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

AI & Automation on Shabbos:

• May one program an AI coding agent before Shabbos to build or maintain systems (fix bugs, run a production line, etc.) while it continues working on Shabbos?​
• Does the concern of avsha milsa (“noise-making”) apply to automated processes on Shabbos, and how is “noise” defined — is it the physical sound, or public awareness that work is being done?
• Is there reason to enact new restrictions on automated systems (answering machines, automated factories) because they may erode the spirit and kedusha of Shabbos?​

Shabbos Clocks:

• Are Shabbos clocks for lights and other appliances fundamentally permitted, and are there limits to what may be automated?​

When to Say “Shir Hamaalos”:

• On which days or situations should one say “Al Naharos Bavel” versus “Shir Hamaalos” before bentching according to Chabad minhag, especially given conflicting stories and rumors about the Rebbeim’s practice?​

“Ad D’lo Yada” on Motzaei Purim:

• When the Rebbe instructed one person at the Purim farbrengen to reach a state of ad d’lo yada and motzi everyone else, how was this still applicable after bentching and Maariv, when Purim was technically over?​
• Is the requirement of “ad d’lo yoda” measured by an amount of drinking or by reaching a certain state (with a practical nafka mina)?​

Mourning Practices for Non-Immediate Relatives:

• Do relatives (beyond the formal aveilim) have to observe any signs of mourning during the shivah?​ And which restrictions (music, dancing, bathing, haircuts, fresh clothing) remain binding for them nowadays?​
• Is this extended mourning limited to being in the presence of the actual aveilim or even in another place?​

Wine in the Kiddush Saucer:

• Is there any halachic or kabbalistic basis for avoiding drinking the wine that overflows into the saucer under a kos shel bracha?​
• Does the concern about drinking directly from a bowl extend to wine that was in the bowl but is then poured back into a cup?​

Tevilas Keilim for Storing the Rebbe’s Kos Shel Bracha:

• If someone stores special wine (such as kos shel bracha from the Rebbe) in a glass bottle only as a segulah and not for drinking, must that bottle be toiveled?​
• Theoretically, if the wine of kos shel Eliyahu were disposed of and never used, would that becher require tevilah?​

Signs in Shul Against Talking:

• May a sign‑maker produce signs for shul that read “You’re allowed to talk in shul, but only with Hashem,” using a somewhat humorous and sarcastic tone, or is such language not in line with the Torah approach?​