In Part One of this two part series on Nisyonos, we explore one of life’s biggest questions: why does Hashem test people? Together they discuss whether all suffering is considered a nisayon, why some people appear to face greater hardships than others, the struggle of unanswered tefillos, and why bitachon can feel strong in some areas of life yet weak in others. A thoughtful and honest conversation on faith, struggle and spiritual growth.

Timestamps:

- 0:00:00 — Intro and episode topic: Nisyonas (suffering/tests)

- 0:01:31 — Three categories of hardship introduced: Aynish, Tafkid, Nisyonas

- 0:05:13 — Discussion on how to discern type of hardship; common default = punishment

- 0:08:00 — Purposes of Nisyonas: reward, reveal potential, show faith to others (Akedah example)

- 0:11:00 — Physical vs. spiritual tests; hardest are choices between two good options

- 0:18:05 — Prioritizing long-term mitzvah “investments” (learning with children, shalom bayit)

- 0:26:18 — Role of tefilah: praise, gratitude, requests; different views on effects of prayer

- 0:29:30 — Emotional processing of seemingly unanswered prayers; “not yet” and stored credit ideas

- 0:35:00 — Why some suffer more: gilgulim, tikkun, soul capacities; tailored tests

- 0:44:00 — Importance of community/support vs. suffering alone

- 0:47:55 — Free will vs. divine foreknowledge: different frameworks and implications

- 0:52:48 — Human cruelty within divine orchestration and moral accountability

- 0:55:14 — Closing and preview of Part Two

A wide-ranging conversation with Dayan Posen exploring the mitzvah of bikur cholim in today’s world, from the halachic foundations of visiting the sick to mental health, trauma response, community support, and the balance between practical help and genuine human presence. The discussion covers what meaningful care really looks like in an age of constant communication, and how small actions can make a profound difference to patients and their families.

Timestamps:

- 0:00:00 – Intro, technical note about previous episode; episode focus announced (Bikur Cholim with Daim Posen)

- 0:01:47 – Guest (Daim Posen) greeting

- 0:01:49–0:06:10 – Core halachic sources and purpose of Bikur Cholim; best times to visit (avoid first/last 3 hours)

- 0:06:10–0:11:57 – Scope of the mitzvah, limits, reading the room, and risks of causing distress

- 0:11:57–0:16:00 – Contagious illness, enemies visiting, and modern communications (phone/video/text) as partial substitutes

- 0:16:00–0:21:57 – Benefits of in-person visits; impact on hospital care and staff perception

- 0:21:57–0:31:08 – How to speak with patients, defensive attribution, and aim to uplift/encourage (Gemilas Chesed)

- 0:31:08–0:38:54 – Respecting patient/family wishes, privacy, and when to prioritize next-of-kin support

- 0:38:54–0:46:58 – Community vs. individual responsibility; kehillah rotas and organized welfare support

- 0:46:58–0:50:27 – Gender considerations and modesty when visiting; emotional boundaries

- 0:50:27–1:00:30 – Mental health as Bikur Cholim: parity with physical illness, emotional support, stigma reduction

- 1:00:30–1:09:01 – Practical guidance for supporting those with mental health struggles (boundaries, presence)

- 1:09:01–1:16:42 – Crisis/trauma response overview; SITS crisis teams and trained volunteers (Rabbi Dr. Fox training)

- 1:16:42–1:24:09 – Handling children, age‑appropriate explanations, and preparing for hospital visits

- 1:24:09–1:31:08 – Role and timing of Tehillim (in-person vs. remote); WhatsApp Tehillim groups’ impact

- 1:31:08–1:35:31 – Authenticity in performing the mitzvah (anonymity, intention) and differences from tzedakah

- 1:35:31–1:36:40 – Closing thoughts: presence, empathy, Miriam/Moshe story, final blessings and thanks

Tzedakah today looks very different to how it once did. But has that change improved the way we give, or complicated it?

This episode addresses real-world dilemmas: If your child has a negative experience with an institution, can you redirect your support elsewhere? Do you need to verify every collector, or can you rely on communal trust? Is giving smaller amounts to many causes a practical solution, or does it dilute the impact of the mitzvah?

The discussion also tackles prioritisation, how to choose between multiple urgent needs and whether family always comes first. Are fundraising commissions a necessary part of modern charity, or a distortion of its purpose?

A clear and nuanced look at how tzedakah is evolving and how to navigate it responsibly.

Timestamps:

- 0:00 Intro & series overview

- 0:27 Difference: tzedokah (reactive) vs Ma'aser (proactive)

- 2:08 Affordability & basic needs (poskim discussion)

- 3:50 Rambam, Shulchan Aruch, Vilna Gaon on status/limits

- 6:00 Hazaka/makirah and long-term support

- 9:05 Hakarat hatov (gratitude) and prioritization

- 10:00 Spousal decisions & whose money rules

- 13:10 School fees vs. charity; tuition as obligation vs donation

- 16:04 Education obligations (v’shinan/v’limachem) and tutors

- 17:21 Sponsor: AAC mention

- 19:44 Vetting collectors; small vs large gifts

- 21:38 Small donations (matanah mu’attas) & token amounts

- 23:45 Priorities: Talmud Torah, shul/mikvah, poor; communal obligations

- 27:37 Recommendation: personal priority spreadsheet

- 31:03 Yisachar/Support for Torah learners discussion

- 41:03 Fundraising anecdotes & approach to donors

- 42:04 Fundraiser commissions and admin-cost norms

- 45:00 New charities vs established ones — assess like investments

- 46:10 Parents on holiday & unpaid school debts guidance

- 47:30 Debtors should prioritize repayment over giving maaser

- 48:57 School enrollment pledges: private vs communal difference

- 50:00 Closing reflection on communal chesed and lasting value