Halacha Headlines

7/4/26 – Shiur 566 – Stock Market Investing: How Much Risk Is Too Much? 02.07.2026 1ώ 38λ

Is it wise to buy stocks based on a “hot tip”? When does investing cross the line into gambling? How does halacha view margin investing (borrowing money to invest)? What is the status of trading options and other derivatives? Is it permitted to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies? Is there a way to realistically double your money without taking on significant risk? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Daniel Rapp – Dayan at the Beis Din of America, Maggid Shiur at RIETS – 12:08with Mr. Morris Smith – Former Manager of the Fidelity Magellan Fund – 38:20with Mrs. Stacey Zrihen – Senior Director of Coaching for Living Smarter Jewish and Senior Financial Advisor for Achiezer – 1:15:15 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:29:55 מראי מקומות

6/27/26 – Shiur 565 – The New Gambling Epidemic: Sports Betting, Kalshi, Day Trading, and Halacha 25.06.2026 1ώ 26λ

Gambling has moved from casinos to our phones.FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, Kalshi, and day-trading platforms have made “action” available every minute of the day.When is risk-taking legitimate, and when does it become gambling?Is sports betting different from day trading or prediction markets?What are the dangers of addiction, wasted time, and chasing easy money? with Rabbi Chaim Jachter – Rav of Sha’arei Orah in Teaneck, Dayan on the Elizabeth Beis Din – 28:15with Rabbi Moshe Rotberg – Rav of Zichron Yechezkel, Toms River NJ, Rov of Hatzalah of Central Jersey, Pyscotherapist - 50:16with Mr. Yehuda Liff – Therapist at Retorno, Specializing in addiction – 1:12:43 מראי מקומות

6/20/26 – Shiur 564 – Should You Move to Israel? What about trying it for a year? 18.06.2026 2ώ 13λ

Is there a mitzvah to live in Israel nowadays?What are the largest financial differences between living in Israel and out of Israel?What budget is necessary to come, at least for a year?What lends to being successful in moving to Israel and what are the challenges?What trade-offs do people usually face between cost, community, and lifestyle? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Akiva Dershowitz – Rosh Kollel, Toras Efrayim Shlomo, Yerushalayim – 10:42with Jonathan Rosenblum – Mishpacha Columnist and author – 39:30with Rabbi Paysach Freedman – CEO and co-founder of Chaim V'Chessed - 50:24with Mrs. Rifka Lebowitz – CFP and founder of Living Financially Smarter In Israel – 1:15:17with Naftali Derovan - Head of the Aliyah Guidance Division of Nefesh B’Nefesh – 1:41:15 Conclusions and Takeaways – 2:04:31 מראי מקומות

6/13/26 – Shiur 563 –Modern Orthodox, Dati Leumi, and Charedi: Are the Differences Halachic or Hashkafic? 11.06.2026 2ώ 4λ

Is “Dati Leumi” in Israel the same as “Modern Orthodox” elsewhere?Is “Chareidi” in Israel the same as “Yeshivish” elsewhere?What are their respective views of secular studies, engaging in the modern world, and serving in the IDF?What are the most common misperceptions each has of the other, and what can each learn from the other? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz – posek, Rav and Senior Lecturer at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach – 11:14with Jonathan Rosenblum – Mishpacha Columnist and author – 40:02with Rabbi Moshe Taragin – Ram at Yeshivat Har Etzion, Gush Etzion, Israel – 1:02:02https://www.mtaraginbooks.com/ Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:56:37 מראי מקומות

6/6/26 – Shiur 562 – Shidduchim — What do you have to disclose? At what point does privacy become deception? At what point does “full disclosure” become cruelty, stigma, and impossible perfectionism? 04.06.2026 1ώ 47λ

