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 […]
Remarrying after divorce or death of husband
How long must a widow or divorcee wait to remarry? A. Not pregnant and not after birth:[1] All widows or divorced women must wait 90 days from after the divorce, or death of the husband, prior to remarrying.[2] This applies even if the woman is not capable of bearing […]
Standing undressed in front of a candle
Not to stand naked before a candle:[1] One is not to stand before a candle naked as all that stand naked before a candle become crippled. [Nevertheless, in the Poskim we find a number of disclaimers towards this warning: Some[2] explain that this danger only applies when standing still in […]
Laws of Chinuch for children
Related Files Morning washing for children Bookmark
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 […]
Repenting for sins done as a child
Does one need to repent for sins that he did as a child?[1] A child [below Bar/Bas Mitzvah] who hit his father or committed other sins while still a child, although he does not need to repent when he grows older, nevertheless, it is proper for him to accept upon […]
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 […]
Hand positions according to Halacha and Kaballa
* 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 DonateHand postures according to Torah: We find in Chazal various hand positions which are encouraged or discouraged […]
Birthday if born on 30th of Cheshvan
If one was born on the 30th of Cheshvan, when does he celebrate his birthday/Bar Mitzvah in a year that there is no 30th day in Cheshvan?[1] One who was born on the first day of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, which is the 30th of Cheshvan, and in the current year […]
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 […]
The Halachic obligation in Celebrating Yud Tes Kisleiv-Not saying Tachanun
The Halachic obligation to celebrate the day of a miracle Chanukah and Yud Tes Kisleiv 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 […]
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 […]
Mitzvah of Kedoshim Tihyu-Sanctifying oneself with permitted
Is the Mitzvah of Kedoshim Tihyu considered one of the 613 Mitzvos? Some Rishonim[1] list this Mitzvah as one of the 613. However the vast majority of Rishonim omit it.[2] Must one sanctify himself with the permitted? Talmudic ruling: Rava states in the Talmud[3] that one is to sanctify […]
Number of Mitzvos applicable today
How many Mitzvos of the 613 Mitzvos do we keep today in exile?[1] Today in exile it is possible for us to keep 369 Mitzvos out of the 613 total numbers of commands. Within this number there are 99 commands that are only obligatory in circumstances that one may […]
Belief in Techiyas Hameisim based on scripture
Belief in Techiyas Hameisim based on Scripture: Any Jew who does not believe that the basis of Techias Hameisim is found in the Torah is considered a Heretic.[1] This means that even if one believes that the resurrection will occur, but denies that this belief is hinted in the […]
Ishto Bair-Permitting Yichud on the grounds that one’s wife is in the city
Ishto Bair-Permitting Yichud on the grounds that one’s wife is in the city:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that having one’s wife in the same city never permits a state of Yichud irrelevant of circumstance, and only when one’s wife is in the room does it permit Yichud with another woman. Other […]
Baalah Bair-Yichud when the Husband is in city:
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Now Yichud laws for wife when husband is out of the house but in town Your husband is at work and you would like to call the handyman to fix your ever-breaking cabinets. A male cousin or an uncle of yours […]
Children breaking Yichud-At what ages can a child serve as a Shomer for the purpose of breaking Yichud?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com At what ages can a child serve as a Shomer for the purpose of breaking Yichud?[1] Yichud between a man and woman is permitted in a case that a Shomer is present. Children that are of the age to understand […]
Yichud by children: Do the laws of Yichud apply towards children? May a male and female child who are not siblings be alone together?
