Rabbi Gershon Schaffel's Shiurim: Recent Episodes
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Weekly, Rabbi Gershon Schaffel gives classes for Young Israel of Skokie in halacha (Jewish Law) and hashkafa (Jewish thought). We are excited to make them more widely available. For more information, please contact Rabbi Schaffel at gershon.schaffel@gmail.com
Is it permitted to return a tovelled utensil? Need one be concerned that the next purchaser will tovel it again and recite an unnecesary berachah? Sources can be found here.
Is one obligated to feed one's pet before eating yourself? May one feed their pet basar b'cholov?
Haircutting and shaving on erev Shabbos when Lag BaOmer falls on Sunday. Is it permitted to take a haircut on Thursday night? On Motzai Shabbos? SOurces can be found here.
Are women obligated to recie birkas Ha'ilanos? What is the definition of mitzvas aseh she'hazeman grama? Sources can be found here .
Is it permitted to receive a cadaver bone implant? Is it permitted for kohanim to receive cadaver bone implants? Sources can be found here.
If a gentile reports that he found a mezuzah on the floor and he put it back in place, must it be removed and reaffixed? Sources can be found here.
Is it permitted to daven or say krias shema near kivrei tzadikim? Sources can be found here.
Is it permitted to perform mitzvod in a bathroom? What about repaying a loan in the bathroom using Zelle? Sources can be found here.
If one forgot יעלה ויבא on Rosh Chodesh but doesn't realize until after he davened mussaf, does he repeat shacharis? If he does, should he put his tefillin on again? Sources can be found here.
Is it permitted to cut a cake with words on it? Is it permitted to open a book with words written on the sde of the pages? Is it permitted to assemble a puzzle on Shabbos? Sources can be found here.
Can one fulfill their obligation of שנים מקרא when reading אז ישיר in פסוקי דזמרה? Sources can be found here.
Is it permitted to file a claim against a fellow Jew's homeowner's insurance? Sources can be found here.
What is the goal of the mitzvah or reviewing the parsha each week? Does one have to review the Yom Tov reading? What is the correct way to review the Torah and Targum? Sources can be found here.
Is there a way for a male therapist to avoid yichud with a female client? Does the presence of a security camera mitigate the prohibition? Sources can be found here .
How much flour is necessary to obligate one to separate challah? What is the batch will be divided into smaller portions, does the obligation remain in force? Sources can be found here.
What are the restrictions and leniencies that apply when Asrarh B'Teves falls on erev Shabbos? When does the fast end? Sources can be found here.
Do the restrictions that apply during a famine apply during a time of war? Sources can be found here.
What is the correct sequence for lighting Shabbos lights and Chanukah lights? Should one make an effort to daven mincha before lighting Chanukah candles on erev Shabbos? Sources can be found here.
Is it acceptable to recite kaddish for non-relatives? If so, for how long? Sources can be found here.
Does One recite kaddish for those who died al kiddush Hashem? If so, for how long? SOurces can be found here.
Is it permitted to release terrorists from prison to secure the release of Jewish hostages? Sources can be found here .
If a Jewish soldier who is a kohen kills an enemy, if he permitted to recite birchas kohanim? Sources can be found here.
What is a halachically acceptable means of securing one's schach so that it does not fly away in the wind? Sources can be found here.
Is it permitted for one who is in shiva to receive an aliyah? What about attending simchas during the year of aveilus? Sources can be found here.
Is it permitted to shower during the days? If so, what is the procedure? Sources can be found here.
When eating ice cream in a cone, what berachah is recited? Sources can be found here and here .
If one's child cooks on Shabbos, is it necessary to kasher the pots and pans? Sources can be found here.
What are the parameters of davening for personal needs on Shabbos? Is it permitted to say the Tefilas HaShelah on Shabbos? SOurces can be found here.
If a chosson's father is transgender, how he is referenced in the kesubah? Sources can be found here.
Can one demand that a neighbor remove a tree or plant that is aggravated his allergies? Sources can be found here.
Is one responisble for damages that result from branches or trash left on the curb or sidewalk for garbage pickup? Sources can be found here .
Someone who is uncertain whether he counted last night, does he continue to count with a berachah? Sources can be found here .
May one take medication that contains chometz or kitniyos on Pesach? Sources can be found here.
Is it permitted to attend a business lunch in a non-kosher restaurant? What about going into a non-kosher restaurant for a permitted food at a rest stop? Souces can be found here.
