical background to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, addressing questions such as: W…

Neturei Karta – Is Hatzalah allowed to save them on Shabbos? Does the conflict in Gaza qualify as a מלחמת מצוה according to הלכה? In this case, is there a duty for individuals to join from distant locations? Are students from ישיבות required to participate? Concerning unintended harm in warfare, such as civilian casualties: if a terrorist uses a ta…

Where did all of the antisemitism on university campuses come from? Should it be a concern to our community? Can anything be done? If a student is feeling threatened, when can he take off his Kippah? Tuck Tzitzis in? Remove a Mezuzah from his front door? What did Chazal mean when they said that it’s a “halacha” that Esav hates Yaakov? Are there any…

This episode of then & now features a conversation with the Reverend James Lawson, the legendary social justice activist who introduced the practice of non-violent action to the civil rights movement. The conversation takes up Rev. Lawson’s early years and encounters with racism in Massillon, Ohio; his exposure to the idea of non-violence through h…

Are you permitted to pay for captives more than their worth? Are you allowed to release terrorists in exchange for prisoners? Can you put other people’s lives in Sakanah to save a life? How many more deaths were caused historically by terrorosts released by prisoners swaps? Can you wage war to save hostages at the expense of more lives than the ost…

How are the Kedoshim being buried How to make a Kiddush Hashem in the army with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Head of Semichat Chaver, Rav of the Chevra Kadisha in the army – 13:26 Should we train people in every Shul to carry guns ? Should there be armed security guards in Shuls and schools? Are guns Muktza? Are you allowed to carry a gun in a place th…

On September 15, 2023, workers from the United Auto Workers union went on strike at Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis simultaneously, quickly expanding to include tens of thousands of workers at automobile factories throughout the United States. Founded by visionary and then UAW president Walter Reuther, At its founding, the union …

Sign up here to learn Mishnayos (בלי נדר) for the soldiers, injured and captives, by the 10th of Kislev, November 23rd: Mishnayos audios available here Do we need to worry about “collateral damage” when bombing Gaza? Can a Jewish doctor refuse to treat an injured terrorist? What does halacha say about having a death sentence for terrorists? Are pri…

Should we be sending our Bochurim to Yeshivos and our daughters to seminaries in Eretz Yisroel? Can a Doctor go to Eretz Yisroel to help the war effort How can we help the war effort from America? How should we act in such times? How do we show empathy with the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel Should we be toning down our simchas and lifestyle in general? H…

More than half the world’s population currently lives in cities, and current estimates suggest that by 2050 nearly 7 out of every 10 people will live in urban spaces. In an increasingly crowded and urbanized world, space has become a precious commodity. As a species, we seem drawn to cities, despite their obvious disadvantages. From the ancient cit…

Hilchos Daled Minim Common Shailos of Daled Minim Does spending a lof of money on an esrog take precedence over buying a wife a dress? With Rabbi Aharon Twerski – Rov Albert Shul in Lakewood – 25:38 How to shop for an Esrog What to look for when buying an Esrog? What’s the minimum to be Yotzei and what’s a Hiddur? What’s the difference between the …

Reports have emerged in recent weeks that a grave humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Nagorno-Karabakh, a contested region in present-day Azerbaijan that contains a large majority of Armenian residents. A prominent international lawyer, Luis Moreno Ocampo, in fact, maintains that “a Genocide is being committed” by Azerbaijani forces against Armenia…

What’s your favorite Yamim Noraim devar Torah? What’s your advice for improving ourselves? What’s worked for you? ***Guest Hosted by Ari Wasserman *** Author of "Making it Work", "Making it ALL Work" (for women) and 10 other Seforim, Maggid Shiur, Yerushalayim with Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein – popular teacher and prolific author – 16:57 with Rabbi Dr…

As we transition to our fourth season of "Then & Now", this episode features renowned Israeli human rights lawyer, Michael Sfard. He offers an analysis of Israel's current crisis of democracy, including the attacks on the judicial system and Supreme Court, and a wide contextual frame that extends back to 1948 and to the founding document of the sta…

If a person knows that he only if he Davens everything he won't have Kavanah & he Davens less he'll have can he skip anything? If yes which parts can he skip? If a person can't have Kavanah because he doesn't understand the language should he Daven in English? Should a person Daven at length at the expense of learning Torah? If a person can compose…

For what type of situations should you be calling Hatzalah. How should you call Hatzalah – with a shinui etc ? Can you turn on outside lights to make it easier for Hatzalah to identify the house? If you have to go to the hospital on Shabbos what do you have to know – what can you take clothes, phone, wallet etc? Is it better to go with Hatzalah or …

Following the recent destruction of the Kakhovka dam in the south of the country, the government of Ukraine accused Russia of the crime of “ecocide.” This term first surfaced in the 1970s in the context of the U.S. military’s use of Agent Orange in Vietnam. Since that time, the term has gained currency in international legal circles as a tool to fi…

Are there Halachos on how spouses should engage in conflict? Do men and women fight differently? What are the top 3 things men complain about regarding their wives and vice versa? Should conflict be avoided or embraced? What are effective methods to deal with conflicts? ***Guest Hosted by Ari Wasserman *** Author of "Making it Work", "Making it ALL…

Is having discriminatory school acceptance policies Halachically allowed? What damage are we doing to our children? Do we have a communal obligation to accept all children into schools? Is there a difference between a boys school and a girls school? Can schools force people to accept upon themselves Chumros, in order that their kids should be accep…

On June 29, 2023, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to end affirmative action for college admissions, stating that considering race as a factor was unconstitutional, while preserving ‘legacy’ admissions which often allow students of alumni entrance to prestigious institutions. Yet from the establishment of the first university in the United States, ra…

Kashrus on vacation: with Rabbi Sholom Fishbaine – Head of the CRC – 18:29 What can you buy in a store without a Hechsher? Halachos of Cholov Stam Summer Tznius Halachos: with Rabbi Gideon Weitzman – Rov of Peuah Institue – 45:43 Going mixed swimming with family Taking a walk on the boardwalk Sitting next to women on planes Visiting Kivrei Tzadikim…

How should I react when the “Pride Parade” goes by my home in Yerushalayim? How should I explain the rainbow flag to my 10-year-old? Are we being influenced by secular values? If so, how are we seeing those influences? How do we strengthen our own values? Is being active in the rainbow movement worse than Chilul Shabbos? Is it a chilul Hashem to go…

In this episode, historian Peter Baldwin makes the case for open access. He surveys the history of knowledge production and transmission from the Gutenberg Bible, which opened up access in unprecedented ways. Open access today, he argues, is not a novelty but continuous with earlier developments in which artists and thinkers were "workers for hire,…

What responsibility does an influencer have to do due dilgience when endorsing a product or business deal? If an influencer didn’t do due diligence and people suffered financial loss is the influencer responsible? Not letting people know you’re getting paid for what you’re promoting is it גניבת דעת? Are you allowed to push people to live beyond the…

Listen and cry along and become inspired to help with Sori Zahler – 25:57 with Rabbi Yitzchok Reichman – Nasi Project – 45:57 with "Sori" – an older single – 1:01:02 מראי מקומותBy Halacha Headlines

Is there a prohibition of Histaklus of a woman staring at a man performing? What about “Kol Ish” in hearing a man sing? Is there a problem posting videos of women singing online? Does a “Kol Isha Warning” help? Do female performances not reflect “yiddishe values”? Where do we draw the line of Tznius in public? ***Guest Hosted by Ari Wasserman *** A…