The Q & A with Rabbi Breitowitz Podcast

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 What does it mean when a Rabbi in the Gemara kills another, like Rabbi Yochanan learning with Rav Kahana? 09:55 How does the genetic study that the Lebanese are 90% Canaanite influence the decision in Berachos, that a man living in Ammon could marry into the Jewish people? 16:09 Will the distinction between Ashkenazim and Sepharadim continue forever, or will they be unified in the times of Moshiach? 23:36 Can we judge those who go on Har haBayis favorably? 26:31 When one sees another do something wrong, should he rebuke? If so, how? 31:03 If an observant Jew learns that they are not halachically Jewish, do they have an obligation to convert? 36:50 Can one request the difference of inflation on a loan? 38:58 What does the Torah mean when it says Yitzchak was "playing" with Rivkah? Is that tzanua? 45:00 How could Yaakov "explode" at Lavan in next week's parsha? What did he seek to gain? 47:05 What is the standard of men's tznius? 50:07 What is the place of scientific discovery and experimentation in Torah? 56:41 How should we relate to Leah, considering some of her statements in this week's parsha? 1:05:47 Is it agreed that Hebrew is the original language? 1:12:43 What do mitzvos bein adam l'chavero only apply to Jews and not to goyim? 1:23:46 Should we judge Neturei Karta favorably, or can we call them reshaim? 1:30:35 How could Shimon and Levi destroy all of Shechem? What's the halachic justification? 1:36:12 Is Sefer haYashar an authoritative Midrash? 1:38:27 Is one allowed to listen to Jewish music in the bathroom? 1:39:31 Can one speak in the bathroom? 1:41:32 If a kohen isn't tamei, what is the issur of going on Har haBayis? 1:43:51 Does the concept of interest account for exchange rate? 1:45:05 Why is it good to be normal? You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 How will the 4 Amos of owned land be divided amongst Jews? 03:48 What should we make of Yitzchok and Rivkah playing favorites? 12:20 Why wasn't Yitzchak involved in Yaakov's shidduch process? 14:55 How do we view certain kashrus approaches in Israel? 19:16 How should a Baal Teshuva approach minhagim they took on early but then decided they changed their mind? 27:46 Why doesn't the Torah mention all the women amongst the 70 members of Yaakov's family going down to Egypt? 32:13 Rambam says that if someone lives in a city of Rashaim, what is Avraham's justification to save Sedom? 35:21 Should gentiles refrain from driving on Shabbos? 36:26 How do we understand the idea from Chovos HaLevavos that when someone speaks lashon horo their mitzvos get transferred to the victim and the victim's sins get transferred to the speaker? 40:55 Why was Abraham worried about Sarah being abducted if she was in a box and not exposed? 43:04 What are the guidelines in terms of calling someone a rasha? 47:57 Could the Rav explain the approach of Yaakov deceiving Yitzchok? 54:00 In the covenant of the parts, Gd mentions the Jews will be enslaved for 400 years, how do we make sense of Ibn Ezra's calculation? 58:18 Can a Jew in Israel send a text or email to a shomer Jew in America while it is still Shabbos for them? 1:00:08 What is the function in relation of a Jew of Goyim in the world and how should a convert relate to his non-Jewish family? 1:10:55 If a righteous non-Jew believes in the Torah coming from God, why wouldn't they convert? 1:13:40 Can a woman get her eyebrows microbladed? 1:18:37 How should young students or people currently learning in Israel react to terrorist attacks and deciding to stay in Israel? 1:22:43 If everyone in my building or Kollel has cleaning help once a week, but I can't afford it, is it better to give maaser or provide my wife cleaning help? 1:24:05 What's the justification for making a bracha publically on a menorah? 1:25:47 If one lives in a mobile home (RV/ boat) do they need a mezuzo? 1:26:22 Can one use baby wipes on Shabbos? 1:29:30 Do wipes count if they are alcoholic? 1:31:02 If a Baal Teshuva grew up in a Native American environment, which has many similar beliefs, can they integrate their upbringing into their Jewish life? 1:33:00 How do we define "Yoshev" as dwelling?

