In this week’s episode, the topics discussed by Rabbi Braun include:
Tefillin – Kavana and Mivtza Tefillin:
- Is the detailed kavana printed in the siddur before putting on tefillin truly essential to fulfilling the mitzvah?
- If proper kavana is required, how can we justify doing mivtza tefillin with people who are not instructed to have that kavana in mind?
Tzaar Baalei Chaim – Fish and Other Creatures:
- When catching fish that continue to gasp for some minutes, is there a halachic obligation to kill the fish immediately to avoid tzaar baalei chaim?
- Is there any difference, in this regard, between fish and other animals or insects killed in the home (e.g., roaches, mice)?
Daily Learning – Chitas, Rambam, and Fixed Shiurim:
- Can a person fulfill the daily Chitas shiur by learning it the night before, or must it be done only on the “day” itself? And is Rambam any different in this regard?
- For other fixed daily shiurim (Gemara, Chassidus, etc.), does learning it the previous night count, or is the “make-up” option only the following night after missing the day?
Greeting Women – She’eilas Shalom Be’isha:
- In light of the prohibition of being sho’el bishlom isha, may a man say “how are you” or similar greetings to a woman in contemporary normal interaction?
- How does this halacha apply practically when a bochur meets with a woman on a date for shidduch purposes?
Brachos – Chashivus, Shalem vs. Prusa:
- According to the Rashba (quoted by the Rama), a bracha on a less chashuv (e.g., less preferred) fruit does not exempt a more chashuv one unless one specifically intended for the bracha to cover it. Would this also apply to sliced vs. whole fruit (prusa vs. shalem)?
- Does the Rashba’s rule extend to cases like pasta versus cake (where cake has greater halachic chashivus in that it has potential to become the basis of a meal)?
- To what extent is the Rashba’s stringency actually followed in common practice today?
Aveilus – Parents Being Mochel Simchas:
- Can a parent, in their lifetime or in a tzava’ah, be mochel the aveilus practices during the first twelve months so that their children may attend simchas such as weddings?
- Is there a halachic basis to distinguish between being mochel all aveilus versus being mochel only specific aspects (e.g., allowing attendance at chassunas)?
Tzedakah Collectors During Davening:
- If tzedakah collectors approach me during davening and make it difficult to concentrate, do I have an obligation to give them something?
- Does the prohibition against turning away a collector empty-handed apply when he is collecting on behalf of an institution?