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The Twelve Minute Shiur

The Twelve Minute Shiur

By: Freehof Institute
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Byte-sized audio learning from the Freehof Institute of Progressive HalakhahFreehof Institute Judaism Spirituality
Episodes
  • #91 - Piyyutim and Creative Worship

    #91 - Piyyutim and Creative Worship
    Jun 18 2026

    Do you like creative liturgy - poems and thought-pieces and readings that add to or replace the traditional siddur text ? If you do, you probably know that Orthodox Jews claim that such creativity with the liturgy is a violation of the halakhah.

    Hmm - it seems that we've been through all this before.

    A look at how today's innovations in public prayer are simply the latest round in a centuries-old halakhic controversy.
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    12 mins
  • #90 - Standing Up and Sitting Down for the Sh'ma

    #90 - Standing Up and Sitting Down for the Sh'ma
    May 13 2026

    Reform congregations make a point to recite Sh'ma on their feet: they either rise or remain standing, if able. Most everybody else recites it in a seated position. Many say (wouldn't you know it?) that the Reform practice violates the halakhah.

    ​Here's an argument to the contrary.
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    12 mins
  • #89 - Why Must We Use a Plain Wedding Ring?

    #89 - Why Must We Use a Plain Wedding Ring?
    Apr 20 2026

    It's a well-known minhag (custom) to require that the wedding ring be a plain band, with no precious stones. But is this a requirement of halakhah? Most authorities say "yes," but their argument is open to... well, argument!


    Download the source sheet at www.freehofinstitute.org/podcast
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    12 mins
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