A boy lost 150 pounds through Ozempic. Does he have to disclose?A girl struggles with anxiety and takes medication occasionally. Does she haveto disclose? At what stage? A boy has mild asthma controlled by an inhaler. Is that considered a medical condition requiring disclosure? A girl once had depression in college but has been stable for 5 years. Does “past history” need to be revealed? A boy’s father spent time in prison decades ago and completely rebuilt his life. Must that be disclosed to the other side? A girl has a sibling who left religion entirely. Is that relevant information or lashon hara? And much more…… with Rabbi Dovid Jaffee – Author, What Can I Say..Today, Maggid Shiur – 16:55with Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Lowy – Rov of Agudas Yisrael Toronto' Renowned Mechaber Seforim and Poseik on Hilchos Loshon Hora – 46:09with Rabbi Shlomo Goldberger – MSW, Former Executive Director of The Shidduch of Baltimore – 1:14:18

5/30/26 – Shiur 561 – Finances 101 – financial conflict in marriage 26.05.2026 2ώ 5λ

What financial conversations absolutely need to happen before a couple gets married — beyond just “how much money do we have”?What are the most common financial disagreements between couples?How can couples get control of their finances instead of constantly living “in the red”?When spouses come from very different financial backgrounds or mindsets, can those differences realistically be bridged? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder – Rosh Yeshiva at REITS – 9:30with Mrs. Stacey Zrihen – Senior Director of Coaching for Living Smarter Jewish and Senior Financial Advisor for Achiezer – 34:02with Mrs. Chani Juravel, LCSW – Author, lecturer and therapist – 1:03:50with Rabbi Shimon Taub – Author, Laws of Tzedakah and Ma’aser – 1:35:56 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:53:01 מראי מקומות

5/16/26 – Shiur 560 – Hear the Skinny on Ozempic in Halacha 14.05.2026 1ώ 7λ

SCP Shavuos Challenge 5786 is here!🔥🎉Sign up and download material here: Bit.ly/SCPchallengewith Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Rov in Rannana, Founder of Semichas Chaver – 20:04 Is there an obligation to keep healthy? If yes what is the source?Does a spouse have a say in your health? Can you stop your spouse from donating a kidney etc?Can you take ozempic if isn't doesnt have enough testing what the long-term side effects can be? Or can it be taken even if it has doing some side effects?Are you allowed to cause damage to your body?Does it lengthen the time of Birchas Hamazon and every brocha Achrona because it takes longer to digest? Or vice versa if someone has quick digestion?Are you obligated in brocha achrona even less than a kzayis because it makes you full?Are you allowed to take on Yom Kippur even though it takes away ?עינוי Is there an issue of Refuah on Shabbos?Is there an issue of chilul shabbos with an injection?Do you have to disclose in Shidduchim? with Rabbi Shay Tahan – Rav, Cong. Ohel Moshe, Brooklyn, Dayan, Rosh Kollel Shaarei Ezra – 25:17with Tanya Rosen – Founder Nutririon by Tanya – 52:12 מראי מקומות

5/9/26 – Shiur 559 – Are our young men and women "ready for marriage"? How are we preparing them and where are we failing them? 07.05.2026 1ώ 46λ

What does it mean to be “ready” for marriage?What’s currently taught to chassanim and kallos – and what’s still missing?Are too many singles entering marriage with unrealistic expectations?Which common marital struggles could be prevented through better preparation? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Yosef Greenfeld – Rav of the Chestnut Shul in Lakewood & Chosson teacher – 6:16with Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman – psychologist & author of From Boys to Men – 34:08with Mrs. Elisheva Liss – licensed marriage and family therapist, lecturer & author – 1:05:05 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:37:35 מראי מקומות

5/2/26 – Shiur 558 – What's new with Chodosh II – Is there room for leniency? 01.05.2026 1ώ 45λ

