Learning Torah prior to Birchas Hatorah

To purchase this Sefer, click here May one learn Torah prior to reciting Birchas Hatorah?[1] It is forbidden to verbalize any words of Torah with ones mouth prior to reciting the blessing of Birchas Hatorah.[2] This applies individually towards Scripture, Mishna, Talmud, Midrash, as all the above is considered Torah […]

Standing for Birchas Hatorah

To purchase this Sefer, click here Must one stand upon reciting Birchas Hatorah? One is to stand when reciting the blessing[1] and so is the custom of Jewry.[2] [1] Admur 8/3 [2] See Maarah Kohen 3/3; Yaskil Avdi 8/3 that this is similar to the standing of Bnei Yisrael on […]

The Nussach of Birchas Hatorah

To purchase this Sefer, click here A. The three blessings:[1] Birchas Hatorah consists of three blessings: The blessing of “Al Divreiy[2] Torah”. [This blessing is considered Birchas Hamitzvah, just like one recites a blessing prior to every Mitzvah.[3]] The blessing of “Viharev Na”.[4] [This blessing is considered Birchas Hanehnin, just […]

The importance of Birchas Hatorah

To purchase this Sefer, click here The importance of reciting the blessing over Torah study:[1] One must be very careful to recite the blessing of Birchas Hatorah. The punishment received for being lax in this blessing:[2] The land of Israel was made desolate[3] due to that [the Torah sages and […]

Answering kaddish and kedusha

To purchase this Sefer, click here May one answer Kaddish or Kedusha if he is in the middle of Birchas Hashachar? [1] Between blessings: If one is between blessings he may answer for all matters. Short blessing: If one already recited G-d’s name in one of the short, one sentence, blessings, […]

Wearing a gartel

To purchase this Sefer, click here Is a married man to wear a Gartel while reciting the morning blessings? Many are accustomed to recite the morning blessings without a Gartel, as was the custom of the Rebbe Rashab. [1] However some are accustomed to recite the morning blessings with a Gartel, […]

Standing

To purchase this Sefer, click here Should one stand while reciting the morning blessings? Some Poskim [1] rule one is to say all the morning blessings in a standing position and so is the custom amongst Ashkenazi Jewry. However Sephardic Jewry is accustomed to sit while reciting the blessings in […]

If in doubt

To purchase this Sefer, click here What does one do if he is in doubt if he recited one of the blessings? [1] If one is in doubt if he recited one of the blessings, then he may not recite that blessing.[2] [It does not help for him to hear the […]

Answering Amen

To purchase this Sefer, click here Answering Amen to another person’s Birchas Hashachar: [1] Some communities have the custom that the congregants who heard the morning blessing said in shul, recite the morning blessings aloud to each other, in order so every person accumulates the answering of ninety amen’s each […]

Hearing from another

To purchase this Sefer, click here Fulfilling ones obligation through hearing the blessings from another person:[1] One does not fulfill his obligation of the morning blessings through hearing them from another person, even if the other person has in mind to fulfill ones obligation. If however one hears the blessings […]

If one said in the wrong order

To purchase this Sefer, click here What is the law if one recited the blessings in the wrong order? [1] If one said the blessings in the wrong order it has no Halachic significance, and one may continue to recite the remaining blessings.[2] Zokeif Kefufim before Matir Assurim: The above law, […]

The order

To purchase this Sefer, click here The order of the blessings? In previous times: [1] The morning blessings were established to be recited as soon as one received the pleasure that the blessing corresponds to. Hence 1) when he awakens from his sleep he says Elokaiy Neshama; 2) when he […]

When-At home or shul?

