At times, it can feel like there’s a gap between halacha and modern life that’s difficult to bridge. The Shulchan Aruch was written in the 16th century, and many foundational teshuvos and seforim date back decades or more, while technology evolves on a near-daily basis. A new sefer by a young Chabad moreh tzedek challenges that assumption.

Through careful analysis and in-depth study, the sefer demonstrates that although many contemporary scenarios didn’t exist even a few years ago, the underlying principles of halacha remain constant. When properly applied, they are fully capable of addressing every modern dilemma.

The sefer, titled Le’ish Shalom – Shailos Uteshuvos u’Berurei Halacha, was authored by Rabbi Berel Polityko, associate rov at Bais Hora’ah Chabad and meishiv for Kollel L’Rabbonei Chabad and Kollel Hilchos Niddah. Having received semicha and shimush from Rabbi Gedalya Oberlander and the Debrecener Dayan, Rabbi Shaul Yechezkel Schwartz, Rabbi Polityko has already established a reputation through his shiurim on a wide range of halachic topics, including some of the most complex, presented with clarity and precision.

He has also written extensively on halachic topics, including responsa, several publications, and numerous notes and essays prepared both for personal use and publication. At the urging of several rabbonim, Rabbi Polityko agreed to compile these writings into a sefer.

Across more than 78 chapters, the sefer explores some of the most fascinating halachic questions of our time: guidelines for running a Chabad House minyan; davening when crossing the dateline; giving tzedakah in a bathroom; using a French press or pour-over on Shabbos; toveling a tofu press; mezuzah for a walk-in closet; taking challah from gluten-free flour; nursing after mistakenly eating non-kosher; teachers confiscating items from students; halachos related to Amazon returns; gambling and dreidel; and much more.

Many of these pieces were written in response to real questions Rabbi Polityko received; others were developed as original essays to clarify specific halachic topics. The sefer also includes a section on Hilchos Gezeilah u’Gneivah from the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, along with practical applications, based on a popular series of shiurim that has been expanded and refined for publication.

The sefer is further distinguished by approbations from prominent rabbonim, both within Chabad and beyond, including Rabbi Shlomie Appel, Svalyava Rov of Boro Park; Rabbi Gedalya Oberlander, rov of Kingston, PA; Rabbi Tuvia Kasimov, rov in Crown Heights; and Rabbi Shaul Yechezkel Schwartz, Satmar Dayan of Boro Park.

With its fascinating topics, clear writing, and in-depth analysis, the sefer will appeal to rabbonim, those preparing for the rabbinate, as well as shluchim and anash who value the study of halacha, and particularly its practical application in today’s world. It will be a meaningful addition to the library of anyone who cherishes Torah study.

The sefer is currently available for purchase online and in seforim stores.