Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Podcast

Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz's weekly Question and Answer sessions at Ohr Somayach, Jerusalem. A Project of Ohr.edu Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you at: Podcasts@ohr.edu

Yaakov and The Recitation Of Shema 01/02/2026

Q&A: A Womans Role, Dogs & Granola Bars 12/28/2025

Q&A: A Womans Role, Dogs & Granola Bars 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. Q&A 0:00 What is a women’s role in this world and how do they obtain Olam Haba? 8:32 Should a person be involved full time learning or be working and supporting Torah? 14:15 Can a person make a bracha when smelling perfume and cologne? 16:52 Why is Torah always emphasized as equal to all the Miztvot when there are other Miztvot that have the same reward? 24:22 Why do Rabbinical Miztvot like Hannukah have so many halachot and details? 31:56 Why do a lot of people not learn the Torah Temimah? 36:17 What is the bracha on a granola bar? 42:07 How does a person apply Ahavat Yisrael to a person that takes others away from Torah Judaism? 48:20 Why did the Chida write Shem HaGedolim? 53:39 Who divided the Tanach to parshas, chapters, verses, etc? 1:05:55 How can Hillel and Shammai say it would’ve been better that man should not have been created? 1:10:22 When a child becomes bar mitzvah is there a big change within a child that makes him into an adult? 1:15:55 Can a person learn a book where the author has a different hashkafa than himself or Yeshiva? 1:23:23 Can a person have a dog and are they good animals? 1:27:12 Why did the Gra put Hassidim in cherem? 1:35:53 Why do people have the custom not learn Hilchot Aveilut? (12-24-25) 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📱 WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/OhrRegister 📞 Call our program placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: Produced by : Cedar Media Studios /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/39548930

The Three Day Fast Of Teves 12/28/2025

Q&A: Figs, Heretics & Daas Torah 12/07/2025

Q&A: Figs, Heretics & Daas Torah 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at Q&A 11-19-25 0:05 Can you take the figs that are on the trees at the Yeshiva and would you have to give Terumah and Maaser? 3:00 What is the difference between a Bas Kol, Ruach Hakodesh and Nevua? 7:00 What is the halacha regarding asking someone for forgiveness for speaking lashon hara about him? 10:42 How did the Tanna R’Elisha ben Avuha become a heretic and was it possible for him to do a teshuva? 21:33 Is the average person under the haschaha pratis or haschaha klalis? 29:47 What is Daas Torah and why should we go to them for life advice? 40:32 How to differentiate between a valid opinion and a heretical one? 43:50 How to understand the passages in the Gemara that says that certain Rabbis attribute their greatness in Torah to seeing a great Rav of the previous generation? 48:30 How was Rebbi allowed to write down the Oral Torah? 55:06 Why don’t Yeshivas teach Jewish philosophy such Moreh Nevuim and Kuzari? 59:55 When Mashiach comes do bechorim become Kohanim? 1:06:25 Are Goyim able to build the Beit Hamikdash? 1:08:25 If you daven a different nusach than the tzibbur and they don’t have a siddur with your nusach should you daven from memory or daven the nusach of the tzibbur? 1:13:35 There are certain communities that only follow the Halacha of the a certain Rav like the Rambam or Gra exclusively. Is it proper to follow a single Rav’s Halacha even if goes against the mainstream Halacha? 1:19:30 Gemara speaks highly about tefillah, but also says that a person shouldn’t daven for a long period of time. How can we answer this contradiction? 1:22:10 Can a person have a girlfriend if she makes him have a stronger connection to Judaism? 1:24:33 There a some concepts in Kabbalah that seem very similar to other religions. Is it possible that other religions were influenced by Jewish Kabbalah? 1:29:48 Does Hashem answer our prayers before we daven? Email us at: PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/39314700