To purchase this Sefer, click here When are the morning blessings to be recited; at home or in Shul? The ruling in Shulchan Aruch: Al Netilas Yadayim; Asher Yatzar; Elokaiy Neshama: [1] These three blessings are to be recited immediately upon awakening as explained in this chapter. Hanosen Lasechvi Binah through […]

If one did not sleep at night

To purchase this Sefer, click here Does one say the morning blessings if he did not sleep at night? The definition of not having slept: [1] One who did not sleep for a period of thirty minutes at night is considered as if he did not sleep at all. If one […]

On a boat or plane

To purchase this Sefer, click here May one who is on a boat or plane recite the blessing of Roka Haaretz al Hamayim? [1] The blessing may only be recited after dawn.[2] [1] Ketzos Hashulchan notes page 82 [2] Based on our custom to always recite the morning blessings one who […]

Mourner

To purchase this Sefer, click here Does a mourner recite the blessing of Sheasa Li Kol Tzarki? [1] Yes. [1] Kaf Hachaim 46/17; Ben Ish Chaiy Vayeishev 9; Shalmei Tzibur; Birkeiy Yosef 46/3; Shaareiy Teshuvah 46/7; Kitzur SH”A 209/5; Chaim Beyad 125/14; Kaf Hachaim Falagi 9/11; Siddur Yaavetz; Kesher Gudal 5/19 […]

Tesha Bav and Yom Kippur

To purchase this Sefer, click here Not to recite the blessing of “Sheasa Li Kol Tzarki” on the ninth of Av and Yom Kippur:[1] One does not recite the blessing of “Sheasa Li Kol Tzarki” on the ninth of Av or Yom Kippur.[2] [One only resumes saying it the next […]

Deaf

To purchase this Sefer, click here Does a deaf person recite the blessing of “Hanosen Lasechvi Binah”?  [1] A deaf person is to recite the blessing of Hanosein Lasechvi Bina [from daybreak and onwards[2]].[3] [1] 46/7 [2] Ketzos Hashulchan 5/6 based on Siddur [3] As the blessing does not mention […]

Blind

To purchase this Sefer, click here Does a blind person say the blessing of “Pokeach Ivrim”? [1] There is an opinion[2] which states that despite the above custom, a blind person does not say the blessing of Pokeach Ivrim.[3] [Practically a blind person does not say this blessing.[4]] [1] 46/7 [2] […]

Must one receive the pleasure

To purchase this Sefer, click here Must one receive the pleasure that the blessing corresponds to in order to recite it? A. The law: [1] The custom is to recite all the morning blessings even if one did not receive the particular pleasure that the blessing corresponds to. One may not […]

Women saying Sheasani Keritzono

To purchase this Sefer, click here Sheasani Kiritzono:[1] Women are accustomed to recite the blessing of “Sheasani Keritzono/That He made me according to his will” [in the place of the blessing of “Shelo Asani Isha”].[2] [See below regarding the Chabad custom in his matter. According to all it is completely […]

Converts

To purchase this Sefer, click here Does a convert say the blessing of “Shelo Asani Goy”? [1]  There are opinions[2] which say that a convert should recite the blessing of “Sheasani Ger” and is not to recite the blessing of Shelo Asani Goy.[3] Others[4] however rule that he may not say […]

Corresponding pleasures

To purchase this Sefer, click here The blessings recited and their corresponding pleasure: [1] Hanosein Lasechvi Binah: Is a blessing said to give thanks to G-d for creating the rooster which awakens man in the morning.[2]   Sparks of Kabala The inner meaning of Hanosein Lasechvy Bina:[3] The spiritual root of […]

Elokaiy Neshama

To purchase this Sefer, click here Elokaiy Neshama: The reason why we recite the blessing: [1] Elokaiy Neshama is a blessing of thanksgiving to Hashem for returning ones soul to him upon awakening. Why does Elokaiy Neshama not begin with a blessing? Blessings of thanks do not begin with an opening […]

Asher Yatzar

To purchase this Sefer, click here Asher Yatzar:[1] *The following laws relate to the blessing of Asher Yatzar that is recited upon awakening, as part of the morning blessings. The laws of Asher Yatzar that is recited after using the bathroom was explained in the previous chapter Halacha 13. The […]

Al netilas yadayim

To Purchase this Sefer Click here Al Netilas Yadayim: When is the blessing recited? After awakening in the morning one is to wash his hands [near his bed] without a blessing, immediately proceed to use the bathroom, and [immediately] after leaving the bathroom he is to wash his hands a second time […]

