Shu"T First, Ask Questions Later

Moshe Kurtz
  • 5.0 (8)
  • JUDAISM
Shu"T First, Ask Questions Later Podcast

Shu"T First, Ask Questions Later puts the study of Torah front-and-center by inviting guest scholars to present, debate and provide listeners with a dynamic conversation of the topic at hand. In addressing the responsum of their choice, they will be asked to provide relevant historical background, distill the halachic/social considerations, offer unique methodological insights, and make an argument for its relevance today.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    56. A View from the Vanguard: A Conversation with a Contemporary Posek - Feat. Rabbi Asher Bush

    In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Asher Bush, a contemporary posek (Jewish legal authority), who offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a modern halachic decisor. Rabbi Bush shares his experiences and insights on how he navigates the complex challenges of the modern world while rendering halachic decisions. We touch on a host of topics from his responsa, Shoel B'Shlomo, including Health, Shabbos, Kashrus and Eretz Yisrael.  Rabbi Bush's sefer can be purchased here: https://oupress.org/product/shoel-bshlomo/

    38 min

  2. AUG 27

    55. What Happens When Halacha Appears to Get History Wrong? - Feat. Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter

    What happens when a posek steps into the realm of history? Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, one of today's leading Jewish scholars, assesses the historical claims advanced in a late responsum of R. Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe, Y.D. 4:57:11) against instituting new fast days. R. Dr. Schacter raises several fundamental questions that arise from R. Feinstein's analysis. Chief among them - what happens when a halacha appears to be predicated on a historical error?

    35 min

  3. AUG 20

    54. The Pioneering Pesakim of Rav Shlomo Goren - Feat. Rabbi Chaim Metzger

    In this episode, Rabbi Chaim Metzger explores the groundbreaking halachic rulings of Rav Shlomo Goren, a pioneer and previous Chief Rabbi of the Israeli Defense Forces, based on his sefer Meishiv Milchamah (no. 2). Through an analysis of Rav Goren's innovative rulings, Rabbi Metzger reveals how he navigated complex issues facing both the Israeli military and civilian life. His scholarly, yet controversial rulings have impacted the reception of his books, which we discuss toward the end of the show.

    37 min

  4. AUG 14

    53. The Briskers Got it Right! (At Least This Time) - Feat. Rabbi David Fried

    Rabbi David Fried explores how a responsum of the Rambam (Shu"T HaRambam, Mechon Yerushalayim Edition, No. 104) sheds light on ambiguities and seeming contradictions in his magnum opus, the Mishneh Torah. He demonstrates how reading the "original" responsum can possibly settle a debate between Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe, Y.D. 2:7) and Rav Aharon Kotler (Mishnas Rebbi Aharon 35:6) - which has implications for the entire enterprise of Brisker methodology.

    37 min

  5. AUG 7

    52. Recovering the Remarkable Rulings of Rav Nosson Nota Zuber zt"l - Feat. Rabbi Yossi Katz

    In this episode, Rabbi Yossi Katz delves into the fascinating life and works of Rav Nosson Nota Zuber, a Talmudic scholar who served as the rabbi of Roselle, NJ. Through a general exploration of Rav Zuber's responsa contained in Zichron Menachem, Rabbi Katz reveals the remarkable rulings and insights made by this less-well-known, yet exceedingly erudite 20th century rabbinic figure.  Rabbi Katz has compiled historical data about Rabbi Zuber and created the following wikipedia page: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Zuber

    36 min

  6. AUG 6

    51. Ona'as Mamon: Approaches to Jewish Economic Regulation - Feat. Rabbi Tzvi Benoff

    In this episode, Rabbi Tzvi Benoff explores the concept of Ona'as Mamon, a Jewish law regulating fair business practices and economic conduct. With a focus on Responsa Shevet HeLevi (O.C. 4:1), he delves into the nuances of this principle, discussing various approaches to its interpretation and application in contemporary economic life.

    34 min

  7. JUN 25

    50. The Get of Kleves: From Divorce to Dementia in Jewish Law - Feat. Rabbi Kalman Laufer

    In this episode, Rabbi Kalman Laufer explores the complex and sensitive topic of "The Gett of Kleeves" and its implications for dementia in Jewish law. Through his analysis of the responsa collected in Sefer Or HaYashar, Rabbi Laufer sheds light on the halachic considerations surrounding divorce and claims of mental incapacity. As a bioethicist and dayan, Rabbi Laufer navigates the intricacies of Jewish law, offering valuable insights for how the Jewish community can better approach these critical issues.  To learn from Rabbi Laufer and other esteemed experts, we welcome listens to explore the RIETS Certificate Program in Jewish Bioethics: https://www.yu.edu/riets/bioethics

    37 min

  8. JUN 19

    49. Evasion, Avoidance and Workarounds in the Halachic System - Feat. Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman

    In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman joins us to explore the fascinating themes of his book "Letter and Spirit: Evasion, Avoidance, and Workarounds in the Halachic System". We delve into the intricate strategies and mechanisms that have evolved within Jewish law to navigate complex ethical and legal dilemmas. Rabbi Feldman shares his expertise on how halachic authorities have employed "ha'aramos" to balance competing values and reconcile seemingly irreconcilable tensions. Through our conversation, we gain insight into the dynamic and adaptive nature of the halachic system, and how these strategies continue to shape Jewish legal and ethical discourse. To purchase Rabbi Feldman's sefer on the topic, please click here. A special thanks to Rabbi Jordan Auerbach for helping make this episode happen.

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Shu"T First, Ask Questions Later puts the study of Torah front-and-center by inviting guest scholars to present, debate and provide listeners with a dynamic conversation of the topic at hand. In addressing the responsum of their choice, they will be asked to provide relevant historical background, distill the halachic/social considerations, offer unique methodological insights, and make an argument for its relevance today.

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