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 […]

Crack in Tefillin

If the Tefillin is cracked at its bottom, as is common to occur between the lower and higher Titurah which have been sewed, is it Kosher?[1] Yes, so long as the stitches have not been torn and the Tefillin maintain their square shape the Tefillin remain Kosher.   [1] Zichron […]

Smoking in Tefillin

  May one smoke cigarettes while wearing Tefillin?[1] One is to avoid smoking cigarettes while wearing Tefillin in public due to it being belittling to the Tefillin. In private however one may be lenient. As well if one feels he needs to smoke in order to clear his mind for […]

Eating in Tefillin

May one eat, drink, and say Lechaim, while wearing Tefillin?[1] A meal: One who enters [while wearing Tefillin] to eat a set meal [i.e. bread] is required to remove his Tefillin.[2] He is to leave them on the table so they are available to him after the meal is complete, […]

Tefillin on Chol Hamoed

Chol Hamoed:[1] The dispute: It is disputed amongst the Rishonim and Poskim as to whether one is to put on Tefillin on Chol Hamoed. Some Poskim[2] rule that Chol Hamoed is not a time of Tefillin [similar to Shabbos and Yom Tov, and it is hence forbidden to wear Tefillin […]

Tefillin on Shabbos and Yom Tov

Shabbos and Yom Tov:[1] Shabbos and Yom Tov are not a time for Tefillin and one is thus not required to wear Tefillin on Shabbos or Yom Tov.[2] Furthermore, it is even forbidden to wear Tefillin one these days for the sake of the Mitzvah. One who dons Tefillin on […]

Tefillin after early Maariv

If one Davened Maariv early may he still put on Tefillin?[1] One who forgot and did not put on Tefillin throughout the day and only remembered after Davening an early daytime Maariv [i.e. past Plag Hamincha but before night], it is disputed as to whether he is still allowed to […]

Tefillin past sunset

  Until when during the day may one put on Tefillin?[1] One is not to don Tefillin after Shekiah/sunset.[2] [See Q&A!]   Q&A If one did not put on Tefillin the entire day, may he do so after sunset, before Tzeis Hakochavim? Yes.[3] However one is to put the Tefillin […]

Tefillin at night

Tefillin at Night:[1] Biblically one is obligated to wear Tefillin also at night.[2] However the Sages prohibited one to wear Tefillin at night.[3]   Q&A If one did not put on Tefillin the entire day, may he do so at night?[4] No.[5] If one cannot wear Tefillin during the day […]

Speaking between Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam

  May one speak before wearing Tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam after Davening? It is permitted to speak prior to wearing Tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam after Davening.[1] Nevertheless, some Poskim[2] write it is best to avoid speaking prior to wearing Tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam.[3] Some Chassidim are stringent to follow this […]

How often is one to wear Tefillin?

How often is one to wear Tefillin?[1] The Mitzvah of Tefillin is for one to wear the Tefillin throughout the entire day.[2] [See Q&A regarding if this is a Biblical obligation] The custom however [in today’s times] is not to wear it the entire day.[3] Rather, the Tefillin is worn […]

The Mitzvah of wearing Tefillin

The Mitzvah of wearing Tefillin: It is a positive command in the Torah to wear Tefillin. It incorporates two positive commands, one to wear the head Tefillin and the second to wear the hand Tefillin.[1] This command is repeated in the Torah 4 different times, and hence one who does […]

Selling Tzitzis to a Gentile

This Halacha is an excerpt from our SeferBuy me on Amazon.com Selling Tzitzis to a Gentile: [1] One may not sell a Tallis with Tzitzis to a gentile, even if the gentile is a merchant, as doing so may lead to murder.[2] Likewise, one may not give a gentile a Tallis with Tzitzis […]

Sending Tzitzis string thru a gentile

This Halacha is an excerpt from our SeferBuy me on Amazon.com Sending Tzitzis strings thru a Gentile: [1] One who sends Kosher Tzitzis strings to a friend through a gentile messenger is required to place two signs on the strings, as explained in Yoreh Deah 11 [regarding the laws of Kosher food].[2] […]

Kashrus status of purchased Tzitzis

This Halacha is an excerpt from our SeferBuy me on Amazon.com The Kashrus status of purchased Tzitzis: Purchasing from a Jew:[1] One who purchases a pair of Tzitzis from a Jew can assume that the Tzitzis is Kosher [without doing any further inquiry].[2] [Nevertheless, in today’s times one can no longer rely […]

Discovered Tallis is Pasul

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com What to do if one discovered his Tallis is Pasul: [1] If one discovered his Tallis in invalid, and he is in an area that there is no embarrassment involved in removing his Tallis, such as he […]

Tying strings together

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Tying strings together so they meet the minimum required measurement? [1] Prior to tying the string to the corner:[2] Prior to tying the Tzitzis strings to the corner, it is valid to tie the ends of two […]

Strings that unraveled

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Strings that unraveled: [1] If any of the eight strings unraveled from its spinning after it was tied to the garment[2], the unraveled area is considered cut off from the Tzitzis and it hence does not enter into […]

Strings that tore

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Check out our Tzitzis course! String tore from the Tzitzis:[1] Although it was already explained that at the time that the Tzitzis is tied to the corner each of the eight strings must have a minimum length of 12 Gudlin, […]

The Tzitzis braid

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com The Tzitzis braid: [1] In the previous Halachos, the laws dealing with the people that are valid to make the Tzitzis braid, and that the Tzitzis braid must be made Leshmah, were dealt with. In this Halacha the […]