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 What is the definition of a rasha and a talmid chochom? 04:20 What is the Bircas hamozon etiquette and who says tehilas Hashem? 11:34 How do we relate to Halacha vs mitzvos consequentially? 16:57 Does doing teshuva on spilling seed retroactively get rid of the demons that were created from the act? 26:50 I listened to one of the lectures on real jewish intimacy and it mentioned that couples that don't get along in this world will also continue driving each other crazy in the next world (Zohar). What about those jewish couples that got divorced and don't get remarried? 28:28 What does it mean to be a Jewish doctor? Are there certain halachos that need to be followed differently? 31:40 Does one get reward for wearing tzitzis at night or while sleeping? 34:40 Where does someone draw the line between bitul Torah and time for relaxing? 39:20 What's the argument from Avraham to save Sodom? 48:00 I have recently started learning ערוך השולחן as my Halacha Sefer. What I find best about the Aruch is that, unlike the Mishnah brura, he always gives a psak. My question is whether i can I use this Sefer as my go to Halacha resource and can rely on all the aruch's Psak, even if it goes against the MB and other more embraced piskei Halacha. Essentially, can the Aruch HaShulchan be my 'rebbi'. 58:35 What Torah is exactly taught to the baby by the angel in the womb? 1:03:45 What is the origin of saying or not saying a bracha on mezonos by dessert at a bread meal? 1:09:00 When exactly should a davener interrupt to answer the chazan? 1:11:30 Should we consider learning the Netivos Olam sefer by Maharal in English? 1:15:25 What are the general principles of giving cavod to rebbeim? 1:19:07 How many people does a chazan have to wait for in order to begin the chazaras hashatz? 1:20:12 What's the value of making a siyum? 1:22:02 If I am at a concert or sporting event, can I move to a vacant, more expensive seat assuming there is no chillul Hashem? Is there a difference if I want to move to a less expensive seat, if it's superior in my eyes? Can I walk into a hotel and use the lobby bathroom without asking permission, or is this a form of gezel? 1:25:17 What are the parameters of doing certain acts of charity for a person based on their wealth? 1:28:42 Does the standing for a Rav minimally make a difference? 1:29:58 What makes a Rav merit to have their own psak? Like the GRA? Why is it accepted? 1:31:45 Is there a source for saying mazal tov by a simcha, and is this a tefila or a bracha? 1:34:10 When exactly should we say amen? 1:36:02 Does saying mazal tov count for loving my neighbor as myself? 1:36:30 Should I notify someone not to count me in a minyan if I already davened? 1:37:04 How should someone be sure that their humility is not coming from an arrogant place? You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 What kind of changes in Halacha or otherwise will happen after Mashiach comes? 08:18 What's with saying G-d is of one name but He has more than that? 13:02 What is the proper kavod for wearing the begged of tzitzis outside your clothes? 17:16 What is special about Ashrei that we remove the letter nun, when we don't do that in other alphabetical supplications? 21:22 Is technology something that ideally we wouldn't have, but now that we do, we have to use it responsibly with rules and gedarim, or alternatively is it something we should embrace and prefer, while being aware and alert of potential consequences? 27:59 What is the source for a certain pasuk in sfarad mussaf? 32:35 Is it permissible to associate with friends who are not on the same Torah level as me? Should we try to be mekarev them? 37:14 What should our attitude be towards area of halacha that are seemingly less effective or suitable in a modern society compared with today's secular laws, specifically in regards to contracts and financial matters. Should our attitude be that we are not appreciating the halacha properly, or should we acknowledge it's not ideal and be extra hopeful for Mashiach to come so a Sanhedrin can make some updates. 