Repeating words in Davening

1. May one repeat words in Davening? Certain words and sentences of reference to Hashem are forbidden to be repeated in close proximity if it can be viewed that the repetition is for the sake of a second deity. Although in the Talmud and Shulchan Aruch only specific phrases of […]

Reciting Shema before sunrise

Saying Shema prior to sunrise:[1] When Davening in a Vaasikin/Neitz Minyan:[2] The initial time for Davening Shemoneh Esrei is by sunrise. It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to read the Shema slightly prior to sunrise, intending to complete the Shema and its last blessing of Goal Yisrael with sunrise. Immediately […]

Davening near a bathroom

Praying and learning Torah near a bathroom:[1] It is Biblically forbidden to learn Torah or pray within the sight or within a four cubit radius [i.e. two meters] of the walls of a bathroom, just as it is prohibited to learn or pray within the sight or within four cubits […]

Davening for Reshaim

Davening for Reshaim:[1] It is a Mitzvah to Daven for Reshaim that they should repent and not enter Gihennim. It is forbidden for one to Daven for a Rasha to die. [1] Zohar Parshas Vayeira; Midrash Hanelam p. 105; Kaf Hachaim 119/7 Bookmark

Davening for a gentile

  May one Daven for a gentile or Mumar, such as for him to recover from an illness, or for him to have blessing in his Parnasa, or to find a spouse and have children?[1] It is permitted to Daven on behalf of a gentile or Mumar that does good […]

Davening Vasikin

  Saying Shema prior to sunrise:[1] When Davening in a Vaasikin/Neitz Minyan:[2] The initial time for Davening Shemoneh Esrei is by sunrise. It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to read the Shema slightly prior to sunrise, intending to complete the Shema and its last blessing of Goal Yisrael with sunrise. […]

Kaddish Derabanan after Baruch Sheamar

May Kaddish Derabanan of before Hodu be recited after Baruch Sheamar? Some Poskim[1] rule it may be recited, even if both the Minyan and the person reciting it is already after Baruch Sheamar. Other Poskim[2] however rule it may not be recited after the Minyan has reached Baruch Sheamar, even […]

Saying Kaddish aloud

When reciting Kaddish together with another person, must one recite Kaddish aloud for the congregation to hear? Some Poskim[1] rule it is not necessary for one to recite Kaddish out loud if another person is saying the Kaddish loudly. Other Poskim[2] however rule it is necessary for every person saying […]

Answering to two Kaddeishim

How is one to answer Amen to Kaddish if more than one person is saying a Kaddish and they are not saying it simultaneously?[1] If they do not conclude the blessing simultaneously, and there is an interval of Kdei Dibbur between the two conclusions of the blessing, then one is […]

How to answer Amen, Kaddish, Kedusha

  How to answer Amen:[1] Answering Amen to a blessing contains a number of laws and restrictions. The proper answering of Amen is so severe that Ben Azaiy states in the Talmud that on one’s form of answer is dependent the longevity of his life.[2] These laws apply towards Amen […]

Baruch Hu Uvrach Shemo

1. Baruch Hu Uvrach Shemo:[1] A. The Mitzvah:[2] Any time one hears any blessing the custom is to recite Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo.[3] This is a custom and was not instituted by the Sages.[4] [The saying of Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo has high mystical intent.[5]]     Q&A Is one […]

Forgot to say Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem

If one forgot to say Mashiv Haruach:[1] Nusach Arizal/Sefarad-Said Morid Hatal:[2] One who [Davens Nusach Arizal or Sefarad, and] during the rainy season [accidently] mentioned Morid Hatal [as is normally said in the summer months] instead of Morid Hageshem, does not need to repeat [the blessing, or Shemoneh Esrei].[3] Remembered […]

Forgot to say Visein Tal Umatar

  Forgot to say Vesein Tal Umatar:[1] One who forgot to say Vesein Tal Umatar during the period that it is to be said, which is in Eretz Yisrael between the 7th of Marcheshven and Pesach, and in the Diaspora between the 5th/6th of December and Pesach, the following is […]

Lifting the eyes during Kedusha

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy here Lifting the eyes during Kedusha:[1] It is customary to lift one’s eyes upwards [towards heaven] upon saying the words Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh[2] [during Kedusha of Chazaras Hashatz].[3] It is proper for the eyes to be closed while they are raised.[4] […]

