Halacha Headlines

Why are they asking? Is it legal? May you lie? How’s it affecting High School girls?

Why do married women cover their hair? Is a tichel preferable to a sheitel? Why do some women shave their heads after marriage?

What draws men to these gatherings? How do they impact the home — especially when alcohol is involved? What is the halachic basis for tasting food before Shabbos? What are the halachic concerns with entering Shabbos intoxicated or eating too close to Shabbos? What should an ideal Erev Shabbos look like?

Does a person smuggling in drugs have a Din of a Rodef? Should you report someone who’s trying to sell drugs in the community? Should you report someone giving out alcohol irresponsibly? What to be aware of when someone asks you to take a package? What causes suicide in our community? How common is it?

How common are controversies over leadership in the Litvish yeshiva system? Is the Ponevezh controversy unique? What were the main points of the machlokes and how did they develop? Who halachically owns assets donated to a yeshiva — the Rosh Yeshiva, the fundraiser, or the institution itself? When, if ever, may a yeshiva bring a dispute to secular arbitration or secular court rather than to Beis D...

What are the primary risks and the necessary gedarim? May a Rabbi teach Torah to women or girls? What about one-on-one? How should one handle a situation where women attending a class are not dressed modestly? What can be done about predators who exploit those they are being mekareiv?

Now that there’s a Frum brigade what’s the justification of Frum people at least who aren’t learning not to go to the army? If there’s a shortage of soliders why wouldn’t yeshiva bochurim be obligated to join – isn’t Pikuach Nefesh Doche the whole Torah? If the Frum will become a majority in the country what will you do then? If Torah obligates hishtadlus, what is the minimum practical hishtadlus...

How common is online dating in the Yeshivish community? What about Modern Orthodox? Is it ever acceptable to adjust your age, height, or weight on a dating profile? Should men and women post profile photos, and what are the concerns? Is using an older photo to appear younger misleading? What are the halachos of leaving feedback or “reviews” for shadchanim or daters?

Why does bullying happen, and who is most at risk? How should victims respond, and what are the best ways for families, teachers, and community leaders to intervene? How should the bullies themselves be dealt with? What practical strategies can we employ to prevent abuse and foster respect? Please donate to the 10 orphans of the Makeler family in Rechovot, Israel https://www.charidy.com/keren375?2

Is NY surrounded by walls? Does that help? Was Reb Moshe’s Shita a Chumra or a Kula And much much more….

What’s the proper way to interact with male colleagues? How should a frum woman dress in the workplace? How do Heimish workplaces compare to secular ones? How should a woman respond to uncomfortable moments – like a handshake or a hug? Should she attend office events, parties, and social gatherings?

What are the risks and halachic concerns of a mixed gender workplace? Should conversations be limited to only what’s necessary for work? Can first names be used? What if a woman extends her hand to shake hands with a man? How can couples protect their shalom bayis when one spouse works in a mixed environment?

Most religions teach that only insiders make it to heaven. But what does Judaism really say about the eternal fate of righteous non-Jews? Can someone like Charlie Kirk merit Gan Eden? How do we balance admiration for non-Jews with the Torah’s command of Lo Sechaneim?

What’s your favorite Devar Torah for the Yamim Noraim? How can we make our Kabbalos last – and what really works? What’s the most powerful lesson you’ve learned this past year? What do you hope to carry forward into the year ahead?

When does chazanus cross into tircha d’tzibburah? Can a chazan use popular tunes, repeat words, or sing with a choir? Should a professional chazan be hired for the Yamim Noraim, or is simplicity preferred? Is chazanus an ideal form of avodas Hashem — or is it frowned upon? What are the qualifications required of a Yamim Noraim chazan?

The Torah’s obligation to hold oneself higher in business Kiddush Hashem in the workplace Can you make money without cutting corners? Is there a concept of not doing Mitzvos in public that will cause non jews to ridicule us? And Much more……

What level of proof is required before sounding the alarm? When risks are identified, should they be broadcast widely, or kept within a limited circle? What happens when victims are silenced, ignored, or when abuse is covered up? How can we, as a community, ensure that abuse is never minimized or swept under the rug? What role do journalists, news outlets, and podcasts play in exposing the truth a...

When is it prohibited to interfere with someone else’s pending transaction? (“Ani Hamehapech B’chararah”) When is it prohibited to capitalize on someone else’s groundwork? (“Ani Hamenakef”) Beis Din in Action: • Outbidding someone for an apartment • Poaching a long-term client • Taking a business idea and running with it

Can you own intellectual property? Can it be stolen if it’s not tangible and there’s no act of theft? Do you have to pay for enjoyment? Dina D’Malcusa Dina Aveida M’Daas And much more…..

What are the minimum requirements of Tznius when it comes to women’s dress? Are the reactions by girls/women when taught Hilchos Tznius any different than for Hilchos Shabbos and the like? What specific things are more difficult for certain women to be responsive to? How should Hilchos Tznius be taught so that it will be accepted? Can up to a Tefach be shown? Long skirts worn? Denim clothing? Slit...

Do any contemporary Poskim permit smoking? Is vaping halachically better than smoking? What’s the argument that smoking is permitted? What are the risks of second-hand smoking and vaping? If someone already smokes, do they need to quit? How far must a smoker distance himself from others?

Is it permissible according to Halacha to establish communal guidelines or enactments that restrict the sale or purchase of homes within a defined radius of the community? May a Jew purchase property in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood with the intent to rent it out to non-Jews? Does it matter what type of tenants are placed in the property—for example, individuals of questionable character, mu...

Can a second business open up next to another and compete? What if the second business will hurt or destroy the first business? What does a Beis Din do when potential Hasagas Gevul issues come before it? How does Hasagas Gevul apply in our modern, large cities nowadays? Is the prohibition of Hasagas Gevul only on the new competitor, or also on those who purchase from him?

The Shitos in the Rishonim The Baal Shem Tov and the Gra’s Shita If you hold like the Rambam and the Ramban’s Shita are you an Apikorus according to the Gra and Baal Shem Tov Is Hashem busy with the animal kimgdom? Can you do something to someone if it wasn’t preordained? Why do bad things happen in the world? What’s the point of Hishtadlus if everything is preordained? What does Hester Panim mean...

Can you visit Israel during a war due to the danger? How do hospitals deal with patients during missile alerts? Is there an obligation to go to a bomb shelter while you are learning Torah? Is it permitted to travel to and from Israel via Egypt, Jordan or Cyprus when Ben Gurion Airport is closed? Can someone in Yerushalayim travel to Bnei Brak or Tel Aviv where it’s more dangerous?