May one begin to eat Chametz after Pesach prior to the conclusion of the sale?[1] Yes.[2] Doing so does not border on stealing from the gentile or any other transgression.[3] This especially applies in those sale contracts that make an explicit stipulation with the gentile that one may eat […]
Kashering
Kashering: The laws of Kashering vessels are complex and hence it should only be done by one which is expert in these laws. One must be aware of the following details: Is the vessel made of a Kasherable material? How has the vessel been used? What form of Kashering […]
Mechiras Chametz
1. Is selling Chametz a Biblical/Rabbinical requirement?[1] One who plans on leaving Chametz in his possession over Pesach: Anyone which is planning to own Chametz over Pesach is Biblically[2] required to sell his Chametz prior to Pesach.[3] One who has cleaned his house from any known Chametz: One who has cleaned […]
Pesach Chumros
Pesach Chumros: The Alter Rebbe states that the Arizal said that on Pesach one should be stringent like all the stringencies, as one who is careful to avoid even a speck of Chametz is guaranteed not to sin throughout the year. This means that his nature will change to […]
Kitniyos
Kitniyos:[1] The Halacha: Is allowed to be eaten from the letter of the law[2], but the custom in these provinces is to not eat even on the last day of Yom Tov[3], Kitniyos [which have gotten wet with water. Dry kitniyus which has not gotten wet, may be eaten.[4]] The […]
Bedika on cleaned areas
May one do the bedikah on a night prior to the night of the 14th?[1] If one wants he may do the bedikah with a candle on all of his rooms on any night prior to the night of the 14th, although a blessing is not said[2], and he must […]
Birchas Ilanos
Birchas Ilanos/Blessing over the blossoming of fruit:[1] [One who walks around outside] in the month of Nissan, and sees trees which are sprouting forth blossom, needs to say the blessing of “Shelo Chiser Beolamo Klum[2] Uvara Bo Brios Tovos Veilanos Tovos Leihanos Bahem Binei Adam.” This blessing is only said […]
The month of Nissan
Changes in prayer-Omitting Tachanun and other prayers of supplication in the month of Nisan:[1] The custom in these provinces is that throughout the month of Nissan the following prayers are omitted from Davening: Tachanun is omitted daily. Vehu Rachum [added in Tachanun on Mondays and Thursdays] is omitted on Mondays […]
Cleaning for Pesach 3
Checking ones clothing for Chametz:[1] Every person must be careful to check his clothing and shake his gloves and pockets of his clothing, and of his children’s, as at times one enters Chametz into them.[2] However this only applies for one who is accustomed to at times place Chametz […]
Cleaning for Pesach 2
Does one have to destroy Chametz that is found on a high surface such as on top of a closet or bookcase?[1] One is obligated to destroy a Kezayis of Chametz even if it is found on a very high surface.[2] [Furthermore even less than a Kezayis should be destroyed.[3]] The […]
Cleaning- Where & How?
The obligation to clean one’s house from Chametz: The Biblical obligation:[1] Biblically, if one nullifies his Chametz and disowns it prior to the 6th hour he is not required to clean his house from Chametz, and the Chametz may rather remain in his home throughout the entire Pesach.[2] If one […]
When traveling
Traveling: Bedikas & Mechiras Chametz when traveling from home Note 1: When planning to Sell ones Chametz [In all the cases below that one is obligated to check his home before leaving, this does not apply if he will be selling his home to a gentile on the 14th. It […]
Prohibition of Chametz
The detailed commands and prohibitions: Tashbisu-The command to destroy Chametz: The positive command for one to destroy his chametz begins to apply at midday of Erev Pesach. Baal Yiraeh and Baal Yimatzei-The negative command against owning Chametz: The negative command against owning Chametz begins […]
What is Chametz?
