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

27/09/2024

If you would like a free copy of my PDF, "The Laws of Tekiat Shofar," just subscribe to Orthodox Conundrum Commentary on Substack (which is also free). I will be sending it to all subscribers next week.

To subscribe, go to

I examine major issues affecting the Orthodox world, without exaggeration or whitewashing. I hope to spark wider discussion, thus enabling Orthodox Judaism to move forward where it excels, and to rectify that which needs improvement. Click to read Orthodox Conundrum Commentary, by Scott Kahn, a Subs...

23/09/2024

One of the beautiful aspects of Torah Judaism is its insistence on eilu v’eilu divrei Elokim chayim – that two different and even potentially contradictory approaches can both represent the words of the living God. Opening our minds to differing ways of seeing Torah – that, in the words of many ancient texts, there are seventy facets to the Torah, and accordingly endless ways of explaining its ideas – is not merely a theological truth, but also a mandate. By accepting that, in the words of Rav Soloveitchik, “The white light of divinity is always refracted through reality’s ‘dome of many-colored glass,’” we demonstrate the greatness of Torah. In contrast, when we insist that there is only one appropriate way to understand Judaism, we make Torah, Judaism, and even God smaller than they really are.

Last week, Scott was honored to interview Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, to discuss what happens when we pray. The conversation was fascinating and inspiring, and many people reached out to complement Rabbi Zarum on his meaningful and clear presentation.

With that in mind, we were excited to record a follow-up episode that offers a different perspective on Jewish prayer. Rabbi Zarum’s approach broadly fits within the rationalist tradition of Judaism; his theology is clearly and openly influenced by Maimonides. Scott’s guest today, Rav Dovid'l Weinberg, has a more mystical, Kabbalistic, and Chassidic point of view. Dovid’l talked about many aspects of prayer, including the fascinating idea that just as God used, according to the Kabbalists, the Hebrew letters in order to create and sustain the universe, those who really know how to pray correctly use those same letters to reorganize the world into something different. That was only one idea among the many concepts, both theoretical and extremely personal, that Dovid’l presented.

We hope that by learning about two different yet complementary approaches to tefilah, you will gain a greater appreciation for what prayer is and can be, and perhaps even start to develop your own unique approach that offers you even greater spiritual sustenance.

One of the beautiful aspects of Torah Judaism is its insistence on eilu v’eilu divrei Elokim chayim - that two different and even potentially contradictory approaches can both represent the words of the living God. Opening our minds to differing ways of seeing Torah - that, in the words of many an...

22/09/2024

Last week I had the honor of hosting Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum to discuss prayer.

This week, I cover that topic from a different, more mystical perspective by speaking with Rabbi Dovid'l Weinberg.

Both conversations were fascinating and inspiring.

My hope is that listeners will appreciate hearing differing viewpoints, and understand them both as part of the large and beautiful edifice of Torah thought.

And the best outcome? That you not only appreciate what they each have to say, but also decide to use their insights in order to develop your own Torah hashkafa regarding prayer that is personally meaningful and uplifting.

Dropping later tonight on the Orthodox Conundrum Podcast.

20/09/2024

I composed this dvar Torah fifteen years ago, and I believe that it holds up today. Certainly its message - that every member of the Jewish people is a font of wisdom, and we denigrate those with less “book knowledge” at our own peril - is relevant in our current environment, when some misguided members of the Orthodox community ignore or discount the greatness of other, less superficially religious members of the Jewish community. I hope to address this issue directly in an upcoming article.

Thoughts on Parashat Ki Tavo

17/09/2024

You chose to start it. You don’t get to determine how it will end.

16/09/2024

We stand in the middle of the month of Elul, and are moving quickly towards Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – days largely spent in the synagogue in prayer. Throughout those days as well as the rest of the Ten Days of Repentance, we ask that God grant us a year of life, goodness, and peace. While we have so much to be thankful for, we may be forgiven for looking at the past year – and the prayers we offered last Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – and wondering if our prayers failed. We may even wonder what the point of the entire exercise was.

Put starkly: does prayer work – and if it does, what does that mean?

To understand the place of prayer in Jewish religious consciousness, Scott spoke to Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, who was a popular guest on this podcast right before Pesach. They talked about the definition of prayer, whether it can actually change God’s mind, what it means for a prayer to be successful, why praying for someone else is important, the ways that prayer can teach us about Jewish theology, how prayer can support faith, and more. They even analyzed a scene from the comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm which attacks the very idea of praying for another person, and talked about the response to Larry David’s criticisms of the institution of prayer.

Rabbi Zarum’s approach is Maimonidean and rationalist, though he is quick to acknowledge the place of mystical thought and emotions in his own spiritual life. This is a specific approach to prayer, though certainly not the only one; we hope and anticipate that you will find it interesting, important, and inspiring.

We stand in the middle of the month of Elul, and are moving quickly towards Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - days largely spent in the synagogue in prayer. Throughout those days as well as the rest of the Ten Days of Repentance, we ask that God grant us a year of life, goodness, and peace. While we ha