Halacha Headlines

Gambling has moved from casinos to our phones. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN Bet, Kalshi, and day-trading platforms have made “action” available every minute of the day. When is risk-taking legitimate, and when does it become gambling? Is sports betting different from day trading or prediction markets? What are the dangers of addiction, wasted time, and chasing easy money?

Is there a mitzvah to live in Israel nowadays? What are the largest financial differences between living in Israel and out of Israel? What budget is necessary to come, at least for a year? What lends to being successful in moving to Israel and what are the challenges? What trade-offs do people usually face between cost, community, and lifestyle?

Is “Dati Leumi” in Israel the same at “Modern Orthodox” elsewhere? Is “Chareidi” in Israel the same as “Yeshivish” elsewhere? What are their respective views of secular studies, engaging in the modern world, and serving in the IDF? What are the most common misperceptions each has of the other, and what can each learn from the other?

A boy lost 150 pounds through Ozempic. Does he have to disclose? A girl struggles with anxiety and takes medication occasionally. Does she haveto disclose? At what stage? A boy has mild asthma controlled by an inhaler. Is that considered a medical condition requiring disclosure? A girl once had depression in college but has been stable for 5 years. Does “past history” need to be revealed? A boy’s father spent time in prison decades ago and completely rebuilt his life. Must that be disclosed to the other side? A girl has a sibling who left religion entirely. Is that relevant information or lashon hara? And much more……

What financial conversations absolutely need to happen before a couple gets married — beyond just “how much money do we have”? What are the most common financial disagreements between couples? How can couples get control of their finances instead of constantly living “in the red”? When spouses come from very different financial backgrounds or mindsets, can those differences realistically be bridged?

SCP Shavuos Challenge 5786 is here!🔥🎉 Sign up and download material here: Bit.ly/SCPchallenge Is there an obligation to keep healthy? If yes what is the source? Does a spouse have a say in your health? Can you stop your spouse from donating a kidney etc? Can you take ozempic if isn’t doesnt have enough testing what the long-term side effects can be? Or can it be taken even if it has doing some side effects? Are you allowed to cause damage to your body? Does it lengthen the time of Birchas Hamazon and every brocha Achrona because it takes longer to digest? Or vice versa if someone has quick digestion? Are you obligated in brocha achrona even less than a kzayis because it makes you full? Are you allowed to take on Yom Kippur even though it takes away ?עינוי Is there an issue of Refuah on Shabbos? Is there an issue of chilul shabbos with an injection? Do you have to disclose in Shidduchim?

What does it mean to be “ready” for marriage? What’s currently taught to chassanim and kallos – and what’s still missing? Are too many singles entering marriage with unrealistic expectations? Which common marital struggles could be prevented through better preparation?

Find out from farmers what percent of grain in circulation is Chodosh How to practically keep Yoshon Can we rely on a dream of the Baal Shem Tov in Halacha? Is the dream accurate? What’s called a Shaas Hadchak? Was the Heter only based on Shaas HaDchak? Does it make sense to be Machmir on Cholov Yisroel and be Meikel on Chodosh? Can you be Makpid on Chodosh only when you are home? And much more……

Are there halachic caps or guidelines on salaries and benefits? Does nepotism ever become a legal or halachic problem? What constitutes “reasonable compensation” for operators of religious non-profits? Can money be taken out in indirect ways, such as consulting fees?

Why do we rely on leniency these day when the Heter was due to שעת הדחק and we don’t have a shortage of food? If the Heter is based on Safek, nowadays the Safek is verifiable and can’t be relied upon If a store has information posted that it’s not Yoshon – there’s no Safek at all – what do people rely on? Why are people making on Stam Cholov which is maybe a Safek Derabbanan and not on this? If a person needed to eat because of פיקוח נפש and it was a question of הקל הקל תחלה should he eat Chodosh or drink Stam Cholov? People spend a lot of money and time checking vegtables for bugs which the obligation to check is Derabanan but blatantly eat Chodosh – why? Why does everyone spends thousands of dollars on computer check of a sefer Torah and here it’s easy to access the information and for free? Why are Chasidim so lenient – How does a story from the Baal Shem Tov uproot Halacha – even if it’s true we go with halacha not stories – we can uproot all the Torah if it’s controlled by stories not Halacha? Chassidim specifically love to quote Chasam Sofer “חדש אסור מן התורה” – when it comes to any slight deviance of Minhag or even culture – and חדש itself they don’t care about?