Introduction: There are a number of different commands and prohibitions regarding the owning and eating of Chametz on Pesach. There is a positive command to destroy Chametz, two negative commands not to own Chametz, a negative command against eating or benefiting from Chametz, and a Rabbinical command to search one’s […]
Matzah within 30 days
Matzah within 30 days before Pesach: It is our custom to refrain from eating Matzah for thirty days before Pesach, beginning on Purim.[1] [Others[2] have the custom to avoid eating Matzah from Rosh Chodesh Nissan.Others[3] only abstain from eating Matzah from the night before the Seder, which is the night of the 14th.. […]
Thirty days & Play dough
Other matters which begin to apply thirty days before Pesach? It is proper to beware from using Chametz in a way that will be difficult to remove on Erev Pesach.[1] Giving children play dough within thirty days before Pesach: Many varieties of Play dough are made of actual Chametz.[2]The […]
Counted two days
Knowing the day of the count before saying the blessing:[1] Lechatchilah one is not to say the blessing over the Sefirah until he verifies which day of the count it is.[2] In the event that one said the blessing prior to knowing which day of the count it is, he […]
Erev Lag BaOmer
Tachanun: Tachanun is omitted on Lag BaOmer. It is omitted beginning from Mincha of the 17th of Iyar [Erev Lag BaOmer].[1] When do the mourning customs cease? The mourning customs cease to be practiced beginning from the night of Lag BaOmer.[2] One may hence listen to music, get […]
Shehechiyanu during Sefirah
Shehechiyanu during Sefirah Shehechiyanu: It is permitted to recite Shehechiyanu during Sefirah.[1] Nevertheless, many are accustomed to avoid saying Shehechiyanu throughout the entire weekday period of Sefirah, from after Pesach until Erev Shavuos.[2] Practically, so is the Chabad custom.[3] Those which are accustomed to say Shehechiyanu throughout Sefirah may continue […]
Music during Sefirah
Music: It is forbidden to hear music during Sefirah.[1] It is forbidden to listen to music, whether live or recorded.[2] The widespread custom even amongst G-d fearing Jews is to permit listening to cappella[3] music.[4] However there are Poskim[5] that are stringent to prohibit listening to music even of such […]
Counting with a Minyan-Counting before Maariv
May one count before Maariv?[1] It is permitted to count the Sefira before Maariv [after nightfall]. This applies even on Motzei Shabbos, when one extends the Shabbos into the night [until Maariv].[2] Nevertheless it is proper to precede the Davening of Maariv to the counting of the Omer.[3] Is […]
Melacha before counting
Melacha prior to counting:[1] It is accustomed for both men[2] and women to avoid doing work/Melacha during the entire period of Sefiras HaOmer, from the time of sunset until after they have counted the Omer.[3] (Possibly those women which are not accustomed to count the Omer must refrain from work […]
Eating before counting
Eating before counting:[1] One must refrain from eating even a small a meal a half hour prior to the time of the Sefirah[2], which is a half hour before Bein Hashmashos [i.e. sunset].[3] This applies even if one has already Davened Maariv but has not yet recited Sefiras HaOmer.[4] If […]
The Mourning Period
When between Pesach and Shavuos is one to practice the mourning customs?[1] One is required to practice the mourning customs for 33 days between Pesach and Shavuos.[2] A variety of customs and opinions exist regarding the exact dates of which the mourning customs are to be practiced between Pesach and […]
The Mourning Customs
The Mourning period: It is accustomed amongst Jewry to observe certain customs of mourning within the period between Pesach and Shavuos. The reason:[1] The reason behind this custom is because during this time period 12,000 study partners, which were the twenty four thousand students of Rebbe Akiva, passed away.[2] In […]
Women counting
Women:[1] Women are exempt from the Mitzvah of Sefiras HaOmer.[2] [Likewise, based on Kabala, women are not applicable to this Mitzvah.[3]] However in certain provinces[4] women have accepted this Mitzvah upon themselves as a complete obligation.[5] [In such provinces the women are obligated to count due to this custom.[6]] All […]
Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer
The Mitzvah: It is a positive command of the Torah for every single Jew[1] to count seven weeks worth of days starting from the offering of the Omer. [In the times of the Temple the Omer was offered on the 16th of Nissan, the second day of Pesach. The Omer […]
Understanding Hashgachas
