Festive meals on Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Festive meals on Chanukah:[1] There is a dispute amongst Poskim regarding the form of celebration the Sages established to be performed on Chanukah. Some Poskim[2] rule the rejoicing was established to be performed only in a spiritual nature; to […]

Visiting a Cemetery

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here May one visit a cemetery during Chanukah?[1] One is not to visit a cemetery during Chanukah. This applies even if one desires to visit the grave of a relative at the conclusion of Shiva, Shloshim or a Yartzite.[2] Rather, […]

Segulos on Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Segulos applicable during Chanukah Having children:[1]  The days of Chanukah are an auspicious time for barren women to conceive and have children.   Gates of Teshuvah are still open:[2] Until the end of Chanukah, there is an extended hand […]

Chanukah Midrash-Chapter 2: Classical Q&A

Buy Now WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email Classic Q&A 1. What does the festival of Chanukah commemorate?[1] Chanukah commemorates the miracles that occurred during the reign of the Greek-Syrian Empire [The Seleucid Empire] in times of the second Temple. They made decrees against Jews, preventing them from following Torah and Mitzvos. […]

The Date of Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here The date:[1] On the twenty fifth day of Kislev begins the festival of the eight days of Chanukah. What it commemorates:[2]  Chanukah commemorates the miracles that occurred during the reign of the Greek-Syrian Empire [The Seleucid Empire] in times of […]

Driving on Chol Hamoed

Car/Driving on Chol Hamoed:[1] It is permitted to drive on Chol Hamoed whether it is for the need of the Moed or simply for the sake of a trip or outing.[2] [If however it is not for the need of the Moed and is not for the sake of a […]

The Meals of Chol Hamoed

The meals of Chol Hamoed: A. How many meals is one to have per day? One is not obligated to eat any specific amount of meals on Chol Hamoed, so long as he does not fast.[1] Nevertheless initially it is a Mitzvah for one to have a meal with bread […]

Prohibition of Melacha

Is the prohibition of Melacha on Chol Hamoed Biblical or Rabbinical? It is disputed amongst Poskim whether the prohibition of doing Melacha on Chol Hamoed is of Biblical or Rabbinical origin. Some Poskim[1] rule it is Biblically forbidden. Other Poskim[2] rule it is Rabbinically forbidden. Practically, Admur rules it is […]

What to do with the food

What does one do with the Eruv Tavshilin food?[1] The bread and food used for the Eruv Tavshilin must be put away in a secure area in order so it will not get eaten or destroyed prior to the completion of the Shabbos preparations on Friday. From the letter of […]

If one forgot to do so

  If one forgot to perform Eruv Tavshilin: If one forgot to perform Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Yom Tov and it is already after nightfall [Tzeis Hakochavim] then by a regular Yom Tov that falls on Thursday-Friday one may still do so through making a Tnaiy. However on Rosh Hashanah […]

How is it done

How is it done? The foods:[1] The owner of the house takes a [whole[2]] loaf/role of bread/Matzah the size of a Kibeiytza[3] [which is to later be used on Shabbos[4] for the meal[5]] and a Kezayis[6] of a cooked[7] piece of meat or other food[8] which one eats together with […]

When is it performed

  A. Doing Eruv Tavshilin when the Yom Tov falls on Erev Shabbos: Whenever Yom Tov falls on Erev Shabbos one must do Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Yom Tov in order to be allowed to cook on Friday for Shabbos. Cooking on the first day of Yom Tov for Shabbos:[2] […]

Eating on Erev Yom Tov

Eating on Erev Yom Tov:[1] The general rule: It is a Mitzvah[2] to refrain from beginning a meal past the 10th hour of Erev Yom Tov, just as is the law regarding Erev Shabbos. This is in order so one be able to eat the Yom Tov meal with an […]

