In this week’s episode, the topics discussed by Rabbi Braun include:

Tefillin – Kavana and Mivtza Tefillin:

• Is the detailed kavana printed in the siddur before putting on tefillin truly essential to fulfilling the mitzvah?​
• If proper kavana is required, how can we justify doing mivtza tefillin with people who are not instructed to have that kavana in mind?​

Tzaar Baalei Chaim – Fish and Other Creatures:

• When catching fish that continue to gasp for some minutes, is there a halachic obligation to kill the fish immediately to avoid tzaar baalei chaim?​
• Is there any difference, in this regard, between fish and other animals or insects killed in the home (e.g., roaches, mice)?​

Daily Learning – Chitas, Rambam, and Fixed Shiurim:

• Can a person fulfill the daily Chitas shiur by learning it the night before, or must it be done only on the “day” itself?​ And is Rambam any different in this regard?​
• For other fixed daily shiurim (Gemara, Chassidus, etc.), does learning it the previous night count, or is the “make-up” option only the following night after missing the day?​

Greeting Women – She’eilas Shalom Be’isha:

• In light of the prohibition of being sho’el bishlom isha, may a man say “how are you” or similar greetings to a woman in contemporary normal interaction?​
• How does this halacha apply practically when a bochur meets with a woman on a date for shidduch purposes?​

Brachos – Chashivus, Shalem vs. Prusa:

• According to the Rashba (quoted by the Rama), a bracha on a less chashuv (e.g., less preferred) fruit does not exempt a more chashuv one unless one specifically intended for the bracha to cover it. Would this also apply to sliced vs. whole fruit (prusa vs. shalem)?​
• Does the Rashba’s rule extend to cases like pasta versus cake (where cake has greater halachic chashivus in that it has potential to become the basis of a meal)?​
• To what extent is the Rashba’s stringency actually followed in common practice today?​

Aveilus – Parents Being Mochel Simchas:

• Can a parent, in their lifetime or in a tzava’ah, be mochel the aveilus practices during the first twelve months so that their children may attend simchas such as weddings?​
• Is there a halachic basis to distinguish between being mochel all aveilus versus being mochel only specific aspects (e.g., allowing attendance at chassunas)?​

Tzedakah Collectors During Davening:

• If tzedakah collectors approach me during davening and make it difficult to concentrate, do I have an obligation to give them something?
• Does the prohibition against turning away a collector empty-handed apply when he is collecting on behalf of an institution?