How is it possible for stores to provide produce in a Shemitah year? There are various options used by Hashgacha companies in providing produce towards the law abiding consumers. Gidul Nachrim [Is followed by the Eida; not followed by Benei Brak Hashgachas] Oatzer Beis Din [Used by some Mehadrin Hashgachas; […]
Misc Laws of Shemitah
Misc Laws of Shemitah Giving Shemitah produce to a gentile:[1] It is forbidden to give Shemitah produce to a gentile.[2] May one offer a gentile in one’s home Shemitah food to eat?[3] Yes. May one give Shemitah produce to one who will not treat it with Kedushas Sheviis? This […]
Kedushas Sheviis
Discarding Shemitah produce-Forbidden to destroy, cause loss or damage: It is forbidden to cause loss or damage to Shemitah produce.[1] It is however permitted to cause indirect loss to Shemitah produce.[2] Shemitah garbage: It is forbidden to discard Shemitah produce within a regular garbage bag as doing so is a belittlement […]
Gidul Nachrim
Gidul Nachrim-Produce of a gentile grown in Israel:[1] It is disputed amongst the Poskim as to the Kedusha status of products grown in Gentile owned lands within Eretz Yisrael. Some Poskim[2] rule that fruits grown by a gentile in Eretz Yisrael do not have a status of Shemitah produce, as […]
Definition of Shemitah Produce
What is defined as Shemitah produce? The produce of the land passes through various stages of production, from plantation to blossom, to growth and harvest. The question is asked as to what stage is defined as the Shemitah product stage. In other words when is a produce that went through […]
Sefichin
Sefichin:[1] All vegetation and plants that grew during Shemitah are Rabbinically forbidden to be eaten. This prohibition is called Sefichin. The prohibition includes any vegetation or grains that grew, even from seeds that fell the previous year, and certainly towards vegetation that was planted intentionally.[2] Fruits of a tree: Fruits […]
Shemitah Produce
Laws relevant to Shemitah produce? The following laws apply towards Shemitah produce: Must be disowned from one’s land Sefichin: All non-tree produce grown during Shemitah is forbidden to be eaten Forbidden to destroy Shemitah produce. Forbidden to do business with Shemitah produce. Forbidden to bring Shemitah produce to Diaspora. Forbidden […]
Garden and Plants
Garden Care May one remove rocks from his field? It is forbidden to do so if one’s intent is to help the areas under the rock grow.[1] It is permitted to do so if one is removing the rock for other purposes. May one spray pesticide on his […]
The Forbidden Melachos 2
Planting: A. What items are forbidden to be planted during Shemitah? It is forbidden to plant any produce during Shemitah. This includes:[1] Fruits Vegetables Non-fruit baring trees[2] Roses Flowers Grass B. May one ask a gentile to plant for oneself?[3] It is forbidden to ask a gentile to plant […]
The Forbidden Melachos
1. The Biblical Melachos:[1] It is Biblically forbidden to perform any of the following Melachos during [Biblical] Shemitah: Seeding [Zeria] Harvesting [Ketzira or Betzira] Pruning [Zemira] Plowing[2][Charisha] Planting [Netia] 2. The Rabbinical Melachos: It is Rabbinically forbidden to perform any of the following Melachos [even during Biblical Shemitas]: […]
Biblical or Rabbinical?
Is Shemitah today Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is of Biblical obligation.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule that the observance of Shemitah in today’s times is of only Rabbinical obligation.[5] Other Poskim[6] rule that it is not at all obligatory today, even on a Rabbinical level, and is only observed […]
Calculation of Shemitah
The Shemitah calculation for today’s calendar: The cycle first began when the Jews entered Eretz Yisrael and settled the lands. This occurred 14 years after the entrance into Eretz Yisrael, as it took 7 years to conquest the land and another 7 to settle it. They then counted Shemitahs and […]
Introduction to Shemitah
Introduction-The Torah verses: The Torah[1] commands us that every seventh year one must sanctify the year as Shemitah. The Shemitah year entails a number of laws and regulations that relate to one’s land, ground produce, and loans. One is commanded to rest the land.[2] One may not sow the field […]
Q&A on doing laundry on Rosh Chodesh
Q&A on doing laundry on Rosh Chodesh If a woman needs clean clothing to wear on Rosh Chodesh, may she wash it on Rosh Chodesh?[1] Yes. She may likewise iron it and perform all other necessary activities to the clothing in order to be worn that day.[2] May […]
Blessing over Hallel
The blessing over Hallel:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that whenever half Hallel is recited, it is to be said without saying a blessing before or after.[3] Other Poskim[4] however rule that if the Hallel is being recited with a Minyan[5] then a before and after blessing is to be recited[6], however […]