Q&A: Government Aid, Dogs & The Yanuka 11/24/2025

Q&A: Government Aid, Dogs & The Yanuka 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 Q&A 11-12-25 0:05 During the 9th month of pregnancy, it is the minhag for the husband to open the Aron Hakodesh. What is the source of this minhag? 3:10 In some Shuls the Aron Hakodesh is not in the same direction as the Beit Hamikdash, so in which direction should he daven? 6:25 Why is a black hat and jacket such an important uniform for some communities? 10:00 Is it allowed to live in the Judah Samaria area of Israel? 12:12 Why does Yeshivah put such a strong emphasis on Gemara? 16:40 What is meant by the statement that all the tragedies that occurr is because of the loss of the Beit Hamikdash? 23:10 Why don’t religious Jews have dogs? 27:50 In Gemara Makkot it says that the 365 negative commandments in corresponding to 365 days in a year. Why did Hashem choose to link the commandments to a solar calendar, which we do not use? 33:37 How to love a fellow Jew who spreads lies of about the Jewish people? 41:15 Does a person have to work for a living when Mashiach comes? 45:32 What is the Halacha regarding Jews living on government assistance, for example Food stamps, medicaid, receiving help with heating/cooling costs, etc? Is it OK temporarily rely of government assistance or is it better to rely on our own communities when we need help? 51:45 It says the following generations will be on a lower level than the previous ones. Does this concept apply to Goyim? 55:05 Does Divine Providence apply to Goyim and is it similar to the Divine Providence that the Jews receive? 1:00:40 What does it mean when Chazal says “without Divine assistance we would not able to overcome our evil inclination”? 1:03:40 When Gedolim attribute tragedies to a certain reason how should we relate to this? 1:07:15 It says, R’Yochanan Ben Zakkai would always greet people first, even Goyim, should we be emulating this character trait? 1:09:40 Why do we sometimes suspend the rules of Torah in a time of crisis if the Torah is suppose to be perfect? 1:14:02 According to Halacha is it allowed to give capital punishment to a terrorist? 1:20:15 Is it good to go to the Mikveh on Erev Shabbat? 1:21:15 The Gemara says, that every blade of grass has angel that is station to hit it so that it will grow. Why does the blade of grass need an angel? 1:25:10 Is it possible to stop bullying? 1:31:00 What is the Rav’s opinion on the Yanuka? 1:34:00 What is tumah and their applications? 1:39:40 Why are we bounded to the Shulchan Aruch and are not able to follow other Rishonim? 1:43:20 Why do we follow the Talmud Bavli over the Talmud Yerushalmi? Email us at: PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/39147750

Q&A: Mamdani NYC, Chevron & Goyish Music 11/15/2025

Q&A: Mamdani NYC, Chevron & Goyish Music 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: Q&A 11-5-25 0:00 The Gemara says there is a kosher way to have any enjoyment in the world. How does that apply to the sin adultery? 1:40 Where will be the safest place to be during the war of Gog HaMagog? 8:55 If the Torah is infinite how can it be confined to a Sefer Torah/Tanach/Gemara which are finite? 15:05 Does Hashem care if we follow every intricate detail of the halacha? 29:35 If all blessing for the world comes through Shabbos, how do those who don't keep Shabbos receive that blessing? 31:27 Why are some poskim against wearing Sheitels? 38:40 Why do people need to daven? Many Jews and gentiles who don't pray are still successful, and it seems that the overall success rate is relative the same between someone who davens and someone who does not. 42:35 What does that mean that Eliyahu Navi didn’t die? 46:10 What is the Jewish perspective on exercise? 49:12 Why does Hashem give us test that he knows we will not be able to pass? 51:21 Does bitachon mean only good things happen when you trust in Hashem? 55:37 In Iggeret Haramban, it says to honor wealthy person? Why? 1:00:52 How to advise a woman who becomes depressed during and after pregnancy? 1:04:13 How to look at and perceive the mayoral election in NYC? 1:08:16 Are the Avot considered the bnei Noah and can a Kohen go to Kever Machpelah? 1:13:03 Why do we hold the Akedat Yitzchak in such high regard, when it is just simply a command of Hashem? 1:14:10 Does Rabbi have any word about the passing Rabbi Ezra Neuberger ZT’L? 1:16:15 Is it good for the Jewish people to have a uniform? 1:22:00 Why do some people have long beards, but have short peyot? 1:24:00 Where does the concept of cutting a child’s hair at 3 years old come from? 1:28:15 Does the concept of a "goyish" style of music exist, and if so, why and how does it work? 1:34:05 Can we learn from Avraham’s battle with the five Kings that when we have close friend in trouble that doesn’t involve us that we should involve ourself to help them? 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 Email us at: PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/38975665

