Sending Presents to women

May a man send a present to a woman? One is to avoid sending gifts to a widow or any single woman.[1] Likewise, some Poskim[2] rule one is to avoid sending gifts to a married woman due to Sheilas Shalom.[3] However, when doing so without any intent of affection, such […]

Causing a Parent to bleed

Hitting one’s parents:[1] One who hits his father or mother during their lifetime is liable for the death penalty of strangulation. This applies whether to a son or a daughter. However it only applies if blood was drawn through the hit. If however blood was not drawn through the hit, […]

Taking a Gentile to a secular court

May one take a gentile to a secular court? The Biblical prohibition against going to secular courts applies even against taking a gentile to such a court, and one who transgresses this prohibition has transgressed a negative command.[1] This applies even if the secular courts rule the same way as […]

Where to keep Kesuba

Where is one to keep the Kesuba?[1] Many Poskim[2] rule that the Kesuba is to be kept in the home of the wife’s mother [the husband’s mother in-law] or another trustworthy relative of the wife, or by the Rav or Beis Din.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule it is to be placed […]

Cutting nails on Thursday

Cutting nails on Thursday:[1] Some[2] are particular to not cut the nails on Thursday.[3] [Thus beginning from Wednesday night one should not cut his nails.]   Q&A If one will not have time to cut his nails on Friday may he be lenient to do so on Thursday?[4] Yes.   […]

Tzaar Baalei Chaim

Is it permitted to cause pain or kill living creatures?[1] It is Biblically forbidden to actively[2] cause pain to any[3] living creature [for no justifiable reason, as will be explained].[4] [It goes without saying that one may not kill a creature for no justifiable reason.[5]] If the creature is a […]

Zecher Lechurban

Leaving out one dish by a meal:[1] The Sages enacted that in commemoration for the destruction, upon making a meal for guests [or any other meal, including even a Seudas Mitzvah[2]] one is required to leave out from the table one of the commonly served dishes of food. One is […]

Relatives Bathing together

Relatives bathing together:[1] The Talmud[2] prohibits one from bathing together with his father or step father[3], or father in-law[4], or sister’s husband [brother in-law].[5] Some Poskim[6] extend this prohibition even against bathing with one’s brother, however other Poskim[7] permit regarding a brother. One was already in the bathhouse when relative […]

Leaving square unpainted

    Leaving part of one’s wall unpainted:[1] When the Temple was destroyed the Sages of that generation instituted that one may never build a home that is painted and decorated like the palace of a king, and rather one is to cement the walls and paint the walls of […]

Praying by Gravesite

How to pray by the gravesite: At the grave of a Tzaddik one is to pray to Hashem to answer his prayers in the merit of the Tzaddikim.[1] Likewise one may ask the Tzaddik to intervene on one’s behalf and pray to G-d for the matters which he needs.[2] Some […]

Closing up a window or door

Closing up a window or door:[1] One may not completely [and permanently[2]] close off a window or door, being that demons use openings to enter and exit and hence can lead to danger. Rather one must leave a small hole in the area. [The custom is to place a hollow […]

Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch

Historical background:[1] The Shulchan Aruch Harav, also known as the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, or Shulchan Aruch Admur Hazakein; was written by Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi. Its initiation: The Maggid of Mezritch was encouraged by the heavenly courts to search amongst his students for a proper candidate to compile […]

Practical Halacha

The importance of learning practical Halacha: Ruling of Shulchan Aruch:[1] In the laws of Talmud Torah the following ruling is given: The learning of practical Halacha takes precedence over other fields of Torah study. Only after one is clearly well versed in practical Halacha and knows the detailed laws relevant […]

Order of Sefarim

Placing sefarim on top of each other:[1] It is permitted to place a Chumash on top of Nevim or Kesuvim. However one may not place a Nevim or Kesuvim on top of a Chumash, and one may not place a Chumash on top of a Sefer Torah.[2] One may place […]

Bayis Malei Sefarim

Bayis Malei Sefarim: It is a Mitzvah to publish [and purchase] Chumashim, Mishnah, Gemara and their commentaries.[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that this Mitzvah is a positive Biblical command, and is in place of the Mitzvah of purchasing a Sefer Torah. [This Mitzvah is fulfilled through writing or purchasing all Torah Sefarim and […]