Singing and dancing

To purchase this Sefer, click here Singing and dancing by Kiddush Levana?[1] It is customary to dance and rejoice when the new month is sanctified[2] just as one would rejoice by a wedding. The reason for this is because the new moon symbolizes the future redemption, as explained above in […]

Nussach of Kiddush Levana

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The Nusach:[1] The following is an explanation of the Nussach that we recite in the Siddur. Hallelukah:[2] The Shlah records a tradition to recite the Psalm Hallelukah Halilu Keil Bekadsho. Siman Tov:[3] One recites “Siman Tov Tihyeh Lechol Yisrael, Baruch […]

How to say Kiddush Levana

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com   How to say Kiddush Levana:[1] A. Saying Kiddush Levana in a Siddur:[2] Kiddush Levana is to be recited within a Siddur. One is not to say it from memory.[3]   Q&A What is one to do if he does […]

Saying Kiddush Levana with a minyan

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Saying Kiddush Levana with a Minyan: It is permitted to say Kiddush Levana in private.[1] Nevertheless initially one is to strive to say it together with a Minyan, as the King is more beautified when his commands are performed in […]

Saying Kiddish Levana in nice clothing

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Saying Kiddush Levana with nice clothing:[1] When saying Kiddush Levana during the weeknights one is to [change his cloths and] wear elegant clothing. [However it is no longer the custom to be particular to change clothing when saying Kiddush Levana […]

Practical checklist of Kiddush Levana

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The details of each Halacha listed in this summary is explained below in its proper section. Look there for further details. Every month on Motzei Shabbos between the seventh and 15th night from the Molad one recites Kiddush Levana with […]

Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

To purchase this Sefer, click here Hallel:[1] A. The obligation: On Rosh Chodesh one recites the abridged Hallel [i.e. half Hallel].[2] This applies for both a congregation and a person who is praying in private.[3] The paragraphs of Lo Lanu and Ahavti are skipped.[4]   Q&A Are women obligated to […]

Saying Parshas Rosh Chodesh in Karbanos

To purchase this Sefer, click here Saying Parshas Rosh Chodesh in Karbanos:[1] It is customary of Ashkenazi Jewry to recite the Parsha of Uviroshei Chodsheichem in Shacharis after the Parsha of the Tamid.[2] This custom is not followed by Sephardic Jewry.[3] [It is not recited according to Chabad custom.[4]] ___________________________________ […]

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh

To purchase this Sefer, click here Shabbos Rosh Chodesh:[1] A. The prayer: Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv-Shacharis-Mincha: When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos one Davens the regular Shabbos Shemoneh Esrei, which contains seven blessings, for Maariv, Shacharis and Mincha, adding Ya’aleh Veyavo in the blessing of Avoda.[2] The regular dialect of […]

Birchas Hamazon on Rosh Chodesh

 To purchase this Sefer, click here Birchas Hamazon:[1] A. Ya’aleh Veyavo: On Rosh Chodesh one recites Ya’aleh Veyavo within Birchas Hamazon.[2] Where to recite it:[3] It is recited within the blessing of Boneh Yerushalayim.[4] If one recited Ya’aleh Veyavo in the blessing of Birchas Haaretz he does not fulfill his […]

Miscellaneous Customs of Rosh Chodesh

Miscellaneous Customs Maos Rosh Chodesh:[1] It used to be accustomed for children to bring money to their Melamdim on Rosh Chodesh. This money is not included in the annual budget allocated on Rosh Hashanah.[2] Some[3] explain this money to refer to the tuition payment for the teacher, while others[4] write […]

Festive meal on Rosh Chodesh

Having a festive meal on Rosh Chodesh:[1] It is a Mitzvah [for both men and women[2]] to increase in foods during the [day[3]] meal eaten on Rosh Chodesh.[4] This can be fulfilled by making an extra dish to eat for the meal.[5] [However some Poskim[6] rule one is to have […]