Answering Amen to Ahavas Olam

Answering Amen to Ahavas Olam:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that after the [Chazan’s or individual’s[3]] completion of the blessing of Habocher Beam Yisrael Beahava, the congregation [whether they are holding in Birchas Shema or directly prior to Shema[4]] is not to answer Amen.[5] Other Poskim[6] rule that the congregation [that has […]

Standing for Birchas Kohanim

  Are the listeners obligated to stand for Birchas Kohanim? From the letter of the law it is not necessary for the listeners to stand when the Kohanim recite Nesias Kapayim.[1] Nevertheless, the widespread custom is for everyone to stand during recital.[2] If one is sick or weak and has […]

Said Kaddish instead of Tachanun

What is a Minyan to do if the Chazan accidently recited Kaddish after Shemoneh Esrei on a day that Tachanun is recited? In the event that the Chazan began to recite Kaddish immediately after Shemoneh Esrei, instead of reciting Tachanun, some Poskim[1] rule that Tachanun is nevertheless to be recited […]

Tachanun on day of wedding

Listen here to audio shiur  Is Tachanun recited if there is a Chasan in Shul who is getting married that day?[1] It is customary not to recite Tachanun in the presence of a Chasan[2] on the day that he enters the Chuppah.[3] Tachanun is omitted for the entire day, during […]

Omitting Tachanun on day of miracle

Not to say Tachanun:[1] It is customary not to say Tachanun on the day which one celebrates the miracle that took place. [For this reason Tachanun is not recited on Yud Tes-Chaf Kisleiv.[2]] [1] Lev Chaim 150; Kaf Hachaim 218/9; Tzitzis Eliezer 10/10 [2] See Ketzos Hashulchan 24 footnote 30 […]

Barchu at the end of Davening

Listen here to Shiur Saying Barchu at the end of Davening? Letter of the law:[1] One may recite Barchu at the end of Davening for the sake of people who did not yet hear Barchu that day.[2] Certainly, if one did not yet hear Barchu he may say Barchu on […]

Men immersing in Mikveh with a filter

Men immersing in a Mikveh with a filter:[1]   1. The issues involved: The use of a filter in a men’s Mikveh touches on a number of Halachic issues: Is it considered Zochlin?[2] Is the water considered Sheuvim and hence carry a number of issues connected with Sheuvim?[3] Does Zochlin […]

General Q&A

  General Q&A Is Zochlin[1] invalid for a man’s Mikveh? Many Poskim[2] rule that a Mikveh which is Zochlin is invalid for purification of the state of Keri.[3] Others[4] however rule that it is valid for purification from the state of Keri.   May a man immerse in a Mikveh […]

If a mikveh is not available

If a Mikveh is not available:[1] Introduction: The immersion in a Kosher Mikveh accomplishes two matters. It purifies a person from the Keri impurity and it adds extra purity to the soul, cleansing it in a form of Teshuvah [i.e. Tosefes Taharah].[2] According to many Poskim[3] these two aspects and […]

Sparks of Kabala

  Sparks of Kabala The Kavanos while immersing in a Mikveh:[1] One is to immerse eight times in the Mikveh, each time with a different Kavana. The first time one immerses he is to intend that he is immersing in a Mikveh Taharah which is the Gematria of 151 which […]

Immersing on Erev RH

Immersing in a Mikveh on Erev Rosh Hashanah:[1] It is a customary to immerse in a Mikvah on Erev Rosh Hashanah in order to purify oneself from the state of Keri.[2] [Today the custom is to immerse even if one is pure of Keri as purity of the body brings […]

Barchu of Birchas Hatorah

Barchu of Birchas Hatorah: One is to recite Barchu prior to beginning the blessings over the Torah.[1] The saying of Barchu serves as an introduction towards the blessing of “Asher Bachar Banu”, and is part of the blessing over the Torah that was instituted to be recited by the Oleh.[2] […]

The prayer of Keil Erech Apayim

Keil Erech Apayim: The prayer of Keil Erech Apayim is recited on Mondays and Thursdays prior to taking out the Sefer Torah.[1] Fast day: Some[2] are accustomed to recite Keil Erech Apayim prior to Kerias Hatorah on fast days, even if it does not fall on Monday or Thursday. Some[3] […]

