“If a Shabbat Elevator is permitted on Shabbat, then surely the underground electric train - which will soon be operating in Tel Aviv - should be permitted on Shabbat” This argument was recently – and surprisingly - made by Ron Huldai who is the Mayor of Tel Aviv. Given this, our latest episode of RZWeekly considers why Huldai felt the need to make this argument, its merits and flaws, the overall question of public transportation on Shabbat in Israel, and how so-called halachic loopholes are understood, and equally often, misunderstood.

While still hoping to have a ‘live’ event to celebrate reaching our 100th episode, in the latest edition of RZWeekly – OUR 100TH EPISODE – we do something different and share why we do the podcast, what are our goals and aspirations, and what we think we’ve added to the wider conversation. Enjoy!

Do we expect the impossible from our community Rabbis? We at RZWeekly were recently sent a job description that was posted by a community for a new rabbi, and as we read what they were looking for, we asked ourselves the simple question: ‘Is it possible that one person can do all these things? And even if it is, is it reasonable for a community to expect so much from their Rabbi?’. In the latest episode of RZWeekly we explore this question, while also making reference to the expectations placed on those who teach in Yeshivot and Midrashot. In addition to all this, we share some great ideas for our upcoming 100th episode and would love to hear your feedback.

Do we expect the impossible from our community Rabbis? We at RZWeekly were recently sent a job description that was posted by a community for a new rabbi, and as we read what they were looking for, we asked ourselves the simple question: ‘Is it possible that one person can do all these things? And even if it is, is it reasonable for a community to expect so much from their Rabbi?’. In the latest episode of RZWeekly we explore this question, while also making reference to the expectations placed on those who teach in Yeshivot and Midrashot. In addition to all this, we share some great ideas for our upcoming 100th episode and would love to hear your feedback.

In the latest edition of RZWeekly we begin with our mailbag, we introduce a new segment titled ‘The Soapbox’, - Reuven gets on the box this week - and then we discuss the complexities, challenges and opportunities of fruit and vegetable consumption during this Shemitta year as well as some of the pro’s and con’s of Otzar Beit Din and Heter Mechira.

An article in Motzash Magazine of Mekor Rishon (https://www.makorrishon.co.il/culture/402759/) describes a disturbing lack of psychological professionals in the Yeshivat Hesder framework, and the damage this can and does have on young men badly in need of help. In this episode, Reuven interviews Mali (Johnny is on leave) regarding this situation, a area she has extensive experience with in her work as a professional social worker. We discuss the severity of the problem, possible causes, and Mali suggests a path to improving this problematic situation.

“How do you feel about the fact that Prime Minister Naftali Bennet observes Shabbat and Kashrut and wears a kippah?” This was the question that we discussed in the most recent edition of RZWeekly, which led us to have a heated debate about: Whether the current Prime Minister is a representative of religious Jews, or happens to be religious? What we do, and should expect of a Prime Minister that identifies as religious? And whether it is ever truly possible to be a truly religious politician? Listen to our thoughts, and let us know yours too!

In the lastest episode of RZWeekly - and the last for 5781 - we ask: How does one get into the mode of teshuva? How should you apologise and how should you feel when doing so? What is the status of a generic apology? And many other fascinating teshuva conundrums. Wishing you all a Shana Tova U’Metuka!

In the latest episode if RZWeekly we discuss selichot. Do they still speak to us? What lessons can we learn from selichot? What are your favourite selichot tunes? And how are developments in Midrashot and Yeshivot in Israel shaping the modern selichot experience?

How has the traditional daily and Shabbat synagogue service become overstretched? And are there halachic solutions to shorten the synagogue service while increasing the personal experience of prayer? These and many other questions were the subject of our discussion in the latest edition of RZWeekly with our guest Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein whose recently published ‘Musings of a Minyaner’ attempts to offer practical and halachically valid suggestions for improving and enhancing the synagogue service.