Q&A: Negiah, Kabbalah & Smartphones 11/10/2025

Q&A: Negiah, Kabbalah & Smartphones 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: Q&A 10-29-25 Q&A: Negiah, Kabbalah & Smartphones 0:00 Why don’t we mention the sins/mistakes of modern Gedolim? 5:55 When a person speak lashon hara does he receive all of the sins of the person he spoke lashon hara about? 6:50 What’s is the extent and details of the prohibition of shomer negiah? 15:09 How was it morally correct for the Israelites to conquer the land the Canaan from the Canaanite’s? 29:40 Why is it when you daven you are required to wear shoes, but when Moshe was at the burning bush he was told to remove his shoes because he was in a holy place? 33:02 Mishnah in Pirke Avot says Hashem created tens things on erev Shabbat. Why did Hashem create them at that time? Why was Bilam’s donkey created and this seems to contradict the Rambam who says the whole episode was a prophecy and not an actually occurrence? 37:20 Why is there so many different opinions regarding the resurrection of the dead? 46:10 Why do we daven silently today? 50:40 Why has it changed today that we are more open to learning the hidden parts of the Torah, when there was a reluctance in the engagement of this knowledge in the previous generations? 58:00 When a person die his marriage is severed and his wife is allowed to marry someone else. How would this apply during the resurrection of dead, will a person marry his same wife and what would happen if his wife married someone after he passed in his previous life? 1:01:00 Why is it that when the Kohen Gadol davens on Yom Kippur it seems he prays for trivial things during the auspicious time? 1:05:02 Why is it do we still eat cholent and gefilte fish when we don’t live in those countries where this tradition originated? 1:09:50 Why is the religious community so against smart phones even with filters, while they are accepting of laptops? 1:14:53 Is whistling allowed and is there a source that whistling summons demons? 1:17:47 Why was there a disagreement between Avraham and Sarah regarding what to do with Yishmael and why do we learn from their disagreement that the wife is always right? 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 Email us at: PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/38906095

Q&A: Free Will, G-dly Emotions & Rav Moshe Hauer zt"l 10/27/2025

Q&A: Free Will, G-dly Emotions & Rav Moshe Hauer zt"l 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect Ohr Somayach Jerusalem program for you: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 🌐 Visit: Email us at: 0:00 why are LED lights not ok on Shabbat for not being in the spirit of Shabbat? 7:30 do we have to be careful on Sun-Tues not to michshol secular Jews who don’t say havdala in being mehalal Shabbat mederabban? 12:10 how do you know when a thought is coming from the yetzer hara or yetzer tov? 18:20 would Hashem want one to interrupt his tefilahs when an ani approaches him for tzedakah? 24:35 do we assume that disputable hashkafas that became accepted became so according to divine will? 29:00 when or how did lashon hakodesh come into use? 35:20 that modern phsychology avoids classifying human behavior by a yetzer hara or tov 47:15 does Hashem have desires but not needs? 47:30 why is the lashon in selichot very challenging? 52:30 The Ramban’s view on the creation of matter? 54:10 is one held accountable for averahs that are beyond one’s bechirah? 55:00 what’s the idea behind the fact that the world survives on the merit of 36 tzadikim? 59:00 how did the avot metaken tefilot without a Sanhedrin? 1:02:50 regarding a maaseh in the Gemara about one half of a chavruta pair who decided to leave to make a parnaseh? 1:09:40 does G-d feel emotions and what does it mean for him to love? 1:13:20 why did Yehoshuah marry Rachav who used to be a prostitute? 1:16:45 did the Rav know Rav Moshe Hauer ztl? Q&A 10-22-25 PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/38791040

Q&A: Microdosing, Minhagim & AI Authorship 09/19/2025

Q&A: Microdosing, Minhagim & AI Authorship 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 Q&A 0:00 is there a difference between taking anxiety medication and micro dosing on hallucinogenics 3:45 how do we balance separating ourselves from secular people with the need to make a kiddush Hashem 9:30 is there any religious purposes to psychedelics 16:00 to what extent are traditional Jews held accountable for not being shomer mitzvot 22:15 why does the lack of a bet hamikdash absolve secular Jews for not attaining clarity 26:05 why didn’t the lubavich rebbe come to eretz yisrael 31:20 what is the criteria for something to become a minhag on the community 40:00 how is a physical attribute like lust that’s necessary for human procreation be so destructive at the same time 45:50 what’s the point of creating a world of challenges rather than a world of angels 52:15 what is das Torah and has it been changed over time 59:05 is fitness important to making oneself a vessel more suited to receiving holiness 1:01:55 why is order in nusach Ashkenaz of the 2nd ashrei of shacharit different on weekday Torah reading days vs on Shabbat 1:04:40 were the sefarim of neviim and ketuvim all canonized at the same time 1:50:20 why can’t we make a shofar from a parah and was Oct 7 connected to not being able to blow shofar that year 1:11:00 if everyone is using AI to cheat on academics, does it become permissible to do likewise to avoid a disadvantage 1:14:20 how does one navigate halachic disagreements of whether one must daven the nusach of the minyan he’s in 1:16:30 what does the Rav make of tzedakah organizations that promote alleged tzedakah habits of gedolei yisrael Q&A 9-10-25 Email us at: PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/38280215

