Scaring another person

May one scare another person and is he liable for damages?[1] It is forbidden to scare another Jew. One who does so, such as he released a scream from behind him or suddenly appeared in front of him in a dark area, although he is not liable below in this […]

Looking into neighbors property

May one look into his neighbor’s property?[1] It is forbidden to look into another person’s property to see what he is doing. This applies even if there is an open window through which the person can see from. Due to this, it is obligatory for neighbors to create partitions to […]

Hitting a Jew

Hitting a fellow Jew: A. The prohibition, severity and penalty:[1] It is [Biblically] forbidden for one to hit another Jew and if one hits him he transgresses a negative command.[2] This prohibition applies even to a light hit.[3] Lifting hand to hit:[4] Furthermore, anyone who lifts a threatening hand against […]

Halachic validity of a check

* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Donatehttps://vimeo.com/215792540 5. Definition of a check in Halacha:[1] There is a dispute amongst today’s Poskim as to […]

Check cashing

  Using check cashing services:   Using a check cashing service is for all purposes similar to selling a loan to a third party, and follows all the restrictions and laws explained above. The difference between cashing a check by a bank and by a check cashing service is that […]

Selling checks, bonds and IOU’s – The Ribis regulations applicable to selling a debt or loan to a third party

* 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 Donatehttps://vimeo.com/3431922234. Selling a loan/debt to another:[1] […]

Kinyan Sudar/Chalifin-How it works

Kinyan Sudar/Chalifin:[1] A. What can be acquired through the Kinyan?[2] All items, whether moveable objects [i.e. Mitaltilin] or land [i.e. Karka] may be acquired through a Kinyan Suddar [otherwise known as Kinyan Chalifin]. This applies whether to a sale or to the giving of a present. B. How it is […]

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 a secular court, and one who does so transgresses a negative command.[1] This applies even if the secular courts rule the same way as the Beis […]

Inheritance of Communal positions

* 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 Donate Children’s inheritance of communal positions […]

Doing ultrasounds/sonograms during pregnancy

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop * This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article https://vimeo.com/243734307 Doing ultrasounds/sonograms during pregnancy:[1] There is no Halachic impediment that exists against performing an ultrasound and having a sonogram taken. Nonetheless, doing so at times broaches […]

Men wearing tight pants, underpants

  Men wearing tight pants and underpants:[1] The Gemara[2] implies that it is forbidden for men to wear pants unless they are made like Batei Shukayim[3].[4] [This however only refers to pants that are made with a special pocket that is tightly fitted for the size of the Eiver, and […]

Rebbe and student bathing together

  Student and teacher bathing together:[1] It is forbidden for a student to bathe together with his Rebbe. If however he arrived to the bathhouse before his Rebbe then he is not required to leave.[2] Likewise, if his Rebbe needs the students help in the bathhouse, he is not required […]

Father/son/siblings bathing together

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here 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 [i.e. brother in-law].[5] Some Poskim[6] extend this prohibition even against bathing with one’s brother, however other Poskim[7] permit […]

Extending greetings to a woman

May one extend greetings to a woman, such as saying Shalom, good morning, good evening, or how are you?[1] One may not ask a woman at all as to her wellbeing.[2] This applies even if one does so indirectly, through a messenger. It is forbidden to send greetings even through […]

Shaking hands with a woman

Shaking hands: Hand shaking is a means of formal communication between two parties and signifies friendship, endearment, and business relations. Shaking the hands of the opposite gender poses the question of whether doing so transgresses the prohibition against showing affectionate touch towards the opposite gender. The following is the ruling […]

Lost Kesuba

  What is the law if the Kesuba became lost? It is forbidden for a couple to remain even one hour without a Kesuba.[1] Therefore if a couple lost the Kesuba they must have a new Kesuba written immediately, as soon as they are able.[2] This Kesuba is called a […]

Where is one to keep the 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 […]

Benefits of Marriage

  The benefits of being married:[1] The personal negative results affected by lack of a wife: Anyone who does not have a wife resides without blessing, without Torah etc, and is not considered a man. Marriage helps remove sin: When a man marries a woman, his sins are questioned as […]

One who is questionably Jewish

In what cases is one considered questionably Jewish? One is considered questionably Jewish in any case in which his claim to be Jewish contains suspicion, or requires Halachaic proof according to the Poskim, as explained in the cases below. If one is unsure if his mother was Jewish, and no […]

The obligation to have children

  The obligation to have children:[1] Every person is obligated to marry a woman in order to have children. The severity of one who does not have children: One who is not active in having children, is similar to having murdered. It also diminishes the “Dmus[2]” and causes the Shechinah […]