Do the laws of Yichud apply towards children? May a male and female child who are not siblings be alone together?[1] Example: May a mother go shopping if two cousins of the opposite gender are left alone at home, and both are below the age of Mitzvos? From the letter […]
When is Sheva Brachos counted from
When is the first day of Sheva Brachos counted from?[1] The first day of Sheva Brachos is counted from the day that the Chupa took place.[2] This applies even though the wedding meal will only take place that night, nevertheless the first day is counted as the day of the […]
Invitations in Ksav Ashuris
May one write or print invitations in Kesav Ashuris? One is not to do so.[1] One may however write the words in boxed letters, as stated above. [1] Igros Kodesh 12/228; See also 9/106 Bookmark
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 […]
Laws of precedence/Kadima for Chazan
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer The order of Kadima/precedence for Chazan:[1] It is a great virtue for one to Daven for the Amud on behalf of a loved one who has deceased. At times, there may be several people who desire to Daven for the Amud simultaneously, […]
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 […]
Descendants going to Levaya and Burial
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer May the descendants of the deceased attend the Levayah, burial?[1] From the letter of the law it is permitted, and a Mitzvah, for the children to attend the funeral and escort the body of their parent[2], and so is the custom of […]
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 […]
Chapter 4: The Mitzvah to bury & Laws relating to the burial plot
* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback, Kindle, and Audio Buy on Apple Books Buy on Website Enroll in Aveilus Course + Semicha Chapter 4: The Mitzvah to bury & Laws relating to the burial […]
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: […]
Marital relations with Sefer Torah in room-Keeping a Sefer Torah in the marital bedroom
Marital intimacy in a room or house that contains a Sefer Torah:[1] It is forbidden to have marital relations in a room that contains a Sefer Torah. This applies even if [the Sefer Torah is Pasul, such as if] it is a scroll of a single Chumash. [If, however, the […]
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 on 7th day
May a Kallah go to Mikveh on the seventh day if that is the day of her Chuppah?[1] If the seventh day of Nekiyim of the Kallah falls on the day of her wedding some Poskim[2] rule she may immerse during the day, being that she will not be with […]
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 […]
Kallah became Nida after wedding-waiting five days
If a Kallah became a Nida right after her wedding, prior to having marital relations, must she wait five days?[1] Did not yet have Yichud with her Chasan:[2] A Kallah who became a Nida after her wedding but prior to even having Yichud with her Chasan is not required to […]
Must a Kallah wait five days before starting Shiva Nekiyim
Must a Kallah wait five days after her period prior to beginning Shiva Nekiyim?[1] No. A Kallah upon having a period prior to her wedding is not required to wait five days prior to beginning her Hefsek Taharaha, and rather as soon as the bleeding ends she can perform […]
When is a Kallah to immerse before her wedding
How many days before the wedding may a Kallah go to Mikveh?[1] [Lechatchila], a Kallah is to immerse in the Mikveh as close as possible to the night of the wedding.[2] Nevertheless, the custom is that a Kallah may immerse in a Mikveh up until four nights prior to […]
Wetting or oiling area before Bedika
If a woman’s vaginal area is dry, may she place water, oil or Vaseline in the area to help with the Bedika?[1] Vaseline/oil: A woman should not enter Vaseline or oil into her vaginal area, or onto the cloth, prior to doing a Bedika.[2] Nevertheless, in a time of […]
Bedikas between seven clean days and Mikveh
If a woman did not go to Mikveh on the night after the 7th, must she continue doing daily Bedikos until she immerses? No. This law only applies by a Kallah which immerses prior to her wedding as explained next. A Kallah:[1] A Kallah that immerses prior to her wedding […]
Became Nida after Mikveh-waiting five days
Must a woman wait another five days if she saw blood after Mikveh prior to having marital relations?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule she does not have to wait five days even if the wife already came home and was affectionate with her husband, so long as they did not yet have […]
Sleeping with feet or head towards the door
https://vimeo.com/170754076 May one sleep with his feet or head towards the door of the room? It is permitted to sleep facing the door of a room in any direction that one chooses, whether his head is facing the door, or his feet are facing the door. There is no known […]
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 […]
Waking in the morning checklist
Checklist of waking up[1] 1. Prepare a basin filled with water near the bed prior to going to sleep. 2. Think of Hashem: As soon as one awakens in the morning he is to think that Hashem is standing over him and waiting for him to get up […]
Child who stole, and a person who stole as a child
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer “Topics in Practical Halacha” Volume 2 C.M. See original Hebrew sources on this Halacha [Members Only] Child who stole, and a person who stole as a child:[1] If a child stole an object, then if the stolen object is still in existence, […]
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 […]
Gambling: The prohibition against gambling and its severity
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com https://vimeo.com/307238859 Gambling:[1] The prohibition: Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden to gamble [with a Jew] due to a Rabbinical stealing prohibition.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule there is no stealing prohibition involved in gambling even with a Jew, just as is the […]
Killing creatures-Is it permitted to cause pain or to kill living creatures?
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 […]
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 […]
One who accidently switched an item with another person:
One who accidently switched an item with another person:[1] If one attended an event, or participated in a Minyan or Shiur, and at the end of the event he accidently took the wrong coat, hat, umbrella, Tallis/Tefillin, or any other item, may he use that item until he finds the […]
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another:
Lending a rented or borrowed item to another:[1] *Important note: In all cases that the owner explicitly stated his desire vis a vis the item being used by another person, one must obey those desires, whatever they may be. The following Halacha refers to a case that no preconditions or […]
If one desires to forgive a loan must he tell the borrower?