Yaleh Veyavo by Shacharis & Mincha
Forgot to say Yaleh Veyavo:[1] By Shacharis or Mincha: If one forgot to say Yaleh Veyavo by the day of Rosh Chodesh, either by Shacharis or by Mincha, then he must repeat Shemoneh Esrei. [This applies for all days of Rosh Chodesh, whether Rosh Chodesh is one day and whether […]
Yaleh Veyavo by Shemoneh Esrei
Yaleh Veyavo in Shemoneh Esrei:[1] A. The general laws: On Rosh Chodesh one adds the paragraph of Yaleh Viyavo within Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv, Shacharis and Mincha. It is recited after Ritzei [prior to Modim].[2] Announcing Yaleh Veyavo before Shemoneh Esrei:[3] One may not announce prior to Shemoneh Esrei of […]
Hair/Nails on Rosh Chodesh
Cutting hair and nails on Rosh Chodesh:[1] One may[2] not cut the hair of his head[3] or his nails[4] on Rosh Chodesh.[5] This applies to both men and women. When Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos:[6] Even when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos some communities are accustomed not to […]
Melacha on Rosh Chodesh #2
Reminders: Rosh Chodesh reminders No laundry No cutting nails, hair Eat festive meal Yaleh Veyavo in Davening Yaleh Veyavo in Bentching Tehilim with commentary Elul Reminders Blow the Shofar Tashrat-Tashat-Tarat after Shacharis. Recite the three extra Kapitlach of Tehillim per day, after Davening. Recite Ledavid Hashem Ori in […]
Melacha on Rosh Chodesh
Reminders: Rosh Chodesh reminders No laundry No cutting nails, hair Eat festive meal Yaleh Veyavo in Davening Yaleh Veyavo in Bentching Tehillim with commentary Elul Reminders Blow the Shofar on the first day of Rosh Chodesh for practice. Every day thereafter blow Tashrat-Tashat-Tarat after Shacharis. Recite the […]
Shavuos checklist
Shavuos Checklist 5775/2015: *The laws provided below are based on the upcoming Sefer “The Laws and Customs of Shavuos”. To browse online the content of the Sefer, including footnotes and sources, or to download a summary edition of the laws, please visit our Shavuos section provided on Shulchanaruchharav.com 1. […]
Eating dairy on Shavuos
The reasons for the Minhag What are the reasons mentioned behind eating Milk products on Shavuos? The Rama[1] writes that it is done in commemoration of the Shtei Halechem offering, which consisted of two loaves [i.e. two meals], which were brought on Shavuos. As our previous Shechita became invalid when […]
Morning Blessings when up all night
The morning blessings: According to Chabad custom one that did not sleep throughout the night is to nevertheless recite all the morning blessings himself, including washing hands with Al Netilas Yadayim[1], Elokaiy Neshama[2], Hamavir Sheiyna[3], Birchas Hatorah[4], and all the other morning blessings.[5] This however is with exception to the […]
Tachanun during Sivan
Tachanun: Tachanun is omitted from the first of Sivan until after Shavuos.[1] Our custom is to omit Tachanun until, and including, the 12th of Sivan.[2] Tachanun is resumes on the 13th of Sivan. Likewise on Shabbos of these dates Av Harachamim and Tzidkascha Tzedek is omitted. [1] 494/8; Siddur […]
Waiting six hours after eating Pareve cooked in meat pot
If Pareve food was cooked in a meat pot must one wait six hours after eating it?[1] If Pareve food was cooked in a meat pot it is permitted to eat dairy products after eating that food without waiting at all. There is no custom to be stringent. [This applies […]
Waiting 6 hours
Waiting between eating meat and milk: A. How much time must one wait?[1] Michaber:[2] Wait 6 hours: One who ate meat, whether meat of a domestic animal, or even meat of a wild animal or poultry[3], must wait 6 hours prior to eating milk products.[4] Rama No need to wait: […]
Reasons behind Basar Bechalav
The reasons for the prohibition of eating milk and meat: Others[1] explain that the true reason behind the prohibition is beyond the understanding of a human, and it is hence deemed as a “Chok”[2] by the Torah. Some[3] explain that eating milk and meat together is forbidden being that it […]
Borer-Removing bad together with good
Laws of Borer Removing the bad/waste together with some of the good/food: The opinion of Admur in the Shulchan Aruch:[1] It is permitted to remove from food which has waste in it, the waste together with some of the food, such as [using a spoon to] remove a fly from […]
Making and undoing hair braids on Shabbos
May one make or undo a hair braid [“Tzama” in Hebrew] on Shabbos?[1] It is [Rabbinically[2]] forbidden for a woman to braid her hair [or another women’s hair or child’s hair] on Shabbos.[3] It is likewise forbidden for her to undo a braid on Shabbos [even if it was made […]