42:36 Why is Rabbi Jonathan Sacks not so accepted in the frum world? 49:36 In uncensored Gemara Avoda Zara, it mentions that Jesus was not real, is this true? 53:20: What is a heavenly decree and when exactly are they made? How do we have the power to rip them up? 54:51 Is there a heter for a convert to use their biological father's name when called to the Torah? 56:37 How can someone tell when they are starting to burn out in their learning? 59:55 Would it be halachally mutar to buy clothes at a store in America and bring them back to Israel and sell them at a higher price to bachurim or otherwise? 1:01:03 Should we use our YH to try to be better in learning? 1:03:53 Gematria is incredible, but many seem to dismiss it as fluffy. Is there practical gain from knowing it? 1:06:03 What do we do with Gematrias of politicians or otherwise? 1:08:54 Are we allowed to calculate the messianic timeline? 1:12:50 What is Rebbe's view on reading secular books - theoretically, alternatively, one could be reading a Jewish book (even if not a Sefer); would it affect anything if there are yesodos in human psyche and/or Etzahs on life? Especially if the book has been held in a very high regard by society (a classic)? For example: Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky (a classic), or, in the other regard, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankel (life-changing)? 1:20:26 Can I rely on a leniency just to be convenient or for pleasure? 1:21:12 Do halachos of shomer negia, yichud, etc. apply to transgender people? 1:25:40 When we read the amida we pray for the return of the Davidic dynasty, would it be possible to re-establish the kingdom without mashiach? 1:30:20 How do we understand the malchus of Shaul when he was from Binyamin? 1:32:08 Do we say amen to brachos said incorrectly? 1:33:07 Do we say brachos in order, even if I want to cover something less chashuv than others? 1:34:11 Is being clean-shaven an issur d'oraissa? You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 What does the Rav make of the recent antisemitic comments of Kyrie Irving? 04:48 How do we know that we're not missing important mesora after Catholic censorship? 20:12 If we die when we've made our tikkun, it's fair to assume each day we wake up we still have work to do. If so, why are there ways to extend our life? 23:00 the fruits of genosar in Gemara Brachos? 30:40 Does Tinok shel nishbah apply to goyim? What about Teshuva? 39:25 Should we learn more Ibn Ezra this year, given the 5783rd pasuk in the Torah? 44:20 What is the proper burial process for Jews and why is cremation not acceptable? Is it also bad for non-Jews to be cremated? And what does ashes to ashes dust to dust entail? 52:45 How do we explain the Jewish view of homosexuality to non-religious family members? 59:00 Is it an aveira to follow the royal news? 1:03:50 Is it appropriate to use religious themes to advance political purposes? "It's a mitzvah to vote for Gimmel" or "possible to acquire Olam HaBah in one moment next to a picture of Shas? 1:15:50 Since it is said that Hashem is making Shidduchim, how do we understand the idea that people can marry the wrong person and their soul may not be complete? 1:19:52 The Chazon Ish said we don't change halacha based on new discoveries, but didn't he argue on certain halachos? 1:21:50 Is it Mutar to ask for some of your friend's food (ex: "can I have some" to your friend who is eating his snack in the hallway of Yeshiva)? If someone asks and you don't want to give them, but you feel uncomfortable saying no, are you being Nichshal them in Avak Gezel by giving them from your food? 1:26:02 Can the Rebbe help us understand why the halacha is to not put out a tiny fire on Shabbat and allow it to burn your house down, and if someone doesn't put out a fire on Shabbat and it spreads to the neighbors properties is he obligated in monetary damages?