Seeing The Love In The Tochacha 09/12/2025

Q&A: Omens, Human Sacrifice & Elul in Our Times 09/09/2025

Q&A: Omens, Human Sacrifice & Elul in Our Times Sponsored by Mark and Tammy Friedman and family in memory of the 1st yartzeit of their father Marshall Friedman, Mutyah Yechezkel ben Shimon. 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 0:00 why do we allow Cohanim to duchan given the psak of Moshe Feinstein for a convert married to a cohen 5:50 does Halacha require Israel to release many of their prison inmates who were not convicted al pi halacha 13:40 how do we decipher bad simanim such as eating vinegar on Rosh Hashana 17:40 how is it that the planet sustains itself and yet is also damaged by what we do to it 23:05 addressing family problems privately vs publicly 28:55 can we learn from avraham, Yaakov, and David that silence is the best response to harsh outcomes 34:14 do we have a definite list of mitzvot that are purely chok 36:00 does the akedah teach us that human sacrifice is wrong 41:10 why is it important to attend Jewish philosophy classes here 44:00 does a phone that has a Torah app open allow you to rest it atop comparable sefarim to the one on the phone 46:40 is there utility to writing tehilim verses in a comic book 48:45 what were the steps between scribes and the modern printing press for sefarim 52:30 why is there no Gemara on perkei avot 56:00 can puberty blockers be given to special needs kids to prolong their cuteness so they receive more care and attention 1:00:35 how to avoid prohibiting things under the assumption of being magical that may later be discovered to have a scientific basis 1:06:50 what is the issue with the book The Making of a Gadol 1:13:10 why was it more dangerous for the Jews in the midbar to get a Brit Milah than Avraham who was an old man 1:16:30 how should the current generation learn about Elul in contrast to earlier ones where fear was more real 1:20:15 does one have to stop an audio shiur whenever passing by garbage on the street 1:21:50 how has the medical process of circumcision changed since its inception 1:24:20 should one engage with mysterious science Q&A 9-3-25 Email us at: PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/38140255

Q&A: Reality, Customs & The Zohar 08/31/2025

Q&A: Wealth, Mashiach & Slavery 07/30/2025

Q&A: Wealth, Mashiach & Slavery Episode dedicated by Moshe, Naftoli & Avigdor Streicher 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our Yeshiva placement specialist for the best Israel program for you: +972 52-312-5921 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 0:00 gedolim using aggressive language 4:00 how did the view of G-d switch to hashkacha pratis 12:30 was is the practical difference is between the Koach of tefilah and tehilim 20:00 teachings of geula 30:00 can one be yotzei kedusha without hearing the chazan 31:30 what caused the switch from Jewish poverty in shtetles to Jewish wealth 36:00 can the Rav speak on the mahloket on whether mitzvot need cavanah 47:30 can a slave master also be with non-Jewish women to make more slaves 1:04:20 why must we repeatedly be mochel those in a different gilgul every kriat shema alhamita, given that we also don’t know them 1:05:50 should we believe that mashiach will come today every day despite the disappointment that may entail 1:10:15 are we mechiuv to follow traffic laws that are non-dangerous 1:12:00 what’s the rationale for corbanot 1:16:00 since we need bachira to grow, then why should we want mashiach to come which would end that 1:21:00 what is the Torah view on the alleged miracles that Yashka performed 1:23:00 why does the shulhan aruch quote multiple opinions 1:26:50 how do we reconcile free will with divine providence 1:30:00 is slavery inherently bad 1:32:45 why does Jewish identity come through the mother and is Judaism both a nationality and religion 1:35:00 did Hashem create the world so we could be better off (7-17-25) Produced by: Cedar Media Studios /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/37604785

Q&A: Gehenom, Non-Jews & Litvaks 07/21/2025

Q&A: Gehenom, Non-Jews & Litvaks Episode generously dedicated by Anonymous lrefuah shelaima דנה דניאלה בת סוניה and for the safety of Eretz Yisroel and Jewish People everywhere. 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 0:00 Explanation of pardes 2:35 is there a halachic basis for tucking out tzitzit as being gaivadic 4:50 what is gehenom like, does saying Kaddish do anything for a neshama that’s already in olam haba 15:45 who is qualified to receive nevuah, are gerim eligible 21:45 what Torah laws are assur for goyim to keep, are they allowed to enforce halachic observance on Jews 30:00 since limud Torah is so excluded, why are women excluded and why are there discrepancies in learning talent 40:00 what criteria did Hashem use for selecting Bilam and Moshe 45:50 how do kiruv leaders of Jewish co-ed camps best maintain their shomer einayim and kedusha onsite 56:20 can you explain the vilna gon in saying that Torah will strengthen midot 1:00:40 why did Rav Ovadia matir heter mechira given that it is assur for non-Jews to own land in Eretz Yisrael 1:04:25 can you explain the recent daf yomi gemera instructing the right way to learn Torah 1:10:00 may Benei Torah maintain close friendships with non-Jews, does the sin of intermarriage apply to non-Jews 1:13:50 advice for Baal tshuvas struggling in conformity within the litvish system 1:18:40 is there anything going on today like a student initiative in Harvard 40 years ago in which married frum couples invited non religious students to their Shabbat meals 1:20:35 what’s the Halacha if a Jew is forced to do avodah Zara and he does so without kavanah (7-9-25) PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/37477830