Find out from farmers what percent of grain in circulation is ChodoshHow to practically keep YoshonCan we rely on a dream of the Baal Shem Tov in Halacha?Is the dream accurate?What's called a Shaas Hadchak?Was the Heter only based on Shaas HaDchak?Does it make sense to be Machmir on Cholov Yisroel and be Meikel on Chodosh?Can you be Makpid on Chodosh only when you are home?And much more…… with Rabbi Mordechai Farkash – Chabad Shaliach, Rov and Poseik in Bellevue Washington – 24:25with Rabbi Zalman Graus – Dayan for over 50 years, Formerly Magid Shiur in Belzer Yeshivah, Editor of Otzar HaPoskim, Mechaber Seforim: Habori Vehashemoh; Kol Boi on Eiruvin; Milim shel Halacha - A dictionary of Halachic Words and more – 50:49with Mr. Randy Watson – Quality Control Stafford Mills – 1:06:09with Rabbi Beirach Steinfeld – Rov of Khal Dover Tov in Flatbush and head of Khal Dover Tov Kashrus, Halacha Columnist – 1:19:13with Rabbi Nechemia Salzman – Representative of Kemach – 1:32:54 מראי מקומות

4/25/26 – Shiur 557 –Can a non-profit (school, shul, etc.) be run for profit? Can it be treated as a family business? 23.04.2026 1ώ 15λ

Are there halachic caps or guidelines on salaries and benefits?Does nepotism ever become a legal or halachic problem?What constitutes "reasonable compensation" for operators of religious non-profits?Can money be taken out in indirect ways, such as consulting fees? Host: Ari Wasserman with Rabbi Chaim Kohn – founder of the Business Halacha Institute (“BHI”) and Av Beis Din – 10:20with Mr. Raphael Grossman – C.P.A. representing individuals, families, corporations and numerous non-profits – 26:23with Rabbi Jonathan (Yoni) Schick – president of GOAL Consulting Group – 50:50 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:05:58 מראי מקומות

4/18/26 – Shiur 556 – What's new with Chodosh - Facts on the ground | Why are people so lenient about a Din in the Torah? 17.04.2026 1ώ 9λ

Why do we rely on leniency these day when the Heter was due to שעת הדחק and we don't have a shortage of food? If the Heter is based on Safek, nowadays the Safek is verifiable and can't be relied uponIf a store has information posted that it's not Yoshon - there's no Safek at all - what do people rely on?Why are people making on Stam Cholov which is maybe a Safek Derabbanan and not on this?If a person needed to eat because of פיקוח נפש and it was a question of הקל הקל תחלה should he eat Chodosh or drink Stam Cholov?People spend a lot of money and time checking vegtables for bugs which the obligation to check is Derabanan but blatantly eat Chodosh - why?Why are Chasidim so lenient - How does a story from the Baal Shem Tov uproot Halacha - even if it's true we go with halacha not stories - we can uproot all the Torah if it's controlled by stories not Halacha?Chassidim specifically love to quote Chasam Sofer "חדש אסור מן התורה" - when it comes to any slight deviance of Minhag or even culture - and חדש itself they don't care about? with Rabbi Menachem Genack – Leading poseik of the OU, Rov in Englewood – 17:35with Rabbi Dovid Gorelik – Rabbinic Coordinator of the OU – 17:35with Rabbi Yaakov Teichman – Head of OK Kosher – 43:43 מראי מקומות

4/11/26 – Shiur 555 – From the Shul to the Shelter: Rabbanim in Israel Reflect on Life During Wartime 10.04.2026 2ώ 6λ

How has the role of being a Rav changed due to the war?What should a shul’s policy be when a siren goes off during davening?How are people doing emotionally with the constant sirens, sleep deprivation and stress?What are the most interesting or unusual halachic questions that were asked during the war? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job Rabbi Avishai David – Rav of Kehillas Beis Tefillah Yonah Avraham – 12:00Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb – Rav of Beis Kenesses Kol Eliyahu – 37:32Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz – Rav of Ahavas Shalom – 56:35Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer – Rav of Ohr Chadash – 1:18:51Rabbi Shalom Rosner – Rav of Kehillas Ohel Efraim – 1:37:37 Conclusions and Takeaways – 1:57:56 מראי מקומות

