Shloime Balsam

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Channel • 28 Shows

Judaism

Judaism

Updated twice weekly
Judaism

Judaism

Updated weekly
Mental Health

Mental Health

Updated 12 Jan
Judaism

Judaism

Updated weekly
Judaism

Judaism

Monthly
Judaism

Judaism

Updated weekly
Mental Health

Mental Health

Updated 21/10/2025

15 FEB

Answering YUr Shailos

This transcript features a rabbi responding to diverse questions concerning Jewish law, communal standards, and spiritual life. He begins by debating whether winning a Torah scroll in a raffle fulfills the religious obligation to write one personally. The discussion then shifts to the permissibility of digital photo frames on the Sabbath and the complex history of the Manhattan eruv. Addressing broader theological concerns, the speaker explores divine providence as it relates to non-Jews and explains the spiritual advantages of praying in a formal synagogue rather than a home setting. He concludes with practical advice on maintaining religious focus amidst modern temptations and the protocol for handling interruptions during prayer. How do Rabbinic authorities apply ancient laws to modern technologies like digital screens? In what ways does communal environment influence the spiritual quality of religious practice? How does Jewish law navigate historical disputes regarding the definition of public spaces? Today • 2:02 AM write a podcast blurb for this audio with all the questions asked 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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

15 Feb

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46 min
16 FEB

Drinking on Purim

Drinking on Purim Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

16 Feb

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13 min
4 DAYS AGO

The Shabaton Without a Minyan

The Shabaton Without a Minyan Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

4 days ago

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30 min
4 DAYS AGO

Mishloach Manos

Mishloach Manos Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

4 days ago

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13 min
30/04/2021

The Basis For Celebrating Lag B'omer (and by comparison, Yom Ha'atmaut)

The Basis For Celebrating Lag B'omer (and by comparison, Yom Ha'atmaut) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

30/04/2021

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17 min
1 DAY AGO

Marrying Somebody With The Same Name As Your Parent

Marrying Somebody With The Same Name As Your Parent Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 day ago

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13 min
12 FEB

AYS

Welcome back to another session of answering your shailos, organized and arranged by Jonathan. In this episode from February 13th, we explore a wide range of halachic inquiries, spanning from the philosophical depths of repentance to the practicalities of Shabbat observance and communal customs. This episode answers the following questions: • How do we perform teshuva (repentance) for sins we will likely repeat? We discuss whether it is "dishonest" to repent for recurring failings, explaining that repentance is a "sliding scale" or a "dimmer light" rather than a simple on/off switch. Making a value statement through vidui (confession) is crucial, even if we aren't yet 100% ready to fully overcome a weakness. • Is it permitted to play board games on Shabbat? We examine the halachic issues of writing (kosafe)—such as forming letters in certain versions of Scrabble—and sorting (borer), which often arises in games like Settlers of Catan when discarding cards. We also touch upon the importance of using game time as a meaningful way to connect with family. • What is the ideal way to perform Shnayim Mikra V'Echad Targum? We debate whether it is better to read verse-by-verse or paragraph-by-paragraph, exploring different opinions on how to best achieve a level of understanding of the Torah text. • Which "Yomi" (daily learning) program offers the most benefit? While emphasizing that you get out what you put in, we discuss the unique value of Nach Yomi, as many people are unlikely to learn the Prophets and Writings in a different setting. • How careful must one be when disposing of Hoshanos? We clarify the difference between Tashmishei Kedusha (holy items) and Tashmishei Mitzvah (items used for a mitzvah), noting that while one shouldn't be disrespectful, leaves that fall off naturally and are swept up are generally not a concern. • Should you use full names when praying for family members? We explain that clarity is the primary goal; if it is obvious who you are praying for (e.g., "my wife" or "my child"), mentioning the full formal name is not strictly necessary, especially in their presence. • Can you ask an Israeli to do work for you on the second day of Yom Tov? We explore the concept of asking a Jew who is only keeping one day of Yom Tov to perform a task for someone keeping two days, noting that there is no prohibition of Amira L'Yisrael (asking a Jew) if the act itself is permitted for the doer. • Is it permitted to lie to facilitate a surprise party? Drawing on sources that allow lying for the sake of peace (Shalom) or to avoid hurting feelings, we discuss how truth-telling is sometimes balanced against the requirements of proper midos (character traits). • What should be said when hostages are released? We break down which blessings apply to the hostages themselves, their families, and the general public, including the potential use of Hatov V'Hametiv or Shehecheyanu. • How do we determine which minhagim (customs) to follow? We distinguish between personal customs, which one can adopt based on spiritual inspiration, and communal customs, where consistency is vital to avoid creating a "hodge-podge" of practices that lack a coherent foundation. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

12 Feb

•

43 min
17 HR AGO

Seudas Purim

Seudas Purim Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

17 hr ago

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11 min
1 FEB

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. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 Feb

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46 min
12 FEB

Fulfilling a Dead Man's Commitment to Tzedakah

Fulfilling a Dead Man's Commitment to Tzedakah Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ten-minute-halacha/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

12 Feb

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10 min

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