The History of Shiva Aser B’Tamuz 07/11/2025

The Mystery of Parah Adumah 07/04/2025

Q&A: Iranian War, Investments & Seminary 06/26/2025

Q&A: Iranian War, Investments & Seminary 🚨 NOW MORE THAN EVER – Klal Yisrael needs Torah’s protection 🚨 📖 Ohr Somayach Yarchei Kallah | July 7–9, 2025 | Yerushalayim 🗣️ With Rav Breitowitz & Rav Asher Weiss + 🔥 3 days of Torah, chizuk & achdus 📩 Reserve: | | Torah protects. Torah unites. Join the mission. See you there! Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at Questions? Comments? Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website whatsapp us at or call our placement specialist at today! Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at 0:00 how tall are the giants in the Torah 4:20 What would have been the implications if Albert Einstein followed through on becoming frum 10:40 why are false conversions so commonplace 18:45 do we poskin like the Gemara which says a cohen who has killed someone isn’t allowed to duchan 20:55 how do we explain many gezerot that may not seem so applicable today like not swimming on Shabbat so you won’t build raft 29:05 do we really have techelet today 41:40: forgetting one’s Torah learning upon birth 47:55 what should our avodat Hashem be during this time of war 55:55 why is talmud Torah greater than all the other mitzvot 1:03:00 what are the concerns about eruvim of large cities 1:08:00 are there still demons today which the Gemara discusses, given the claims made by the Catholic Church 1:12:30 are there issues with investing in companies that violate halacha 1:18:55 concerns regarding the seminary system 1:27:20 why would the 10 spies have conspired to lie about the land prior to being there, as stated by Rashi 1:29:50 how do we deal with divrei Kabbalah 1:34:40 what are the source and parameters of das Torah Q&A 6-18-25 Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at 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 @ PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/37168410

Q&A: Aggadah, Rebuke & Ancestral Sins 06/18/2025

Q&A: Aggadah, Rebuke & Ancestral Sins 🚨 NOW MORE THAN EVER – Klal Yisrael needs Torah’s protection 🚨 📖Ohr Somayach Yarchei Kallah | July 7–9, 2025 | Yerushalayim 🗣️ With Rav Breitowitz & Rav Asher Weiss +Senior Ohr Somayach Lecturers 🔥 3 days of Torah, chizuk & achdus 📩 Reserve: bentzys@ohr.edu | https://bit.ly/OSYarchaiKallah | Torah protects. Torah unites. Join the mission. See you there! Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Episode dedicated by Boris Liberman in honor of his parents- Solomon and Hayusya Liberman- & with prayers for the safety of Israel and freedom of the hostages. ---------------------------------------------------- Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at Questions? Comments? Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website whatsapp us at or call our placement specialist at today! Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at 0:40 Is Rav Chaim’s derech needed for Brisker mahalach 4:40 why is the norm in the Yeshiva world not to have a beard despite what the Torah says about not using a razor 10:30 what is ayin hara and how does it work 17:50 does saying beli neder work, does bidding on aliyahs create a neder 20:55 how did Onkulus a Ger become so learned 29:40 is Judaism the only major religion that creates nationhood 33:20 does shomer habrit result in seed wastage and deformed children regardless even if one follows Halacha 43:45 How could David HaMelech lust over a woman bathing on a roof 50:45 it is appropriate to answer lachiam after savri maranan during kiddush 51:50 what it is about agadatah that Chazal felt the need to incorporate it making it harder to understand 1:02:45 why does Halacha only apply adultery to a cheating wife and why is a get only in the hands of the husband to give 1:09:30 Is there a basis to claim that the Baal Shem Tov created a new religion in relation to the 13 principles 1:14:00 should one give rebuke or argue against a parent who espouses anti-Torah rhetoric 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 @ PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/37053905