Cutting hair and nails on Rosh Chodesh

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. * This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Hilchos Rosh Chodesh Learning Course + Semicha Cutting hair and nails on Rosh Chodesh:[1] One may[2] not cut […]

Yom Kippur Katan

Erev Rosh Chodesh-Yom Kippur Katan:[1] A. The name:[2] The day of Erev Rosh Chodesh is customarily called Yom Kippur Katan.[3]  It carries with it various customs such as fasting, Selichos, Teshuvah, and other Minhagim. B. Fasting and saying Selichos: Fasting: Some pious Jews have the custom to fast on Erev […]

Shabbos Mivarchim

Shabbos Mevarchim Hachodesh: A. Blessing the new month:[1] [It is a vintage custom of previous generations[2] that] on the Shabbos prior to Rosh Chodesh we bless the new month [that it should be a month filled with good tidings for the Jewish people[3]].[4] [The blessing takes place after the reading […]

Yom Kippur in times of Moshiach

  Will we celebrate Yom Kippur in the future when Moshiach comes? The celebration of Yom Kippur will continue even after the coming of Moshiach.[1] We will also fast on this day just as was done prior to Moshiach’s coming.[2] The purpose of this fast will be to atone for […]

Purchasing Life insurance

Purchasing Life insurance: Many Poskim[1] rule that it is permitted [and one is to be encouraged[2]] to purchase life insurance and doing so is not a sign of lack of Bitachon and the like. Others[3] however take a colder stance towards its purchase.[4] There is no clear directive of the […]

The Rebbes perspective on Yom Atzmaut

The Rebbe’s perspective on the Israeli day of Independence-Yom Hatzmaut: In a letter addressed to an educator of a school in Kfar Chabad in the year 1955, the Rebbe answered a query regarding how the educational institution should relate to the day known as Yom Hatzmaut. The Rebbe replied as […]

Teaching your children to swim

Teaching your children to swim: The Talmud[1] records an opinion that states a father is obligated to teach his son how to swim. The reason recorded in the Talmud[2] for this is because on this matter “his life is dependent”. This means that since it is possible that if one […]

Farewell phrases

Farewell phrases:[1] Upon bidding farewell to another person he is to tell him “/לך לשלוםGo to peace” rather than “/לך בשלוםGo in or with peace.”[2] [This is likewise the Nussach in Tefilas Haderech.[3] One is to follow this wording even when bidding farewell in languages other than Hebrew.[4] Nonetheless, some […]

Performing business in a Shul

  Business-Accounting:[1]   One may not perform matters of accounting in a Shul. [Thus, one may not perform accountings of budget, salary, or payments in a Shul. Likewise, one may not sell items in a Shul.]   For the sake of a Mitzvah:[2] It is permitted to perform matters of […]

Entering a Shul for personal use

  Entering into a Shul for personal needs:   A Shul is designated to be uses only for spiritual matters, such as prayer, Torah learning and general service of G-d. There are regulations emplaced in regards to using a Shul for personal use, even if one desires to only enter […]

Memorizing Parshas Haazinu

Learning Parshas Haazinu by heart: There is an old tradition of memorizing the Song of Haazinu.[1] The verse[2] states “And now you shall write this song [of Haazinu[3]] and you shall teach it to Bnei Yisrael; place it in their mouths [memorize it[4]].” From here we learn that the Jewish […]

Seudas Hodayah-Thanks Giving meal

Making a meal of commemoration-Seudas Hodaya:[1] It is customary[2] to celebrate a miracle through making a festive meal for one’s friends and family. During this meal one recounts the miracle that occurred and gives thanks to Hashem for His great kindness. [The Alter Rebbe celebrated a Seudas Hodaya for his […]

Celebrating a miracle

The Halachic obligation to celebrate the day of a miracle   A day in which a miracle occurred is to be commemorated throughout the generations. This celebration is not a mere matter of thanks but according to some Poskim carries with it a Biblical obligation. There are laws and customs […]