The Parchment

  1. Which part of the animals skin to use as parchment:[1] Initially it is Mitzvah to write the Mezuzah on the Duchsutis[2]  part of the animal’s skin. However Bedieved if it was written on the Klaf[3] or on the Gevil[4] it remains Kosher.[5] Today’s Klaf is kosher according to […]

Renting or borrowing a home

  Renting/Borrowing a house that does not have a Mezuzah:[1] A. Outside of Eretz Yisrael: When renting or borrowing[2] a home outside of Eretz Yisrael, one is not obligated to place a Mezuzah on it for the first thirty days that he lives there.[3] Chabad custom:[4] The current Chabad Custom[5], […]

Covering a Mezuzah

  Covering the Mezuzah-Mezuzah Cases: This Halacha tackles three different subjects associated with covering a Mezuzah. 1) The need to cover a Mezuzah in certain areas of filth and immodesty. [Halacha A] 2) The custom leave the name Shakaiy of the Mezuzah visible to the outside, in areas that a […]

Borrowing a Mezuzah

Does one fulfill his obligation with a borrowed Mezuzah? Yes.[1] However some Poskim[2] question this matter. [1] Minchas Chinuch 23; Har Tzevi Yore Deah 238; Mikdash Meat 285/4 The reason: As the Torah does not say Lachem by the Mezuzah. [2] Daas Kedoshim 289; See Admur 38/11 and M”A 38/15 […]

Kissing the Mezuzah

  Touching the Mezuzah upon leaving and entering ones home:[1] There are opinions[2] which hold that when a person leaves his home, he should place his hand[3] on the Mezuzah and say “Hashem Yishmor Tzeisi Uvoi Meyata Viad Olam[4]”. Similarly one should place his hand on the Mezuzah upon entering […]

Holding a Mezuzah as Segula

May one hold on to a Mezuzah as a Segulah for protection?[1] Yes. The Rebbe Rayatz was accustomed to have a Mezuzah on his desk.[2]   May one give a Mezuzah to a gentile as a Segulah for protection?[3] Yes. [1] Yerushalmi Peah 1/1; Tosefes Yom Tov on Keilim 17/15; […]

Many rooms to a home

  Many rooms in one home:[1] All the rooms in a home are obligated to have a Mezuzah.[2] Thus placing the Mezuzah only on the front door, as is the renowned custom in these provinces, does not suffice, and they have no Halachic authority to rely upon.[3] Therefore every G-d […]

Many doors to a home

  Many openings to a home:[1] If a home has many openings to the outside or to the courtyard, and the openings were built for the household members to use to enter and exit into the home, then they are all obligated to have a Mezuzah placed on them. This […]

The Mitzvah; Its Importance & Reward

  1. The Mitzvah:[1] It is a positive commandment to write the paragraphs of “Shema” and “Vehaya Im Shamaoa”[2] and to then place it on the doorpost.   2. Its importance:[3] One must be very careful to fulfill this command. [The reason for this is because the Mezuzah contains everyone’s […]

A Domed entrance

A domed entrance:[1] An entrance that has two doorposts with a dome shaped lintel over it, requires a Mezuzah if the doorposts are both at least a height of ten Tefach. This length is measured from the ground until the point that the doorposts begin to curve.[2] If the doorpost […]

Height and Width of Doorpost

  Height of doorposts:[1] Each of the two doorposts must reach a height of at least ten Tefach to be considered a Halachic doorpost which requires a Mezuzah.   Width of the doorway-Must the entrance of the doorway contain a minimum width of opening? Some Poskim[2] rule the doorway does […]

Door-less openings

  A door-less opening:[1] Openings which do not have doors are nevertheless obligated to have a Mezuzah. However some Poskim[2] exempt such an opening from needing a Mezuzah.[3] Thus, in order to fulfill ones obligation according to all opinions, when one places a Mezuzah on a door-less opening he should […]

Ship

A ship:[1] The rooms of a ship are exempt from a Mezuzah.[2] [However those ships that contain permanent rooms of living, as is common in all boats and ships of today, some Poskim[3] rule they are obligated to have a Mezuzah. Other Poskim[4] however rule that the rooms of all […]

