4 Sep 2025
9/6/25 – Shiur 527 – Kosher Kitchen, Treif Business?
Esteemed guests discuss Jewish ethical principles in business, emphasizing the importance of Kiddush Hashem in avoiding dubious practices. The episode also explores practical ways to uphold Jewish values in potentially compromising situations, with different perspectives provided by notable leaders.
29 Aug 2025
8/30/25 – Shiur 526 – The “Epstein Files” – Do we have the right to know if someone is a threat to our community —whether a pedophile, abuser, or swindler?
The episode explores the delicate balance of protecting community safety while respecting individual rights, focusing on the implications of Jewish law (halacha) and secular law regarding publicizing information about potential threats. It discusses the controversial aspects of exposing allegations of abuse, the responsibility to protect victims, and the role of journalists and communal leaders in managing these issues.
22 Aug 2025
8/23/25 – Shiur 525 – 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
Renowned rabbis discuss the halachic concept of unfair business competition, highlighting the four red lines in business that cannot be crossed according to Jewish law. The episode examines intricate cases, including interference in transactions and poaching clients, and features a tribute to Rabbi Berel Wein's insightful teachings on living with ethical priorities.
14 Aug 2025
8/16/25 – Shiur 524 – Steal with a Click? The Halachic Ethics of Downloading Music, Seforim, and Media without authorization
The halachic perspective on intellectual property, particularly regarding music and media downloads, is explored through discussions with Rabbi Yosef Dovid Josilowsky and Rabbi Chaim Jachter. The episode considers various halachic viewpoints on whether digital media can be considered tangible property and how Jewish law relates to contemporary copyright issues.
4 Aug 2025
8/9/25 – Shiur 523 – Tznius Standards: Clear Halacha or Personal Interpretation? What’s Required and Why It’s Being Ignored
The podcast episode explores the complexities of tznius (modesty) standards, discussing whether halachic guidelines are clear-cut or subject to personal interpretation. Various guests, including rabbis and a therapist, offer insights into challenges women face with modesty standards and how these can be taught effectively within the Jewish community.
25 Jul 2025
7/26/25 – Shiur 522 – Smoking and vaping – Is there any heter? What do smokers rely on?
Contemporary Jewish halachic perspectives strongly discourage smoking and vaping due to significant health risks, though earlier authorities like Rabbi Moshe Feinstein once offered limited allowances based on available medical knowledge at the time. Medical experts like Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt highlight that while the dangers of smoking are well-documented, emerging evidence suggests serious risks with vaping as well, both for users and those exposed to secondhand emissions.
17 Jul 2025
7/19/25 – Shiur 521 – Jew vs. Jew: The Housing Fight Tearing Rockland Apart
The episode delves into the complex situation in Rockland County where the Hasidic Skver community is allegedly purchasing properties to prevent non-community members from moving nearby. Rabbi Shlomo Perlstein and Rabbi Elie Moskowitz discuss the halachic and social ramifications, emphasizing issues of communal living, the legality of property purchases, and the ethical responsibilities of Jewish communities to maintain their cultural and spiritual sanctity.
11 Jul 2025
7/12/25 – Shiur 520 – When is competition allowed and when does it violate “Hasagas Gevul”?
The episode explores the Halachic implications of business competition and the concept of Hasagas Gevul, which traditionally prohibits unfair encroachment on another's livelihood. Various Rabbis analyze how these principles apply in modern contexts, such as in large cities or when a new competitor might potentially harm an existing business.
3 Jul 2025
7/5/25 – Shiur 519 – Hashgacha Pratis: is Hashem watching over you every minute..
A deep dive into the theological perspectives of Hashgacha Pratis contrasts prominent Jewish philosophical approaches, from the Rambam's limited divine providence to the later universalist interpretations of the Baal Shem Tov and the Vilna Gaon. Top Torah scholars, including Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht, Rabbi DovBer Pinson, and Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, explore the balance between divine intervention and human free will, the reasons behind suffering, and the complexities of predestination within Jewish thought.
26 Jun 2025
6/28/25 – Shiur 518 – Into the Danger Zone? The risks of being in Israel during a time of war. When is risk-taking permitted?
This episode explores the halachic considerations and practical challenges of being in Israel during wartime, including the obligations and exceptions related to personal safety and risk-taking. Experts discuss the importance of adapting buildings and behavior to ensure safety, while navigating the ethical and religious imperatives involved in making these life-and-death decisions.
