The Weekly Torah Controversy

The Perfection of the Patriarchs: A Philosophical and Educational Debate with Rabbi Yair Lichtman

Chalav Yisrael vs Chalav Stam with Rabbi Ephraim Wiesenberg

To Wear or Not to Wear (תכלת) with Rabbi Yitzy Weiss

Flags in Shul with Rabbi Yehuda Rosenberg

Do We Need a New Nusach for Nachem? with Rabbi Yair Lichtman

Betting, Gambling, and Playing the Lottery with Rabbi Ephraim Wiesenberg

Are they Jewish? The Beta Israel Controversy with Rabbi Yehuda Rosenberg

Challenging Hashem

From Elie Wiesel and Yosel Rakover to the prophet Chavakuk and Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, we explore the controversial approach to challenging and confronting Hashem.

Sefirat Haomer, the Sudducees and the Nation of Israel

We explore the ancient controversy between the traditional Halachic Jews and their Sudducee opponents in light of the modern day events in Israel.

Make Yom Haatzmaut a Controversy

A plea for renewing our passionate debate about Israel and cultivating a sense of connection with Eretz Yisrael.

Hand Matzah or Machine Matzah?

Exploring the longstanding debate over the ideal Matzah for the Seder: hand made or machine made?

Is Veal Kosher?

Understanding the controversy regarding the Kashrut of veal through the development of Halacha and its practical complexities.

The Purim Shpiel

We explore the background and potential perils of the Purim Shpiel.

Ascending Har Habayit Today

An overview of the complexities regarding ascending the Temple Mount today from a Halachic perspective.

The Mechitza

A discussion of issues related to the Mechitzah in Shul, with historical, Halachic and personal implications.

Halachik Subterfuge? The Heter Mechira Debate with special Guest, Rabbi Daniel Feldman

The International Date Line

A quick snapshot of the WWII era Halachic controversy and its contemporary implications.

Tzitz & Choshen The Evolution of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik zt”l

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik delivered a historic eulogy for Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzenski; we consider this perspective in light of the Rav’s transition from Agudah to Mizrachi and the role of Torah leaders in general life decisions.

The Keruvim

This week’s presentation explores the Keruvim- the controversial sculptures above the Aron- to understand their shape, meaning and significance.

Sarah Schenirer, the Chafetz Chaim and Talmud Torah for women

This presentation explores the context and development of women’s Talmud Torah in light of key historical figures and Halachic sources.

Rav Menachem Ziemba zt"l Hy'd's role in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

We explore the controversy regarding the legacy of Rav Menachem Ziemba zt"' Hy"d, his role in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and its complicated implications.

Moshe Rabbeinu and the Question of Our Perfection

The legend about Moshe Rabbeinu, cited by the Tiferes Yisrael, stirs and controversy and a question about how we pursue perfection in our Torah lives.

A New Look at the Brain Death Debate

This presentation explores a new, spiritual dimension of the debate regarding the Jewish definition of death: the role of the brain and the heart.

The Emden - Eybeshutz Controversy

Arguably the most significant and famous rabbinic controversies of the modern era, the Emden - Eybeshutz argument remains an unsolved mystery.

The Debate Over Secession: Frankfurt Am Main

We explore the intense debate between Rabbi Seligman Ber Bamberger and Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch regarding Orthodox secession from the general Frankfurt Jewish community with contemporary implications.

The Dignity of Difference

This controversy surrounds Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ post 9/11 book which proposes his interpretation of a Jewish worldview on how he views "the Other" and other Religions.

The Manhattan Eruv

The Manhattan Eruv was one of the most prominent Halachic controversies in 20th century American life. This presentation explores historical highlights through the prism of Jewish law.

The Caveman Speech

This week we explore the controversy regarding Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm zt”l’s speech at the RIETS centennial dinner regarding Torah learning and the cave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Rav Kook’s “Hesped” for Herzl

This week’s episode explores the controversy surrounding Rav Kook’s remarks at the memorial for Theodore Herzl in Jaffa in 1904 with an appreciation of its subtle messaging.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

This segment of the weekly Torah controversy explores Rav Moshe Feinstein’s Halachic view of artificial insemination with its wide ranging implications.