Jewish Coffee House

30/10/2024

Check out the newest episode of Intimate Judaism!

In our latest Q&A episode, Talli and Scott address some of the many questions submitted by listeners regarding Judaism and intimacy. Among the issues they discuss are repairing s*xuality after 15 years of “doing it wrong,” consensual threesomes, s*x therapy versus couples therapy, when a wife wants s*x more than her husband, tubal ligation, looking at p**n to get in the mood, and much more.

In our latest Q&A episode, Talli and Scott address some of the many questions submitted by listeners regarding Judaism and intimacy. Among the issues they discuss are repairing s*xuality after 15 years of “doing it wrong,” consensual threesomes, s*x therapy versus couples therapy, when a wife wa...

28/10/2024

Today Rabbi Yitzchak Blau and I talk about something that I’ve spoken about before, repeatedly, both on this podcast and on my Substack, Orthodox Conundrum Commentary: the problem of a large number of Chareidi, or ultra-Orthodox Jews, who receive army exemptions, usually (though not always) because they’re learning in yeshivot.

Why am I talking about this again? Haven't we dealt with this issue too many times already?

No. There's more to say, and there's good reason to say it.

I think that this issue represents, in a real way, the test - the Akeidat Yitzchak - of our time... and some people are simply failing this test. This is the most important issue in Orthodoxy today; so we need to talk about it extensively, and establish clear and irrefutable arguments. I hope that this podcast will contribute to that ongoing need, and that you will share it widely so that this message will be heard by those who need to hear it.

Today I’m talking about something that I’ve spoken about before, repeatedly, both on this podcast and on my Substack, Orthodox Conundrum Commentary: the problem of a large number of Chareidi, or ultra-Orthodox Jews, who receive army exemptions, usually (though not always) because they’re learn...

27/10/2024

Yes, we've talked about it before.

But this is, I believe, the singular issue facing Orthodoxy today - and we need to face it squarely and explain what has to happen.

Join me and Rabbi Yitzchak Blau on the newest Orthodox Conundrum Podcast as we discuss the problem of a large number of Chareidi Jews who receive army exemptions, usually (though not always) because they’re learning in yeshivot... even if they have no business being in yeshiva at all.

Dropping this evening!

20/10/2024

Two statements, six years apart, both representing the same foolish (and sometimes antisemitic) mindset

14/10/2024

As we complete our seventh season of the Orthodox Conundrum, we’re pleased to present a classic episode from three years ago, in which Professor Joshua Berman of Bar Ilan University discusses academic Bible study, Biblical criticism, and Orthodox Judaism. It was a very interesting episode, which raised crucial questions that Orthodox Jews need to confront, as well as suggestions of how we should do so effectively. Because we soon complete the annual cycle of Torah readings and begin again in less than two weeks with parashat Beresh*t, this is an excellent opportunity to revisit this crucial issue.

As we complete our seventh season of the Orthodox Conundrum, we're pleased to present a classic episode from three years ago, in which Professor Joshua Berman of Bar Ilan University discusses academic Bible study, Biblical criticism, and Orthodox Judaism. It was a very interesting episode, which rai

10/10/2024

In order to better facilitate our understanding of what each of the 13 Attributes are, and how we can internalize them into our own lives, I composed a PDF that summarizes them according to the Ramak’s commentary in his book, Tomer Devorah. The relevant words in Shemot are followed by the parallel phrases in Micha in parentheses; this is then followed by an explanation of what each particular Attribute means, and the Ramak’s suggestion of ways that we can internalize each Attribute in our own lives.

I hope that this will help make our tefilot on Yom Kippur more meaningful, and will enhance our relationship with both God and humanity. I pray that the knowledge of God’s infinite love, expressed in part through His constant willingness to forgive, will inspire all of us to become the best people we can be, and to give everyone who needs it a second, third, and fourth chance to do better.

Gmar chatima tova!

(Click on the link in this post, and download the PDF directly from there.)

A printable PDF to put in your machzor

09/10/2024

During the Ten Days of Repentance, we ask for "good life and peace." What are we actually trying to say... and does it make sense when Israel is at war?

07/10/2024

Listen to the Orthodox Conundrum Podcast - which just dropped NOW:

“Today marks one year since one of the worst days of all of our lives, October 7th. I actually was unsure of how to record an appropriate episode; what, exactly, could I add to the conversation? What is there to say that hasn’t yet been said? And how can I relate it to the season in which we find ourselves, right in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?”

Fortunately, Scott was joined by the outstanding rav of his shul in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Rav Chayim Soloveichik, who provided insights and guidance as to how to think about this first anniversary of October 7th – even though, he acknowledges, October 7th never really ended. Rav Chayim discussed what he has learned from the events of the past year, the ways in which our liturgy during the Ten Days of Repentance is more relatable than ever before, approaches to divine providence and miracles (as well as their apparent absence), how to foster unity in the Jewish people, why the obvious importance of Torah study does not exempt the Chareidi world from serving in the Israeli army, whether there is hope for peace in the future, and more.

"Today marks one year since one of the worst days of all of our lives, October 7th. I actually was unsure of how to record an appropriate episode; what, exactly, could I add to the conversation? What is there to say that hasn’t yet been said? And how can I relate it to the season in which we find ...

01/10/2024

Sometimes we need to consider the consequences of our actions... and sometimes doing so leads to disaster.

30/09/2024

Later this week we will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Day of Remembrance, Yom HaZikaron. According to Chazal, Hashem (so to speak) remembers us on this day for the good… and we, too, should look at those people who set sterling examples for us over the past year, and try to learn from their deeply meaningful lives. One of those people whose life was exemplary was Gavriel Bloom, zichrono livracha.

Gavriel was killed on January 8th during a mission in central Gaza. He was the second of David and Jennifer Bloom’s six children.

David wrote up a series of remembrances and lessons that we all can learn from Gavriel’s life. This episode begins with David’s reading the words that he composed. After that, David and Scott have a conversation about Gavriel. They also delve into some serious and painful social topics, such as the general ultra-Orthodox refusal to serve in the IDF, as well as other very troubling trends involving common Chareidi attitudes towards the people of Israel as a whole.

Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect on the past year – which has unquestionably been one of the most fraught and difficult years that many of us have ever experienced. We are honored that David was generous enough to share his thoughts and memories of Gavriel with us. There could not be a more meaningful way to go into this coming Rosh Hashanah.

(Additional links in the comments)

Later this week we will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Day of Remembrance, Yom HaZikaron. According to Chazal, Hashem (so to speak) remembers us on this day for the good… and we, too, should look at those people who set sterling examples for us over the past year, and try to learn from...

29/09/2024

Gavriel Bloom z"l: A Hero in a Land of Heroes

A special pre-Rosh Hashanah episode of the Orthodox Conundrum, dropping tonight.

28/09/2024

A thought on Selichot and defrauding the government.

A thought on Selichot and defrauding the government