Shloime Balsam

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Channel • 28 Shows

Judaism

Judaism

Updated Semiweekly
Judaism

Judaism

Updated Weekly
Mental Health

Mental Health

Updated 10/21/2025
Judaism

Judaism

Updated Weekly
Judaism

Judaism

Updated Weekly
Judaism

Judaism

Updated Biweekly
Mental Health

Mental Health

Updated Jan 12

MAR 26

Common Seder Misconceptions

Common Seder Misconceptions Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 26

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16 min
MAR 28

Kashrus of Braces, Retainers, Dentures and Teeth

Kashrus of Braces, Retainers, Dentures and Teeth Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 28

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10 min
MAR 25

Eating Two Kezeisim of Matzah

Eating Two Kezeisim of Matzah Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 25

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12 min
MAR 23

Ashkenazim Eating (Soft) Sefardi Matzos

Ashkenazim Eating (Soft) Sefardi Matzos Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 23

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13 min
MAR 21

Man Versus Machine (Matzah)

Man Versus Machine (Matzah) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 21

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13 min
MAR 25

Materials that Can and Cannot be Kashered

Materials that Can and Cannot be Kashered Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 25

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13 min
FEB 1

Answering YUr Shailos

Welcome back to another weekly session of answering your questions, organized and arranged by Jonathan. In this episode, we explore a wide variety of halachic inquiries and philosophical reflections, ranging from modern technological challenges on Shabbat to the deep spiritual mechanics of repentance. **This episode answers the following questions:** * **Does winning a Sefer Torah in a raffle fulfill the mitzvah?** We provide a follow-up on whether winning a raffle qualifies as the mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah, debating if it is more similar to inheriting one (which does not fulfill the mitzvah) or commissioning/buying one (which most hold does fulfill it). * **Are digital photo frames and screens permitted on Shabbat?** We discuss the use of screens in homes and shuls that display rotating photos, headlines, or sports scores, examining concerns like reading secular news on Shabbat and the halachic concept of *Shevisas Kelim* (resting of utensils). * **What is the halachic status of the Manhattan Eruv?** We dive into the complex history of the Manhattan Eruv, focusing on the debate over whether an area requires 600,000 residents to be considered a *Reshus HaRabim* (public domain) and Rav Moshe Feinstein’s influential rulings on the matter. * **How does God’s influence (*Hashgacha*) affect non-Jews?** Drawing on various opinions, we explore whether non-Jews are guided by general or individual providence and how they are judged based on their personal mission in society. * **Is it preferable to daven in a shul if there is a house minyan on your block?** We explain why **davening in a shul is superior** to a house minyan, citing reasons such as *B'rov Am Hadras Melech* (glory in a large crowd), the inherent sanctity of the building, and the presence of an *Aron Kodesh*. * **How strictly should we follow the rule of *Paska* (not splitting verses)?** We look at why we sometimes split verses in songs or Torah readings despite the general prohibition, noting that it is often permitted when there is no other viable option. * **Does seeing the top of the Golden Dome require *Keriah*?** We discuss whether seeing the dome on the Temple Mount from a distance—without seeing the base—obligates a person to tear their clothes in mourning for the Temple. * **How do sins transform into merits through *teshuva*?** We examine the profound concept that **proper repentance can turn past transgressions into merits**, including the idea that the drive to overcome sin can lead a person to a higher spiritual level than they would have otherwise reached. * **Where should one light candles when staying in one hotel but eating in another?** We address the logistics of lighting Shabbat and Chanukah candles for those away from home, determining whether the place of eating or the place of sleeping takes precedence. * **What is the best way for teenagers to handle modern temptations?** We share advice on **avoiding temptation through filters and environment** rather than just "fighting" it, while emphasizing the importance of not obsessing over past failures. * **How should you signal someone to stop talking during sensitive parts of prayer?** We offer practical tips for communicating the need for silence during *Chazaras HaShatz* or *Kaddish* without violating the prohibition against speaking. To understand the concept of **avoiding obsession with sin**, consider it like **putting down a heavy load after crossing a puddle**; if you keep rehashing your mistakes, you are still carrying the weight of the sin long after the moment has passed. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 1

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46 min
MAR 21

Shemura Matzah

Shemura Matzah Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 21

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12 min
MAR 20

Kashering Dishwashers for Pesach

Kashering Dishwashers for Pesach Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 20

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11 min
MAR 22

Eating Matzah 30 Days Before Pesach

Eating Matzah 30 Days Before Pesach Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 22

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12 min

Music, Torah, therapy, and a potpourri of my brain's latest releases.