Mondays & Wednesdays

Starting a new activity on Mondays and Wednesdays:[1] It is accustomed not to begin a new activity on Mondays and Wednesdays.[2] [Some[3] rule that this only applies for mundane matters and not for matters that involve a Mitzvah. Practically so is the custom.[4] One may thus get married on Mondays […]

Moving Houses

Moving houses:[1] One should refrain from moving houses until the 15th of Av if it is possible for one to do so.[2] [1] Igros Kodesh 9/228 [brought in Shulchan Menachem 3 p. 48; Sha’arei Halacha Uminhag 2/225]; Not found in other Poskim. [2] The reason: Seemingly the reason for this […]

Kadima Bebrachos 2

The laws of precedence מזונות Wheat or spelt mixed with another bracha: If its made of wheat or spelt it has precedence over any other brocha even if the other food is more desirable, other than hamotzi. (סידור הל‘ ×™‘) Barley, oats or rye  mixed with another bracha: Mezonos of […]

Challah: Name & Shape

  The name Challah: Bread in Hebrew is called Lechem while the separated dough is called Challah. It is customary to call the Shabbos bread Challah in order to serve as a reminder to women to separate Challah from the dough.[1] In previous times it was common in many communities […]

Hafrashas Challah 3

Separating Challah: How much dough is one to separate:[1] One is to separate one Kezayis [approximately 28 grams[2]] of dough. If one separated less than this amount it is nevertheless valid. Saying the blessing? One is to designate an area from the dough that the Challah will be separated from. […]

Hafrashas Challah 2

The amount of dough needed to separate with a blessing: One may only separate Challah with a blessing if he has 1,666.6 grams of flour.[1] If one has less than this amount but more than 1,250 grams[2] he is to separate Challah without a blessing.   [1] Shiureiy Torah Chapter […]

Hafrashas Challah 1

Separating Challah:[1] The greatness of the Mitzvah:[2] The Mitzvah of separating Challah is very great. It corresponds in Gematria to all 613 Mitzvos.[3] In merit of this Mitzvah blessing is found in one’s home and livelihood[4] and women are protected during childbirth.[5] In merit of this Mitzvah we were granted […]

Baking Challah

Baking Challahs:[1] It is customary for every household to bake Challahs for Shabbos which are used for Lechem Mishneh and not to buy them at the bakery as is done during the week. This matter of baking one’s own Challah is included in the honoring of Shabbos and Yom Tov […]

Trimming mustache

May one trim his mustache? Many Poskim[1] and Kaballists[2] rule that one is obligated to cut the mustache hairs that interfere with ones food.[3] Nevertheless, there are communities that are accustomed not to trim any facial hair, including the mustache hairs that interfere with food.[4] The Rebbe answered that with […]

Shabbos Erev Tishe Beav

* The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email https://vimeo.com/280704584?fl=pl&fe=sh Tisha B’av that falls on Sunday This chapter will mention all […]

Havdalah on wine

Havdalah:[1] When saying Havdalah during the nine days [Motzei Shabbos Chazon] one is to give the wine to drink to a child [whether male or female[2], although some rule only male[3]] which has reached the age of Chinuch [of blessings[4] although some say also Chinuch of Havdalah[5]] but has not […]

Freshly laundered clothing

Wearing freshly laundered clothing:[1] Wearing freshly laundered clothing is forbidden during the nine days. The above applies to any clothing, even if it is not worn on the body, such as towels, tablecloth, or linens for a bed.  [Nevertheless those clothing that become overly dirty and sweaty, such as all […]

A Cappella Music

May one listen to A cappella music? The widespread custom even amongst G-d fearing Jews is to permit listening to A cappella[1] music.[2] However there are Poskim[3] that are stringent to prohibit listening to music even of such nature.   [1] Music that is not accompanied by instruments of any […]

Peruzbal

Summary of the laws of Shemitas Kesafim and a Peruzbal The laws: The Torah commands us that at the end of the seventh year cycle one must annul all loans that he is owed by other Jews. It is thus forbidden for the lender to ask for the loan to […]