Closing and opening Sefarim with writing on side
Closing and opening books with writing [or designs] on their side pages:[1] Books that have [words or] letters [or designs[2]] written on the top edges of the pages [i.e. the sides of the pages] some Poskim[3] rule it is forbidden to open or close them on Shabbos due to the […]
Making Techina on Shabbos
May one make Techina on Shabbos? Adding water to pure Techina:[1] It is forbidden to make a normal texture of Techina by placing water to pure Techina, if the Techina did not have water mixed into to it before Shabbos.[2] It is however permitted to add a large amount of water […]
Shabbos Tablecloth
Setting the table for Shabbos:[1] Placing a tablecloth on the table: It is customary for there to be a tablecloth spread over one’s [dining[2]] table throughout the entire Shabbos. One may not swerve from this custom.[3] There are those which have the custom to spread two tablecloths over the [dining] […]
Dressing salad on Shabbos
Salting salad on Shabbos:[1] All foods which salt helps to change its natural state[2], [such as] to soften[3] it or harden[4] it or remove its bitterness and other [changes] of the like, which includes all foods which are commonly pickled, may only be salted one piece at a time[5], and […]
Cemetery on Shabbos
Times that one is not to visit a cemetery:[1] One is to avoid visiting a cemetery on Rosh Chodesh[2], Shabbos and Yom Tov.[3] However practically today the custom has become to visit graves on Rosh Chodesh.[4] However one is not to recite the Maaneh Lashon or other lamentations, although he […]
Tehillim Shabbos Mevarchim
* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode https://vimeo.com/314470409 Tehillim Shabbos Mevarchim:[1] The Rebbe […]
Forbidden speech on Shabbos
Speaking of forbidden matters on Shabbos: Those matters which are forbidden to do on Shabbos, whether Biblically or Rabbinically, are forbidden for one to speak about doing them after Shabbos.[1] One may not say: Tomorrow I am traveling tomorrow to this and this city.[2] Tomorrow I will cook this […]
Shabbos Shira
Shabbos Shira Standing for Shira:[1] The custom is to stand for the reading of Shira. Zeicher/Zecher:[2] There is dispute amongst Poskim[3] as whether one is to read Zeicher Amalek or Zecher Amalek. Practically one is to read both dialects.[4] By the reading of Parshas Zachor [and Parshas Ki Seitzei] […]
Iskafya on Shabbos
Should one do “Iskafya[1]” on Shabbos and refrain from delving into lavish delicacies?[2] It is clear that both on the Halachic[3] and esoteric[4] aspects of the Torah it is a Mitzvah to embellish in Oneg Shabbos, by eating delicacies and drinking fine beverages, and the concept of sanctifying oneself […]
Kavod Shabbos
Kavod Shabbos: Wearing clean [and elegant] clothing was defined by the Sages as the requirement of the Mitzvah of honoring Shabbos.[1] The following sub-categories fall under this Mitzvah: Baking Challahs for Shabbos, as opposed to buying them from a bakery, is included in Kavod Shabbos and Yom Tov.[2] (Likewise even those which […]
Oneg Shabbos
What matters are included within the Mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos? Oneg Shabbos: Eating delicacies of food and beverages[1] was defined by the Sages as the requirement of the Mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos[2] and it is the main aspect of Oneg.[3] The following sub-categories are included within this Mitzvah: […]
Setting table for Shabbos
When to set the table:[1] One[2] is to set the Shabbos table [including its chairs[3]] on Erev Shabbos in preparation for the Friday night meal.[4] [The silverware and china are to be clean and polished for the meal.[5] There is no need however to set one’s bed on Erev Shabbos.[6]] […]
Importance of cutting nails Erev Shabbos
Cutting ones nails:[1] It is a Mitzvah to cut one’s [hand[2]] nails every[3] Erev Shabbos.[4] Sparks of Kabala-Meaning behind nails:[5] The nails are rooted in a very high spiritual source. Prior to the sin of eating from the tree of knowledge Adam was completely covered by nails which protected […]
Showering after Mikveh
Taking a shower after Mikveh:[1] It is permitted to shower after Mikveh[2], although some are stringent not to do so.[3] Nevertheless, on Erev Shabbos [and Erev Yom Tov] according to all it is better not to do so, in order so one not completely wash off the Mikveh water from his […]
Mikveh Erev Shabbos When
Preparation for Mikveh-Chatzitza: It is not required to remove a Chatzitza from the body prior to the immersion of a Baal Keri, and so is the custom.[1] [Nevertheless some Poskim[2] are stringent.] Thus one does not need to cut his nails, clean them, brush his hair or wash other parts […]
