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

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Music featured in this episode: My Time Is Now by Bamtone

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

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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

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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

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Music featured in this episode: Vinyl Stripes by Pretty Kitty 

Is there a Jewish obligation to support your Jewish-owned local businesses? If prices are higher or the store is farther away, how much effort or expense does halakha expect? 

Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/711520

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Music featured in this episode: Salesman by Ted Hoagland 

The priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) is a powerful moment in Jewish communal prayer. Traditionally performed by kohanim, it raises important questions about lineage, ritual roles, and gender equality. Can women offer this blessing to their communities? How can we think about this ritual in a gender egalitarian context?

Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/710207

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Music featured in this episode: Dear Daughter by Rebekah McLeod

A long-standing mourning practice is to cover mirrors during shiva. But what happens when shiva takes place on Zoom? Does seeing yourself on screen raise the same concern as an uncovered mirror? This episode explores the meaning behind the custom of covering mirrors and how Jewish practice adapts to new technologies of communal presence. 

Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/709534

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Music featured in this episode: Mirror by Mike Schmid

What does it mean to serve as shaliach tzibbur—the representative of a community in prayer—if you struggle with belief in God? This episode explores the halakhic and theological dimensions of a question that sits at the heart of Jewish spiritual life. Does disbelief disqualify someone from leading davening, or does the act of prayer itself create a space that transcends personal theology?

Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/741967

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Music featured in this episode: Shema by Saul Kaye

I recently started attending a shul that gives joint aliyot. What, if any, are the halakhic issues with two people receiving an aliyah at the same time? Do any of the issues rise to the level that I should privately request only solo aliyot from the gabbai, or perhaps even ask not to receive an aliyah at all?

Source sheet: https://voices.sefaria.org/sheets/741978

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Music featured in this episode: A Prayer for Everyone by Cindy Alexander