Ep. 26 - Ask Away! #1 | The Q&A Series

Questions in Ask Away! #1:

1. Is it forbidden to eat in public?
2. Who is permitted to read the Haftorah?
3. What's if the person who receives an honor isn't prepared?
4. Are women prohibited from reading the Torah?
5. Is one allowed to look away when reading from the Torah scroll?
6. How does one know what the cantillations for reading the Torah are? 
7. Who is responsible to ensure there is a Torah Reader for Shabbat services?
8. Who can read from the Torah?

Join us on this thought-provoking Q&A episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, where we explore the profound themes of dignity and respect in Jewish tradition with Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of Torch in Houston, Texas. Listen in as we discuss the nuances of maintaining self-respect, particularly when it comes to eating in public. Drawing insights from the Talmud, Rabbi Wolbe shares personal anecdotes that highlight the cultural shifts in self-presentation over time, such as the contrast between past practices of dressing up for flights and today’s more casual attitudes. We also tackle halachic questions regarding eating in public spaces, distinguishing between designated eating areas like restaurants and food courts, and other public settings. 

In addition to the conversation about dignity, we also explore sensitivity and protocol in synagogue settings, focusing on the role of a groom during Jewish wedding celebrations. Rabbi Wolbe shares personal experiences and reflects on the tradition of "singing down" the groom to avoid potential embarrassment. The discussion broadens to examine women's roles in religious settings, addressing modesty laws and the rationale behind the separation of men and women in synagogues, known as the mechitza. These insights shed light on how traditions aim to maintain decorum and avoid distractions, fostering a respectful and focused religious environment. Tune in for a rich and enlightening discussion that balances tradition with modern sensibilities.
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The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen Lerner

• Download & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5

This episode (Ep. #24) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 3, 2025
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DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}