How has the role of being a Rav changed due to the war? What should a shul’s policy be when a siren goes off during davening? How are people doing emotionally with the constant sirens, sleep deprivation and stress? What are the most interesting or unusual halachic questions that were asked during the war?

Do we also receive a Neshamah Yeseirah on Yom Tov? Does it have any effect on our capacity to eat? Is there any medical or scientific basis for the claim that calories are “absorbed” by the Neshamah Yeseirah and therefore don’t count on Shabbos and Yom Tov? What are some practical ways to manage our eating on Pesach while still fully enjoying the Yom Tov? Sign-up to jog or walk with Coach K at: https://www.runnergize.com/headlines Sign-up to exercise with Adam Ezekiel at: https://www.soulactive.health/30daychallenge

What makes gambling so alluring, and how widespread is it? To what extent is gambling linked to following professional sports? What strategies are effective in helping someone quit gambling? Should watching professional sports be banned? If a child uses a parent’s credit card to gamble without permission, is that considered stealing? Halachically speaking, is the parent responsible for charges made by the child?

Does collateral damage in war have a limit – can you destroy a missile base that will kill many civilians in the town nearby. Can you hit a nuclear reactor that will contaminate millions? Are citizens who support the regime considered combatants? What Issurim can you be Doche because of mental health – using phones on Shabbos, or other electric devices that will calm them down? Does Iran have a Din of an active Rodef if it’s only something in the future – they’re in middle of making a nuclear bomb that won’t be ready for another two years? Is it a Milchemes Mitzvah to start it on Shabbos ? Can you be Mechalel Shabbos for preventive action – such as attacking on Shabbos to preempt an act (Is it תלוי בהותרה או דחויה- smoking while driving a tank)? Do you have to go to a shelter (odds of getting hurt are very small)? Is a tank Chayuv in Mezuza? Can you make it into a Sukkah? Light Chanukah Neiros? Can you listen do the Megillah on zoom? And more….

Can a family member who is less qualified be hired before a more qualified candidate? Must admissions be based on merit? When is nepotism allowed? Can the Menahel/Principal keep any donations (bribes?) made to him personally? What if they are non-monetary, like expensive liquor, a new megillah, etc. Can the son of the Menahel sell access to his father?

Is failure to disclose a significant personality disorder considered a mekach ta’us in marriage? Are there halachos guiding how to treat one’s spouse during divorce, especially in high-conflict cases? When is it appropriate to turn to secular courts during divorce proceedings – for example, to obtain a restraining order against a spouse? Can refusal to go to the mikveh be considered a halachic violation when used as a tool in marital conflict?

What’s the best path for serving Hashem in our generation? Does it have to be one or the other? Can it be a combination?

Does the historical precedent against it prohibit change? Does is violate our Mesorah? Is the Israeli Supreme Court’s push for women’s Rabbanut Semicha a religious goal or part of a broader feminist push?

How does coming to Israel for yeshiva and seminary affect a student’s mental health? When do difficult emotional feelings cross the line from normal struggles to something that should be addressed? Should a student who believes another is emotionally unstable report that behavior to the school administration? What are the key similarities and differences in how boys and girls experience stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional pressures?

Do you need a human mind for Psak? Do you need Shimush? Do you need human emotion for Psak? Can a computer be called שופט שבימיך? And much more…… Why would there be a Kol Korah against AI?

What practical strategies can help us reduce phone usage and establish healthy boundaries? Does someone need to stop usage fully or can partial solutions be effective? What behaviors can we change in as little as thirty days? Does it last? To sign up for the Headlines “30-day Phone Challenge”: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EAGHMhEm2mQ4ilA7FTNXby To donate for Rav Zev Leff’s Haggada Set – https://pay.banquest.com/mchonkisveiravzevleff; for donations in Israel https://nedar.im/BGEu; for more information contact Shimon Leff at [email protected]

· Can a cellphone be used in shul for non-tefillah purposes? · Does mindless scrolling on a phone constitute an issur of bitul zman? · Is it preferable to daven from a physical siddur rather than from a phone? · How do our phones affect our relationships with our spouse, children, and friends? · What practical strategies can help us reduce usage and establish healthy boundaries?