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Now May one forgive a loan without telling the borrower? A. Introduction: If one loaned someone money and has yet to be paid back, often the lender who sympathizes with the borrower’s predicament, desires to simply forgive him the loan. The […]
Obligation of lender to have legal proof of the loan
The requirement to have legal proof of a loan:[1] It is forbidden for a lender to give a loan without having a form of legal testimony of its occurrence.[2] This applies even if the borrower is a Torah scholar ]and is thus a trustworthy person].[3] [Despite the above, the widespread […]
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] […]
Positive command to loan money to a needy Jew
Positive command to loan money to a needy Jew:[1] It is a positive Biblical command, for one who is able to afford it, to lend money to a Jew that is in need. This applies even if the borrower is wealthy and is simply in temporary need for […]
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 […]
Must a married women cover the hair of her sideburns and below the nape
Must a married [or once married] woman cover her sideburns and others hair that protrude past the regular hair of the head? Some Poskim[1] rule that a married woman is not required to cover the little amount of her hair that extends past her “Tzemasan” [which refers to a snood […]
Must a married [or once married] woman cover every strand of hair of her head
Must a married [or once married] woman cover every strand of hair of her head?[1] It is [Biblically[2], and at the very least Rabbinically[3]] forbidden for a married woman to reveal even a single hair of her head to the public, and hence all of the hair, must be covered.[4] […]
Divorce if married ten years without children
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/284909019 Must one divorce his wife if he has been married for 10 years without children?[1] From the letter of the law, if a man has been […]
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 […]
Is a new Kesuba required if one changed his name
Must one write a new Kesuba if he changed his name, such as in event of an illness, or other reason?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule there is no need to change anything in the Kesuba. This especially applies if the new name is not used amongst people.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule that […]
Kesuba written by day, Chuppah by night
What is the law if a Kesuba was written and signed during the day, before sunset, but the Chuppah took place at night? If the Kesuba was written and signed during the day, and the Kinyan with the Chasan likewise took place during the day, then the Kesuba […]
Writing the family name of the Chasan/Kallah/Witnesses in the Kesuba
Writing the family name of the Chasan/Kallah/Witnesses: One is not required to write the family name in a Get and so is the custom.[1] Nevertheless, some Poskim[2] rule that by a Kesuba, in addition to writing the names and the father’s names of the Chasan and Kallah, one is to […]
Age of marriage-At what age should men get married?
* 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/245876789 At what age is a […]
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 […]
May a Kohen marry a Jewish girl who was born from a gentile father but Jewish mother?
* 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/175335056 Buy here or on Amazon.com May a Kohen marry a girl who has a gentile father but Jewish mother?[1] […]
Marrying a woman that cannot have children
May one marry a woman which cannot have children?[1] One who has not fulfilled the Mitzvah of Peru Urevu may not to marry a woman who cannot have children, such as an old woman, child or a woman who is baron. From the letter of the law, one […]
Who is a Jew and must one verify claims of Jewishness?
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Now Who is a Jew-Determining Jewish identity in cases of question and doubt: According to Jewish law, a person is only determined to be a Jew [i.e. to contain a G-dly soul, be obligated in the Torah and Mitzvos, and be […]
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 […]
The Obligation to Honor one’s father and mother
The obligation:[1] One must be very careful in honoring and fearing his father and mother. The virtue:[2] One who honors his father and mother, G-d considers as if He has dwelled in that household, and that He was honored.[3] The three partners in one’s creation:[4] There are three partners […]
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 […]
Reading Tehillim, Chumash and Tanach at night
Listen here to audio shiur part 1 Listen here to audio Shiur Part 2 Learning and reading Tanach at night [Chumash/Navi/Tehillim]: A. The avoidance: Many Poskim[1] rule based on Kabala that one is not to read verses of Mikra [Written Torah] at night.[2] This includes verses from Torah, Nevi’im, Kesuvim, […]
Standing for your teacher, elders and Torah scholars
Standing for your teacher, elders and Torah scholars:[1] Standing for a Teacher and Torah scholar:[2] It is a positive command in the Torah to stand in front of any Torah scholar.[3] The age of the Sage: The command to stand before a Torah scholar applies even if the Torah scholar […]
Showing respect to Teachers, Torah scholars, elderly and community leaders:
Showing respect to Teachers, Torah scholars, elderly and community leaders: A. Who is one obligated to respect: One is required to respect ones Rebbe/Teacher[1], Torah Scholars [such as Rabbanim and Roshei Yeshivas], and elderly people [even prior to reaching 70 years of age[2]]. Respect is also to be shown towards […]
Supporting Torah learners-Yissachar and Zevulan deal
Supporting Torah learners-Yissachar and Zevulun deal:[1] Although every single Jew is obligated to study Torah, one who is unable to study Torah, either due to lack of knowledge, or due to lack of time, is to support other people who study.[2] One who supports a Torah learner is considered as […]
Giving medical treatments to a parent
Giving medical treatments to a parent:[1] A. Removing a splinter from a parent:[2] It is [Rabbinically[3]] forbidden for a son to remove a splinter that is stuck within the skin of his father [or mother] due to that one may come to cause him a wound in the process. B. […]
The prohibition against hitting one’s parents
The prohibition against hitting one’s parents:[1] One who [as an adult[2]] hits his father or mother during their lifetime ]transgresses a Biblical negative command[3] and] is liable for the death penalty of strangulation. This applies whether to a son or a daughter. [This applies for both a Tumtum and Androgynous.[4]] […]
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 […]
