The meaning of the blessing “Magen Avraham” in Shemoneh Esrei:[1] Since Avraham is Chesed, he needs a Magen/protector. From Avrahams Chesed everyone is good and holy and is given to live, even Kelipos. That is why Yishmael came from him. However this cannot be allowed, as then Kelipa will live […]
If one is flying on a fast day when is he to break his fast?
If one is flying on a fast day and is extending or hastening the sunset, when is he to break his fast? He is to break his fast as soon as Tzeis Hakochavim arrives in the area that he is currently in. Thus, if he flew from the U.S. to […]
When were the Jewish people commanded the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents?
When were the Jewish people commanded the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents?[1] The Jewish people were commanded the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents when they encamped in Marah and were given several commands.[2] [This occurred several weeks prior to Matan Torah, as they encamped in Marah after traveling for three […]
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Mamrim, Chapter 5: Cursing and hitting one’s parent
Chapter 5: Cursing and hitting one’s parent Halacha 1: Cursing and hitting one’s parent Cursing parent: One who curses his father or mother is liable for Sekila [i.e. death by stoning]. After death: This liability for Sekila for cursing one’s parent applies even after the death of the parents. […]
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Mamrim, Chapter 6: Honoring and fearing one’s parents
Chapter 6: Honoring and fearing one’s parents Halacha 1: Its greatness Great positive command: Honoring and fearing one’s father and mother is a great positive command in the Torah. Weighed equal to the Mitzvah to honor and fear God: This command to honor and fear one’s parents is weighed […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Zayin Shelimim-May Kiddush Levana be said before seven full days from the Molad
Question: [Motzei Shabbos 7th Elul 5781] This Motzei Shabbos is already six days past the Molad, but has yet to reach seven days past the Molad. Now, I know that in general we are careful to wait until the 7th to recite Kiddush Levana, although my question is whether one […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Reciting Tachanun on Gimel Tammuz; 2) Visiting Kever at night; 3) Bringing children to a cemetery
Question: [Sunday, 3rd Tammuz, 5781] Should one recite Tachanun on the day of Gimmel Tamuz? Answer: Those who feel an abundance of joy on this day in commemoration of the release of the previous Rebbe from a decree of “opposite of life,” may omit the saying of Tachanun, as is […]
Aleinu Leshabeiach
3. Aleinu Leshabeiach: A. The origin of the prayer:[1] The paragraph of Aleinu:[2] The first paragraph of the prayer of Aleinu was instituted by Yehoshua Ben Nun. It was instituted by him during the conquer of the city of Yericho. Yehoshua left a hint of his name within the prayer, […]
May the straps of the arm Tefillin touch each other?
May the straps of the Tefillin that are wrapped around the arm touch each other or overlap? Touching on sides: The wrapping of the Tefillin straps around the forearm [between the bicep/upper arm, and the wrist] is done due to custom, and not due to a Halachic requirement.[1] Accordingly, there […]
The judgment of the soul after death-Chibut Hakever:
The judgment of the soul-Chibut Hakever: The soul of the deceased is judged throughout the Shiva, Shloshim, and 12 months after passing as explained above in 2B. Likewise, each year on the day of the Yahrzeit, the soul goes through a judgment.[1] Chibut Hakever:[2] Chibut Hakever is a punishment, or […]