Is it possible to determine that an abuser is no longer a risk? What’s the success rate of treating serious abusers? Why do community leaders sometimes advocate for the early release of an abuser? How does halacha view cases where a Jewish prisoner receives a disproportionate sentence? Should the community celebrate someone’s release from prison?

Why are they asking? Is it legal? May you lie? How’s it affecting High School girls?

Why do married women cover their hair? Is a tichel preferable to a sheitel? Why do some women shave their heads after marriage?

What draws men to these gatherings?How do they impact the home — especially when alcohol is involved?What is the halachic basis for tasting food before Shabbos?What are the halachic concerns with entering Shabbos intoxicated or eating too close to Shabbos?What should an ideal Erev Shabbos look like?

Does a person smuggling in drugs have a Din of a Rodef?Should you report someone who’s trying to sell drugs in the community?Should you report someone giving out alcohol irresponsibly?What to be aware of when someone asks you to take a package?What causes suicide in our community?How common is it?

How common are controversies over leadership in the Litvish yeshiva system? Is the Ponevezh controversy unique?What were the main points of the machlokes and how did they develop?Who halachically owns assets donated to a yeshiva — the Rosh Yeshiva, the fundraiser, or the institution itself?When, if ever, may a yeshiva bring a dispute to secular arbitration or secular court rather than to Beis Din?

What are the primary risks and the necessary gedarim?May a Rabbi teach Torah to women or girls? What about one-on-one?How should one handle a situation where women attending a class are not dressed modestly?What can be done about predators who exploit those they are being mekareiv?

Now that there’s a Frum brigade what’s the justification of Frum people at least who aren’t learning not to go to the army?If there’s a shortage of soliders why wouldn’t yeshiva bochurim be obligated to join – isn’t Pikuach Nefesh Doche the whole Torah?If the Frum will become a majority in the country what will you do then?If Torah obligates hishtadlus, what is the minimum practical hishtadlus a nation must take to prevent harm? Can tefillah alone replace defensive capability?If the IDF ceased to exist tomorrow, what do you realistically foresee happening to Jewish cities like Bnei Brak, Ashdod, or Yerushalayim?

How common is online dating in the Yeshivish community? What about Modern Orthodox?Is it ever acceptable to adjust your age, height, or weight on a dating profile?Should men and women post profile photos, and what are the concerns?Is using an older photo to appear younger misleading?What are the halachos of leaving feedback or “reviews” for shadchanim or daters?

Why does bullying happen, and who is most at risk?How should victims respond, and what are the best ways for families, teachers, and community leaders to intervene?How should the bullies themselves be dealt with?What practical strategies can we employ to prevent abuse and foster respect?Please donate to the 10 orphans of the Makeler family in Rechovot, Israel https://www.charidy.com/keren375?2

Is NY surrounded by walls?Does that help?Was Reb Moshe’s Shita a Chumra or a KulaAnd much much more….

What’s the proper way to interact with male colleagues?How should a frum woman dress in the workplace?How do Heimish workplaces compare to secular ones?How should a woman respond to uncomfortable moments – like a handshake or a hug?Should she attend office events, parties, and social gatherings?

What are the risks and halachic concerns of a mixed gender workplace?Should conversations be limited to only what’s necessary for work?Can first names be used?What if a woman extends her hand to shake hands with a man?How can couples protect their shalom bayis when one spouse works in a mixed environment?

Most religions teach that only insiders make it to heaven. But what does Judaism really say about the eternal fate of righteous non-Jews?Can someone like Charlie Kirk merit Gan Eden?How do we balance admiration for non-Jews with the Torah’s command of Lo Sechaneim?

What’s your favorite Devar Torah for the Yamim Noraim?How can we make our Kabbalos last – and what really works?What’s the most powerful lesson you’ve learned this past year?What do you hope to carry forward into the year ahead?

When does chazanus cross into tircha d’tzibburah?Can a chazan use popular tunes, repeat words, or sing with a choir?Should a professional chazan be hired for the Yamim Noraim, or is simplicity preferred?Is chazanus an ideal form of avodas Hashem — or is it frowned upon?What are the qualifications required of a Yamim Noraim chazan?

