The Q & A with Rabbi Breitowitz Podcast

Dec 7

🎙️ 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: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 🎙️ Dedicate a Shiur or Podcast Series: Opportunities available at https://ohr.edu/donate/qa 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: podcasts@ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Nov 24

🎙️ 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: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📞 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: podcasts@ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Nov 15

🎙️ 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: podcasts@ohr.edu 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 Email us at: podcasts@ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Nov 10

🎙️ 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: podcasts@ohr.edu 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921 Email us at: podcasts@ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Oct 27

🎙️ 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: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel Email us at: podcasts@ohr.edu 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: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Sep 19

🎙️ 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: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📞 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: podcasts@ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS

Sep 12

🎙️ 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: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📞 Call our placement specialist: +972 52-312-5921

Sep 9

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 https://ohr.edu/donate/qa 💬 Got Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at: podcasts@ohr.edu 📍 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: https://ohr.edu/study_in_israel 📞 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: podcasts@ohr.edu PRODUCED BY: CEDAR MEDIA STUDIOS