Entering food into bathroom

To purchase this Sefer, click here Entering food into a bathroom May one eat in a bathroom? [1] One may not eat in a bathroom.   May one enter food into a bathroom?[2] It is customary to avoid entering food into a bathroom.[3]  However in a time of need one may […]

Matters of holiness in bathroom

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop * This article is an excerpt from the above book WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Donate Performing holy matters in a bathroom: [1] These laws are spread throughout chapters 76-87 in the Shulchan Aruch and belong to the section of laws dealing with […]

Laws of washing hands

To purchase this Sefer, click here Washing one’s hands after using the bathroom [1] The laws of washing hands after bathroom use in order to remove the impure spirit were already discussed in length in chapter 5 [Shulchan Aruch 4/18]. The Halacha here discusses a separate issue of whether it is […]

Regulations for men

To purchase this Sefer, click here Urinating regulations applicable to men: [1] Above the crown/Glans:[2] One [must be very careful[3]] not to hold on to his Eiver[4] [from the beginning of the limb up to the crown[5]] while urinating [and certainly not during other times]. Doing so is considered as […]

Cleaning oneself-How well?

To purchase this Sefer, click here How well must one clean oneself? A. Bowel Movement: [1] Prohibition of learning and praying: It is forbidden to learn or pray if there is any amount of excrement which remains by the area of one’s opening.[2] This applies even if the area is […]

Cleaning oneself-With what?

 To purchase this Sefer, click here What should one use to clean himself if he lacks toilet paper? Not to use rough materials: [1] One may not clean himself with earthenware [or rocks, or any material] which is not smooth [and have a rough surface[2]] as doing so is dangerous […]

Proper conduct

To purchase this Sefer, click here Proper conduct upon having a bowel movement: [1] A. Not to do it forcibly or quickly:[2] One is not to sit and defecate speedily or forcibly as doing so forcibly opens the hole and can tear parts of one’s large intestine.[3] For this reason […]

Bathroom in shul

To purchase this Sefer, click here May one go to the bathroom facing a Shul or Beis Midrash? [1] It is forbidden to urinate or defecate facing a Shul or Beis Midrash if one is doing so in the open. When one is in a bathroom one may face any […]

Direction of using bathroom

To purchase this Sefer, click here Which direction should one face while using the bathroom? [1] A. In an open area:[2] By an open area which does not have walls [such as a field[3] and the like] one must direct himself when having a bowel movement to face towards South, having […]

Talking in bathroom

To purchase this Sefer, click here Not to talk in a bathroom:[1] One may not speak in a bathroom [while using it for urinating or a bowel movement[2]] as doing so is immodest.[3] If it is not possible to [lock or] close the door of the bathroom, then if someone […]

Privacy in public area

To purchase this Sefer, click here Privacy when relieving oneself outside in an open area: A. Bowel movement: Bowel movement in an open area by day [1] When having a bowel movement in an open area by day[2] [such as in a field[3] or in a valley[4]] one must distance himself […]

Privacy in bathroom

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop * This article is an excerpt from the above book WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Donate To purchase this Sefer, click here Privacy when relieving oneself in a bathroom: [1] A. Being alone and closing the door:[2] Two people are not to […]

Modesty

To purchase this Sefer, click here Modesty-Covering the body: [1] One is to practice the laws of modesty even in a bathroom. Therefore one is not to uncover more flesh than necessary. Likewise one may only reveal his flesh at the time that is needed and not before hand, for […]

Angels that escort one to the bathroom

To purchase this Sefer, click here Escorting of angels: [1] [It used to be that] upon entering into the bathroom, each time, one would tell the angels that escort him “Hiskabdu Michubadim…“.[2] Today however we are no longer accustomed to say this as we do not consider ourselves G-d fearing […]

Regulating

To purchase this Sefer, click here Regulating one’s bathroom usage: [1] A person should accustom himself to always use the bathroom in the morning and evening, as this is an act of alacrity and cleanliness and brings one to holiness. [One should check if he needs the bathroom prior to […]