Q&A: Shana Rishona, Birth Control & Haskamos 06/10/2025

Q&A: Shana Rishona, Birth Control & Haskamos Join us in Jerusalem for Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at Questions? Comments? 0:00 thoughts on Shavuot 1:25 how different should shana rishona be to other years of marriage 6:30 why does the Torah want Shmita to cancel loans 16:10 how should we navigate our divine purpose today without any Neviim 27:50 is birth control evil, do some poskim permit it? 36:00 why dont we see women taking on the option of making a zimmun together 43:25 under what circumstances can Chazal make multiple drashot from one pasuk 47:15 to what extent should secular education be allowed 57:35 what was the curriculum of Shem’s yeshiva 1:00:00 why did there need to be different shvatim and what will their role be in the future 1:07:05 did people in chutzla aretz have to keep 2 days of Yom Kippur for not knowing when Rosh Hodesh Tishrei was declared 1:11:05 why did the rishonim write so much on Seder nazikim 1:19:25 origin of dikduk in lashon hakodesh 1:28:00 do any of the agricultural laws of Eretz Yisrael apply to produce in Chutzla Aretz 1:30:10 is the shmoneh esrei bracha taken from parashat kodshim 1:31:35 is tanning a problem of beged isha 1:32:50 are there problems with haskamas given to sefarim Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website whatsapp us at or call our placement specialist at today! Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at 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 @ PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/36933580

Q&A: Conversion, Zohar & Kosher Certification 05/30/2025

Q&A: Conversion, Zohar & Kosher Certification Join us in Jerusalem for Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at Questions? Comments? 0:00 were Ruth and Orpah converts at the time of marriage to Naomi’s two sons 9:50 can we say that both psaks are correct in a halachic makloket How do we resolve the concept of one soulmate with the ability to have multiple wives What is the cause of the Shidduch crisis Can others rely on the Temani Masorah for eating kosher Grasshoppers Wearing tzitzit without Techelet 30:50: activities that cause one to forget his learning 32:50 do we have a Masora of transmission of the Zohar from Rav Shimon Bar Yochai to Rav Moshe DeLeon 38:25 how does one use their relationships with others to enhance our relationship with Hashem 41:05 what are the parameters for being allowed to break Shabbat for emergency EMT work 45:50 are lower quality hekshers like Rabbanut fully operating within permitted leniencies or do they violate some kashrut laws 55:35 will many things still continue as per normal after Mashiach 1:01:15 when the Mashiach, will we not get as much reward for mitzvot, will gerim be allowed 1:05:45 why isn’t mashiv haruach morid hatal mentioned fully in tefilah 1:09:15 why is there a discrepancy between secular and Jewish dating of the temple periods 1:17:50 why is the schmita requirement only limited to farmers and not other professions 1:21:15 why are there 2 days of Yom Tov for Shavuot which is determined by counting down 1:25:25 when are certain people zocheh to learn with a magid or Eliyahu HaNavi 1:28:15 what does the Rav consider to be the best proof for Judaism 1:30:55 is there a way to explain the Torah through science 1:33:30 what are the halachic ramifications of being a plant geneticist 1:35:00 why do we keep 2 days of yom Tov but not Rosh Chodesh Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website whatsapp us at or call our placement specialist at today! Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at 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 @ PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/36786185

Yom Yerushalayim 05/26/2025

The Two Faces of Lag BaOmer 05/15/2025

Q&A: Light Unto The Nations, Animal Pain & Wishing Wells 05/12/2025

Q&A: Light Unto The Nations, Animal Pain & Wishing Wells Join us in Jerusalem for Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Episode dedicated by Harold and Gilla Saltzman in appreciation for the Torah learned from Rav Breitowitz over the years. Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at Questions? Comments? Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website whatsapp us at or call our placement specialist at today! Q&A Timestamps 7 May 00:00 - How do Hareidim balance being reclusive and being a light to the nations? 03:55 - Why do we have a modern-day obligation to give Maaser on money when the Torah only refers to it in regard to agricultural produce? 10:35 - Is there an issue of Tzar Baalei Chaim to tag the ears of cattle? What about piercing a person’s ear? 17:35 - What caused the Mussar movement? Did they not need Mussar before that? 29:15 - Why is it forbidden to use electricity on Shabbos? 44:28 - Can someone lose his status as a Jew? 51:00 - What is the status of Amen? 56:34 - Is sirloin steak worse than pork? 01:06:22 - Why do we permit listening to music? 01:10:47 - In the Haftorah: when Dovid HaMelech made a mistake in how he transported the ark why should Uza be punished; how could he give such rebuke to Michal? 01:15:55 - Are wishing wells considered Avodah Zara and could one take the coins from them? 01:17:55 - Why is Birchas Cohanim in Loshon Yochid? 01:21:55 - Why should it be permitted to go on a ship on shabbat but not a train or a car? 01:27:34 - How is it that disparate people converge on the same interest? Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at 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 @ PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/36529930

