Jewish Thought and Halacha
by Rabbi Moshe Becker
Exploring Halacha, Minhag, and Jewish Thought and History with Rabbi Moshe BeckerMy goal is to shed light on our practices and demystify the process of learning about them. Drawing on both traditional and less familiar sources, I aim to curate and present a range of source material on engaging and relevant topics, often with surprises along the way.Join the weekly class WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933ZShare this podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fRYnzj2Mb58S8ck7CNgOm?si=boxaoJhTR-qD-YqrQZImnw
Episodes
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Parsha 5787: Vayera - Avraham, Lot, and Sedom
Exploring connections in Parshas Vayera Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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The 19th Century Corfu Esrog Controversy
Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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R' Kook's Introduction to Eitz Hadar Part 3
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. An unusual blend of halachah and hashkafah, R’ Kook’s introduction to this work reflects his deeply integrated spiritual worldview. Text of Eitz Hadar can be found...
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R' Kook's Introduction to Eitz Hadar Part 2
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. An unusual blend of halachah and hashkafah, R’ Kook’s introduction to this work reflects his deeply integrated spiritual worldview. Text of Eitz Hadar can be found...
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R' Kook's Introduction to Eitz Hadar
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. An unusual blend of halachah and hashkafah, R’ Kook’s introduction to this work reflects his deeply integrated spiritual worldview. Text of Eitz Hadar can be found…
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Malbim's Introduction to Iyov
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Introduction to Maggid Meisharim Part 3
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them Download source sheets here and here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Introduction to Maggid Meisharim Pt. II
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. In Part 2 of the introduction to Maggid Meisharim, we will look at R' Shlomo Zalman Auerbach's letter. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates…
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Introduction to Maggid Meisharim Part 1
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Introduction to Aruch Hashulchan Part 2
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. Download source sheets here and see images here. Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Introduction to Aruch Hashulchan Part 1
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Rav Nissim Gaon's Introduction to Talmud Part 2
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Rav Nissim Gaon's Introduction to Talmud Part 1
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Rebbetzin Chaya Yentil's Introduction to Sefer Bnei Tzion
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them.This week, we are going into Rebbetzin Chaya Yentil's introduction to her husband's sefer Bnei Tzion. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and...
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Introduction Series: Sefer Hachinuch 2
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. In this episode, we continue the introduction to Sefer Hachinuch. Download source sheets hereJoin the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links:...
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Introductions Series: Sefer Hachinuch 1
Through their introductions, we will uncover the purpose of the sefarim we thought we knew - and the worldviews that shaped them. We will begin our new series by exploring the introduction to Sefer Hahinuch. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links:...
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Korban Pesach Today
Can we bring a Korban Pesach today? Should we? Download source sheets hereJoin the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Traveling to and Living in Egypt
What is the Halacha regarding traveling to or through Egypt? Is one allowed to live in Egypt? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Washing Before Davening
Netilas yadayim before davening Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Matanos L’Evyonim Across Time Zones & Different Purim Days
How does Matanos L’Evyonim works across time zones and differing Purim days? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Understanding the Mitzvah to Build the Bais Hamikdash
Sefer Hachinuch on the purpose of Mishkan and Mikdash Download source sheets hereJoin the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Calling up a Bar Mitzvah Boy for the Four Parshiyos
What is the halacha regarding calling someone who is not yet Bar Mitzvah up for an aliyah? Is it different for the four parshiyos as opposed to regular קריאת התורה? Download source sheets hereJoin the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Kiddush Levana
Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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שובבי״ם - Origins and Sources
What are the origins of the שובבי״ם? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Using Jewish Names
שלא שינו שמם What is a Jewish name? Download source sheets hereJoin the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Blessing Children on Friday Night
Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Women and Girls Lighting Chanukah Candles
Should women and girls light menorah on Chanukah? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Why Do We Start ותן טל ומטר on December 4?
What it the reason behind why we start sayibg ותן טל ומטר later in Chutz Laaretz? Where does the date of December 4 come from? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Above It All?
