Todays Parsha Email is dedicated in loving memory of Simcha Freida Bas Tzemach whose Yartzite is the 9th of Elul Parshas Ki Seitzei-Summary of Parsha 1) Yefas Toar 2) Son of beloved wife and son of hated wife 3) Ben Sorer Umorer Click Here Parshas Ki Seitzei-Parsha Bee Not Available […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Must one also cut his toenails on Erev Shabbos?
Question: Do I have to be careful to also cut my toenails on every Erev Shabbos, just as I cut my hand nails, and if so when do I have to cut them as I know we don’t cut both the hand and toenails on the same day? Answer: […]
The Torah reading of Parshas Ki Seitzei
The Torah reading of Parshas Ki Seitzei: If one missed Parshas Zachar: If one did not hear the reading of Amaleik on Parshas Zachar he can still fulfill his Biblical obligation through hearing the Torah reading of Amaleik in Parshas Ki Seitzei.[1] [In such a case however one must have […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Wishing Kesiva Vechasima Tova to a gentile?
Question: I have gentile friends and relatives and would like to know if there’s any issue with writing to them in the month of Elul the cordial blessing of Kesiva Vechasima Tova as we wish fellow Jews? Answer: Yes, you may do so, and so was done by the […]
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another:[1] *Important note: In all cases that the owner explicitly stated his desire vis a vis the item being used by another person, one must obey those desires, whatever they may be. The following Halacha refers to a case that no preconditions or […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Replacing donated Paroches with that of another donor
Question: We are Gabaim of a Shul and have the following predicament: An individual donated an expensive Paroches to our Shul three years ago Leiluiy Nishmas for his father A”H, and now another shul member has donated a Paroches which is more expensive and nicer than the original one and […]
Checking Mezuzos and Tefillin in Elul and Guidelines to be followed when sending Tefillin and Mezuzos for checking
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Checking ones Mezuzos and Tefillin during Elul:[1] It is customary to check one’s Tefillin and Mezuzos during the month of Elul [if they have not been checked within the previous 12 months[2]].[3] One is to publicize this matter to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May a Bochur write Mezuzos and Tefillin?
Question: I work as a merchant selling Mezuzos and Tefillin [i.e. Socher Stam]. The Parshiyos are supplied to me from various Sofrim which I choose. I was recently told by a customer that I should not be taking any Parshiyos of Tefillin and Mezuzos that are written by Bochurim being […]
Is a room or home to have a Mezuzah if both a Jew and gentile live there [i.e. gentile roommate or housemate]
Is a room or home to have a Mezuzah if both a Jew and gentile live there [i.e. gentile roommate or housemate]?[1] In general, a home of partners is obligated to have a Mezuzah. Thus, even if a home is occupied [owner/rented] by many people who share joint ownership or […]
Is saying Shehechiyanu on a fruit an obligation?
Is the blessing of Shehechiyanu optional or obligatory?[1] The saying of the blessing of Shehechiyanu [over new fruits and joyous tidings[2]] is not obligatory and was instituted by the Sages as an optional blessing that one is allowed to say if he so feels, in those instances permitted by the […]