Selichos 2

Shabbos Mevarchim Tishrei:[1] No blessing before Musaf:[2] On the Shabbos before Rosh Hashanah we do not bless the coming month despite this being the custom on every Shabbos that precedes Rosh Chodesh.[3] Tehillim:[4] The entire book of Tehillim is recited before Shacharis just as on any other Shabbos Mevarchim. Av […]

Blowing of the Shofar 5

Not to talk of irrelevant matters until after Musaf:[1] One must beware not to talk of irrelevant matters between the Tekios Meyushav [which is the first set of blows that is sounded after Kerias Hatorah] and the Tekios Meumad [which is the second set of blows in Musaf].[2] One is […]

Blowing of the Shofar 4

The listeners: Not to answer Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo:[1] The listeners are not to say Baruch Hu Uvarach Shemo upon hearing Hashem’s name said in the blessing.[2] In the event one said Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo it is possible that one has not fulfilled his obligation of the blessing.[3] For […]

Blowing of the Shofar 3

The verses recited prior to the blowing:[1] After the above preparation is completed one is then to say the psalm of “Lamnatzeiach Livnei Korach” seven times.[2] [This psalm has the ability to turn the attribute of judgment into mercy.[3]] After the recital of this psalm the Chazan recites a series […]

Blowing of the Shofar 2

The spiritual preparation prior to the blowing:[1] One[2] is to [spiritually] prepare himself prior to blowing Shofar.[3] [This is accomplished by each person thinking of matters that spiritually arouse him, each person on his own level and in accordance to his nature.[4] On a deeper level at this time one […]

Blowing of the Shofar 1

The 15th of Elul-the Founding of Tomchei Temimim: On the fifteenth of Elul 5657 [1897; תרנ׳׳ז] the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva was founded in Lubavitch.     Directives of the Rebbe in connection with this date:[1] One is to add in the learning of Chassidus on this day. This especially applies […]

Women hearing Shofar

Women: Women are not obligated to hear Shofar.[1] Nevertheless if they desire to blow Shofar they may do so[2] with a blessing.[3] Practically women today have accepted the hearing of Shofar as an obligation and hence they must do so due to this custom.[4] May a man blow Shofar for […]

Holes in the Shofar

The job of the Rav:[1] The Rav of the town is responsible for checking prior to R”H that the Shofar is valid without any question or doubts of cracks and chips and the like.   A Shofar that was made through welding together pieces of horn:[2] If one glued [or […]

Kashrus of the horn

Which animal horns may be used for blowing Shofar on Rosh Hashanah?[1] Introduction: Only those horns that are defined as a Shofar as opposed to Keren are valid to be used for blowing Shofar. The following will discuss the definition of a Keren and which horns are thus invalid to […]

Chazaras Hashatz

Chazaras Hashatz: Standing when the ark is open: From the letter of the law one is not required to stand when the ark is open, however the custom of the world is to stand out of respect.[1] Nevertheless if it is difficult for one to stand he may be seated.[2] […]

Eating before Shofar

If one did not recite Vichein Ten Pachdecha and already concluded “Hamelech Hakadosh” must he repeat Shemoneh Esrei?[1] No. He is to continue with the remainder of Shemoneh Esrei.[2] If he remembered after reciting Hashem’s name in the blessing [Baruch Ata Hashem] he is to conclude the blessing with Hamelech […]

Zachreinu; Oseh Hashalom

  Today’s daily Halacha is dedicated in the memory of Simcha Freida Bas Tzemach, whose Yartzite is today. What is the law if one recited Zachreinu or Mi Chamocha in Shemoneh Esrei after Aseres Yimei Teshuvah?[1] One who recited Zachreinu or another of the fours stanzas during Shemoneh Esrei when […]

Hamelech Hamishpat

  Hamelech Hamishpat:[1] In Shemoneh Esrei of Aseres Yimei Teshuvah the tenth blessing of Hashiva Shofteinu concludes with the words “Hamelech Hamishpat” in place of “Melech Ohave Tzedaka Umishpat”. [This emphasizes that Hashem is the King that is currently in judgment at this time.[2]] Forgot to say Hamelech Hamishpat:[3] If […]

Hamelech Hakadosh

Changes in the Amidah applicable to the ten days of repentance: Hamelech Hakadosh:[1] In Shemoneh Esrei of Aseres Yimei Teshuvah the third blessing concludes with the words “Hamelech Hakadosh” in place of “Hakel Hakadosh”.[2] This begins from the first night of Rosh Hashanah until the end of the ten days […]