The Two Goats of Yom Kippur (Acharei Mos-Kedoshim) 05/09/2025

Q&A: AI, Atheism by Trauma & The Omer 05/05/2025

Q&A: AI, Atheism by Trauma & The Omer Join us in Jerusalem for Featuring HaRav Yitzchak Breitowitz shlit"a & HaRav Asher Weiss shlit"a and more for more information. Dont miss this one of a kind experience! ---------------------------------------------------- Episode dedicated by Harold and Gilla Saltzman in appreciation for the Torah learned from Rav Breitowitz over the years. Dedication opportunities are available for episodes and series at Questions? Comments? Yeshivat Ohr Somayach located in the heart of Jerusalem, is an educational institution for young Jewish English-speaking men. We have a range of classes and programs designed for the intellectually curious and academically inclined - for those with no background in Jewish learning to those who are proficient in Gemara and other original source material. To find the perfect program for you, please visit our website whatsapp us at or call our placement specialist at today! Q&A Timestamps 30 April 00:48 - Can a Jew go somewhere without sunset and sunrise such as the Arctic circle? 05:58 - The scientists say that the universe will end. Is there such an idea in Torah thought? 09:13 - Is it a Jewish concept to attach sentimental value to physical items? 12:43 - If you cross the international date line to the previous day would you daven again? 25:23 - How would you deal with someone who attacks Orthodox Judaism based on the behaviour of Jews? 28:40 - Does Judaism require that we look at the Torah as historical fact? 36:00 - What would be the status in Kashrus of something cooked entirely by a robot? 38:23 - Does putting one’s finger in his ear, nose or mouth require cleaning his hands before learning? 41:13 - And what about socks? 42:12 - What does it mean when Rishonim say L’Halacha v’Lo L’Maaseh? 46:23 - How do we understand refining oneself for a self-serving purpose? 53:25 - What if someone is an atheist based on trauma? 55:23 - Is one’s consciousness and his neshama the same? 56:20 - Should one be able to identify what mitzvah he is doing at each moment? 01:03:58 - Rambam says we should look at the maasim of Hashem to bring us to awe and love of Him. Does that mean we should study science? 01:08:53 - What is the best way to make use of the Omer period to prepare for Kabbolos HaTorah? 01:12:11 - Why do we discuss the diﬀerence between Magen Avraham and Gra for Sof Zman Krias Shema but not by Sof Zman Tefillah? Subscribe to the Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast at Submit questions for the Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at 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 @ PRODUCED BY: /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/36434660

Pesach Freedom, Responsibility & the Hard Boiled Egg 04/10/2025

Q&A: Preparing for Pesach, OTD & Imposter Syndrome 04/06/2025

Q&A: Preparing for Pesach, OTD & Imposter Syndrome Dedicated by Anonymous in Honor of Rav Breitowitz 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📱 WhatsApp: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +1-254-981-0133 🎧 Subscribe to Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast: Don’t miss out! https://plnk.to/rbq&a 📝 Submit your questions for Rabbi Breitowitz: 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Explore more videos here: Q&A Timestamps 26 March 00:00 - Could the Rav speak about some of Rav Schiller’s central ideas? 14:30 - How does one fight the feeling that he could be learning something better? 18:44 - How did we lose certain Mesoras? 24:13 - Does the Rav have tips for raising children to be strong in their Yidishkeit? Why do the children of good parents go oﬀ the derech? 41:12 - How much is Hashem involved in raﬄes? 54:20 - Why is it so hard to find healthy family relationship in Tanach? 56:20 - Why do we not have a tribal structure anymore? 1:01:30 - How would the Rav prove the existence of God? 01:11:19 - Could the Torah have been written by man and given to the ‘Jewish’ nation? 01:15:05 - Advice on how to prepare for Pesach 01:20:50 - What is the relationship between Yiras Hashem and Chochmah? 💡 Find Ohr Somayach Programs Anytime, Anywhere: 📲 Download the Ohr Somayach app on Apple & Google Play, or visit us at ohr.edu. Note: Please do not watch or listen to this content on Shabbos or Jewish Holidays. 🎙️🎥 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios 🌟 Join, subscribe, and share! /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/35967685