Can we use two pieces of chicken to fulfill the mitzvah of Mishloach manos? Are Franks in Blanks 1 or 2 foods? Can water or seltzer be used for mishloach manos? Sources can be found here.
If a Jew drives food to your house on Shabbos, is it permitted for consumption? Sources can be found here .
Is it permitted to have permanent makeup tattooed onto the body? Sources can be found here .
here What is considered a potentially life-threatening condition that allows one to pursue medical treatment on Shabbos? Sources can be found here.
What is the meaning behind the OU-D symbol? What is cholov stam? Sources can be found here.
If one has a limited number of candles, how many should he kindle each night? Sources can be found here .
If a customer submits a payment to a vendor that is intercepted by hackers, who suffers the loss? Sources can be found here.
Who owns the food that is served to guests, the host or the guests? Sources can be found here.
If the mesader kiddushin says shehakol rather than borei pri hagafen, should he then recite the correct berachah? Sources can be found here .
Is it permitted for a gentile to perform melachah on Shabbos? Can one benefit from melachah that was done? Sources can be found here .
If someone puts a friend's food under a bed, is he liable to pay for the food? Sources can be found here.
When are debts canceled during shemittah? What is a pruzbul? Sources can be found here .
If people leave davening early and there is no longer a minyan, what may be said b'tzibbur? Sources can be found here .
What prohibitions are pushed aside to put a patient's mind at ease on Shabbos and on Yom Kippur? Sources can be found here.
If a camper finds someone else's canteen card and no one claims it, may the finder redeem the remaining balance? Sources can be found here.
If one is travelling for many consecutive days, how many times does he say tefilas haderech? If one decides to travel further than expected, is it necessary to repeat tefilas haderech? Sources can be found here
Is the ink/paint that rubs off the retzuos kadosh and require genizah? Sources can be found here .
Is it permitted to take time-release medication on Shabbos in advance of fasting on Tisha B'Av? Sources can be found here.
Is one required to tovel a Better Crocker Pizza Maker that says on the box that tevilla is not required? Sources can be found here .
Who is responsible to make repairs when something breaks in an apartment? Can the tenant make the repaid and deduct the cost from his rent? Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to ask an Israeli to do melachah on the second day of Yom Tov for a non-Israeli? Sources can be found here
If one recieves a card that Has a pasuk on it, is the card sheimos? SOurces can be found here
If a customer sends a check to a vendor and it is stolen, who is responsible for the loss? Sources can be found here
Is there an issue reciting the berachah on Sefiras HaOmer on the first night of Sefirah in chutz la'aretz? Do we count the omer before or after the seder? Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to drink pasteurized wine that was poured by a non-Jew? Sources can be found here
If one is going out of town for Pesach, can they sell their house to avoid bedikas chometz? Sources can be found here
Is there an obligation to recite Hallel on Rosh Chodesh? Is a beracha recited? Why do we say only half Hallel? Who drafted the text for Mussaf on Rosh Chodesh? Sources can be found here
Does Parshas Zachor require a minyan? How does one fulfill the mitzvah by listening to another person read Parshas Zacor?
Sources can be found here
Bakery Driver steals loves from customers. Is the baker obligated to refund his customers for bread that was never delivered? Sources can be found here .
In a leap year, when does one observe a yahrtzeit and when is a bar mitzvah celebrated? Sources can be found here
If one pays a membership to join a library, is there an issue of ribbis if one replaces a lost book? What about paying a later fee if the book is returned late? Sources can be found here
Is it acceptable to wash with a bandage or cast covering art of your hand? Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to purchase gift cards to non-kosher restaurants for one's emplyees or clients? Sources can be found here
What recourse is there if one's employer does not send your Social Security contribution to the government? SOurces can be found here
If one eats popcorn for dessert, does one recite a ha'adamah? SOurces can be found here
What is the difference between a loan and an investment? How does onone differentiate between the two? Source sheet can be found here
Is one permitted to allow gentile barbers to work in one's barber shop on Shabbos or Yom Tov?
Sources can be found here
Is it permitted for one to deliver non-kosher food for Grubhub or Uber Eats? Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to get a haircut on Erev Shabbos that is Rosh CHodesh? Does it matter what Codesh it is? Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to take property that someone intentionally abandoned? Is it hefker or not?
Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to give a favorable online review of a gentile service provider? Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to exercise and eat and drink while exercising before davening?