Mobile Home

  Are the doors of a mobile home obligated to have a Mezuzah? If one lives in the home on a permanent basis, it is obligated in Mezuzah.[1] If however one does not live in it on a permanent basis, then it is not obligated to have a Mezuzah. [1] […]

Office

Is an office obligated to have a Mezuzah? An office shares the same status as a store and is hence to have a Mezuzah placed without a blessing.   Is the entrance of an office building obligated to have a Mezuzah?[1] An office building which contains Jewish offices is to […]

Stores

  Stores:[1] Stores do not require a Mezuzah.[2] [However some Poskim[3] rule that only temporary store booths, such as the booths of a fair, are exempt from having a Mezuzah[4], however permanent stores are obligated in a Mezuzah.[5] Practically one is to place the Mezuzah without a blessing.[6]] Store inside […]

Stairway/Guard house; Garden

  Doors of a Staircase/Guard house/Garden:[1] The door of a staircase, guard house or garden is obligated to have a Mezuzah if the area leads to an opening which is obligated to have a Mezuzah. Thus the doors of stairways which lead to apartments are obligated to have a Mezuzah. […]

Diaper changing room

A diaper changing room:[1] A room which is used to change diapers, or that has other forms of excrement in it, should have the Mezuzah of its doorpost covered.   [1] Michaber 286/5; Shach 289/9 Other opinions: Some Poskim rule one should not place Mezuzahs in such a room. [Bach, […]

House or room of Women

  The house/room of women: The home or room of a woman is obligated to have a Mezuzah.[1] If it is a room which serves as an actual place of dwelling, then it is obligated to have a Mezuzah even if she is accustomed to be unclothed inside the room, […]

Storage room

Storage rooms:[1] Storage rooms of wine, oil, straw, or woods are all obligated to have a Mezuzah on their doorposts.[2] However those storage rooms in which a woman [or man[3]] undress in, such as to take a shower, are not to have a Mezuzah.[4] [1] 186/1-2 Other opinions: The Rambam […]

Barn and Chicken coop

  Barn/Chicken coop:[1] A barn and chicken coop require a Mezuzah to be placed on the doorpost of their entrance.[2] However the Mezuzah must be covered in such areas.[3] [1] 286/1 [2] Michaber ibid The reason: As a) People enter and leave through it; and b) The areas are not […]

Gates

Entrance gates:[1] The entrance gates of houses, courtyards, cities and countries [which are surrounded by mountains, or fences or walls, and thus the only exit from the country is through the entrance gate[2]] are all obligated to have a Mezuzah placed on their door posts[3], if there are no non-Jewish […]

Bathroom, Bathhouse, Mikveh

  Bathroom/Mikvah/Skin processing plant:[1] A bathroom or Mikveh is exempt from having a Mezuzah being that they were not made for an honorable form of dwelling.[2] Thus they should not have a Mezuzah placed on their doors even if the Mezuzah will be covered.[3]   Does the lounge of a […]

Shul and Beis Midrash

A Synagogue/A Beis Midrash: There is a difference in law between a Shul, which is the sanctuary of prayer, and a Beis Midrash, which is the learning hall. A sanctuary which also serves as a learning hall, as is common in most Shuls today, follows the same law as a […]

Gentile roommates

A home/room that contains a gentile:[1] If one of the occupants of a home or room is a non-Jew, such as a home or room that is jointly owned or rented by a Jew and non-Jew, it is exempt from having a Mezuzah.[2] [Some[3] however conclude that one is to […]

A roofless structure

  A roofless structure:[1] A house which does not have a roof is exempt from having a Mezuzah.[2] If it is partially roofed, then if the roof is by the area of the opening to the room, and the roof is a space of at least 4 by 4 Amos, […]

Women wearing Tefillin

Women:[1] Women are exempt from wearing Tefillin.[2] Furthermore, they are to be protested against doing so.[3] ______________________________________________________________________________ [1] 38/3; Michaber 38/3; Mishneh Brachos 20 Male slaves: Male slaves follow the same law as women and are exempt from Tefillin. [Admur ibid] [2] The reason: As Tefillin is a time dependent […]

Erotic Thoughts

Erotic thoughts:[1] One who dons Tefillin must beware not to entertain erotic thoughts of women.[2] [This applies even to one’s own wife.[3]] If he is unable to wear Tefillin without such thoughts then it is better for him not to put them on at all.[4] However this only applies if […]