The Torah’s obligation to hold oneself higher in businessKiddush Hashem in the workplaceCan you make money without cutting corners?Is there a concept of not doing Mitzvos in public that will cause non jews to ridicule us?And Much more……

What level of proof is required before sounding the alarm?When risks are identified, should they be broadcast widely, or kept within a limited circle?What happens when victims are silenced, ignored, or when abuse is covered up?How can we, as a community, ensure that abuse is never minimized or swept under the rug?What role do journalists, news outlets, and podcasts play in exposing the truth and safeguarding the public?

When is it prohibited to interfere with someone else’s pending transaction? (“Ani Hamehapech B’chararah”)When is it prohibited to capitalize on someone else’s groundwork? (“Ani Hamenakef”)Beis Din in Action:• Outbidding someone for an apartment• Poaching a long-term client• Taking a business idea and running with it

Can you own intellectual property?Can it be stolen if it’s not tangible and there’s no act of theft?Do you have to pay for enjoyment?Dina D’Malcusa DinaAveida M’DaasAnd much more…..

What are the minimum requirements of Tznius when it comes to women’s dress?Are the reactions by girls/women when taught Hilchos Tznius any different than for Hilchos Shabbos and the like?What specific things are more difficult for certain women to be responsive to?How should Hilchos Tznius be taught so that it will be accepted?Can up to a Tefach be shown? Long skirts worn? Denim clothing? Slits in skirts?Should shul Rabbanim speak up against the lack of modest dress and prohibited interactions between the genders?

Do any contemporary Poskim permit smoking?Is vaping halachically better than smoking?What’s the argument that smoking is permitted?What are the risks of second-hand smoking and vaping?If someone already smokes, do they need to quit?How far must a smoker distance himself from others?

Is it permissible according to Halacha to establish communal guidelines or enactments that restrict the sale or purchase of homes within a defined radius of the community?May a Jew purchase property in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood with the intent to rent it out to non-Jews?Does it matter what type of tenants are placed in the property—for example, individuals of questionable character, multiple families, or undocumented immigrants?If such tenants are likely to negatively impact the spiritual atmosphere of the neighborhood, is that a legitimate halachic concern that should be weighed?Can one invoke the principle of kim li in a way that causes harm to others—for instance, to justify behavior that may otherwise be morally questionable?

Can a second business open up next to another and compete?What if the second business will hurt or destroy the first business?What does a Beis Din do when potential Hasagas Gevul issues come before it?How does Hasagas Gevul apply in our modern, large cities nowadays?Is the prohibition of Hasagas Gevul only on the new competitor, or also on those who purchase from him?

The Shitos in the RishonimThe Baal Shem Tov and the Gra’s ShitaIf you hold like the Rambam and the Ramban’s Shita are you an Apikorus according to the Gra and Baal Shem TovIs Hashem busy with the animal kimgdom?Can you do something to someone if it wasn’t preordained?Why do bad things happen in the world?What’s the point of Hishtadlus if everything is preordained?What does Hester Panim mean?

Can you visit Israel during a war due to the danger?How do hospitals deal with patients during missile alerts?Is there an obligation to go to a bomb shelter while you are learning Torah?Is it permitted to travel to and from Israel via Egypt, Jordan or Cyprus when Ben Gurion Airport is closed?Can someone in Yerushalayim travel to Bnei Brak or Tel Aviv where it’s more dangerous?

Is it prohibited to go to Minyan when the “Home Front Command” and Chief Rabbis say not to go?Can you carry a phone on Shabbos to hear the warnings of incoming missiles?Can you leave on the news (radio, TV, Internet) on Shabbos to hear what’s going on?Should we say Hamapil before sleep, since we may need to immediately head to the bomb shelter?Do you need to wash Netilas Yadayim before heading to a bomb shelter in the middle of the night?Does the IDF need to be concerned that the bombing of nuclear reactors could cause “collateral damage” to millions of Iranian citizens?What’s life like right now living in Israel with regular Iranian missile attacks?

Why is wine touched by a non-Jew prohibited? Does this prohibition apply to a non-Jew who’s not an idol worshipper?Is this extended to a nonreligious Jew who doesn’t keep Shabbos?What is the status of someone who desecrates Shabbos but goes to shul or makes Kiddush?What is the law of someone who’s embarrassed to desecrate Shabbos in front of a prominent person?Do you need witnesses to testify in front of Beis Din to deem someone a Mechalel Shabbos?Are you allowed to give non-religious Jews wine for them to drink?Does touching a bottle of wine prohibit the wine?