Tzitzis on Shabbos

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Wearing Tzitzis on Shabbos: [1] On Shabbos, it is Biblically permitted to wear a four cornered garment without Tzitzis.[2] However Rabbinically, it is forbidden to do so.[3] [Furthermore, one who wears a four cornered garment with Tzitzis fulfills […]

Tzitzis at night

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Tzitzis at night:[1] A. The Obligation: The Mitzvah of Tzitzis does not apply at night, to night garments.[2] The definition of “night garments” is disputed amongst the Poskim, as explained next: Definition of night-night garment versus nighttime?[3] […]

Holding the Tzitzis during Davening

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Holding the Tzitzis during Davening: [1] See end of this Halacha for a summary of the practical Chabad custom! A. Holding the Tzitzis by Baruch Sheamar:[2] One is to hold the two front Tzitzis of his Tallis […]

Wearing during Davening

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com Davening-Must one wear Tzitzis during Davening? [1] Even one who is unable to wear Tzitzis the entire day is at the very least to be careful to wear Tzitzis during Shema and Shemoneh Esrei.[2] [This applies to […]

The Kavanos

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com The Kavanos-What should one have in mind when performing the Mitzvah of Tzitzis? [1] When placing on the Tallis one is to have in mind that G-d commanded us to wear the Tallis in order to remember all […]

The punishment

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com The Punishment [1] The punishment for one who nullifies the Mitzvah of Tzitzis is very great.[2] On such a person the verse[3] states “I will hold onto the corners of the earth [and shake the Reshaim off from […]

The reward

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com The reward: [1] Whoever is careful in the Mitzvah of Tzitzis merits seeing the face of the Shechina.[2]   Other rewards and Segulos mentioned in Sefarim: Whoever is careful in the Mitzvah of Tzitzis merits [in the future] […]

The purpose of the Mitzvah

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer     Buy now on Amazon.com The purpose of the Mitzvah: The purpose of the Mitzvah of Tzitzis is stated explicitly in the verse [1] “And you will see it and remember all the Mitzvos of Hashem, and you will do them, and […]

Introduction to the Laws of Tzitzis

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com Introduction to Hilchos Tzitzis The wearing of Tzitzis is one of the most significant Mitzvos fulfilled by a Jew. It is one of the signs that differentiate a Jew from a Gentile, and serves as a reminder of […]

Eating before Alos Hashachar

Eating prior to Alos:[1] It is forbidden to begin a meal starting from 30 minutes prior to Alos [however, snacking is allowed]. [Nevertheless, some Poskim[2] rule it is a grave prohibition according to Kabala to eat, prior to dawn, after awakening, throughout the entire year. This prohibition applies starting from […]

Concentration

To purchase this Sefer, click here Concentration Lack of concentration possibly invalidates the blessing: [1] If one does not understand the words of a blessing or thinks of other matters while reciting it, according to some opinions it is considered as if he did not recite the blessing at all […]

The Meaning of Asher Yatzar

To purchase this Sefer, click here The Meaning of Asher Yatzar [1]   The dialect of the blessing of Asher Yatzar is recorded in Tractate Brachos 60b. The Rishonim discuss the meaning behind different words stated in this blessing. There exist a number of variations of dialects of the blessing. The […]

The laws of Asher Yatzar

To Purchase this Sefer Click here The blessing of Asher Yatzar:[1] Whenever one relieves himself throughout the day, whether he urinates or has a bowel movement, he recites the blessing of Asher Yatzar afterwards.[2]   A. How much urine or excrement must one expel to be obligated in saying Asher Yatzar?[3] There […]

Hearing Birchas Hatorah from another

May one fulfill his obligation through hearing Birchas Hatorah said by another person? Yes.[1] However there are Poskim[2] that learn in Admur that one does not fulfill his obligation unless it is said with a Minyan. One may fulfill his obligation of Birchas Hatorah through hearing the blessings said by […]

Can one say Birchas Hatorah after davening

May one recite Birchas Hatorah after Shacharis?[1] Example-If one has already prayed Shacharis and then recalled that he forgot to say Birchas Hatorah, should it still be recited? Initially one is to recite Birchas Hatorah prior to Davening, if he does not plan to learn Torah immediately after Davening.[2] If […]

An uneducated Jew saying Birchas Hatorah

Is an uneducated Jew to recite Birchas Hatorah even if he is unable to understand the words of Torah?[1] Every Jew, including an uneducated Jew, is to recite Birchas Hatorah in the morning and then recite the verses of “Yivarechicha”.[2] [1] Hilchos Talmud Torah 2/12; See also Ashel Butchach Avraham […]

Women saying Birchas Hatorah

Are women obligated to recite Birchas Hatorah?[1] Women are obligated[2] to recite Birchas Hatorah.[3] [1] 47/10; Michaber 47/14 in name of Igur; M”A 47/14; See Biur Halacha 47/14 “Nashim”; Likutei Sichos 14 p.48 [2] Is this an obligation or a voluntary matter? The Levush 47/14 writes that women are obligated […]

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 […]