3/28/26 – Shiur 554 – What is a Neshamah Yeseirah, and do calories really not count on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Plus, join the Headlines 30-days exercise challenges! 26.03.2026 1ώ 39λ

Do we also receive a Neshamah Yeseirah on Yom Tov?Does it have any effect on our capacity to eat?Is there any medical or scientific basis for the claim that calories are “absorbed” by the Neshamah Yeseirah and therefore don’t count on Shabbos and Yom Tov?What are some practical ways to manage our eating on Pesach while still fully enjoying the Yom Tov? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen – Dean of Kinyan Hilchos Shabbos, author of 5 seforim – 14:14with Dr. Diana (Miriam) Isaacs – Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Cleveland Clinic – 34:45with Coach K – licensed social worker in New Jersey and Running Coach – 55:26with Adam Ezekiel – certified fitness trainer and performance coach – 1:15:08 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:28:15 מראי מקומות Sign-up to jog or walk with Coach K at: https://www.runnergize.com/headlines Sign-up to exercise with Adam Ezekiel at: https://www.soulactive.health/30daychallenge

3/21/26 – Shiur 553 – Gambling in the Orthodox Community — What’s causing it, and can anything stop it? To what extent is gambling linked to following professional sports? 19.03.2026 2ώ 7λ

What makes gambling so alluring, and how widespread is it?To what extent is gambling linked to following professional sports?What strategies are effective in helping someone quit gambling?Should watching professional sports be banned?If a child uses a parent’s credit card to gamble without permission, is that considered stealing?Halachically speaking, is the parent responsible for charges made by the child? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz – Rav of Bais Haknesses of North Woodmere, Head of Semicha at RIETs – 18:06with Dr. Jacob Freedman – psychiatrist, speaker and author – 48:02with Menachem Poznanski, LCSW – Director of The Living Room – 1:04:36with Ike Dweck – Founder and CEO of the Safe Foundation – 1:35:55 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:59:29 מראי מקומות

3/14/26 – Shiur 552 – Operation EPIC FURY in Halacha – Hear from boots on the ground 12.03.2026 1ώ 13λ

Does collateral damage in war have a limit – can you destroy a missile base that will kill many civilians in the town nearby. Can you hit a nuclear reactor that will contaminate millions?Are citizens who support the regime considered combatants?What Issurim can you be Doche because of mental health – using phones on Shabbos, or other electric devices that will calm them down? Does Iran have a Din of an active Rodef if it's only something in the future – they're in middle of making a nuclear bomb that won't be ready for another two years?Is it a Milchemes Mitzvah to start it on Shabbos ? Can you be Mechalel Shabbos for preventive action – such as attacking on Shabbos to preempt an act (Is it תלוי בהותרה או דחויה- smoking while driving a tank)?Do you have to go to a shelter (odds of getting hurt are very small)?Is a tank Chayuv in Mezuza? Can you make it into a Sukkah? Light Chanukah Neiros?Can you listen do the Megillah on zoom?And more.... with Rabbi Binyamin Zimmerman – Rosh Kollel of World Musmachim Semicha Kollel, Senior Educator at the Zomet Institute of Halacha and Technology, Captain (Res.) IDF Rabbinate – 19:17with Rabbi Elyada Goldvicht – Rov in Ranana, Founder and heaod of Semichas Chaver – 53:04 מראי מקומות

3/7/26 – Shiur 551 – Inside Orthodox Schools: Who gets hired, which students get admitted and who makes the decisions? 05.03.2026 1ώ 42λ