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 Why did Rav Chaim Brisker not posken? 18:07 What is the advantage of aveira lishma? Is it advisable? 30:10 What's the point of a positive and negative Mitzvah being seemingly the same. You must salt every offering, you must not bring an offering without salt. Guard the temple. Don't leave it unguarded. Etc. 37:45 Is there an idea that Torah calls for extra respect toward a divorced woman in the same way it calls for the respect of a widow? 46:12 Given that the NJ Chinese restaurant that was recently found to be serving tarfus had a mashgiach at all times, and only the O-K agency officially had a key to the establishment, and yet it got away with serving trief for six months, how can we rely on these hashgachos? And is this situation worse in Israel, where none of the hashgachos require a mashgiach temidi? 53:38 If, according to Rambam, Avraham was only experiencing nevua with the three strangers, how do we know that any other miracle in Torah isn't considered a vision? 1:02:12 Did the snake have free will? 1:05:00 How can Hashem challenge someone by making them homosexual? 1:16:24 Why is it that regardless of how great and knowledgeable a ger is, he can not become a dayan? 1:19:58 In terms of the last question, how do we look at the prophet Ovadia? 1:20:34 What's the significance of Noach and the dove and a leper and releasing doves? 1:22:28 If a person is born of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, is that person a mistake? What would have happened to this soul had this improper relationship not taken place? 1:26:17 How do we invite someone who is not frum to our Shabbos meal? 1:31:00 Can a non-religious Ashkenazi eat rice on Pesach at a Sefardi table? 1:32:57 If the first mitzva for Adam was Pru U'rvu, why is this not a mitzva for non-Jews? 1:35:42 What is the basis for that rule? If women join the army, are they obligated to get married? 1:38:44 Is there Kivush (conquest) by Adam or Noach?

WATCH THIS & OUR OTHER YOMIM NORAIM / SUKKOS CONTENT AT https://ohr.edu/Tishrei/ Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

WATCH THIS & OUR OTHER YOMIM NORAIM / SUKKOS CONTENT AT https://ohr.edu/Tishrei/ Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at ohr.edu/donate/qa Questions? Comments? podcasts@ohr.edu Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at https://plnk.to/rbq&a Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz https://forms.gle/VCZSK3wQJJ4fSd3Q7 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/OhrSomayach/videos 00:00 How do we view the snake and the keruvim as not avoda zara? 02:05 What's the Rav's opinion about integrating secular subjects into Jewish education? 11:30 How does somebody decide to start a life in Israel versus sincere else? 19:40 How do we understand how Hashem judges people who are not exposed to a Judaism? 25:39 Why do some people go to the mivkah at certain times and some not? 29:14 Often people say a certain halacha and then include a comment "Al Pi Kabbalah, one might do this"—why would we dismiss this otherwise, isn't Kabbalah the deepest secrets of Torah? And same with Chassic vorts—why are they often treated as "fluffy"? 37:40 In terms of Teshuva, what should be emphasized during Elul and why? 46:03 Is the Septuagint relevant to Jews today, same with Dead Sea scrolls? 53:10 How is it possible for us to regret and promise to never do something again? 57:47 When is abortion not considered murder? 59:59 How much can someone with mental issues be blamed for their sins? 1:03:55 What's the history of the black felt kippah being the mainstream yeshivish kippah? 1:07:58 Why does the Torah condemn so many sins that ended up fading away with time? 1:15:40 Are Rav Nachman of Breslov's teachings considered legitimate? 1:19:29 How could someone say that leaving for Uman is better than Israel? 1:21:00 If G-d's open revelation is a challenge to free will, how were figures in the Chumash able to have free will? 1:22:43 If certain mitzvahs are easy to do, should we exert more spiritual energy to them? Is it possible to deplete spiritual energy? 1:24:20 What is a woman really required to cover in terms of tznius? 1:28:58 How should a bachur whose day is taken up by learning, how can they balance exercise? 1:31:11 Is it a mitzvah to fight in the Israeli army? 1:34:30 What does the Rav say about people coming to Yeshiva and wearing black and white just to blend in rather than out of an actual want? You can listen to this and many other Ohr Somayach programs by downloading our app, on Apple and Google Play, ohr.edu and all major podcast platforms. Visit us @ ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS