Question: [Wednesday 13th Elul, 5780] What is a Zabla? I hear this term used all the time Answer: A Zabla stands for the words “Zeh Borer Lo Echad/Each one chooses one.” A Zabla is an alternative to a set Beis Din, if for whatever reason the sides are unable […]
Onas Devarim-Hurting another with words-The law and severity
Onas Devarim-Hurting another with words:[1] The law:[2] Just as there is a [Biblical] prohibition against oppressing another in business [by cheating him] so too there is a [Biblical] prohibition against oppressing [i.e. insulting, offending, etc] someone with words.[3] [This prohibition is listed as part of the 365 negative commands.[4] The […]
Onas Devarim-Hurting another with words-The law and severity
Onas Devarim-Hurting another with words:[1] The law:[2] Just as there is a [Biblical] prohibition against oppressing another in business [by cheating him] so too there is a [Biblical] prohibition against oppressing [i.e. insulting, offending, etc] someone with words.[3] [This prohibition is listed as part of the 365 negative commands.[4] The […]
אני מאורסת/Ani Meureset! The issue with using the term Eirusin for an engagement
May a Chasan, Kallah, and their acquaintances, use the term Eirusin in reference to their engagement? [i.e. אני מאורסת/Ani Meureset; Seudat Eirusin; Mesibat Eirusin, etc] Background: In the original Talmudic and Halachic definition, the term Eirusin, or Meureses, refers to a Halachic stage of actual marriage, in which the wife […]
אני מאורסת/Ani Meureset! The issue with using the term Eirusin for an engagement
May a Chasan, Kallah, and their acquaintances, use the term Eirusin in reference to their engagement? [i.e. אני מאורסת/Ani Meureset; Seudat Eirusin; Mesibat Eirusin, etc] Background: In the original Talmudic and Halachic definition, the term Eirusin, or Meureses, refers to a Halachic stage of actual marriage, in which the wife […]
Where is the Sukkah to be built
5. Where is the Sukkah to be built A. May one build a Sukkah in someone else’s property without permission?[1] Initially, one may not build a Sukkah in someone else’s property without their permission.[2] [This applies even if the person will not be present there throughout Sukkas.[3] Thus, if a […]
Eating with bleeding gums
Human blood:[1] Human blood is not Biblically forbidden in consumption due to the blood prohibition.[2] Nevertheless, it is [Rabbinically] forbidden to drink visible human blood which has separated from a human body due to Maaras Ayin. Blood on food after biting:[3] Due to the above, if one bit a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Davening for petty things 2) Visitors keeping one day of Yom Tov in Eretz Yisrael
Question: [Wednesday 6th Elul, 5780] Rabbi Goldstein Should someone avoid davening for something petty (like their son winning a ball game), so as not to “diminish zechusim”? Answer: B”H There is a Mitzvah Min Hatorah to Daven to Hashem for things that you want. This itself can serve […]
Hearing a Zoom Shofar blowing
Does one fulfill the custom of hearing Shofar in Elul through hearing a live blowing taking place via Zoom and the like? Background: One is obligated to hear the original Shofar sound in order to fulfill his Mitzvah on Rosh Hashanah, and it does not suffice to hear an echoed […]
Hearing a Zoom Shofar blowing
Does one fulfill the custom of hearing Shofar in Elul through hearing a live blowing taking place via Zoom and the like? Background: One is obligated to hear the original Shofar sound in order to fulfill his Mitzvah on Rosh Hashanah, and it does not suffice to hear an echoed […]
