Audio Roundup

Introduction to shmoneh prakim (commentary on pirkei avot). Rambam’s take is based on his view of perfection of the soul and the need for a soul man doctor. Worth it for his “Truth from wherever it comes” and explanation of why what we might now call plagiarism is ok (and, in his case, called for).[Me-truth from wherever it comes, what’s next chochma bagoyim taamin? Can’t that lead to otd?]

The prohibition of asking a non ben brit (NBB) to do something on Shabbat for you – is it based on Daber Davar or a rabbinic enactment or both? Then some practical applications based on this question, including hinting in a non-direct way on Shabbat or a direct way before or after Shabbat (defining direct may not be so easy!)
Then differentiating based on whether it’s a benefit to NBB, followed by various leniencies – if only indirect, makom mitzvah, great need, great loss (as long as only rabbinic prohibition at issue).{me- but isn’t anything I need a great need????}

Bottom line – Daas Torah is mostly good advice and requires the individual provider to be “holding” in the issues at hand. And can it be uniform? (e.g. is there only one daat torah per issue, per universe?)

Bishul Akum (cooked by NBB) is “treif” drabanan. Then summary of basic “leniencies”:
*something usually eaten raw” – this is an example of changing realities (raw meat was eaten in time of Talmud, not now). So what about sushi? Some say still no, unclear why. R’Sobolofsky seems ok with it, at least for fish types used for sushi (me – do we see subsetting like this by any other food type?)
*something that goes on a king’s table – C.I. says this doesn’t mean for a state dinner, even for breakfast (me – 1. apparently, he said it doesn’t appear in writing; 2. how did he know that the Queen of England eats sardines for breakfast).
*even though the concern that drove the rule is intermarriage, we generally say lo plug (we don’t differentiate) to cases where intermarriage wouldn’t be a concern. {me-except where we do}
*microwave cooking? (vs. reheating which is certainly ok)
*do you have to kosher utensils used (generally yes, but ask a shailah)

Unfiltered Internet can lead to big problems, even filtered can be a big time waster and you shouldn’t let it and/or general society define your axioms (e.g. materialism). Don’t take it for granted that you must have in home. (me – a difficult risk/reward calculus, you certainly give up a tremendous productivity boost if correctly used. I have an idead, let’s only allow its use in community centers watched my mashgichim , who will be watched by super mashgichim? Oh, sorry, that was already suggested at the Agudah convention)

Short shiur on “falling on one’s arm” for tachanun. Is the holiness of Jerusalem itself sufficient to require it (much like a torah or aron). Source of torah and/or Aron requirement could use more explication.

Introduction to understanding that predisposition (genetic, etc.) doesn’t mean predestined. Channel whatever HKB”H deals you into your avodat Hashem.

R’Rakeffet is not pleased with Agudah in Israel:
*not “accepting” cabinet minister positions means not taking responsibility
*not “accepting” army service means not taking responsibility
*not “accepting” secular education means not taking responsibility
Bias (anti sfardi) is an issue as well.

Red Bendels have a tenuous basis at best (me – “everyone” does it so we can’t fire everyone). Is it Darkei Emori (non-Jewish practice)? Probably.
Right on R’AL – the best way to defeat the evil eye is to live a life of tzniyut (modesty and humility), but how do you sell that to the Baalabatim?
BTW there is a self service red bendel kiosk on the way down to the kotel, but I can’t tell if they’ve been wrapped around kever Rachel?

Where have you gone my blue eyed son, and where have you gone my darling young ones? (oops sorry, another acid flashback)Talmudic debate concerning the ongoing existence of the 10 tribes. Psak is they do exist, a number of groups have claimed to be their descendants. Then on to Eldad Hadani and the debate about Ethiopian Jews [me – who says we got halachot “right”, maybe they did?].

Giving chizuk to Chabad shluchim conference – R’Sacks retells stories of the Rebbi’s influence on him at crucial times in his life. As long as they carry on the Rebbi’s work, he lives through them (me-triggered some thoughts on what some there might have been thinking).
My favorite R’Sacks story (I retell it often as I remember it) – when a student at Cambridge he met with the Rebbi and began to tell him “In the circumstances I find myself in” and the Rebbi stops him and says “one does not find oneself in circumstances, one puts one self into circumstances”.(chatati,aviti, pashati)

Medicine (Galen) in his time believed that man has 3 souls (vegetable, animal, person is simplest way I can describe it) etc. Need to know these to heal souls just like need to know body to heal it. [It’s a new world, Goldie!]

We are all both Adam I and Adam II. We focus on this world. Being a member of covenantal community helps resolve the existential loneliness but doesn’t resolve it (me – Yes, they’re sharing a drink they call loneliness but it’s better than drinking alone). Our job is to unite the 2 worlds of the Adam I and Adam II in all of us (we will always feel the dialectic tension).

Sounded a lot like me (content, not vocals; and I’m not sure it’s a compliment!). Starts with current popular belief “It’s all from HKB”H’ (predestined); points out issues with this (e.g. holocaust) and then reviews the wide range of Jewish thought on freewill, predestination, nature, theodicy….
[me – generally go with what gets you through the night (I’m pretty much a Rabbeinu Bachya guy – individual freewill within the master plan – see Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy) but realize we are finite and IMHO will never comprehend the infinite {though Rambam would say come close or actually do?}. But realize every position has issues] Most liked the ending – my take perhaps oversimplified Kach MKublani mbeit Avi Abba (sorry R’Gil) – just do your best to do the ratzon HKB”H as you understand it and let him worry about the philosophy issues and the scorecard and know that he (infinite) always has your (finite) back (even though you may not see it). Me – you’re on a roller coaster that’s careening over a hill.
Of course, it helps having great parents who modeled that for you (kach mkublani practically vdai brmizah).
R’AL quoting R’Chaim – Ramban couldn’t have said don’t go to doctor! (I love those kinds of edits)