Vashti

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Vashti: [1] Under the influence of a large consumption of wine, the king commanded his advisors to bring his wife Vashti, into the men’s area of the feast, wearing [just] her crown in order to show her beauty to the […]

The Feasts

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com The Feasts: [1] In the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his servants and government officials, the leaders of each country under his reign. The feast lasted 180 days. At the conclusion of the feast […]

Achashveirosh’s reign

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Description of Achashveirosh’s reign:[1] Achashveirosh reigned over 127 countries that ranged from Hodu until Kush. The capital city that was home to his throne was called Shushan. Q&A Who preceded Achashveirosh as king?[2] Achashveirosh was preceded by Koresh [and Daryaveish]. […]

General Q&A on the Megillah

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com General Q&A on the Megillah Who wrote the Megillah? The Megillah was written by Mordechai.[1] Some[2] write that the Megillah was written by the Persians. This however is not to be taken literally, and rather it means that when it […]

The Chanukah Torah Reading

This Article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article The Torah Reading:[1] Each day of Chanukah, three Aliyos are read […]

Hallel on Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Hallel:[1] Each day of Chanukah one recites the complete Hallel.[2] Kaddish after Hallel:[3] After reciting Hallel, half Kaddish is recited.[4] On Rosh Chodesh Teves, the complete Kaddish is followed after Hallel. This is then followed by the Torah reading. […]

Al Hanissim on Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Al Hanissim:[1] A. In which prayers is it recited? Al Hanissim is recited throughout all eight days of Chanukah. It is recited within Birchas Hamazon, during the Birchas Haaretz, and within Shemoneh Esrei, by Birchas Modim.[2] The recital of […]

Mourner being Chazan

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here May a mourner lead the prayers during Chanukah?[1] A mourner who is within 30 days of mourning for a relative, or within 12 months of mourning for a parent, may lead the services on Chanukah, with exception to the […]

Tachanun on Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from Tachanun:[1] Beginning from Mincha[2] of the 24th of Kislev [Erev Chanukah], until after the last day of Chanukah, Tachanun and Lamnatzeiach [and Keil Erech Apayim[3]] is omitted from the prayers.   May a Chasan who is getting married during Chanukah recite Viduiy during Mincha?[4] […]

Lighting Menorah on Motzei Shabbos

To purchase this Sefer, click here Lighting on Motzei Shabbos:[1] In Shul?[2] On Motzei Shabbos, in Shul, the Chanukah candles are lit after Maariv [before Aleinu[3]], prior to Havdala.[4] At home:[5] Certainly, at home, one is to first light the Chanukah candles and then recite Havdala, as one has already […]

24. The Shul Chanukah Lighting

This Article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Table of Contents Lighting in Shul:[1] The Mitzvah: One is to […]

Making use of Candles

To purchase this Sefer, click here Making use of the Chanukah candles: A. Using the light of the Chanukah candles:[1] It is forbidden to use the light of the Chanukah candles to perform any mundane activity. This applies both to the Shabbos and weekday Chanukah candles. It is forbidden to […]

The Blessings

To purchase this Sefer, click here The blessings:[1] The Nusach of the blessing:[2] Prior to lighting the candles on each night, one recites the blessing of “Lehadlik Neir Chanukah”[3], and “Sheasa Nissim Laavoseinu Bayamim Haheim Bizman[4] Hazeh”.[5] Shehechiyanu:[6] On the first night of Chanukah, one also recites the blessing of […]

The Seder of lighting-How to light

To purchase this Sefer, click here The Seder of lighting: The attire:[1] A married man is to wear a gartel when lighting the Chanukah candles. One wears one’s usual [weekday] hat and clothes and not his Shabbos garb. See end of Halacha 18! [Some[2] are accustomed to wash their hands […]

When to light the Chanukah candles

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here   When to light the Chanukah candles:[1] The end of sunset:[2] The candles are to initially[3] be lit at the end of sunset.[4] It is not to be lit prior to sunset, nor after the conclusion of sunset.[5] Some […]

Where should the Menorah be lit

To purchase this Sefer, click here Where in the home/property should the Menorah be lit? A. Inside the house versus outside the house-The letter of the law:[1] The candles are to be lit outside the front door of one’s house, which opens towards the public.[2] [This only applies if there […]

How many candles to be lit

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here How many candles are to be lit?[1]  [From the letter of the law, it suffices to light one candle every night.[2] However, in order to fulfill the Mitzvah of Mehadrin we add a candle each night, as follows:] On […]

Appointing an emissary to light

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Appointing an emissary to light the candles on one’s behalf:[1] One may appoint an emissary to light the Chanukah candles on his behalf. One may even appoint a person who has already lit the candles and fulfilled his obligation, […]

Lighting when one is away from home

To purchase this Sefer, click here Lighting when one is away from home [i.e. Guests; Bochurim; Travelers]:[1] The following question arise to guests and all those who are away from home: Is he or she obligated to light candles? Is one Yotzei with their families lighting at home, or with […]

Who is obligated to light

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Who is obligated to light the Chanukah candles:[1] A. The people obligated: Every homeowner, or head of household, is obligated to light Chanukah candles in their home.[2] This law applies both for men and women, as explained in C. […]

Working while candles are lit

To purchase this Sefer, click here Doing work while the candles are lit:[1] Work is permitted throughout the eight days of Chanukah. However, it is the custom for women not to do any work while the candles are lit [for the first half hour[2]].[3] Women may not be lenient in […]

Eating and doing Melacha before

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here   Eating and doing Melacha before candle lighting:[1] When the time of lighting Chanukah candles arrives [each in accordance to their custom[2]] it remains forbidden to eat a meal, do work, or even learn Torah, until the candles are […]

Chanukah Customs

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Chanukah customs Simcha: It is a Mitzvah to rejoice on Chanukah.[1] One is not to show any sadness on Chanukah and is rather to express joy over the miracle that Hashem performed for us. The joy which one must […]

Festive meals on Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Festive meals on Chanukah:[1] There is a dispute amongst Poskim regarding the form of celebration the Sages established to be performed on Chanukah. Some Poskim[2] rule the rejoicing was established to be performed only in a spiritual nature; to […]

Visiting a Cemetery

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here May one visit a cemetery during Chanukah?[1] One is not to visit a cemetery during Chanukah. This applies even if one desires to visit the grave of a relative at the conclusion of Shiva, Shloshim or a Yartzite.[2] Rather, […]

Segulos on Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Segulos applicable during Chanukah Having children:[1]  The days of Chanukah are an auspicious time for barren women to conceive and have children.   Gates of Teshuvah are still open:[2] Until the end of Chanukah, there is an extended hand […]

Chanukah Midrash-Chapter 2: Classical Q&A

Buy Now WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email Classic Q&A 1. What does the festival of Chanukah commemorate?[1] Chanukah commemorates the miracles that occurred during the reign of the Greek-Syrian Empire [The Seleucid Empire] in times of the second Temple. They made decrees against Jews, preventing them from following Torah and Mitzvos. […]

The Date of Chanukah

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here The date:[1] On the twenty fifth day of Kislev begins the festival of the eight days of Chanukah. What it commemorates:[2]  Chanukah commemorates the miracles that occurred during the reign of the Greek-Syrian Empire [The Seleucid Empire] in times of […]

Driving on Chol Hamoed

Car/Driving on Chol Hamoed:[1] It is permitted to drive on Chol Hamoed whether it is for the need of the Moed or simply for the sake of a trip or outing.[2] [If however it is not for the need of the Moed and is not for the sake of a […]

The Meals of Chol Hamoed

The meals of Chol Hamoed: A. How many meals is one to have per day? One is not obligated to eat any specific amount of meals on Chol Hamoed, so long as he does not fast.[1] Nevertheless initially it is a Mitzvah for one to have a meal with bread […]

Prohibition of Melacha

Is the prohibition of Melacha on Chol Hamoed Biblical or Rabbinical? It is disputed amongst Poskim whether the prohibition of doing Melacha on Chol Hamoed is of Biblical or Rabbinical origin. Some Poskim[1] rule it is Biblically forbidden. Other Poskim[2] rule it is Rabbinically forbidden. Practically, Admur rules it is […]

What to do with the food

What does one do with the Eruv Tavshilin food?[1] The bread and food used for the Eruv Tavshilin must be put away in a secure area in order so it will not get eaten or destroyed prior to the completion of the Shabbos preparations on Friday. From the letter of […]

If one forgot to do so

  If one forgot to perform Eruv Tavshilin: If one forgot to perform Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Yom Tov and it is already after nightfall [Tzeis Hakochavim] then by a regular Yom Tov that falls on Thursday-Friday one may still do so through making a Tnaiy. However on Rosh Hashanah […]

How is it done

How is it done? The foods:[1] The owner of the house takes a [whole[2]] loaf/role of bread/Matzah the size of a Kibeiytza[3] [which is to later be used on Shabbos[4] for the meal[5]] and a Kezayis[6] of a cooked[7] piece of meat or other food[8] which one eats together with […]

When is it performed

  A. Doing Eruv Tavshilin when the Yom Tov falls on Erev Shabbos: Whenever Yom Tov falls on Erev Shabbos one must do Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Yom Tov in order to be allowed to cook on Friday for Shabbos. Cooking on the first day of Yom Tov for Shabbos:[2] […]

Eating on Erev Yom Tov

Eating on Erev Yom Tov:[1] The general rule: It is a Mitzvah[2] to refrain from beginning a meal past the 10th hour of Erev Yom Tov, just as is the law regarding Erev Shabbos. This is in order so one be able to eat the Yom Tov meal with an […]

Singing and dancing

To purchase this Sefer, click here Singing and dancing by Kiddush Levana?[1] It is customary to dance and rejoice when the new month is sanctified[2] just as one would rejoice by a wedding. The reason for this is because the new moon symbolizes the future redemption, as explained above in […]

Nussach of Kiddush Levana

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The Nusach:[1] The following is an explanation of the Nussach that we recite in the Siddur. Hallelukah:[2] The Shlah records a tradition to recite the Psalm Hallelukah Halilu Keil Bekadsho. Siman Tov:[3] One recites “Siman Tov Tihyeh Lechol Yisrael, Baruch […]

How to say Kiddush Levana

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com   How to say Kiddush Levana:[1] A. Saying Kiddush Levana in a Siddur:[2] Kiddush Levana is to be recited within a Siddur. One is not to say it from memory.[3]   Q&A What is one to do if he does […]

Saying Kiddush Levana with a minyan

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Saying Kiddush Levana with a Minyan: It is permitted to say Kiddush Levana in private.[1] Nevertheless initially one is to strive to say it together with a Minyan, as the King is more beautified when his commands are performed in […]

Saying Kiddish Levana in nice clothing

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Saying Kiddush Levana with nice clothing:[1] When saying Kiddush Levana during the weeknights one is to [change his cloths and] wear elegant clothing. [However it is no longer the custom to be particular to change clothing when saying Kiddush Levana […]

The Mitzvah and greatness of Kiddush Levana

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The Mitzvah:[1] [Every month] upon seeing the new moon [at night[2]] one is to recite the blessing of “Asher Bemamaro Bara Shechakim”. [It is an obligation every month for one to see the moon in order to say this blessing […]

Practical checklist of Kiddush Levana

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The details of each Halacha listed in this summary is explained below in its proper section. Look there for further details. Every month on Motzei Shabbos between the seventh and 15th night from the Molad one recites Kiddush Levana with […]

Hallel on Rosh Chodesh

To purchase this Sefer, click here Hallel:[1] A. The obligation: On Rosh Chodesh one recites the abridged Hallel [i.e. half Hallel].[2] This applies for both a congregation and a person who is praying in private.[3] The paragraphs of Lo Lanu and Ahavti are skipped.[4]   Q&A Are women obligated to […]

Yaleh Veyavo in Shemoneh Esrei on Rosh Chodesh

To purchase this Sefer, click here Ya’aleh Veyavo in Shemoneh Esrei:[1] A. The general laws: On Rosh Chodesh one adds the paragraph of Ya’aleh Viyavo within Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv, Shacharis and Mincha. It is recited after Ritzei [prior to Visechezena].[2] Nedava prayer:[3] If one is Davening a Nedava on […]

Saying Parshas Rosh Chodesh in Karbanos

To purchase this Sefer, click here Saying Parshas Rosh Chodesh in Karbanos:[1] It is customary of Ashkenazi Jewry to recite the Parsha of Uviroshei Chodsheichem in Shacharis after the Parsha of the Tamid.[2] This custom is not followed by Sephardic Jewry.[3] [It is not recited according to Chabad custom.[4]] ___________________________________ […]

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh

To purchase this Sefer, click here Shabbos Rosh Chodesh:[1] A. The prayer: Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv-Shacharis-Mincha: When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos one Davens the regular Shabbos Shemoneh Esrei, which contains seven blessings, for Maariv, Shacharis and Mincha, adding Ya’aleh Veyavo in the blessing of Avoda.[2] The regular dialect of […]

Birchas Hamazon on Rosh Chodesh

 To purchase this Sefer, click here Birchas Hamazon:[1] A. Ya’aleh Veyavo: On Rosh Chodesh one recites Ya’aleh Veyavo within Birchas Hamazon.[2] Where to recite it:[3] It is recited within the blessing of Boneh Yerushalayim.[4] If one recited Ya’aleh Veyavo in the blessing of Birchas Haaretz he does not fulfill his […]

Miscellaneous Customs of Rosh Chodesh

Miscellaneous Customs Maos Rosh Chodesh:[1] It used to be accustomed for children to bring money to their Melamdim on Rosh Chodesh. This money is not included in the annual budget allocated on Rosh Hashanah.[2] Some[3] explain this money to refer to the tuition payment for the teacher, while others[4] write […]

Festive meal on Rosh Chodesh

Having a festive meal on Rosh Chodesh:[1] It is a Mitzvah [for both men and women[2]] to increase in foods during the [day[3]] meal eaten on Rosh Chodesh.[4] This can be fulfilled by making an extra dish to eat for the meal.[5] [However some Poskim[6] rule one is to have […]

Cutting hair and nails on Rosh Chodesh

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. * This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Hilchos Rosh Chodesh Learning Course + Semicha Cutting hair and nails on Rosh Chodesh:[1] One may[2] not cut […]

Yom Kippur Katan

Erev Rosh Chodesh-Yom Kippur Katan:[1] A. The name:[2] The day of Erev Rosh Chodesh is customarily called Yom Kippur Katan.[3]  It carries with it various customs such as fasting, Selichos, Teshuvah, and other Minhagim. B. Fasting and saying Selichos: Fasting: Some pious Jews have the custom to fast on Erev […]

Shabbos Mivarchim

Shabbos Mevarchim Hachodesh: A. Blessing the new month:[1] [It is a vintage custom of previous generations[2] that] on the Shabbos prior to Rosh Chodesh we bless the new month [that it should be a month filled with good tidings for the Jewish people[3]].[4] [The blessing takes place after the reading […]

Yom Kippur in times of Moshiach

  Will we celebrate Yom Kippur in the future when Moshiach comes? The celebration of Yom Kippur will continue even after the coming of Moshiach.[1] We will also fast on this day just as was done prior to Moshiach’s coming.[2] The purpose of this fast will be to atone for […]

Purchasing Life insurance

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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