Audio Roundup 2017:40

by Joel Rich

The S”A in O”C 53 discusses what to look for in a Shlicah Tzibbur. We seem to not fully actualize these recommendations (rationalizations include the fact that he is no longer being motzi those who can’t pray). Do you think this result is sociological or halachic driven? Does an individual (e.g., avel) who pushes to be a shatz, etc., when there are more qualified individuals (or especially if they are not qualified), accomplish more good or bad? See especially Aruch Hashulchan 53:5.
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See Chashukei Chemed (Maakot 21a) concerning a cosmetic tattoo for a woman who had breast surgery. R’Elyashav allows based on Tzaar, Choli, and Kavod. Algorithm anyone?
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• Rabbi Nosson Rich-Mishna Berura Yomi: Hilchos Yom Tov 515-7 and 516-1

  If a non ben brit is sent as a messenger and delivers an object on Yom Tov, what is its status vis-à-vis usage? It may depend on when it was sent and whether it is standard practice for such objects to be sent.

• Rabbi Nosson Rich- Mishna Berura Yomi: Hilchos Yom Tov 517-2

  Discusses sending of gifts on Yom Tov for Yom Tov use—usually it’s okay as long as they are usable in their current state.

• Rabbi Nosson Rich- Mishna Berura Yomi: Hilchos Yom Tov 516-2 and 517-1

  But don’t send gifts that aren’t immediately usable (or tchum or weekday delivery or muktzeh issues . . . )

• Rabbi Nosson Rich- Mishna Berura Yomi: Hilchos Yom Tov 518-1

  If the majority demographic (defined by specific activity) are non ben brit, then you can assume their action on Yom Tov was not for non bnai brit. Then some rules concerning Yom Tov buying or asking a non ben brit to do so for you.

• Rabbi Nosson Rich-Mishna Berura Yomi: Hilchos Yom Tov 518-2

  Begins discussion of carrying for nonfood purposes on Yom Tov—it’s generally allowed “m’toch” (since it’s allowed for food reasons). Must you have at least a minimal Yom Tov reason to carry? You can always take out the garbage!(This will be on my tombstone)

• Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner-Yonah: More than a Fish Story

  Introduction to Jonah’s story—why didn’t he want to take on the mission? What are some of the symbolisms used in the story? The primary message is that sometimes HKB”H teaches us a lesson by letting us have our way.

• R. Osher Weiss-Parashat Ki Tavo: The Expenses and Effort Needed in Performing a Mitzva
  Shiur analyzes seemingly conflicting sources concerning how much one must spend on tzedakah and/or other mitzvoth. R’Weiss’s conclusion (me – IMHO consistent with his general approach of “normalcy”) is that mitzvot and Tzedaka are subject to different limitations (by pure logic) and that you must pay “market” for mitzvot. (Me – I’m not clear on the economic theory that the market will always set a reasonable price for mitzvot observance.)
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  Rabbi Noah Gardenswartz-וה הבאה בעבירה – מקור, הגדרה 1

  Mitzvah haba b’aveira ( a mitzvah accomplished through a sin) discussion – is the concept duraita or drabanan? What mitzvot does it apply to (perhaps only those involving ritzui?)

• Rabbi Michael Rosensweigיוב הגדת עדות 3

  Continuation of the ongoing Talmud Shavuot shiur focusing on the possible requirement to testify. Do we differentiate between mamonot (monetary) and nefashot (capital) cases when considering the obligation to testify? Does halacha allow one a choice not to testify? How many positive or negative commandments (if any) are involved in a requirement to testify and what are their messages?

• Rabbi Netanel Wiederblank -Taking Responsibility for Others

  Observance by itself is not enough, mitzvot must be done with belief in their effectiveness. If one had the ability to influence others positively and didn’t, they are subject to a curse (arur).

• Rabbi Dovi Fischer-The Transmission Of Torah SheBa’al Peh

  Torah shebeal peh defined (TSBP) with examples of where TSBP is needed for explanation of Torah requirements. Some history up through Anshei Knesset Hagedola.