Q&A: Chareidi Hashkafa, Mashiach & Petting Dogs 04/01/2025

Q&A: Chareidi Hashkafa, Mashiach & Petting Dogs Sponsored by Anonymous in Honor of Rav Breitowitz 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📱 WhatsApp: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +1-254-981-0133 🎧 Subscribe to Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast: Don’t miss out! https://plnk.to/rbq&a 📝 Submit your questions for Rabbi Breitowitz: 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Explore more videos here: Q&A Timestamps 19 March 00:00 - What is the argument for the Neturei Karta position? 03:27 - Could you make the case for why the Hareidi hashkafa is superior to all other Orthodox hashkafas? 05:21 - Is there a good way to take the best parts of all the diﬀerent haskafas? 11:38 - How does one choose who to take as a Rebbe? 17:47 - How do we know Hashem didn’t make the oﬀer to replace the Jewish people to prophets other than Moshe? 23:55 - How could we arrive at the same questions that the great genius rabbis of the generations asked? 28:00 - Where does the custom to learn Pirkei Avos between Pesach and Shavuos come from? 30:44 - How does an Ashkenazi know when he can use a Sefardi Halachah? 34:25 - Could the Oral Torah exist without the Written Torah? 37:00 - How can one deal with other people being more successful than him? 47:00 - Was the pin test really practiced and what are other similar feats of memory? 54:30 - Which nation is the final one before Machiach? 01:02:10 - Could the Rav elaborate on the discrepancy between the Jewish history time-line and Secular history time-line. 01:12:20 - Why haven’t Klal Yisrael recreated real Smicha as according to the Rambam? 01:17:50 - Should one always accept humiliation without retaliation? 01:24:20 - How should one react to others when they treat him badly? 01:27:55 - Can an Ashkenazi eat in a Sephardi restaurant? 01:31:55 - What din of reshut is a large man-made canal? 01:32:51 - Why doesn’t the Torah go in chronological order? 01:33:45 - Why do we have an Oral Torah? 01:34:50 - What is the authority of Chazal to uproot a Torah mitzvah? 01:37:00 - When someone davens for a shidduch should he have a list of desirable qualities in mind? 01:37:55 - What is the Jewish view of astrology? 01:40:24 - Can one pet an dog on Shabbos 01:43:00 - Should I put on a black hat? 💡 Find Ohr Somayach Programs Anytime, Anywhere: 📲 Download the Ohr Somayach app on Apple & Google Play, or visit us at ohr.edu. Note: Please do not watch or listen to this content on Shabbos or Jewish Holidays. 🎙️🎥 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios 🌟 Join, subscribe, and share! /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/35967515

Q&A: Rav Nota Schiller zt"l, 13 & The Haggadah 03/25/2025

Q&A: Rav Nota Schiller zt"l, 13 & The Haggadah Episode dedicated in honor of Rav Breitowitz by anonymous 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at: 📍 About Yeshivat Ohr Somayach Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Ohr Somayach is a premier institution for young, English-speaking Jewish men. Whether you’re new to Jewish learning or already proficient in Gemara and other original sources, we offer tailored programs to meet your needs. (3-12-25) 00:00 - Words about the Rosh Yeshiva zt’’l 05:37 - Why would Hashem create a situation in which there was a need to write the Oral Torah down? 14:00 - Even the Goyim were aware of the prophecy that the Temple would be rebuilt within 70 years 22:08 - What is the Halachic status of communal acceptance? 34:30 - How do we deal with the Haggadah’s treatment of the wicked son or the way the Mishnayos in Yevamos deal with women? 50:40 - There is a difference between the abbreviated form of the 13 principles of faith and the unabridged version. Why? 01:12:30 - Why didn’t the Jewish people ask Aharon to be their new leader rather than the Golden Calf? 01:17:30 - What is important about getting dead-bodies back and praying at a grave? 01:23:16 - Should one actively do a small aveirah to avoid doing a bigger aveirah passively? 01:31:00 - The Torah says all males need to go to the Temple. How would this function economically or spatially? 01:34:25 - Is there a hierarchy in mitzvos? 📚 Discover the perfect program for you: 🌐 Visit: 📱 WhatsApp: 📞 Call our placement specialist: +1-254-981-0133 🎧 Subscribe to Rabbi Breitowitz Q&A Podcast: Don’t miss out! https://plnk.to/rbq&a 📝 Submit your questions for Rabbi Breitowitz: 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Explore more videos here: 💡 Find Ohr Somayach Programs Anytime, Anywhere: 📲 Download the Ohr Somayach app on Apple & Google Play, or visit us at ohr.edu. Note: Please do not watch or listen to this content on Shabbos or Jewish Holidays. 🎙️🎥 Produced by: Cedar Media Studios 🌟 Join, subscribe, and share! /episode/index/show/qawithrabbibreitowitz/id/35851690

Fasting on Taanis Esther 03/13/2025

Q&A with Rabbi Breitowitz Podcast

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