Hataras Nedarim

Erev Rosh Hashanah: It is customary to perform Hataras Nedarim on Erev Rosh Hashanah.[1] This is hinted to in the verse “Lo Yachel Divaro Kichol” “Do not transgress your word” as its ending letters are an acronym for Elul.[2] The procedure of this Hataras Nedarim includes two parts 1) nullifying […]

Non-conventional medicine:

Non-conventional medicine: There are various forms of non-conventional medicine or treatments available today.[1] Some people come to the use of alternative medicine out of despair due to lack of solutions from medical science for their ailments, or due to a disregard of medical science, placing greater belief in nature and […]

Giving a present to a gentile

May one give a present to a gentile?[1] It is forbidden to give a free present to a gentile that one is not acquainted with.[2] This applies even if the gentile is not an idolater, such as a Muslim.[3] If however one is acquainted with the gentile, he may give […]

Drawing sun, moon, stars

Making a sculpture, drawing or engraving-Madur Tachton: Making a sculpture, drawings and engravings of a sun, moon, stars, constelations:[1] It is forbidden to make the form of a sun[2], moon or stars [or the 12 constellations[3]]. [Some Poskim[4] rule it is forbidden to make any one of the 12 constelations […]

Ksav Ashuris

  What is Ashuris? Kesav Ashuris is the name of the script used to write all scribal works called STAM [Sefer Torah, Mezuzah, Tefillin]. The script of Kesav Ashuris contains a great amount of Kedusha, and great mystical secrets.[1] Boxed script: The form of script and print used today, which […]

Writing Sefarim in Hebrew

May one write or print Torah books in Kesav Ashuris? Ashuris:[1] One is not to print books in Kesav Ashuris. Boxed letters:[2] In previous times the custom was to avoid writing Sefarim in even boxed letters and they rather wrote them in Kesav Rashi.[3] The custom however today is to […]

Hebrew materials

What is Ashuris? Kesav Ashuris is the name of the script used to write all scribal works called STAM [Sefer Torah, Mezuzah, Tefillin]. The script of Kesav Ashuris contains a great amount of Kedusha, and great mystical secrets.[1] Boxed script: The form of script and print used today, which is […]

Distributing charity to gentiles

This Halacha is an Excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com Distributing charity to gentiles:[1] It is permitted and encouraged to distribute charity to a gentile.[2] This applies even if the charity is being given to an individual gentile or a group of gentiles without it also being distributed to Jewish […]

Trimming the Mustache

May one trim his mustache? During the regular year: 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 […]

Folding the beard

* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Donatehttps://vimeo.com/131624301 May one fold his beard if it is long?[1] Letter of the law: From the letter […]

Checklist for visiting gravesite

  Checklist upon visiting a gravesite: One is not to eat any food prior to visiting a grave site. Nevertheless one is to be particular to drink before visiting. One who is impure due to nocturnal emission [Keri], or any release of seed, may not visit a cemetery until he […]

The Rebbe’s custom by the Ohel

The Rebbe’s customs upon visiting the Ohel:[1] Non-leather shoes: The Rebbe would wear non-Leather shoes to the Ohel, similar to the shoes worn on Tishe Beav and Yom Kippur. Knocking on the door: The Rebbe would knock on the door of the Ohel twice prior to entering, symbolizing asking permission […]

Sparks of Kabala

The benefits of visiting the resting place of Tzaddikim: One who prays by the gravesite of a person arouses the soul of that person in heaven to ask for mercy on one’s behalf. [1] The dead are made aware of what occurs below by being visited and are saddened to […]

Visiting a cemetery during Nidda

May a woman visit a cemetery when she is a Nidah?[1] It is customary for women to avoid visiting a cemetery during the days that they are a Nidah.[2] Some Poskim[3] rule this applies even during the seven clean days, until she immerses in a Mikveh. Others[4] rule it only […]

Pregnant women entering cemetery

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com   May a pregnant woman visit a cemetery?[1] From the letter of the law, it is permitted for a pregnant woman to enter a cemetery.[2] However, many women are accustomed not to visit a cemetery when they are pregnant.[3] Those […]

Kohanim

May Kohanim visit Kivreiy Tzaddikim?[1] Many Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden for Kohanim to visit the gravesite of Tzaddikim.[3] Nevertheless many Kohanim are lenient in this, especially with regards to visiting their Rebbe’s Kever.[4] Practically a Kohen may not to be lenient in this[5] and so is the vintage Chabad […]

The customs upon leaving

Washing the hands after leaving a cemetery: One who walks amongst graves [i.e. cemetery[1]] is required to wash his hands [immediately[2]] afterwards [being that the evil spirits escorts the person until he washes[3]]. Although from the letter of the law washing one time suffices, the custom is to wash ones […]