• Rabbi Hershel Schachter- Berachos #1 2a – Keriat Shema DeOraita/DeRabbanan, Mincha Gedolah/Ketana, Plag, Sof Zeman, Yetzias Mitzrayim

  First in R’HS’s Talmud Brachot Shiurim. Includes discussion of Kriat Shma (duraita or drabanan?), how frequently one must do mitzvot when their frequency is not defined, Rambam’s rules for counting mitzvot, and mincha timing preference.

• Rabbi Hershel Schachter-Berachos #2 2ab – HaErev Shemesh, Showering After Mikveh, Bein HaShmashos, Birkat Kerias Shema,
  Continuation with discussion concerning some purification rituals, bein hashmashot ( a lot), zmanei tfila, brachot of kriat shma and brachot for duchening.
• Rabbi Dani Schreiber-Logical Proofs for God

  Ontological, cosmological and teological proofs of God’s existence explained and countered.

• Rav Nissan Kaplan-Elul

  Man and HKB”H’s role in tshuva process—don’t wait to get started!

• Rav Nissan Kaplan- Shofar Kavanos

  Discussion why and when we blow shofar in Elul. Then moves on to the halachot and sodot (mystical elements) of shofar blowing.

• Rabbi Shay Schachter-Economic Considerations When Making Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael

  We all in our heart of hearts want to make Aliyah (I wish I believed this was true). Financial considerations need to be taken into account. (Don’t get me started!)

• Rabbi Ari Kahn-Dual Coronation

  Our tfillin and HKB”H’s tfillin are representative of our relationship with HKB”H and his with us.

• Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner-Tashlich: Teshuvah through Bibliodrama

  Water represents Avraham’s test and Nechemia’s message of tshuva—We become them!

• Rabbi Moshe Taragin-תורת הרב ליכטנשטיין זצ”ל תשובה על החטא של שכחה

  R’Lichtenstein’s thoughts on tshuva, especially on sins of omission. It’s all about repairing our relationship with HKB”H.

• Rabbi Shay Schachter -Parental Considerations When Making Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael

  Kavod av veim doesn’t generally override the mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael. (Me – when should one invoke kavod in any event is a worthwhile discussion.)

• Rabbi Michael Taubes-Parshas Ki Savo Is Areivus an Independent Mitzvah

  Is arvut (joint responsibility) a general mitzvah or specific to each individual mitzvah? Specific applications discussed.

• Rabbi Moshe Sokoloff -The Controversy & Halacha Of Saying L’Dovid Hashem Ori

  The saying of L’dovid is fairly recent. Shiur includes a discussion of when to say it and why some chasidim don’t say it.

• Rabbi Michael Rosensweig ,Rabbi Hershel Schachter-Pesichah of the Investiture: Talmud Torah-Our Real Goal

  R’Schachter discusses the Torah as a representative of Elokut and R’Rosensweig discusses the tie between l’lmod (learning) and l’lamed (teaching).

• Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz-From The Rabbi’s Desk – Dan’s ‘Toys R Us’ Deal

  Primarily an analysis of the acceptability of profiting from a mistake of a non-ben brit vs. misleading them. Whatever the micro-halacha says, the macro says don’t do it!

• Rabbi Dovid Rosman-Deeper meaning behind the Trup

  Examples of the lessons the trop (cantillation) of the Torah reading can teach us.

• Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner-A New Challenge: Marijuana Legalization and the Jewish Community

  Canada is set to legalize recreational marijuana. Here the legal and public health issues are discussed and then the halachic view analyzed (practical and philosophical). I wonder if anyone’s mind was changed?

• Rabbi Moshe Taragin-Religious Thoughts Upon Hurricanes

  We can’t really explain natural disasters but they do remind us about our fragility, the need to maintain a delicate balance in life, and the need to do tshuva.

• Rabbi Jonathan Ziring-ינויים בתפלה 2

  Continuation of the series on changes in prayers. The micro issues against change are 1) changing a takana (promulgation), 2) changing words written by the greats, 3) changing words tied to verses. The meta issue is the battle with the Reform movement.

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