The wedding day

May a Chasan and Kallah cut their nails on Thursday if their wedding is taking place that night? If they did not cut the nails beforehand and will be unable to cut the nails on Thursday night, they may be cut on Thursday. Bookmark

Buying and wearing new clothing

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer New clothing:[1] It is forbidden for a mourner to wear new clothing.[2] From the letter of this applies only during the week of Shiva, however the world is accustomed to be stringent throughout the 12 months of mourning.[3] [This prohibition applies only […]

Getting a haircut during Aveilus

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Haircut during year of Aveilus:[1] One who is in mourning for a relative other than his parent may cut his hair after the conclusion of Shloshim. However, one who is in mourning for his father or mother may not take a haircut […]

Bathing during Shloshim

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com Bathing:[1] From the letter of the law a mourner who is past Shiva may bathe as usual. Nevertheless the custom today is to prohibit any bathing throughout the Shloshim.[2] It is even forbidden to bathe the head […]

Women going to Levaya

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer May women attend a Levaya? Women are permitted and obligated to attend funerals just like men.[1] Some communities are accustomed for women to attend and walk ahead of the casket. Others are accustomed for the women to attend and walk behind the […]

Tefillin on first day of mourning

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Avel/Mourner:[1] First day: On the first day of mourning, which is the day of burial[2], it is forbidden for a mourner to put on Tefillin.[3] [Many Poskim[4] however rule one is to wear the Tefillin without a blessing on the first day […]

Buying a Plot

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Who is obligated to pay for the burial plot if the relative that died cannot afford it?[1] Wife passed away:[2] If one’s wife passes away, it is the husband’s obligation to pay for the burial expenses. Father passes away, or unmarried mother: […]

Showering after Mikveh

Showering after Mikveh:[1] After a woman immerses in a Kosher Mikveh, some Poskim[2] rule that she is not to return and bathe herself[3], and so is the practical custom.  Q&A For how long of a period after immersing in a Mikveh is a woman to avoid bathing? Some Poskim[4] rule […]

Kallah immersing during day time

May a Kallah prior to her wedding go to Mikveh during the daytime?[1] If a Kallah prior to her wedding desires to immerse during the day time [for whatever reason she prefers] then she may do so even initially, so long as she has completed her Shiva Nekiyim and is […]

Lying and sleeping on back/front

  Lying and Sleeping on one’s back/front:[1] It is great[2] prohibition for a man to sleep in a “Prakdan” position. This means that a man may not sleep lying on his back or lying on his front.[3] Rather one is to sleep slightly towards the side.[4]   Q&A May one […]

Direction upon sleeping

Which direction should one face upon sleeping?[1] From North to South:[2] Just as it is forbidden for one to face East or West when having a bowel movement, similarly it is forbidden to sleep facing East or West with one’s wife together in bed, when one has intention to have […]

Havdala Checklist

The Havdala Checklist:[1] Clean the Havdala cup from any wine residue left over from Kiddush. Pour wine in a way it slightly overflows onto a dish. Light the candle and prepare the Besamim. Lift the cup with your right hand, pass it to your left hand and then place it […]

Erev Shabbos Checklist

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer   Buy now on Amazon.com Erev Shabbos Checklist[1]  Thursday On Thursday buy the foods that require cooking in order so one has enough time to prepare them.   Home Preparations   Begin preparing for Shabbos in the morning of Erev Shabbos. Tidy the […]

Child who damaged

  Child who caused damage:[1] If a child caused bodily damage to another person he is exempt from paying for damages even when he becomes older.[2] Doing repentance above the letter of the law:[3] Even though one is exempt from paying for the damages, it is nevertheless proper for him […]

Child who borrowed money

  Child who borrowed money:[1]   If a child borrowed money for purposes of food or business, he is obligated to pay back the lender when he is older. [If however he was below six years of age, he is not liable.[2] However, some Poskim[3] rule that if he borrowed […]