Sources can be found here
A general introduction to selichos and as part of the Selichos Simplified Series, the intro to סליחה ב
Is it necesssary to own one's dalet minim or borrowing a set suffices?
What are the details related to owning a set of dalet minim?
Sources can be found here
If one's wife is kidnapped, does one have to redeem her? For what amount?
Sources can be found here
If you order a car service and they do not show up, does the driver have to pay the additional amount that the second car service costs?
Sources can be found here
If one borrows a dozen eggs and one has a blood spot, how many eggs must the borrower return? If one wants to return twelve eggs, is that a potential violation of ribbis?
Sources can be found here
If a patient asks for the truth cocnerning their termnal condition, must one be honest? If a parent demands their child to share the truth about thier condition, must the child comply?
Sources can be found here
If a child inadvertantly breaks a windshield, is he liable? What about when he becomes an adult? Are his parent's liable?
Sources can be found here
Is it possible for a couple entering a second marriage to sign a prenuptial agreement to prevent comingling of asets and for the husband to renounce his right to inherit his wife' assets?
Sources can be found here
What are vows? Are they a good tool in avodas Hashem? What can be done to avoid becoming bound by vows?
Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to play music for young children durng the Three Weeks?
Sources can be found here
If one mistakenly purchased dog food that contains basar b'cholov (meat and milk cooked together) is it permitted to return the dog food to the store for a refund?
Sources can be found here
Under what conditions do we recite a beracha on water and under what conditions is it permitted to drink water without making a beracha?
Sources can be found here
Why doesn't Hashem reward and punish automatically? Why is He personally involved in rewarding and punishing?
Why is Rosh HaShanah before Yom Kippur? Wouldn't our judgement turn out better if we were forgiven for our sins before the day of judgement?
Why is there no such thing as reward for mitzvos in this world?
If one rents a car and the renter receives a citation because the car was not inspected, who pays for the ticket? Does the renter have to pay the full cost of the rental?
Sources can be found here
If a woman requires a special medical diet, is that expense mezonos or refuah?
Sources can be found here
I share some thoughts and lessons to take with us as, IY'H, COVID restrictions continue to ease and 'normal' life resumes.
If one spends less than expected on a business trip, is he permitted to keep the extra money?
Sources can be found here
Is it permitted to take vitamins on Shabbos? Does it matter whether the vitamins are taken to treat a medical condition, or simply strengthen a person who is feeling weak?
Sources can be found here
How do the principles of Omniscience and Free Choice co-exist? Don't they contradict one another?
We share a number of proposed resolutions to this conundrum.
Can we look to agadata sources to derive certain halachos?
Can a slave commit to accept the responsibility of a kesubah or is he unable to make such a commitment because he cannot own property?
Sources can be found here
If one gives an unsuspecting acquarium owner a predatory fish that he adds to his acquarium, is the benefactor liable for the fish that the predatory fish consume?
Sources can be found here
Does the existence of machlokes indicate that our mesorah is not reliable? What does אלו ואלו דברי אלוקים חיים mean? Are our sifrei torah exactly the same as Moshe Rabbeinu's?
If a fish store owner sells a customer predatory fish for his aquarium without informing him that they are predatory fish, can the customer demand a refund? Is the fish store owner liable to reimburse the customer for his fish that were eaten?
Sources can be found here
We briefly discuss the concepts contained in the belief of the authenticity of the Written Torah and Oral Torah. We review a number of proofs to the existence of an Oral Torah and the absurdity of the belief that the Written Torah should be able to exist without an accompanying Oral Torah
What is the status of egg matzah as far as chometz is concerned and may it be consumed on Erev Pesach that falls on Shabbos?
Sources can be found here
We finish delineating the differences between Moshe Rabbeinu's prophecy and the prophecy of others. The phrase used by the Rambam that Moshe Rabbeinu is the "Father of all Prophets" is challenged since he was not the first prophet and explained.
Are women Biblically obligated in the mitzvah of Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim?
Sources can be found here
An overview of the cleaning that must be done to prepare one's house for Pesach without expending too much energy
We discuss whether Moshe Rabbeinu was gifted with his unique level or prophecy or it was achieved through his efforts and how the answer to that impacts each one of us. The first unique characteristic of Moshe Rabbeinu's prophecy is explained and we also explain the vital role of an intermediary in the prophecy of others.
What happens if you forget to do bedikas chometz before Shabbos? Is it permitted to do bedikas chometz with a candle or an oil lamp on Shabbos?
