Orthodox Conundrum

Scott Kahn

Israel

Judaism

Orthodox Judaism

Hamas

Jewish Identity

Anti-Semitism

Jewish Community

Orthodox Community

Religious Zionism

Halacha

Zionism

Jewish Education

Mental Health

Gaza

Trauma

Antisemitism

Aliyah

Jewish Law

Tanach

Haredi Community

The Orthodox Conundrum is a forum in which we look honestly at the Orthodox Jewish community, identifying what works well and what does not, so that, through an honest accounting, we can find solutions that will be successful. We will examine some of the major issues that affect the Orthodox world, without exaggeration, whitewashing, or pretending that they don't exist. Our hope is that the Orthod... more

496 ratings

Publishes	Weekly	Episodes	300	Founded	9 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	JudaismReligion & Spirituality

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Latest Episodes

When Torah Becomes Politics: Rav David Stav on Israel's Religious Crisis (298)

Check out Orthodox Conundrum Commentary on Substack and get your free subscription by going to scottkahn.substack.com/ - and members get this and other episodes of the Orthodox Conundrum Podcast ad-free and with early access and additional bo... more

20 Jul 2026 • 55 min

Ascending the Temple Mount, and Finding Meaning During the Three Weeks, with Rabbi Danny Myers (CLASSIC EPISODE)

13 Jul 2026 • 53 min • Most popular

What You Really Need to Know About the Three Weeks and the Nine Days, with Rabbi Chayim Soloveichik (297)

6 Jul 2026 • 1 hr 10 min • Popular

YouTube

Should Yeshiva Students Serve in the IDF? The Torah Case for Saying Yes, with Rabbi Menachem Copperman (296)

29 Jun 2026 • 1 hr

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Rabbi Danny Meyers

Rabbi of Kiilat Menorah Tamaor; Menahel of Tamu Torah Magen Avot; Rav Beit Sefer, Netzach Yisrael

Kiilat Menorah Tamaor, Ramat Beit Shemesh

Episode: Ascending the Temple Mount, and Finding Meaning During the Three Weeks, with Rabbi Danny Myers (CLASSIC EPISODE)

Rabbi Chayim Soloveichik

Rabbi, founder of Keylat Or Shalom in Ramah Bech Shemesh, expert on Halacha and the Three Weeks

Keylat Or Shalom, Ramah Bech Shemesh

Episode: What You Really Need to Know About the Three Weeks and the Nine Days, with Rabbi Chayim Soloveichik (297)

Menachem Copperman

Community leader, certified Dayan, and expert in Jewish law

Kilat Avatsion, Ramat Beit Shemesh; IDF veteran

Episode: Should Yeshiva Students Serve in the IDF? The Torah Case for Saying Yes, with Rabbi Menachem Copperman (296)

Rav Shaya Karlinsky

Rabbi, educator, co-founder of Yeshivat Dar-Chay-Nom Chappels (Shabbatot) and leader in Torah study organizations

Rav Shaya Karlinsky's organizations and roles mentioned in episode

Episode: The Chareidi Draft Debate: Is Common Ground Possible? with Rav Shaya Karlinsky (295)

Yael Leibowitz

Tanakh educator

Mataan Women's Institute for Torah Learning; Midreshet Linzenbaum College for Women; author of Ezra Nehemiah, Retro Grade Revolution

Episode: Why Return to Israel If Judaism Can Thrive Anywhere? Lessons from the First Exile, with Yael Leibowitz (294)

Rabbi Seth Farber

American-Israeli Orthodox Rabbi, historian, ITIM founder/director

ITIM

Episode: Is the Rabbinate Protecting Torah... or Protecting Itself? Rabbi Seth Farber on the Women's Exam Controversy, Power, and the Future of Religious Authority in Israel (293)

Rav Meni Even-Israel

Rav Steinsaltz's son and Director of the Steinsaltz Center

Steinsaltz Center

Episode: "Better an Apikores Than an Am Haaretz": Rav Meni Even-Israel on Rav Steinsaltz's Vision (292)

Dr. Judah Goldberg

Physician, rabbinic educator, scholar of Brit Avot and Brit Sinai

MMY, Mikleilet Mevaser Yushalayim; Beit Midrash projects

Episode: How Do Non-Religious Jews Participate in the Jewish Covenant? Rabbi Dr. Judah Goldberg on Brit Avot and Brit Sinai (291)

Dr. Malka Z. Simkovich

Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Publication Society; author and scholar

Jewish Publication Society

Episode: Are Jewish Communities Outside Israel Meant to End? A Conversation with Dr. Malka Simkovich and Rabbanit Atara Eis (290)

Hosts

Scott Conn

Host of Orthodox Conundrum with a focus on thoughtful, balanced discussions across Orthodoxy and Jewish life.