Can a family member who is less qualified be hired before a more qualified candidate?Must admissions be based on merit?When is nepotism allowed?Can the Menahel/Principal keep any donations (bribes?) made to him personally? What if they are non-monetary, like expensive liquor, a new megillah, etc.Can the son of the Menahel sell access to his father? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Eliezer Breitowitz – Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Toronto – 15:48with Mr. Chaim Book – Senior Partner at Book Law LLP in New York – 48:30with Benjamin A. Goldburd – Partner at Goldburd McCone LLP – 48:30with Rabbi Jonathan (Yoni) Schick – president of GOAL Consulting Group – 1:15:20 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:33:54 מראי מקומות

2/28/26 – Shiur 550 – How Mental Illness Can Wreck a Marriage and a Divorce 27.02.2026 2ώ 19λ

Is failure to disclose a significant personality disorder considered a mekach ta’us in marriage?Are there halachos guiding how to treat one’s spouse during divorce, especially in high-conflict cases?When is it appropriate to turn to secular courts during divorce proceedings – for example, to obtain a restraining order against a spouse?Can refusal to go to the mikveh be considered a halachic violation when used as a tool in marital conflict? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job With Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Lowy – Rav of the Agudah of Toronto – 11:00with Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig – Rav, Posek and author – 43:59with Dr. Shmuel Harris – psychiatrist, author and founder and director of Machon Dvir Institute, Yerushalayim – 1:15:14with Dr. Jacob Freedman – psychiatrist, speaker and author – 1:15:14with Mark Schreck – New York divorce and family law attorney – 1:43:56 Conclusions and takeaways – 2:09:06 מראי מקומות

2/21/26 – Shiur 549 – THANK YOU HASHEM FOR THE EMESDIKE TZADDIK!! 20.02.2026 47λ

What’s the best path for serving Hashem in our generation?Does it have to be one or the other?Can it be a combination? Host: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg – Rov of Boca Raton Synagogue with Rabbi Daniel Glatstein – Rov of Kehilas Tiferes Mordechai Cedarhurst NY, Renowned lecturer and author – 8:26with Rabbi Yaakov Danishefsky – Rov Avodas HaLev in Chicago – Mechaber Seforim, LCSW – 28:28 מראי מקומות

2/14/26 – Shiur 548 – Semicha for Women? 12.02.2026 1ώ 37λ

Can a woman receive semicha and give halachic guidance?Does the historical precedent against it prohibit change? Does is violate our Mesorah?Is the Israeli Supreme Court’s push for women’s Rabbanut Semicha a religious goal or part of a broader feminist push? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Yonah Reiss – Av Beis Din of the CRC – 11:17with Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, Esq. – kashrus professional and Chairman of the Rabbinic Circle at Coalition for Jewish Values – 39:53with Rebbitzen Miriam Kosman – lecturer for Nefesh Yehudi, Author of "Circle, Arrow, Spiral: Exploring Gender in Judaism" – 54:33with Mrs. Michal Horowitz – lecturer and teacher, author of “Abled: Living with a Disability, a Torah View” – 1:16:24 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:29:55 מראי מקומות

2/7/26 – Shiur 547 – Mental Health Challenges of Boys in Yeshiva & Girls in Seminaries 05.02.2026 1ώ 50λ

How does coming to Israel for yeshiva and seminary affect a student’s mental health?When do difficult emotional feelings cross the line from normal struggles to something that should be addressed?Should a student who believes another is emotionally unstable report that behavior to the school administration?What are the key similarities and differences in how boys and girls experience stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional pressures? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Yitzchak Schwartz – Posek, Rosh Yeshiva & Rav, Givat Ze’ev, Israel – 8:50with Dr. Jacob Freedman – psychiatrist, speaker and author – 29:43with Dr. Shmuel Harris – psychiatrist, author and founder and director of Machon Dvir Institute, Yerushalayim – 29:43with Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox – Dayan, forensic and clinical psychologist, Director of Crisis and Trauma Services for Chai Lifeline – 1:02:35with Mrs. Debbie Fox – clinical social worker and author of Seminary Savvy – 1:02:35 Conclusions and takeaways – 1:40:40 מראי מקומות