Join us as we explore the issues involved and the potential solutions to allow fulfilling the mitzvah on Shabbos
Sources can be found here
We begin by establishing two types of people, those who are "real" and authentic to themselves and those who are "generic" and are guided what others will think and say. We then explore the main characters of Mordechai, Achashverosh and Haman and the amazing transition that Esther goes through to become fully real which leads directly to the salvation of the Jewish People
Is it permitted to crossdress on Purim? Are prohibitions suspended when violated in an effort to celebrate?
What is the essence of prophecy? What happened to the prophecy of the millions of prophets in Jewish history? Why is it a principle of faith to believe in the existence of prophecy?
We review the relevant teshuvos about listening to megilla reading by phone or a speaker system and then discuss whether those same opinions apply to digital technology.
We explore what prophecy is and the prerequisites to become a prophet. Why a prophet must be wealthy and rich is explained as well as traits that inhibit one from becoming a prophet. Finally, we explain what is intended when someone is described as a "holy man."
Is it permitted to use various ploys and techniques to force a claimant to accept a compromise for less than the amount that is actually owed?
How can we say ברכוני לשלום? Doesn't it violate the principle that prohibits davening to intermediaries? How does prayer work? Why do we pray if everything is decided for us on Rosh HaShanah?
If one damages a neighbor's snowman, is there any liability? What is the halacha regarding damage to objects that have little to minimum market value but significant sentimental value?
Davening to Hashem rather than to intermediaries. The origin of idolatry. Differentiating between the "wielder of power" and the "source of power." The difficulty this raises regarding numerous prayers such as ברכוני לשלום which seemingly, violates this principle.
An exploration of why the Jews sinned after experiencing so many miracles. We explore some of the fundamentals of our bechirah and when we cannot access free choice. Lastly, we explore how our struggles make us unique and what we can do to establish better habits in our lives.
Why is it essential to believe that Hashem "decided" to create the world? What does "first" and "last" mean when used in reference to Hashem?
If a non-religious parent, who is ill and declining mentally, asks for ice cream after a meat meal, is it permitted for a child to serve that parent ice cream?
How do we know that Hashem is not confined in time? Clarifying that "First" does not mean that Hashem exists in the timeline. If past, present and future do not exist for Hashem, how does He judge mankind? Creation ex-nihilo.
If one is sleeping in one home and eating in a simchah hall, where is the preferable place to light Shabbos candles?
In this shiur we discuss "proofs" of Hashem's existence, why we emphasize that Hashem is not physical but do not also emphasize that Hashem is not spiritual and does not exist in time. We also explore Hashem's unchanging existence even though it seems that He changes according to our behavior, the principle of midah k'neged midah and the tremendous power we have over the events and circumstances in the universe.
What is the correct procedure for distributing aliyos when you have a minyan comprised of kohanim and levi'im?
If one roommate contracts COVID-19, who moves out? The roommate who is ill or the roommate who is healthy?
If a group of people suddenly need masks to avoid receiving a fine, is there a limit how much a supplier may charge?
Is it heretical to believe that Hashem has a physical body? The impossible endeavor to empirically prove Hashem's existence. Hashem's existence outside of time. Be a judge, not a lawyer. How does midah k'neged midah work?
Understanding the unity of Hashem and how it differs from angels. Does Hashem possess anthropomorphic attributes and character traits? Why did Hashem create evil in this world and how does evil fit into the purpose of creation?
Understanding the unity of Hashem and how it differs from angels. Does Hashem possess anthropomorphic attributes and character traits? Why did Hashem create evil in this world and how does evil fit into the purpose of creation?
Understanding Hashem's existence. How did Hashem create the universe? Why is it essential to believe in Hashem's absolute existence and how does that impact ethics?
Understanding Hashem's existence. How did Hashem create the universe? Why is it essential to believe in Hashem's absolute existence and how does that impact ethics?
An introduction to the 13 principles of faith. How they are categorized, the debates surrounding the formulation of these principles and why it is essential to believe in them.
An introduction to the 13 principles of faith. How they are categorized, the debates surrounding the formulation of these principles and why it is essential to believe in them.
Is it permitted to manufacture or purchase a seven-branched lighting fixture? Does such a fixture violate the prohibition of making a menorah that resembles the menorah of the Bais HaMikdash?
If one travels to Israel when there is a two-week mandated quarantine, when should one recite the beracha of HaGomel?
Is it permitted to use someone else's Chanukah oil without permission with the intent to replace it before they need it?