Responsa Radio

2d ago

What does it mean to serve as shaliach tzibbur—the representative of a community in prayer—if you struggle with belief in God? This episode explores the halakhic and theological dimensions of a question that sits at the heart of Jewish spiritual life. Does disbelief disqualify someone from leading davening, or does the act of prayer itself create a space that transcends personal theology? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Shema by Saul Kaye

Dec 10

I recently started attending a shul that gives joint aliyot. What, if any, are the halakhic issues with two people receiving an aliyah at the same time? Do any of the issues rise to the level that I should privately request only solo aliyot from the gabbai, or perhaps even ask not to receive an aliyah at all? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: A Prayer for Everyone by Cindy Alexander

Dec 3

I am starting an adult b'nai mitzvah program this year and will be holding a Shabbat morning service for the students in the program. I have twelve students participating and am trying to figure out a way to give them each an individual aliyah. Is it permissible to add aliyot in order to do so? If so, would you repeat an aliyah or divide the aliyot into smaller sections? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: American Dreams by John Torres

Nov 26

I occasionally get a massage. Recently, there was a change in massage therapists. The new therapist emphasized that she uses Reiki, which is concentrating an energy field to help in healing. I mentioned this to a friend who is very knowledgeable in Reiki, and she mentioned that Reiki is an independent, sentient entity with volition and intelligence. She also says that someone doing Reiki involves the spirit of the Reiki entity through specific chants and phrases. Now I am concerned that what I thought was just an energy healing technique is somehow tied up with sorcery, witchcraft, divination. Bottom line: is it okay to get massages that include Reiki energy healing?

Nov 19

I am an attorney currently working on a death penalty appeal on behalf of a convicted client. We have a brief in the case due on a Friday, and I lined up assistance from non-Jewish colleagues in case the brief isn’t ready when Shabbat starts. Was that necessary here, given that I am trying to prevent an execution and save a life? Are there any circumstances in which it would be permissible to work on a death penalty case on Shabbat? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Heavy Weight by White Noise Maker

Nov 12

Can one sell their plasma for export? The US is a major player in this field of plasma export. Does Halacha say anything relevant about this? Are there any specific considerations about use of blood? And do we need to take into account the risk of taking advantage of desperate people, who may not really be doing this voluntarily? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Young Blood by The Solarists

Nov 5

I grew up in a very religious Catholic family and attended Catholic schools through college. Through my upbringing, I accumulated a number of rosaries, bibles, and other accoutrements. When I started converting, I took all these things and put them in a box. My family is no longer religious whatsoever and also has no use for them. I didn't want to throw all these things away because this felt disrespectful, but I I feel uncomfortable still owning all of them. Is there a proper way to dispose of the items? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Finer Things In Life by The Texas Gypsies

Oct 29

A close friend is getting married in a church and I'm very conflicted about what to do. I have always avoided entering churches as I was taught that this was forbidden. But I feel terrible skipping my friend's wedding. What are the relevant halakhic considerations and sources? Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Wedding March (Mendelssohn) by Cyrus Farrah