Responsa Radio

Over 250 years in America, Judaism—a way of life that centers obligation—has had to negotiate a culture defined by autonomy and freedom. How has that tension shaped Jewish life, mitzvot, and halakhah over the past 250 years? What will it take to sustain a culture of mitzvot over the next 250 years? Recorded at Hadar's Summer 2026 Kickoff Event. Source sheet: https://mechonhadar.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/mh_torah_source_sheets/250YearsJudaismAmericaTucker2026.pdf

Many communities begin Shabbat services early during the summer months — sometimes before sunset. This poses a probem during the Omer when the service includes counting the new day of the Omer before its proper time. What should one do in this situation? Should they not say the blessing or count with their community and count again at home like all the other days? If they count later at home, should they not say the blessing? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/717193 Have a...

I grew up in a non-egalitarian Jewish community where I was taught that women are exempt from many mitzvot and that's why egalitarian prayer is not an option. Is that true? Does egalitarian prayer simply ignore this part of halakhah or is there some way of addressing it? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/716409 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: Women of Today by Faith Rivera

Jewish law has long prohibited certain forms of sterilization, particularly for men. But what happens when medical technology changes the equation? Does the possibility of reversal affect the halakhic status of vasectomy? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/714995 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: U Turns by Mary Jennings

I was surprised to hear recently that Jews are not allowed to neuter pets. Is that true? What is that about, where does it come from, and are there any ways around it, given that most people I know have pets that aren’t able to reproduce? Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/711708 Have a question you'd like answered on Responsa Radio? Email us at [email protected] Music featured in this episode: Vinyl Stripes by Pretty Kitty