19 Jun 2025
6/21/25 – Shiur 517 – The “Iran War” – on the Halachic Frontlines
Rabbi Ari Wasserman explores intricate halachic considerations for Jews amid the current violence in Israel, including whether to attend communal prayer, carry a phone on Shabbos, and respond to emergency alerts. Through discussions with scholars like Rabbi Breidowitz and Mrs. Rahav-Meir, the episode delves into the dilemmas faced by civilians, revealing a Jewish resilience and unity against existential threats.
11 Jun 2025
6/14/25 – Shiur 516 – The irreligious and Yayin Nesech Clearing up common misconceptions
The episode delves into the prohibitions surrounding Yayin Nesech (wine handled by non-Jews) and examines the potential implications for non-religious Jews, especially in regard to Sabbath observance, with significant insights from leading rabbis. Additionally, the episode contrasts views on whether non-religious Jews can affect the status of kosher wines and provides practical guidance on handling such situations.
29 May 2025
5/31/25 – Shiur 515 – Is A Psychedelic Trip the Derech HaShem?
The episode addresses the controversial topic of using psychedelic drugs for spiritual enhancement within Jewish communities, evaluating its efficacy and potential dangers. Key figures from rabbinical and psychological backgrounds weigh in on whether psychedelics constitute a legitimate path to spirituality or pose significant health and ethical risks.
23 May 2025
5/24/25 – Shiur 514 – Should Boys and Girls Turn to Friends for Dating Advice? Is it Helpful or Harmful?
The episode explores the complexities and challenges of seeking dating advice in the Orthodox Jewish community, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of consulting friends and the importance of involving parents in the shidduch process. It highlights that while parental guidance can be beneficial, it must be balanced with empowering children to make their own decisions.
16 May 2025
5/17/25 – Shiur 513 – When One Spouse Becomes Less Religious or Irreligious
This episode delves into how Jewish law and pastoral care address situations where one spouse becomes less religious or irreligious, with insights from various Rabbis and a matrimonial law expert. The discussions explore trust in matters of family purity, kashrut, and the impact on children, along with practical advice for maintaining family stability.
8 May 2025
5/3/25 – Shiur 512 – How easy is it to “hit it big”? What are the pitfalls of starting your own business?
Certain Yeshiva students harbor the belief that accumulating great wealth is straightforward, but success in entrepreneurship requires both hashkafic (philosophical) and halachic (Jewish legal) considerations. The episode explores common business pitfalls, the balance between religious obligations and business ambitions, and highlights the importance of strategic planning and introspection.
2 May 2025
5/3/25 – Shiur 511 – Fraud in Frum Clothing: The Eretz HaKodesh Conspiracy. When the Conservative Movement infiltrated the Chareidi world — what really happened?
The episode examines a controversial smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by senior conservative members against the Haredi community's Eretz HaKodesh faction in the WZO elections, involving alleged subterfuge and ethical gray areas in political tactics. Notably, the discussion highlights the sensitive dynamics of religious authority, responsibility, and authenticity in publicly communicated rulings and declarations within the Jewish community.
24 Apr 2025
4/26/25 – Shiur 510 – Revisiting the WZO controversy | The Tzedaka Generation – But what are our priorities?
The podcast revisits the ongoing debate about participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and discusses the priorities in charitable giving within the Jewish community. Various speakers, including Rabbi Avi Shafran and Rabbi Shimon Taub, explore the ideological and practical implications of aligning with organizations like the WZO and the impacts of prioritizing large, prestigious tzedakahs over local Jewish institutions.
10 Apr 2025
4/12/25 – Shiur 509 – “Free Money” – Taking money from the government (food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, etc.)
The episode discusses the ethical and legal considerations for Orthodox Jews when applying for government benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, welfare, and Section 8, particularly in light of potentially undisclosed income. Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz and CPA Mr. Raphael Grossman share insights on the religious, ethical, and legal ramifications of these actions, including a potential chilul Hashem and the broader impact on self-sufficiency and communal reputation.
4 Apr 2025
4/5/25 – Shiur 508 – What does “Daas Torah” really mean and does it have anything to do with the WZO Election?
This episode of Halacha Headlines delves into the complex topic of Daas Torah and its role in guiding Jewish decision-making, particularly concerning participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) election. Discussions with various rabbis and officials explore differing perspectives on Zionism and the influence of Daas Torah, challenging the conventional understanding of its application in Jewish life.