Mikveh on Erev Shabbos
Going to Mikveh on Erev Shabbos:[1] It is a great Mitzvah to immerse in a Mikveh on Erev Shabbos, and so is the Chabad custom.[2] Immersing before Shabbos draws down the holiness of Shabbos onto one’s soul.[3] Regarding Erev Yom Tov, even one who is not particular to go to […]
Shabbos Menu
How much should one spend in order to enhance Shabbos and what should be part of the Shabbos menu? The foods eaten to fulfill the mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos vary in accordance to each countries definition of a luxurious food. Thus those foods and beverages which are considered delicacies in […]
Shabbos Preparations
Tasting the foods on Erev Shabbos:[1] One is to taste the Shabbos foods on Erev Shabbos [to see if they need anything added to them in order to ensure their tastiness[2]]. [Nevertheless this was not seen to be the custom of the Previous Rebbe.[3]] It is proper to taste […]
Cleaning for Shabbos
Cleaning the house for Shabbos:[1] One is to clean and tidy all matters of his house so that when he comes home from Shul the house is found clean and organized.[2] [The floors are to be swept and cleaned.[3] When cleaning the house for Shabbos one should mention that he […]
Shopping for Shabbos
Shopping for Shabbos: When to go shopping:[1] It is best to purchase foods which require further preparation[2] on Thursday, as opposed to Erev Shabbos.[3] Readymade foods, such as beverages and different readymade desserts and the like, are better to be purchased on Friday. If the store will close and one […]
Shabbos Budgeting
Borrowing money and taking money from charity for the sake of the Shabbos meals: Borrowing money to enhance Shabbos:[1] If one does not have money for Shabbos expenses he is to borrow money if he has an item which is able to be given as collateral to the lender[2].[3] Nonetheless, […]
When to begin preparation
When to begin preparing for shabbos and Rosh Chodesh reminders: When on Erev Shabbos is one to begin the preparations for Shabbos?[1] Begin the preparations in the morning: One is to always wake up early on Erev Shabbos in order to begin working and preparing for the needs of Shabbos in […]
Mitzvah to prepare for Shabbos
A Mitzvah and obligation upon each person:[1] Best to personally perform all the Shabbos preparations: Even if one has many servants he is to endeavor to personally prepare [all[2] or as much as possible of] his Shabbos needs.[3] [This applies even if doing all the Shabbos preparations will come in […]
The reading of Amaleik in Ki Seitzei and Haftorah
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 […]
Talking between Aliyos
Talking during Kerias Hatorah:[1] Once the reader has begun to read the Torah it is forbidden for the congregants to speak.[2] [Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule that even prior to the start of the reading, once the Sefer Torah is opened, it is forbidden to speak.] Words of Torah:[4] It is […]
Talking during Kerias Hatorah
Talking during Kerias Hatorah:[1] Once the reader has begun to read the Torah it is forbidden for the congregants to speak.[2] [Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule that even prior to the start of the reading, once the Sefer Torah is opened, it is forbidden to speak.] The severity of the […]
Answering Amen to Kaddish when two people are not saying it together
How is one to answer Amen to Kaddish if more than one person is saying Kaddish and they are not saying it simultaneously?[1] If they do not conclude the stanzas in Kaddish simultaneously, and there is an interval of Kdei Dibbur between the two conclusions of the blessing, then one […]
Answering Minyan one isn’t part of
Must one answer Amen, and answer to Kaddish and Kedusha of a Minyan that he is not participating in? Not in same room as Minyan: If one is not in the same room as the Minyan and hears Kaddish or Kedusha, some Poskim[1] rule that although he is allowed to […]
Personal Requests by Shema Koleinu Part 2
Personal requests in Shema Koleinu-Part 2 Personal requests in Shema Koleinu:[1] Confessing and then requesting livelihood:[2] It is proper [based on Kabala] for one to confess [his personal sins[3]] in Shomeia Tefila using a singular wording [i.e. Chatasi, Avisi, Pashati[4]] and then request [money for] his sustenance. This applies even […]
Vesein Tal Umatar
Saying Vesein Tal Umatar Levaracha: A. When does one begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar?[1] Eretz Yisrael: Those who live in Eretz Yisrael begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar Levracha starting from Maariv of the 7th of MarCheshvon. Diaspora: Those living in the Diaspora begin saying Vesein Tal Umatar etc on the […]