אין מזל לישראל Do מזלות (zodiac signs, astrology, etc.) exist? Do we practice it? Does it apply to Jews? What about non Jews? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Eliezer at the Well: Nichush (Omens and Signs)
What is the halacha regarding using signs and omens to determine the future or decide our actions? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Bikkur Cholim
What exactly is the mitzvah to visit the sick? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Free Will VI: Izbitz and Lublin Contd.
In Part 6 of our series on free will we explore further into the concept of determinism as presented by Izbitz and R' Tzadok. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Free Will V: Izbitz and Lublin 1
We continue our series on free will and divine omniscience by looking at the approach of the Izbitz to this question. Download ource sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Free Will IV: Rabbeinu Chasdai Crescas and Determinism
Part 4 of our series on divine omniscience and free will, we look at the lesser known view of Rabbeinu Chasdai Crescas. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Free Wil III: Ralbag and Beyond
Part 3 on our Elul series on how to reconcile free will and divine omniscience Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Free Will II: Understanding Rambam
In part two of our series on free will we dive deeper into the Rambam and how to understand it Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp chat for updates and zoom links: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Free Will Series I: Rambam Pt. 1
As we enter the month of Elul, we begin a new series in which we explore the age old question - how can we have free will while maintaining God's omniscience? This week we look at the Rambam in Hilchos Teshuvah and other places as he attempts to address the infamous conundrum - how to reconcile…
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Music & Zecher L'Churban
What is the Halacha regarding listening to music (year round)? When does it apply? Is there a difference if it's recorded? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp group for updates and zoom link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Missing Years Series Coda: My View
Hope to reconvene again next week, G-d willing. In the meantime, here's some additional thoughts on the missing years question.Join the WhatsApp group for updates and zoom link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Missing Years Series IV: Later Resolutions
In the final part of our series on the missing years, we look at resolutions offered by later sources.Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp group for updates and zoom link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Missing Years Series III: Resolutions
In Part 3, we look at different perspectives and possible resolutions to this issue. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp group for updates and zoom link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Missing Years Series II: Exploring the Sources
In the second part of this series, we explore the evidence from both sides regarding how many years there were of the גלות and בית שני. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Missing Years Series I: Introducing the Issue
Starting our new series on the missing years during the Bayis Sheini period, we introduce the issue and what discuss the discrepancy between the Jewish and secular timelines. Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Kuzari Series VI: Conclusion - Kuzari's Impact on Jewish Thought
How did the idea expressed in the Kuzari impact later works and philosophies? Download source sheets hereJoin the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Debate on Techeiles at Yeshiva Ohr Reuven
On May 26, 2025, I participated in a debate at Yeshiva Ohr Reuven regarding the validity of tcheiles produced from the murex trunculus. Due to the format and short time slot, we were unable to address many important aspects of this discussion.The full episode on techeiles in modern times is…
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Kuzari Series V: Eretz Yisrael
Exploring the role of Eretz Yisrael according to R' Yehudah Halevi in the Kuzari Download source sheet here Join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Kuzari Series IV: The Role of Mitzvos
What is the Kuzari's approach to Mitzvos? Download source sheets here Join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z
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Kuzari Series III: Are Jews Special?
Are Jews special/different from the other nations? How and why? Download source sheets here Join the weekly class WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z Share this podcast:...
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Kuzari Series: I - Background and Opening
Part 1 of a new series on ספר הכוזרי. In this episode, we begin the ספר by discussing the background and introduction to the writing of ר' יהודה הלוי. Download source sheets here Join the weekly class WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z Share this...
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What Day of the Week was Pesach in 4682? The Calendar Crisis of 921-923
Download source sheets here Join the weekly class WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933Z Share this podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fRYnzj2Mb58S8ck7CNgOm?si=boxaoJhTR-qD-YqrQZImnw
About this show
Exploring Halacha, Minhag, and Jewish Thought and History with Rabbi Moshe BeckerMy goal is to shed light on our practices and demystify the process of learning about them. Drawing on both traditional and less familiar sources, I aim to curate and present a range of source material on engaging and relevant topics, often with surprises along the way.Join the weekly class WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1KdyAUZOEs7n06TN7933ZShare this podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fRYnzj2Mb58S8ck7CNgOm?si=boxaoJhTR-qD-YqrQZImnw
Hosted by
Rabbi Moshe Becker
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