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Hadar Institute
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A podcast where you ask and we answer questions of Jewish law in modern times. Hosted by Rabbi Ethan Tucker and Rabbi Avi Killip. To submit a question, email responsa@hadar.org.

  1. 5H AGO

    Is Seeing Yourself on Zoom Like Looking in a Mirror During Shiva?

    A long-standing mourning practice is to cover mirrors during shiva. But what happens when shiva takes place on Zoom? Does seeing yourself on screen raise the same concern as an uncovered mirror? This episode explores the meaning behind the custom of covering mirrors and how Jewish practice adapts to new technologies of communal presence.  Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/709534 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Mirror by Mike Schmid

    40 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    Can I Lead Prayer if I Don't Believe in God?

    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

    44 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    Can We Have Joint/Group Aliyot?

    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

    45 min

  4. 12/03/2025

    Can We Add Aliyot to the Torah Reading?

    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

    37 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    Can I Get a Reiki Treatment?

    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?

    40 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    What Is the Scope of Pikuach Nefesh (Can I File a Death Penalty Appeal on Shabbat)?

    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

    37 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    What Does Halakhah Have to Say About Plasma Donation?

    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

    42 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    How Do I Dispose of Christian Religious Items After I Convert?

    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

    32 min
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4.8
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83 Ratings

About

A podcast where you ask and we answer questions of Jewish law in modern times. Hosted by Rabbi Ethan Tucker and Rabbi Avi Killip. To submit a question, email responsa@hadar.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Hadar Institute
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Responsa Radio
  • Show Website
    Responsa Radio

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