Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

The Nussach: Making an interval between Elokaiy and Neshama:[1] One is required to make a slight break between the words Elokaiy and Neshama, in order so it does not sound like one is saying that his soul is his G-d. [The Rebbe Rashab would also make an interval between the […]

    One who awoke before daybreak and plans to return to sleep:[1] If one awoke[2] [in middle of the night, even past midnight] and knows that he will be going back to sleep a set[3] sleep for a second time, he should say the blessing of Elokaiy Neshama without […]

Reciting the blessing after the second washing:[1] After awakening in the morning one is to wash his hands [near his bed] without saying a blessing, immediately[2] proceed to use the bathroom, and [immediately] after leaving the bathroom he is to wash his hands a second time and recite the blessing […]

When are the morning blessings to be recited; at home or in Shul? The ruling in Shulchan Aruch: Al Netilas Yadayim; Asher Yatzar; Elokaiy Neshama:[1] These three blessings are to be recited immediately upon awakening as explained in Chapter 6. Hanosen Lasechvi Binah through Hagomel Chassadim Tovim:[2] These blessings were […]

What is Birchas Hashachar?[1] Birchas Hashachar is a list of daily blessings instituted by the Sages to be said as a blessing to G-d in accordance to the typical daily pleasures that people benefit from. The blessings were instituted to be said at the time that one first receives these […]

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 […]

  ​   Q&A on walking four Amos May one sit up on his bed prior to washing hands? Some[1] avoid sitting up on the bed prior to washing hands.[2]   May one place his feet on the ground prior to washing?[3] One[4] is to beware from placing his feet on the […]

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop * This article is an excerpt from the above book WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Donatehttp://www.youtube.com/embed/DoDsRmO4AGc?autoplay=1 Not to touch food and drink prior to washing hands upon awakening and the law Bedieved:[1] The general law: [It goes without saying that one must […]

Not to touch food and drink:[1] [It goes without saying that one must be very careful[2]] not to touch any food or drink prior to washing in order not to contaminate it. [Women must be especially warned regarding this as the majority of the food preparations are done by them.[3]] […]

Not to touch the washing water:[1] One must be [very[2]] careful[3] not to touch the water in the vessel before washing[4] as one who does so contaminates the water with his hands [and is considered as if it was already used and is hence invalid for washing[5]]. Thus one must […]

May one itch himself in middle of one’s sleep if he has an itch in the above mentioned areas?[1] If one has an itch in one of the above mentioned areas of his body then he is to scratch it using a cloth[2] and may not do so using his […]

The restrictions which apply prior to washing ones hands: A. The parts of the body that one is to avoid touching:[1] [The Talmud severely warns[2] that] one may not touch his eyes[3] [lest he become blind[4]], ears [lest he become deaf[5]], nose [lest he contract bad smells[6]], mouth [lest he […]

Introduction: Every Jew upon awakening in the morning is required to wash his hands with a blessing. The reasons behind this blessing and all of its Halachic details will be discussed in the next chapter. Prior to washing one’s hands there are certain matters that are forbidden to be done. […]

Saying Modeh Ani: In what position is it to be recited? One should say it while still sitting or lying on his bed.[1] [One who sits up on his bed is to do so without placing his feet on the ground.[2] One is to place one hand against the other, […]

  Saying Modeh Ani:[1] Immediately upon awakening, even prior to washing ones hands[2], it is proper to[3] [accustom oneself[4] to] say Modeh Ani.[5] [This is done in order to remember that Hashem is standing over him and motivate him to get up with alacrity.[6] Alternatively it is done in order […]

Thinking of being in G-d’s constant presence: To think of G-d immediately upon awakening:[1] [Immediately upon awakening, in order for one to overcome his inclination and motivate himself to get out of bed with alacrity[2]], he should [accustom himself to immediately[3]] think about who he is lying before and how […]

Waking up on time:[1] One should be strong like a lion and overcome his desire [to continue sleeping] by waking [from his sleep[2] some time[3]] prior to the morning [dawn[4]] in order to serve G-d [which is the purpose of his creation and it is for this reason that his […]

As light as an eagle:[1] Control ones sight: One is to be as light as an eagle. This refers to ones sight, that one should close his eyes to avoid viewing evil. Just like the eagle changes his glance very swiftly when he flies across the heavens, so too one […]

  Introduction The Tur begins the first law of his noted work “Arba Turim” with a quote of the Mishneh in Avos[1]. This Mishneh is a general description of the conduct a Jew is to emulate throughout his life. These matters to be listed are fundamental pillars in successful service […]