The order in dressing and undressing

* This article is an excerpt from the above book Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Donate The order in getting undressed:[1] When getting undressed one begins removing the clothing from his left side and then removes it from his right side.[2] Q&A […]

Putting on shoes

To purchase this Sefer, click here The order in putting on and tying shoes: [1] Placing on the shoes: When putting on shoes one is to [honor his right side[2] and therefore he is to] first place on his right shoe [without tying the laces, as will be explained] and only […]

Laws of a lefty

To purchase this Sefer, click here Which side receives precedence by a lefty, his left or right? Some Poskim [1] rule that a left handed person is to give precedence to his right side, just like a right handed person.[2] However others[3] rule, based on Admur, that a lefty always gives […]

Precedence of left side

To purchase this Sefer, click here Preceding the left side when tying clothing:[1] One is to precede the left side with regards to tying clothing. Thus all clothing that have laces which are required to be tied on two different sides, left and right, one is to precede the tying […]

Precedence of right side

To purchase this Sefer, click here Giving precedence to the right side: [1] One is to always give precedence to his right over his left for all matters. The reason for this is because the right is given greater significance throughout the entire Torah regarding [the Temple service[2]], the inauguration […]

Practical Q&A

To purchase this Sefer, click here Practical Q&A What does one do in a situation that he needs to walk and does not have a head covering? Example: What does one do if his yarmulke flew off and is found more than 4 cubits from him? If one is able […]

Valid Head Covering

To purchase this Sefer, click here What is defined as a valid head covering? [1] A very thin cover: Hats that are woven of straw [and hence are very light and transparent] are considered a valid head covering.   Q&A Is there a minimum size for a Yarmulke? How much […]

Does hand on head suffice

To purchase this Sefer, click here Does placing a hand on one’s head suffice in place of a Yarmulke?[1] One’s own hand: Placing one’s hand on his head suffices in place of a Yarmulke with regards to being able to sit and walk.[2] [Thus if one does not have a […]

Children Wearing a Yarmulke

To purchase this Sefer, click here Male Children:[1] It is proper to cover even the head of children [in order to place upon them fear of heaven[2]]. Q&A From what age should a child begin to wear a Yarmulke? Age three:[3] From age three we are particular that a boy […]

When must a Yarmulke be worn?

To purchase this Sefer, click here When must a Yarmulke be worn? [1] In previous times it was only obligatory to wear a Yarmulke upon reciting Hashem’s name or, according to some opinions, when inside a Shul, as will be explained. It was a mere act of piety to wear […]

Introduction

To Purchase this Sefer Click here Introduction:[1] The wearing of a head covering is a Jewish custom dating back to thousands of years. It is recorded in the Talmud[2] and is the symbol that differentiates a Jew from gentile. The following is a treatise on this subject. [1] Kama 2/7, 46/2; Basra 2/6 [2] Kiddushin […]

Story about Menachem Nochum

To purchase this Sefer, click here A Maaseh Shehaya:[1] In the days of the Alter Rebbe it became accustomed to wear a certain style leather coat with a silk exterior called a Katinke. Prior to the wedding of Menachem Nachum, the grandson of the Alter Rebbe, the Alter Rebbe summoned […]

Wearing a hat and jacket

Wearing a hat The custom of wearing a hat over the Yarmulke: It is customary amongst pious Jews to walk with two head coverings and they thus wear a hat over their Yarmulke. [1] This custom is followed by Chassidim.[2]   The Talmudic source of this custom:[3] The source for […]

Bindel

To purchase this Sefer, click here Wearing an inner Gartel:[1] Some are accustomed to constantly wear a Gartel under their shirt, over their Tzitzis.[2] Nevertheless this is not the Chabad custom.[3] However it is accustomed amongst Chabad to wear an elastic [“Bindel”] over the Tzitzis in order to prevent it […]

Tight fitting pants and Jeans

To purchase this Sefer, click here 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 […]

