Ask the Rav: Your Questions - Our Answers
A global inbox meets timeless wisdom. Ask the Rav is a series built entirely on authentic questions sent from Jews around the world — from Brooklyn to Be’er Sheva, Melbourne to Manchester. Each question is a real-life dilemma, curiosity, or challenge answered with thoughtful and grounded halachic guidance.
Q&A
Answer:
Yes. A Chasan and Kallah are obligated to fast on public fast days even during the seven days of Sheva Brachos. This includes Asarah B’Teves, and even if the fast day coincides with their wedding day, they must fast until nightfall. The reason for this is because the mourning of the public takes precedence over the private celebration of an individual.
Sources:
M”A 550:6; Ritva Taanis; Peri Hadamah 4:41; Kesones Yosef 5; Beis Yehuda 31; Birkeiy Yosef 549:2; Kaf Hachaim 549:9; M”B 550:12; Biur Halacha 549 “Chayavim”; Maharil Diskin Kuntrus Acharon 74
Lenient View: Some Poskim rule that a Chasan is not required to fast, as his personal Yom Tov is considered greater than the Yom Tov of a Bris Milah and therefore overrides public mourning. [Beis David 476; Kaf HaChaim ibid; Kneses HaGedolah 559; Ben Ish Chai Shoftim 17; Magen Avraham ibid]
Other Articles
✍️ From the Rav’s Desk: Purchasing Clothing on Chol HaMoed for Use During the Festival
Post Views: 44 Subscribe to Receive PDF Purchasing Clothing on Chol HaMoed for Use During the Festival Question I am away from home for Pesach and did not think to bring winter clothing, since the weather was expected to be pleasant. However, it has now turned chilly, and I
✍️ From the Rav’s Desk: What Should One Use for the Four Cups at the Pesach Seder if One Cannot Drink Wine?
Post Views: 65 What Should One Use for the Four Cups at the Pesach Seder if One Cannot Drink Wine? Question Dear Rav, I have a medical condition that makes it dangerous for me to consume alcohol, and therefore drinking wine for the Four Cups on the night of the
✍️ From the Rav’s Desk: Does Baking Soda Need a Kosher‑for‑Pesach Hechsher?
Post Views: 72 Subscribe to Receive PDF Does Baking Soda Need a Kosher‑for‑Pesach Hechsher? Question Baking soda has a regular kosher hechsher, but it does not have a special kosher‑for‑Pesach certification. Can I still use it for Pesach? Answer Yes. 100% pure baking soda [in contrast to baking powder]
✍️ From the Rav’s Desk: What Should One Do on Pesach With a Porcelain or Enamel Sink That Cannot Be Kashered?
Post Views: 63 Subscribe to Receive Daily PDF What Should One Do on Pesach With a Porcelain or Enamel Sink That Cannot Be Kashered? Question I recently moved into a new home, and the kitchen sinks are made of porcelain rather than stainless steel. As is well known, porcelain sinks
✍️ From the Rav’s Desk: How to wash hands in morning and for bread if medically forbidden
Post Views: 60 Subscribe to Receive PDF Washing Hands When Medically Prohibited Question I have a question regarding my daughter, who is under the age of Bas Mitzvah and is currently suffering from a medical skin condition (such as eczema). Her doctor has strictly forbidden her from getting her hands
From the Ravs Desk: Flying from Israel to America on Friday When Shabbos Begins in Israel
Post Views: 58 Subscribe to Receive PDF Flying from Israel to America on Friday When Shabbos Begins in Israel Question Due to the current situation in Israel, flights are extremely limited. I have the opportunity to fly from Israel to Los Angeles on Friday, arriving in Los Angeles before Shabbos
