Jewish law on contraception & masturbation | Pt #1 Rabbi Ysoscher Katz

A candid discussion about Orthodox Judaism and sexual mores, laws around intimacy, masturbation, contraceptions and more. Part 1 of 2.

Today I’m sitting down once again with Rabbi Ysoscher Katz, a guest many of you have asked to hear more from. Our earlier conversation about the Satmar Rebbe sparked such strong reactions that people stopped me on the street to talk about it. It became a real conversation starter — and this new interview opens the door to another set of complex, meaningful topics.

This discussion is Part 1 of a two-part interview. Part 2 is now up for channel members and will soon be released to all.    • Jewish law on abortion & inferitily | Pt #...  

In this episode, we explore reproductive halacha: Jewish legal thought on abortion, infertility, contraception, gender identity, sexual norms, and the wider landscape of ethical questions around them. The aim is a thoughtful, free-flowing conversation that makes room for nuance, real history, and lived experience.

Rabbi Katz grew up in Hasidic Williamsburg and later left Hasidism while remaining within the Orthodox world. He has served as Senior Rabbi of the Prospect Heights Shul and is currently Chair of the Talmud Department at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Throughout his career, he has engaged with what he calls “cutting-edge issues” inside halachic discourse — including gender, sexual abuse, and other areas of communal tension.

Many viewers also know his mother, Gita Katz, the sharp, unforgettable Hasidic woman featured in several of my videos. Rabbi Katz is her eldest, once considered a standout student in the Williamsburg community before charting his own path. Today he brings a rare mix of insider knowledge, rigorous training, and a willingness to tackle difficult conversations publicly. He also maintains an active presence on Facebook, where he moderates discussions that often get very heated.

Rabbi Katz’s Facebook:
  / ysoscher.katz  

If this conversation resonates, you may also enjoy these related interviews:
Related Videos:

Part 2 with Rabbi Katz (early release for channel members; coming soon to all viewers):
   • Jewish law on abortion & inferitily | Pt #...  
My earlier interview with Rabbi Katz on the Satmar Rebbe:
   • The Satmar Rabbi's complicated legacy | A ...  
My interview with Rabbi Katz’s mother, Gita Katz (about her life):
   • "I hope my children know to never ever do ...  
A Hasidic woman’s views on women’s issues — my interview with Pearl
(and yes… Pearl is Gita’s close friend!)
   • This Hasidic woman gives real answers | Pe...  

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