A Modest Haircut

To purchase this Sefer, click here A modest Haircut: [1] [One may not get a haircut, or grow out his hair in a way that is accustomed by gentiles.] Thus one may not grow dreadlocks[2], or a ponytail[3], or give himself a Mohawk [or mushroom] haircut. [1] Michaber 178 [2] Lit. Tzitzis […]

Shoes

To purchase this Sefer, click here The importance of wearing shoes: [1] The sages[2] said that one who does not place shoes on his feet is considered excommunicated from G-d.[3] A person should even sell all that he has [even the walls of his house[4]] in order to buy shoes for […]

Cleanliness and neatness

To purchase this Sefer, click here Cleanliness of the clothing:[1] One should not wear clothing which is dirty, lest he be disparaged in the eyes of others. Not to be dressed sloppy:[2] It is proper[3] [for every person[4] to be careful[5]] to dress and look decent in order so he […]

Price and style

 To purchase this Sefer, click here   The price and style of the clothing:[1] One should not wear expensive clothing as this brings a person to haughtiness. Nevertheless one is also not to wear very cheap [low class] clothing in order so he is not disparaged in the eyes of […]

Color of clothing

To purchase this Sefer, click here The color of the clothing: Black colored clothing: [1] Black colored clothing is modest and humble[2] and hence is proper to be worn. Red colored clothing: Red colored clothing is forbidden to be worn as they are worn by the gentiles for purposes of […]

Clothing of Gentiles

To purchase this Sefer, click here Clothing of Gentiles: It is forbidden for one to follow the path of gentiles [1] or try to be similar to them[2]. Thus one may not wear clothing which are designated to be worn only by gentiles[3] for [pompous[4] or] immoral purposes. Likewise if the […]

Walking humbly

To purchase this Sefer, click here To walk in a humble manner: [1] One should get up[2] and walk in a manner that his head[3] is [slightly[4]] bent downwards, and not with a straight posture, [and outstretched neck[5]]. It is forbidden to walk with a straight posture for even less […]

The order of bathing and smearing

To purchase this Sefer, click here The order of bathing and washing hands: [1] Bathing: When bathing ones entire body one begins with washing [and placing shampoo[2] on] his head, as the head is the king of all the limbs. One then washes [and soaps] his right hand[3] first and […]

Mikveh, bathhouse or river

To purchase this Sefer, click here Modesty at a Mikveh, bathhouse or river: [1] One does not need to cover his body in a bathhouse.[2] The same applies to a river. (Nevertheless by a river one should get undressed and dressed as close as possible to the river in order not […]

Consequences for Immodesty

To Purchase this Sefer, click here. Consequences for one who is not modest in his dress: [1] The Sages stated that “With the revealing of the hands the house will drip”. This means to say that through the laziness of a person not being careful in properly covering the body “the house […]

Revealing ones feet

To purchase this Sefer, click here May one reveal his feet, or must they constantly be covered?[1] Communities of people that never reveal the feet:[2] (In those areas that it is not common to ever walk with revealed feet, even in the summer, they must be careful to always have […]

Dressing and Undressing

To purchase this Sefer, click here Getting dressed and undressed: [1] When getting dressed [or getting undressed[2]] one is[3] do so under covers in order not to have any part of his body revealed while putting on [or removing] the clothing. Thus if one slept without a shirt, when he awakens […]

Revealing body

To purchase this Sefer, click here Not to reveal one’s body: Not to reveal parts of one’s body that is normally covered [1] Due to the above command of modesty one may not reveal those parts of the body which are normally always covered with clothing[2] [if there is no […]

Attribute of modesty

Revolutionize your Bible Knowledge!    Buy now on Amazon.com  Introduction: This chapter, based on chapter 2 in Shulchan Aruch, discusses the code of modesty and dress that a Jew is to adhere to. All of a Jew’s actions are governed by the Hashem’s will as found in the Torah. This gives […]

