Answering YUr Shailos

This transcript features a rabbi responding to diverse questions concerning Jewish law, communal standards, and spiritual life. He begins by debating whether winning a Torah scroll in a raffle fulfills the religious obligation to write one personally. The discussion then shifts to the permissibility of digital photo frames on the Sabbath and the complex history of the Manhattan eruv. Addressing broader theological concerns, the speaker explores divine providence as it relates to non-Jews and explains the spiritual advantages of praying in a formal synagogue rather than a home setting. He concludes with practical advice on maintaining religious focus amidst modern temptations and the protocol for handling interruptions during prayer.

How do Rabbinic authorities apply ancient laws to modern technologies like digital screens?

In what ways does communal environment influence the spiritual quality of religious practice?

How does Jewish law navigate historical disputes regarding the definition of public spaces?

Today • 2:02 AM

write a podcast blurb for this audio with all the questions asked

Welcome back to another weekly session of answering your questions, organized and arranged by Jonathan. In this episode, we explore a wide variety of halachic inquiries and philosophical reflections, ranging from modern technological challenges on Shabbat to the deep spiritual mechanics of repentance.

This episode answers the following questions:

• Does winning a Sefer Torah in a raffle fulfill the mitzvah? We provide a follow-up on whether winning a raffle qualifies as the mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah, debating if it is more similar to inheriting one (which does not fulfill the mitzvah) or commissioning/buying one (which most hold does fulfill it).

• Are digital photo frames and screens permitted on Shabbat? We discuss the use of screens in homes and shuls that display rotating photos, headlines, or sports scores, examining concerns like reading secular news on Shabbat and the halachic concept of Shevisas Kelim (resting of utensils).

• What is the halachic status of the Manhattan Eruv? We dive into the complex history of the Manhattan Eruv, focusing on the debate over whether an area requires 600,000 residents to be considered a Reshus HaRabim (public domain) and Rav Moshe Feinstein’s influential rulings on the matter.

• How does God’s influence (Hashgacha) affect non-Jews? Drawing on various opinions, we explore whether non-Jews are guided by general or individual providence and how they are judged based on their personal mission in society.

• Is it preferable to daven in a shul if there is a house minyan on your block? We explain why davening in a shul is superior to a house minyan, citing reasons such as B'rov Am Hadras Melech (glory in a large crowd), the inherent sanctity of the building, and the presence of an Aron Kodesh.

• How strictly should we follow the rule of Paska (not splitting verses)? We look at why we sometimes split verses in songs or Torah readings despite the general prohibition, noting that it is often permitted when there is no other viable option.

• Does seeing the top of the Golden Dome require Keriah? We discuss whether seeing the dome on the Temple Mount from a distance—without seeing the base—obligates a person to tear their clothes in mourning for the Temple.

• How do sins transform into merits through teshuva? We examine the profound concept that proper repentance can turn past transgressions into merits, including the idea that the drive to overcome sin can lead a person to a higher spiritual level than they would have otherwise reached.

• Where should one light candles when staying in one hotel but eating in another? We address the logistics of lighting Shabbat and Chanukah candles for those away from home, determining whether the place of eating or the place of sleeping takes precedence.

• What is the best way for teenagers to handle modern temptations? We share advice on avoiding temptation through filters and environment rather than just "fighting" it, while emphasizing the importance of not obsessing over past failures.

• How should you signal someone to stop talking during sensitive parts of prayer? We offer practical tips for communicating the need for silence during Chazaras HaShatz or Kaddish without violating the prohibition against speaking.

To understand the concept of avoiding obsession with sin, consider it like putting down a heavy load after crossing a puddle; if you keep rehashing your mistakes, you are still carrying the weight of the sin long after the moment has passed.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy