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, […]

5. Harvest

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 5. Harvest: A. May one harvest his field during Shemita for purposes of distribution?[1] One may not harvest his field in the normal method. He is to harvest only small areas at a time, and preferably use his hands. […]

4. Melachas for loss prevention

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 4. Melachas for loss prevention:[1] It is permitted to perform all Rabbinical Melachas for the sake of preventing loss or damage to ones crops or garden. This is called “Leikumeiy”. It is however forbidden to do so simply for […]

2. The Rabbinical Melachos

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 2. The Rabbinical Melachos:[1] It is Rabbinically forbidden to perform any of the following Melachos [even during Biblical Shemitas]: Covering the produce as protection from the sun. Weeding [Nikush] Idur [Digging around roots] Watering [Haskah] Fertilizing [Zibul] Yibul-Cutting a […]

1. The Biblical Melachos

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 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[3] [Netia]   [1] Rambam 1/2; Derech Emunah 10 [2] Rashi […]

8. Working the land prior to the Shemita year

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 8. Working the land prior to the Shemita year:[1] During Temple and Biblical Shemita times: In times that the Temple is established [and Shemita is Biblically observed], it is Biblically[2] forbidden to perform any[3] Shemita forbidden work on the […]

Final ruling of calculation

Final ruling of Shemita Year calculation: The year of Shemita [in the time of the writing of these laws by the Alter Rebbe] was 5544/1784.[1] Thirty three cycles of Shemita have passed since that time. The year 5775 is the next Shemita year which will begin the 34th Shemita cycle from […]

4. When was the first Shemita observed?

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 4. When was the first Shemita observed?[1] The counting of Shemita 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 […]

3. The reason behind the Mitzvah of Shemita

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 3. The reason behind the Mitzvah of Shemita:[1] Within the Talmud, and Rishonim, we find several reasons recorded regarding the purpose of the Mitzvah of Shemita. To emphasize that everything belongs to Hashem:[2] The Mitzvah of Shemita publicizes to […]

2. The Term Shemitah

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com 2. The term Shemita: The term Shemita is found in Devarim 15:2 with regards to the command of Shemitas Kesafim, abolishing loans. It means to let go or forgive. The term is not used in any of the earlier […]

General summary

General Summary On Erev Rosh Hashanah of the end of the sixth year of Shemitah [and also of the end of the seventh year of Shemitah] one is to perform a Peruzbal in front of a court of three Jews. It is performed following Hataras Nedarim. One states before the […]

Loan to a Gentile

Loan to a Gentile:[1] The Shemitas Kesafim laws only apply to a loan made to a Jew. A loan that was made to a non-Jew is to be collected even after Shemitah.   Q&A If one owes money to a non-observant Jew may he pay the lender back the money […]

Salaries

Salaries-Are owed salaries considered a loan that require a Peruzbal by the worker?[1] Workers that receive a monthly salary from a Jewish employer are not required to make a Peruzbal for a salary that will not be due to be received until after Rosh Hashanah of Shemitah.[2] However those salaries […]

Credit

Is credit considered a loan that requires a Peruzbal?[1] The general rule is that credit is not considered a loan and hence is not abolished with the Shemitah year. The reason for this is because the credit money is not yet considered owed but rather “to be owed in the […]

Cases Peruzbal isn’t required

  Cases that a Peruzbal is not required: A. Mashkon/Collateral:[1] If one lent money in exchange for an object from the borrower to serve as collateral for the loan then the Shemitah year does not abolish this loan [and a Peruzbal is not required].[2] If the collateral is worth less […]

When should it be performed

  When should the Peruzbal be performed?[1] Initially the Peruzbal is to be performed at the end of the sixth year, prior to Rosh Hashanah of the seventh year.[2] [It is a Mitzvah to publicize this matter as it is not well known to the public.[3] It is proper to […]

A valid court

The criteria for a valid court?[1] As explained above the Peruzbal is only effective if it is performed before a valid court of law. A valid court consists of any three Kosher[2] Jewish men. [1] Admur 35; Rama 67/18 “One may be lenient in these times” Other opinions: Many Poskim […]

Owning property

Owning Property:[1] A Peruzbal is only valid if the borrower possesses some[2] piece of land or an object connected to land.[3] It is valid even if the borrower does not actually own the land but possesses it through renting, or borrowing it even temporarily [during the time that the lender […]

In today’s times

  In today’s times must one perform a Peruzbal in order to request the payment of loans after Shemitah?[1] The widespread custom today [i.e. times of Rosh/Michaber/Admur] in these provinces is not to perform a Peruzbal and nevertheless allow one to demand the paying back of a loan even after […]

The Peruzbal process

  The Peruzbal process:[1] Before the Shemitah year begins the lender is to gather a valid court of three Kosher Jews [see Halacha 6] and state to them “I hereby hand to you all the debts that are owed to me [and through doing so] I should be allowed to […]

What is a Peruzbal

What is a Peruzbal?[1] The Peruzbal is a process instituted by the Sages [for times when Shemitah is only Rabbinical[2]] which allows a loan to stay in effect even after the Shemitah year, and thus allows one to demand the debt to be paid back.[3] [The word Peruzbal means institution […]

Obligation

The Biblical and Rabbinical obligation:[1] [Biblically the command to annul loans during Shemitah only applies during times that the Yovel cycle is in practice[2], which is when all the tribes are living in Eretz Yisrael.[3]] In today’s times [however] the laws of Shemitas Kesafim [abolishing debts] during the year of […]

Introduction

  Introduction: The Torah [Re’e 15:2] commands us that at the end of the seventh year cycle one must annul all loans that he is owed by other Jews. It is thus forbidden for the lender to ask for the loan to be paid back. The Peruzbal is a process […]

4. May one answer Amen to a blessing that was said through loudspeakers; microphone or a broadcast system, such as the telephone, radio, or live internet hookup?

This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Purchase on our website Brachos Learning Course – Semicha WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article 4. May one answer Amen to a blessing that was […]

2. How to answer Amen for a blessing

This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Purchase on our website Brachos Learning Course – Semicha WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article 2. How to answer Amen:[1] Answering Amen to a blessing […]

Saying Hagomel upon flying

Does one say Hagomel upon flying?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that one is to bless Hagomel anytime one travels by plane, even if he is traveling over populated land.[3] Other Poskim[4] however rule that one is to only recite Hagomel if he is traveling by plane over a sea or desert, […]

Blessing after vomiting

May one say an after blessing if he vomits the food he ate?[1] If one vomited the food h ate prior to reciting an after blessing, then if he assesses that a Kezayis of the food has remained in his stomach, he is to say the after blessing. If however […]

Having in mind other foods

  May one have in mind upon reciting a blessing to include all other foods of that blessing that he may decide to eat?[1] Example: Can one make a Shehakol prior to a meal and have in mind whatever he decides to eat that is Shehakol? Yes.   May one […]

The blessing over Cereal and milk

What blessing does one recite when eating cereal and milk?[1] One recites a blessing only on the cereal and not on the milk. Leftover milk:[2] The milk that is leftover after eating the cereal does not receive a blessing even if one desires to now drink it alone. A lot […]

Blessing over baked cheese cake

* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sponsor an Article What blessing is to be recited over baked cheese cake?[1] One is to only recite a blessing of Mezonos.[2] [Some however write […]

The blessing for Ice cream in cone

* 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 What blessing is to be […]

The blessing on Tortilla Wraps

This Halacha is an Excerpt from our Sefer Buy here or on Amazon.com What blessing is to be recited over a Tortilla wrap [i.e. Taco]? Corn/maize flour tortilla: If the Tortilla is made of corn/maize flour, and does not contain any of the five grain flours[1], then its blessing is Shehakol and requires […]

4. The blessing of wine mixed with water

This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Purchase on our website Brachos Learning Course – Semicha WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article The blessing of wine mixed with water: General rule:[1] If […]

Educating people to recite blessings:

  Educating people to recite blessings: A. Teaching children blessings:[1] It is permitted to teach children the proper blessings even not during their appropriate time [i.e., not during eating and drinking].[2] [The teacher may even recite Hashem’s name in the blessing in order to educate the children.[3] However it is […]