Washing hands after touching Bodily Fluids

Bodily fluids:[1] The contact of certain bodily fluids requires cleaning of the hands. This is despite the fact that touching bodily fluids do not carry the impure spirit onto the hand. This will be further elaborated on in the next Halacha. __________________________________________________________________ [1] In the list of actions that require […]

Washing hands after a Haircut

A haircut:[1] [One who cuts his hair is required to wash his hands one[2] time immediately afterwards.[3] This applies even if he only cut a small amount of hair[4], and applies whether the hair was cut with a scissor or razor.[5]] If one does not wash his hands after cutting […]

Washing hands after Blood Letting

Blood Letting: [1] [One who lets blood from his shoulders is required to wash his hands one time immediately afterwards.[2]] If one does not wash his hands after letting blood from his shoulders, he will have inner fear for three days without knowing the source of the fear. Q&A Must one […]

Washing hands after a Funeral

Funeral [1] One who attended a funeral is not required to wash his hands afterwards. Nevertheless the custom is to wash hands after attending a funeral. Q&A Must one wash hands if he was not within four Amos of the corpse? One is not required to wash hands after a […]

Washing hands after touching a Corpse

Touching a corpse: [1] One who touches a corpse is required to wash his hands one time [immediately] afterwards. [The custom is to wash the hands three times inconsecutively as explained regarding a cemetery.] Being in a room with a corpse:[2] One who is in the presence of a corpse [but […]

Washing hands after entering a Cemetery

Cemetery [1] One who walks amongst graves [i.e. cemetery[2]] is required to wash his hands [immediately] afterwards [being that the evil spirits escorts the person until he washes[3]]. Q&A How many times is one to wash hands after leaving a cemetery?[4] Although from the letter of the law washing one time […]

Marital relations

Marital relations: [1] One who has marital relations is required to wash his hands [immediately] afterwards.[2] [This applies to both the husband and the wife.[3]] Q&A How many times is one to wash the hands?[4] Although from the letter of the law washing one time suffices, the custom is to wash […]

Washing hands after touching Lice

Touching lice: [1] One who touches[2] lice is required to wash his hands one time [immediately] afterwards.[3] [This applies even if one only touched it with his pinky.[4]] Removing lice from ones clothing: One who checks his clothing for lice is required to wash his hands one time [immediately] afterwards even […]

Washing hands after Scratching the head

Scratching ones head:[1]One who scratches his head[2] [with ones hands[3]] is required to wash his hands one time [immediately] afterwards.[4] [This applies even if one only scratched his head with his pinky.[5]] (However one who merely placed his hands on his head, or even rubbed his head such as to […]

Washing hands after Touching covered areas

Touching the normally covered areas of the body: [1] One who touches his feet[2], or [other normally covered[3]] parts of the body, with his hands is required to wash his hands one time [immediately] afterwards.[4] [This applies even if one only touched the area with his small pinky.[5] One who touches […]

Washing hands after Removing shoes

Removing ones shoes with ones hands: One who removes [or even touches [1]] his shoes with his hands is required to wash his hands one time [immediately] afterwards.[2] This applies even if the shoes are clean.[3] [This applies even if one only touched his shoes with his pinky.[4]]   Q&A Must […]

Washing hands after Cutting nails

Washing hands after cutting one’s nails:[1] One who cuts his nails is to wash his hands one[2] time [immediately] afterwards.[3] [This applies whether one cut his hand or toenails[4], and applies whether one cut his nails with a nail cutter or with his teeth.[5]  It applies even if he only […]

Washing hands after using the Bathhouse

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Leaving a bathhouse [1] One who leaves a bathhouse must wash his hands one[2] time [immediately] afterwards. [This applies even if he entered the bathhouse and did not use it.[3] This applies even by today’s public bathhouses. However many are lenient […]

Washing hands after use of the Bathroom

Leaving the bathroom [1] One who leaves a bathroom must wash his hands afterwards.[2] [This applies even if he entered the bathroom and did not relieve himself.[3] This applies even by today’s bathrooms.[4] However those that are lenient not to wash their hands after entering bathrooms that contain other uses[5] have […]