Mashiv Haruach
Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem: What is the request of Mashiv Haruach?[1] The purpose of the prayer of Mashiv Haruach is not to request for rain. This request only begins in the month of Cheshvon with the request of Vesein Tal Umatar Levracha. It is rather an introductory prayer of appeasement […]
Tachanun after Sukkos
Tachanun:[1] Tachanun is omitted until the beginning of Cheshvon. Tzidkascha is not recited on the Shabbos in between. [1] Siddur Admur; Custom brought in Magen Avraham 669/1; Shaareiy Teshuvah 131/15; Seder Hayom [in end of section regarding Sukkos]; Kneses Hagedola; Peri Chadash 131/6 [entire month of Tishrei]; Chesed Leavraham Mayan […]
Kashrus of juice stands
May one purchase juices without a Hashgacha? A. Freshly squeezed juice stands: One may purchase juices at fruit stands without a Hashgacha so long as the following conditions are met: One is not in Eretz Yisrael, and the fruits used have no reason to be assumed that they come from […]
Saying Brachos after Davening
May the morning blessings be said after Shacharis?[1] If one davened Shacharis prior to reciting the morning blessings he is to recite all[2] the morning blessings after davening. However there is an opinion which states that the blessing of Elokaiy Neshama should not be recited if one already Davened.[3] Practically, […]
Corrected self at end of Bracha
What is the law if one said Zokeif Kefufim and then quickly corrected himself and said Matir Assurim?[1] Intended to say Zokeif Kefufim: If one intended to recite the blessing of Zokeif Kefufim and he indeed concluded with the words Zokeif Kefufim and then quickly corrected himself and said Matir […]
Hearing Brachos from another
Fulfilling ones obligation through hearing the blessings from another person:[1] One does not fulfill his obligation of the morning blessings through hearing them from another person, even if the other person has in mind to fulfill ones obligation. If however one hears the blessings from a Chazan, in the presence […]
Morning Brachos before Alos
May one recite the morning blessings upon awakening, prior to daybreak/Alos?[1] Example: One wakes up at 4:00 A.M. to go to work. Alos only begins at 4:50. May he say the morning blessings prior to this time? One who slept [at least sixty breaths[2]] at night and became obligated[3] in […]
Shelo Asani Shifcha
Shelo Asani Shifcha:[1] Some women have the custom to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Shifcha in place of Shelo Asani Aved.[2] [This is not the widespread Chabad custom, however there are some that say it.[3]] Shelo Asani Goyah: Some women have the custom to recite the blessing of […]
A Convert
Does a person in captivity recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved?[1] Even a person in captivity is to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Aved.[2] Does a convert say the blessing of “Shelo Asani Goy”?[3] There are opinions[4] which say that a convert should recite the blessing of […]
Shelo Asani Goy
The blessings of Shelo Asani Goy, Shelo Asani Aved, Shelo Asani Isha:[1] Aside for the above blessings [which cover the physical benefits that one receives on a daily basis] one is also obligated to recite the following three blessings: Shelo Asani Goy[2]; Shelo Asani Aved; Shelo Asani Isha. These blessings […]
Benefits of Blessings
The benefits the following blessings correspond to Roka Haaretz Al Hamayim: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for giving us land to stand on. Sheasa Li kol Tzarki: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for giving us the comfort of wearing [leather[1]] shoes. […]
Hanosen Layaef Koach
Hanosane Layaef Koach:[1] Is a blessing recited in thanks to G-d for returning a fresh and re-energized soul to one’s body, which is a great act of kindness. This blessing was instituted by the Geonim as a result of the physical weakness which had descended to the world.[2] [1] 46/6; […]
Matir Assurim & Zokef Kefufim
Matir Assurim: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for giving us the ability to move around our limbs after a night’s sleep of being unable to move. Zokef Kefufim: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-D for giving us the ability to stand straight […]
Hanosen Lasechvi Bina
The blessings recited and their corresponding pleasure:[1] Hanosein Lasechvi Binah: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for creating the rooster which awakens man in the morning.[2] Sparks of Kabala The inner meaning of Hanosein Lasechvy Bina:[3] The spiritual root of the rooster in the world of […]
