Audio RoundupLatest Essays
Audio Roundup 2026:14
by Joel Rich
Opening comments #1
Really sad (to me). Rav Asher Weiss reported that a recent article reported an “updated” version of a story concerning Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer for a more current yeshiva audience. The original story was that R’ IZM walked around the block and didn’t go into his apartment so as not to cause the widow who was cleaning his apartment to stop singing when he knew the singing brought her some comfort and joy. The revised story was that he didn’t go in because of concerns of kol isha. This change speaks volumes to me about the publisher’s perception of the definition of a gadol that sells today. Next thing you know they’ll have R’ Chaim taking care of orphans because of a diyuk in the Rambam in hilchot shmita vyovel ☹
Opening comments #2
During a Current Issues shiur I mentioned this program focusing on the use of electronic key cards on Shabbat:
- Dr. Marc Shapiro, Rabbi Dr. Dror Fixler – Electricity and Shabbat: The Views of Rabbi Nahum RabinovitchNear field theory, electricity, and practical Shabbat implications. Concerns about convenience vs. proper halachic grounding; thoughtful and nuanced discussion.
- Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner – Remarks on Principles of Jewish Bioethics to Navigate Modern QuestionsHow should halacha balance immediate medical needs vs. long‑term research? Includes Q&A on assisted death and confronting mortality.
- Rabbi Shmuel Lesher – Rav Asher Weiss on Alternative MedicineMay a dangerously ill person refuse standard treatment? Alternative medicine may supplement but not replace accepted medical practice.
- Rabbi Michael Taubes – The Mitzvah to Lend and Repay LoansIs lending limited to the poor? Must one lend unasked? Must one repay without demand? Explores obligations on both sides.
- R’ Zev Smith – Eiruv Chatzairos 101Carrying between domains, achdut through eruv chatzeirot, and practical halachic structure.
- Rabbi Mayer E. Twersky – Q&A @KBYWestern values, tochacha, caring about non‑Jews, baalei mofet, college, and communal norms.
- R’ Shmuel Fuerst – Shailos of the WeekWide‑ranging practical Q&A: 2nd day YT, tefillin, mezuza, lettuce on Shabbat, and more.
- Rabbi Moshe Sokoloff – What Bracha on Chocolate?Why the minhag is shehakol rather than haetz; production process considerations.
- Rabbi Isaac Rice – Translating the Talmud (Artscroll Debate)Tool or crutch? Balancing accessibility with depth in Gemara learning.
- R’ Zev Smith – What If Lashon Hara Is Being Said?Hearing worse than speaking; strategies for response without escalation.
- Rabbi Ike Sultan – Medicine on ShabbatPikuach nefesh categories; hutra vs. dchuya; violating Shabbat vs. kashrut.
- Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner – Defining Goses in HalachaCan we define goses today? Significant practical ramifications.
- Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz – Who is the Ba’al Simcha?Sfira aveilut, wedding status, and reliance on R’ Moshe’s rulings.
- R’ Asher Weiss – Mitzvas Binyan Beis KnessesNature of obligation to build a shul; ownership and communal structure.
- R’ Doniel Osher Kleinman – Jewelry on ShabbosCarrying vs. wearing; Chazal’s concerns and mutav shogegin.
- Rabbi Hershel Schachter – Mitzvah to Live in Eretz YisroelYishuv Eretz Yisrael, Shalosh Shevuos, hardship, burial, and kaparah.
- Rabbi Mayer E. Twersky – Two Paths to SimchaTrue simcha is lifnei Hashem — accepting that ‘what is’ is what should be.
- Rabbi Sariel Malitzky – How to Be Happy When You Just Aren’tBitachon that HKBH has a plan; inner orientation to simcha.
- Rabbi Menachem Brick – Building Funds & Multiple ShulsDeoraysa or derabanan? Tzarchei rabim or mini‑mikdash? Community implications.
- Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz – Kashrus & Tzedakah for the Working ManFood delivery seals, wine gifts, office kashrus, maaser applications.
- Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz – UYS Q&AGeneivat daat, Purim drinking, mayim meguleh, maaser, Shabbat prep.
- Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Woolf – What Is Torah?Defining Torah vs. secular studies through Rambam, S”A, and Gra.
- Rabbi Michael Rosensweig – Nature of Taanis EstherUnique fast with joyous ending; preparation for Purim.
- Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman – Slander for Peace?Motzi shem ra and mdvar sheker tirchak — debate and limits.
- R’ Asher Weiss – Megillah Night & DayShehechiyanu debate; pirsumei nisa vs. kria; zrizin vs. hiddur.
- Rabbi Netanel Wiederblank – Reasons for MitzvosValue of taamei hamitzvos; chukim vs. mishpatim; relation to emuna.
- Headlines 2/21/26 – Thank You Hashem for the Emesdike TzaddikFinding balance between chassidut and hitnagdut; ignore foolish distractions.
- Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb – Do Your JobRav Wolbe’s guidance for balancing ratzon Hashem and time management.
- Rabbi Maury Grebenau – Why Do We Drink on Purim?Ad d’lo yada — revealing deep contrasts through deep similarities.
Please direct any informal comments to audioroundup613@comcast.net.