Scott Kahn

Co-host/Presenter; brings scholarly and practical perspectives on Orthodox Jewish life and Seder/mindset discussions.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 496 ratings

Great podcast
Thank you for the podcast and for sharing such a thoughtful and intelligent Jewish perspective.
Apple Podcasts
5
mamashskalka
Israel2 months ago
Long-time listener
Through some very difficult times and conversations, Rav Kahn has always remained respectful of both his guest speakers as well as his audience. He asks the tough questions with sincerity and always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. I’ve listened to Rav Kahn’s podcast since its inception with plans to listen for many more years.
Apple Podcasts
5
jrrt1459
United States2 months ago
Super interesting
I am a knowledgeable Jew, patriotic American, man of the Left, lukewarm Zionist, member of a Conservatish. congregation, probably an atheist… I’m even Queer in some ways. I love this podcast. It’s honest. I wish it were longer and more frequent. I invite you to listen.
Apple Podcasts
5
Billfish1
United States3 months ago
Usually very good
The episode on Super Bowl ads is probably my favorite.
Apple Podcasts
4
erl daGerl
United States5 months ago
Breath of Fresh Air
Truly a unique podcast. He asks great units deep fundamental questions. Has fascinating guests. And most importantly is a great host. Scott isn’t afraid to let the guest form their own opinions and theories. He also lets them talk!
Apple Podcasts
5
mecakesh613
United States8 months ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests are consistently fascinating and well-prepared, elevating the conversation.

The host asks tough questions while allowing guests to speak freely, leading to thoughtful dialogue.

Listeners appreciate high-quality, informative content with meaningful insights into complex topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#46	United States/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#64	United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#91	Canada/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#51	Italy/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#125	Australia/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism
Apple Podcasts	#138	Germany/Religion & Spirituality/Judaism

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ascending the Temple Mount, and Finding Meaning During the Three Weeks, with Rabbi Danny Myers (CLASSIC EPISODE)

Q: How do we balance the mitzvah of going up with the potential for provoking conflict or terrorism?

The guest argues that going up, when done properly, is a mitzvah for some and may be praiseworthy, but must be done with caution, broad consensus, and awareness of political ramifications; the host probes the safety and public perception implications.

Ascending the Temple Mount, and Finding Meaning During the Three Weeks, with Rabbi Danny Myers (CLASSIC EPISODE)

Q: Is it permissible to ascend Har HaBayit, and under what conditions?

Rabbi Myers explains there are halakhic layers to climb up: it can be permissible in theory as part of kivush ha'aretz and tefillah, but only with strict adherence to mikveh, impurity rules, and rabbinic guidance; many poskim warn against it, and the individual should follow their own rabbi's ruling.

Should Yeshiva Students Serve in the IDF? The Torah Case for Saying Yes, with Rabbi Menachem Copperman (296)

Q: How do exemptions for full-time Torah learners fit within a unified national obligation?

Exemptions should be limited and context-specific, recognizing both the need for a robust Torah world and the practical realities of national defense, with emphasis that communal disruption should not excuse individual responsibility.

Should Yeshiva Students Serve in the IDF? The Torah Case for Saying Yes, with Rabbi Menachem Copperman (296)

Q: Why should more people, especially Yeshiva students, serve in the IDF from a halachic and moral perspective?

The guest argues that saving lives and protecting Am Yisrael is an essential mitzvah rooted in halacha and moral duty, and that Torah study must be integrated with action in service, making exemptions exceptional rather than default.

What Happened to Religious Zionist Discourse? Power, Morality, and the Language of War (288)

Q: Daniel, could you translate for English-speaking listeners what might surprise them about the Hebrew discourse in Israel in this context?

Daniel explains that the language of crisis and messianic hope is deeply embedded in daily conversation, and what may appear as pragmatic political rhetoric often carries theological undertones that shape attitudes toward violence and the state, potentially normalizing extreme positions.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodox Conundrum

What is Orthodox Conundrum about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show presents thoughtful, often scholarly discussions about contemporary Jewish life, Orthodoxy, and how tradition intersects with modern culture, politics, and diaspora dynamics. Episodes frequently feature rabbis, educators, and policy-focused guests who dissect complex issues—ranging from halachic practice and religious Zionism to diaspora-Israel relations, communal leadership, and media literacy. A standout pattern is a careful, respectful questioning style that invites nuanced debate, paired with a willingness to challenge ideas and address difficult topics head-on. The format tends to mix practical guidance with philosophical reflection, making it appealing to engaged listeners who want depth, context, and diverse perspectives on ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Orthodox Conundrum?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Orthodox Conundrum:

1. 18Forty Podcast
2. Behind the Bima
3. Meaningful People
4. Inspiration for the Nation with Yaakov Langer
5. Jewish History Soundbites

How many episodes of Orthodox Conundrum are there?

Orthodox Conundrum launched 9 years ago and published 300 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Orthodox Conundrum?

Recent guests on Orthodox Conundrum include:

1. Rabbi Danny Meyers
2. Rabbi Chayim Soloveichik
3. Menachem Copperman
4. Rav Shaya Karlinsky
5. Yael Leibowitz
6. Rabbi Seth Farber
7. Rav Meni Even-Israel
8. Dr. Judah Goldberg

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