Category: Podcasts

Ep. 95 Halakhic Process 15 – Emergency Rulings / Hora’at Sha’ah

Rabbi Yuter’s Halakhic Process series confronts examples of Jewish law adapting to extenuating circumstances. In particular, this shiur explores the three halakhic idioms of “et la’asot”, “hora’at sha’ah,” and “sha’at hadechak.”

Halakhic Process 15 – Emergency Rulings Sources (PDF)

Halakhic Process 15 – Emergency Rulings




Ep. 94 Current Jewish Questions 19 – Gun Control

With the Sandy Hook tragedy reigniting the national debate on gun control, Rabbi Yuter discusses certain rabbinic sources relevant towards formulating a Jewish perspective.

Current Jewish Questions – Gun Control Sources (PDF)

Current Jewish Questions – Gun Control Sources




Ep. 93 Halakhic Process 14 – Rambam’s / Maimonides’ Approach To Jewish Law Part 2

Rabbi Josh Yuter’s halakhic process series moves to the post-Talmudic period with a discussion of Rambam’s / Maimonides’ approach to Jewish law and his own halakhic methodology.

Rambam’s / Maimonides’ Approach To Jewish Law Part 2 Sources (PDF)

Rambam’s / Maimonides’ Approach To Jewish Law Part 2




Ep. 92 Halakhic Process 13 – Rambam’s / Maimonides’ Approach To Jewish Law Part 1

Rabbi Josh Yuter’s halakhic process series moves to the post-Talmudic period with a discussion of Rambam’s / Maimonides’ approach to Jewish law and his own halakhic methodology.

Halakhic Process – Rambam’s / Maimonides’ Approach To Jewish Law Part 1 Sources (PDF)

Halakhic Process 13 – Rambam’s / Maimonides’ Approach To Jewish Law Part 1




Ep. 91 Current Jewish Questions 18 – Metzitza B’Peh

The practice of metzitzah b’peh / direct oral suction as part of a circumcision is currently being contested in the New York legal system. Today’s class not only explores the origins of this practice but how it is exemplary of the larger challenges between traditions and adaptations.

Current Jewish Questions 18 – Metzitza B’Peh Sources (PDF)

Current Jewish Questions – Metzitza B’Peh




Ep. 90 Halakhic Process – Popular Practice and the Process of Psak / The Role of Custom in Jewish Law

Rabbi Yuter’s series on the Halakhic Process turns to the role of minhag/custom in the halakhic system with a special presentation of his classic post Popular Practice and the Process of Psak – The Role of Custom in Jewish Law

Popular Practice and the Process of Psak / The Role of Custom in Jewish Law Sources (PDF)

Popular Practice and the Process of Psak / The Role of Custom in Jewish Law




Ep. 89 Current Jewish Questions 17 – Interfaith Interactions

Rabbi Yuter discusses the conditions under which interfaith dialogue can be constructive if not encouraged and when it may be better to avoid.

Current Jewish Questions – Interfaith Interactions Sources (PDF)

Current Jewish Questions – Interfaith Interactions




Ep. 88 Halakhic Process 11 – Marit Ha’ayin / How Not To Be Seen

Rabbi Yuter challenges the conventional assumptions regarding “marit ha’ayin” and the concern for public perception in Jewish practice.

Halakhic Process 11 – Marit Ayin How Not To Be Seen Sources (PDF)

Halakhic Process 11 – Marit Ayin How Not To Be Seen Sources




Ep. 87 Current Jewish Questions 16 – Organ Donation and Brain Death

Scientific innovations always pose unique challenges for Jewish law, but medical advancements can mean the difference between life or death. In this class Rabbi Yuter discusses the primary Jewish sources which form the current Jewish debate over organ donation and brain death.

Current Jewish Questions 16 – Organ Donation and Brain Death Sources (PDF)




Ep. 86 Halakhic Process 10d – Assuming Additional Responsibilities

It turns out for podcast subscribers I need to post each class individually and not in one big post. Part 3 in my sub-series on stringencies in Jewish Law discusses the rabbinic attitude towards assuming additional religious responsibilities beyond what is required by Jewish law.

Halakhic Process 10 – Stringenceis (PDF)

Assuming Additional Responsibilities