Rz Weekly

Following the recent publication of ‘Nafshi B’She’elati: The Halakhot of Mental Health’, the RZ Weekly team were thrilled to interview Rav Yoni about the work that he and Dr. Shmuel Harris have done in creating a new genre of halachic writing that responds to the serious questions of those experiencing mental health challenges. In our conversation we discuss a range of important topics including the role such a work plays in our community, the role of the Rabbi vs. that of the therapist, the use of social media as a platform to engage questioners, and more. We asked Rav Yoni to share some of the questions that he has been answering in collaboration with Dr. Harris and that are discussed in this important book, and some of the insights he has gleaned regarding this important topic from the work that he has done in this field.

Do Modern Orthodox Jews know what they believe about God? Why is there so little ‘God-talk’ in Modern Orthodoxy? And why, given the huge contribution of great Modern Orthodox teachers - like Rav Aharon Lichtenstein and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks - to contemporary Jewish thought and philosophy, have so few Modern Orthodox Jews committed themselves to understand and absorb some their profound contributions concerning our faith in God and our relationship with God in the modern age?

Has the messianic fervor that inspired so many Religious Zionists in the past waned or disappeared? What are the causes of this messianic phenomenon? How should we personally relate to the question of messianism in our current reality? Listen to the latest episode of RZWeekly where we discuss all these questions – and more.

A recent controversy in Israel erupted around the choice of Lucy Aharish to moderate a panel at the 929 convention. In this episode we explore this question, the nature of the 929 project, and ask why one respected Religious Zionist Rabbi participated in the panel while others were highly critical, and whether the decision to invite Aharish crossed an unacceptable line.

In what differing ways do Chareidim and Religious Zionists relate to gedolim? Who was Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt’l to Religious Zionists, and how should they relate to his death? In this episode we reflect on the life and death of Rav Kanievsky, as well as what we can learn from the outpouring of respect and affection seen at his funeral.

Following the appearance of recent online posts discussing a steady decline in the applications of young American women to Midrashot (Seminaries) in Israel that emphasise Gemara study, the latest edition of RZWeekly considers the possible factors for this decline, and what this says about changing trends about Torah study by women.

What is the basis for the coordinated attack on the rulings of Rabbi Eliezer Melamed? What is it about the rulings found in ‘Peninei Halacha’ that worries, or threatens, so many rabbis who are seemingly part of the same ideological camp as Rabbi Melamed? In the latest episode of RZWeekly we consider the various factors driving the objections to Rabbi Melamed and his rulings, as well as what is unique about Rav Melamed’s approach, which comes through in Peninei Halacha, one of the most popular halachic works of our time.

Why do Israeli families go on Shlichut? What is it like to move into and to take a leading role within a community that you don’t know for a period of 3 years? And do Shlichim serve as a bridge between various different communal institutions? Please listen to our latest edition of RZWeekly where Johnny and Reuven speak with Oded Pe’er who, along with his wife Eliya and their children recently served as Shlichim in Lower Merion, PA.

Why are so many Modern Orthodox people talking about Miriam Anzovin’s tik-tok daf yomi videos? Are there things we can learn from their success? And does our infatuation with these videos point to weaknesses or failings in the Modern Orthodox community?

According to Dara Horn, “People Love Dead Jews”. The question we discuss in the latest episode of RZWeekly is what Horn means by this, as well as what other central themes regarding Anti-Semitism and the Jewish experience Dara Horn explores. Is she correct? If so, why may this be the case, and how do we understand this phenomenon? A discussion by three Jews who were born and raised in the Diaspora and who now live in Israel.

What does it take to learn and produce daily Torah content? In the latest edition of RZWeekly, Johnny discusses his learning and writing of a daily daf yomi insight, while Reuven speaks about his learning and production of his Mishna Yomi videos.