Prayer on Rosh Hashana #2

1. Reviewing the prayers: The Chazan for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur should review the Davening, the meaning of its words, and the Midrashic and Chassidic teachings on the prayers.[1] This especially applies to the Piyutim in Davening.[2] This is to be done every year even if he did so […]

Prayer on Rosh Hashanah

  The form of prayer required on Rosh Hashanah One should pray with profound bitterness, having recognition that one is approaching the King with “torn garments”, and thus begging G-d to have mercy and accept him as his servant.[1] Nevertheless, when one accepts the yolk of heaven it must also […]

Customs of Elul

Wishing each other a sweet new year:[1] We begin to wish each other a “Kesiva Vachasima Tovah”[2]  starting from Rosh Chodesh Elul. [Some[3] are accustomed to begin doing so from the 15th of Menachem Av.] In a letter to a friend one must begin [or end[4]] with a blessing for […]

Acronyms of Elul

Yom Kippur Katan:[1] Many are accustomed on Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul to fast and recite the Seder of Yom Kippur Katan, even if they are not particular to do so the rest of the year.[2] However some meticulous men are not accustomed to do so even on Erev Rosh Chodesh […]

Ledavid Hashem #2

Ledavid Hashem Ori Part 2:   Q&A If one is praying in a Shul that says Ledavid after Aleinu what is he to do?[1] He is to follow the congregation. Thus he is to say Aleinu with the congregation and then say with them Ledavid.[2] However there are Poskim[3] which […]

Ledavid Hashem

Ledavid Hashem Ori:[1] Siddur Admur; Chemdas Yamim 1 p. 106 [That he would say by Selichos]; Moreh Baetzba 37; Shaareiy Rachamim [Chaim Kohen]; Sheim Tov Katan; Siddur Haari of Rav Shabsi; Shaar Hateshuvah 1/41 brought in Shaar Hakolel 11/28; Mateh Efraim 581/6; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128/2; M”B 581/2; See Divrei […]

Mezuzos and Tefillin

Checking ones Mezuzos and Tefillin:[1]  It is customary to check one’s Tefillin and Mezuzos during the month of Elul [if they have not been checked within the 12 months[2]].[3] One is to publicize this matter to others.[4] Doing so helps draw down a Kesiva Vechasima Tova for the coming year.[5] […]

Shofar in Elul #3

  Excerpt from Upcoming Sefer “The Laws and Customs of Rosh Hashanah” Erev Rosh Hashanah:[1] One does not blow the Shofar on Erev Rosh Hashanah.[2] This applies beginning from the night of Erev Rosh Hashanah [the night of the 29th of Elul].[3] This applies even when Rosh Hashanah falls on […]

Shofar in Elul #2

Excerpt from the “Laws and Customs of Rosh Hashanah” soon to be published!   On which day of Rosh Chodesh does one begin to blow?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule one is to begin to blow the Shofar from the first day of Rosh Chodesh which is the 30th of Av. Other […]

Shofar in Elul #1

Excerpt from the upcoming Sefer on the Laws of Rosh Hashanah   Blowing the Shofar in Elul:[1]   It is the custom of Ashkenazi[2] Jewry to blow Shofar throughout the month if Elul.   Background: The Rosh in his conclusion of Tractate Rosh Hashanah records the Pirkei Direbbe Eliezer 46 […]

13 Attributes of Mercy

The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy: It is forbidden to recite the thirteen attributes without proper concentration.[1] [It is to be recited slowly and carefully.[2] It is to be recited aloud.[3] Some are accustomed to count the Middos with their fingers.[4] Some are accustomed to picture each letter of each word […]

Kesiva Vechasima Tova

Wishing each other a sweet new year:[1] We begin to wish each other a “Kesiva Vachasima Tovah”[2]  starting from Rosh Chodesh Elul. [Some[3] are accustomed to begin doing so from the 15th of Menachem Av.]                                                                          Sparks of Chassidus The blessing affects oneself and the person being blessed:[4] The […]

Hadasim Meshulashim

  Meshulash/Three Leaved:[1] The Torah states that the Hadas must be braided. This means that there are three leaves that extend from each area of the branch and that these three leaves are symmetric to each other that they extend from the same horizontal line. If two leaves are symmetric […]

