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by Hadar Institute
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.
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- Mar 30, 202642 min
Can You Count the Omer Early?
Many communities begin Shabbat services early during the summer months — sometimes before sunset. This poses a probem during the Omer when the service includes counting the new day of the Omer before its proper time. What should one do in this situation? Should they not say the blessing or count with their community and count again at home like all the other days? If they count later at home, should they not say the blessing? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/717193 Have a...
- Mar 25, 20261h 17m
Are Women Exempt from Mitzvot?
I grew up in a non-egalitarian Jewish community where I was taught that women are exempt from many mitzvot and that's why egalitarian prayer is not an option. Is that true? Does egalitarian prayer simply ignore this part of halakhah or is there some way of addressing it? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/716409 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Women of Today by Faith Rivera
- Mar 18, 20261h 3m
Does Jewish Law Permit Getting a Reversible Vasectomy?
Jewish law has long prohibited certain forms of sterilization, particularly for men. But what happens when medical technology changes the equation? Does the possibility of reversal affect the halakhic status of vasectomy? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/714995 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: U Turns by Mary Jennings
- Mar 11, 202641 min
Are Jews Allowed to Spay or Neuter Pets?
I was surprised to hear recently that Jews are not allowed to neuter pets. Is that true? What is that about, where does it come from, and are there any ways around it, given that most people I know have pets that aren’t able to reproduce? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/711708 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Vinyl Stripes by Pretty Kitty
- Mar 4, 202637 min
Is Buying Jewish a Mitzvah?
Is there a Jewish obligation to support your Jewish-owned local businesses? If prices are higher or the store is farther away, how much effort or expense does halakha expect? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/711520 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: Salesman by Ted Hoagland
- Feb 25, 202643 min
Can Women Give the Priestly Blessing?
The priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) is a powerful moment in Jewish communal prayer. Traditionally performed by kohanim, it raises important questions about lineage, ritual roles, and gender equality. Can women offer this blessing to their communities? How can we think about this ritual in a gender egalitarian context? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/710207 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at responsa@hadar.org Music featured in this episode: D...
- Feb 18, 202639 min
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 feat...
- Dec 17, 202544 min
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 t...
About Responsa Radio
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.
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