Covering Tzitzis

Covering the Tzitzis:[1] One may not enter a cemetery with Tzitzis that are revealed to the open.[2] This applies both to a Tallis Gadol and a Tallis Katan.[3] If however the Tzitzis are covered and are hence not apparent at all then doing so is permitted. [Thus one is to […]

How to pray

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 […]

Charity

Giving charity:[1] One is to distribute charity at the gravesite [prior to Davening there[2]]. [1] Rama ibid; Igros Kodesh 24/363 [2] Rashal; Shlah 213; Mateh Moshe 789; Kneses Hagedola 581/10; M”A 581/17; Elya Raba 581/39; M”B 581/27; Kaf Hachaim 581/97 Bookmark

The Blessing to say

Saying the blessing of Yatzar Eschem Badin:[1] One who is has not visited a cemetery [in thirty days] is to recite the following blessing upon seeing it. ברוך אתה יי אלקינו מלך העולם אשר יצר אתכם בדין וזן אתכם בדין וכלכל אתכם בדין והמית אתכם בדין ויודע מספר כלכם והוא […]

Mikvah

Immersing in a Mikveh:[1] One who is impure due to nocturnal emission [Keri], or any release of seed, may not visit a cemetery until he immerses in a Mikveh.[2] [Many are particular to never visit a cemetery prior to immersing in a Mikveh even if they are not impure due […]

Visiting gravesite Erev RH

Visiting the gravesite of Tzaddikim on Erev Rosh Hashanah:[1] It is customary of some communities to visit the gravesite [of a Tzaddik[2]] on Erev Rosh Hashanah [after Shacharis[3]] and increase in supplication while there.[4] [The Chabad custom is to visit the gravesite of the Rabbeim on Erev Rosh Hashanah.[5] Those […]

13. Teruma and Maaser

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 13. Teruma and Maaser: Shemita produce is exempt from Terumos and Maasros.[1] However, this applies only towards produce that is legally declared Hefker by its owners. However, those products that do not have a Hefker status require separation of […]

12. Bringing produce to the Diaspora

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 12. Bringing produce to the Diaspora:[1] It is [Rabbinically[2]] forbidden to bring Shemita produce outside of Eretz Yisrael.[3]   Q&A If one took Shemita produce outside of Eretz Yisrael, may the food be eaten?[4] Yes.  May one who is […]

10. May one sell Shemita produce

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 10. May one sell Shemita produce? It is forbidden to do business with Shemita produce.[1] Thus, one may not collect fruits or vegetables of Shemita produce, even within his own field, for selling purposes. However, one may collect a […]

9. Feeding animals Shemita products

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 9. Feeding animals:[1] It is forbidden to feed Shemitah produce to animals if it is edible to humans. [Likewise Shemitah food which is designated for animals may not be eaten by humans.[2]]   [1] Rambam 5/5; Grach Naah 156 […]

7. Mashing and grinding Shemita produce

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 7. Mashing and grinding Shemita produce: It is forbidden to use Shemita produce for an uncommon use.[1] Thus, all fruits and vegetables that are commonly ground or mashed may likewise have this done even if they are Shemita produce. […]

4. What is defined as Shemitah produce?

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 4. What is defined as Shemita produce? The produce of the land passes through various stages of development and production, from plantation to blossom, to growth and harvest. The question is asked as to what stage is defined as […]

3. Sefichin

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 3. Sefichin:[1] All vegetation and plants that grew during Shemita 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 […]

1. Laws relevant to Shemita produce

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 1. Laws relevant to Shemita produce: The laws which are applicable to the Shemita produce are very intricate and detailed.[1] The following laws apply towards Shemita produce: The produce must be disowned from one’s land. Sefichin: All non-tree produce […]

Pod Plants

Laws related to Pod Plants May one plant inside of a pod that is sitting on the ground during Shemitah? It is forbidden to plant any item during Shemitah inside of a pod that contains a hole. If the pod does not contain a hole then if it is made […]

Garden Care

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 plants […]

8. Watering plants

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 8. Watering plants: May one water his garden during Shemita? One may water it to prevent damage or loss towards the garden.[1] One may not do so for its continued growth and development.   Q&A May one wash his […]

7. Planting

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 7. Planting:[1] A. What items are forbidden to be planted during Shemita? It is forbidden to plant any produce during Shemita. This includes:[2] Fruits Vegetables Non-fruit bearing trees[3] Roses Flowers Grass B. May one ask a gentile to plant […]

6. Plowing

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 6. Plowing: It is forbidden to plow the land during Shemita, as written in Halacha 1.   Q&A May one build a fence around his field during Shemita?[1] It is forbidden to build a fence between two fields. However, […]