Daled Minim

  Checklist of what to look for when purchasing Daled Minim: The following is a list of matters one is to look for to purchase a Kosher and Mehudar set of Daled Minim.   Esrog: It is a Calabria Esrog from Italy [not Kfar Chabad]. Verify there are no missing […]

Leftover oil

May one use the oil that remains after the candles have extinguished?[1] The leftover oil of the 8th day’s Chanukah lighting is to be burnt on its own if it extinguished prior to burning for a half hour.[2] [This same law applies for the leftover oils of any other night, […]

Lighting Checklist

   Setting up the Menorah: Use olive oil and cotton wicks for the candles. Use wax candles for the Shamash. Each candle is to contain enough oil to last at least 30 minutes after nightfall. The candles are set up starting from the far right end of the Menorah. The […]

Who is obligated

The obligation of lighting the Chanukah candles:[1] The head of each household is obligated to light candles for Chanukah in his home.[2] This law applies both for men and women.[3] One who lives off charity is nevertheless obligated to light candles, and must go to the extent of either borrowing money or […]

Segulos

Is Chanukah a Rabbinical or Biblical holiday? There are opinions[1] which rule that all holidays instituted to commemorate a miracle of G-d have Biblical status, and hence they rule that the commemoration of Chanukah and Purim are of Biblical origin. Nevertheless even according to this opinion the form of how […]

Why 8 days?

The date:[1] On the twenty fifth of Kislev begins the eight days of Chanukah. What it commemorates:[2] Chanukah commemorates the miracles that occurred during the reign of the Syrian Empire in times of the second Temple. They made decrees against Jews, preventing them from following Torah and Mitzvos. Their money […]

Tu Beshvat

The Laws and Customs of Tu Beshvat  Introduction: The day of Tu Beshvat is a Halachic date that affects the laws of Kashrus of fruits. Due to this it has become known as Rosh Hashanah Leilanos.[1] Throughout the generations other customs have become attributed to this day, such as the […]

Traveling to Jerusalem

To browse the Purim database, click here A. Lives in a city of 14th and traveled to a city that celebrates on the 15th [i.e. Jerusalem]:[1] Plans to leave the city which celebrates on the 15th before Alos of the 15th: One who lives in a city that celebrates on the 14th […]

Seudas Purim

      Purim Seuda:     It is a Mitzvah to eat a lavish and festive meal on Purim. This Mitzvah is a Biblical command, as rejoicing on Purim is from the words of Scripture which has the same power as the words of Torah. One fulfills his obligation […]

Matanos Laevyonim

    Matanos Laevyonim: The Mitzvah: Every Jew is obligated to give at least two presents to two paupers, [one present to each pauper]. Who is obligated? Both men and women are obligated in the Mitzvah of Matanos Laevyonim. Married women are to be stringent to give Matanos Laevyonim on behalf […]

Mishloach Manos

  The reason behind sending Mishloach Manos:[1]     The reason why the Sages instituted sending gifts on Purim is disputed amongst Poskim. The following are the opinions and practical ramifications.           Opinion of Manos Levi[2]-Increase friendship:     Some Poskim[3] rule the purpose of Mishloach Manos […]

Megillah reading

Megillah Reading Who is obligated in the Megillah reading? Every Jew is obligated in the Megillah reading. This obligation includes women. Children [boys and girls, who have reached the age of Chinuch], are educated to hear the Megillah once by night and once by day. When is it read? One […]

Rosh chodesh Adar

To browse our Rosh Chodesh Database-please click here   Marbim Besimcha:[1] One is to increase in joy throughout the month of Adar.[2] [Hence one is to rejoice himself, his wife and children during this month, similar to the Mitzvah of rejoicing them on Yom Tov.[3] Included in this Mitzvah is increasing in all matters […]

Parshas Zachor & Zayin Adar

    Zayin Adar:  Moshe Rabbeinu was born and passed away on Zayin Adar.[1]One is to increase in joy on this day.[2] Some are accustomed tofast.[3] This is not the Chabad custom.[4] However one should increase in charity on this day in exchange for the fast.[5] Some do not say Tachanun on this day.[6]   Parshas […]