The events surrounding Chaim Walder, including terrible abuse and a suicide, are well known throughout the religoius Jewish world. How should parents and educators address the many thorny issues the episode raises in our homes and schools? How can we teach our children (and ourselves) about safety, while striving for a sense of balance and emotional health? Reuven interviews Mali, as we open up a conversation about these and other difficult questions.

Give to the Mishnah Project Inaugural Campaign here: https://my.israelgives.org/en/campaign/MishnahProject. Since being appointed as Minister of Religious Affairs, Matan Kahana has hit the ground running. He has proposed far sweeping changes in the areas of kashrut and giyur, and generally taken a very different approach than have many of his predecessors in the role. More importantly, he has exhibited a sense of religious pride and confidence as a Religious Zionist. While many Chareidi leaders have expressed outrage towards the changes he is proposing, many of those in the Religious Zionist world are pleased with his approach. In this discussion we explore the impetus Kahana’s reforms, what they mean for the Religious Zionist world and for Israel society in general – as well as our thoughts about the potential longevity of these changes.

Give to the Mishnah Project Inaugural Campaign here: https://my.israelgives.org/en/campaign/MishnahProject. How should the Israeli government handle tourism during the pandemic? Who should be afforded special status and exemptions? Beyond family members, how should the Israeli government relate to diaspora Jewry regarding this question? After the mailbag, Reveun and Mali discuss this issue, first with each other and then with special guest former MK Rabbi Dov Lipman, founder of Yad L'olim, who has been working tirelessly for Olim and their families, and who shares his thoughts and experiences with us.

Please support our sponsors! Give to the Mishnah Project Inaugural Campaign here: https://my.israelgives.org/en/campaign/MishnahProject. ‘What is Chanukah?’ This question is asked by our Sages in the Gemara, and in the latest edition of RZWeekly, we also ask ‘What is Chanukah?’. What is it about? What does it represent? And have we lost sight of its core message? Beyond this, our episode concludes with Reuven’s (Chanukah) about sufganiot (donuts!). Listen, enjoy and Chanukah Sameach!

Often those who make aliyah become jingoistic cheerleaders for moving to Israel. In this episode, we get real and talk about the struggles and difficulties of aliyah. We also touch on the questions of whether those who move her should consider themselves “ambassadors” of sorts for aliyah and for the Jewish State.

In response to the recent price increase in single-use plastic in Israel and the recent letter by prominent religious Zionist rabbis urging Israel to take positive steps regarding environmental action, we discuss if caring about the environment is a low priority for the religious community, why one can be pro-environmentalism and still be against this price increase, and the role of religious leaders in educating towards greater concern for the environment. Beyond this, towards the end of the podcast we share our thoughts about the recent singing performance of Shachar Adawi, what it reflects about shifts in Israeli society, and how we should be careful not to judge a person by what they look like.

“If a Shabbat Elevator is permitted on Shabbat, then surely the underground electric train - which will soon be operating in Tel Aviv - should be permitted on Shabbat” This argument was recently – and surprisingly - made by Ron Huldai who is the Mayor of Tel Aviv. Given this, our latest episode of RZWeekly considers why Huldai felt the need to make this argument, its merits and flaws, the overall question of public transportation on Shabbat in Israel, and how so-called halachic loopholes are understood, and equally often, misunderstood.

While still hoping to have a ‘live’ event to celebrate reaching our 100th episode, in the latest edition of RZWeekly – OUR 100TH EPISODE – we do something different and share why we do the podcast, what are our goals and aspirations, and what we think we’ve added to the wider conversation. Enjoy!

Do we expect the impossible from our community Rabbis? We at RZWeekly were recently sent a job description that was posted by a community for a new rabbi, and as we read what they were looking for, we asked ourselves the simple question: ‘Is it possible that one person can do all these things? And even if it is, is it reasonable for a community to expect so much from their Rabbi?’. In the latest episode of RZWeekly we explore this question, while also making reference to the expectations placed on those who teach in Yeshivot and Midrashot. In addition to all this, we share some great ideas for our upcoming 100th episode and would love to hear your feedback.