Question: [Tuesday 15th Tamuz 5780] What is the Alter Rebbe’s Eiruv? What does this mean? Answer: I believe there is some common misconception about this term and idea, which causes some people to be “Machmir” not to use Eiruvin because of a mistaken concept that only Chabad Eiruv’s follow […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Repeating blessing over food when going back and forth to Sukkah
Q&A relating to Sukkos Question: [Sunday 20th Tishrei 5781] I would like to know what I am to do when I temporarily leave my sukkah in middle of eating and then come back, if I’m required to repeat the before blessing over the food? For example, if I’m drinking a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Chewing gum outside sukkah
Chewing gum outside Sukkah Question: [Sunday 20th Tishrei 5781] In general, I am careful not to eat or drink anything outside of the sukkah. May I chew gum outside sukkah? Answer: One who is stringent to eat and drink everything in the sukkah is to begin chewing the gum […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Putting down Esrog between sets of shakes in Ana
Putting down Esrog between sets of shakes in Ana Question: [Sunday 20th Tishrei 5781] I see certain people putting down the Esrog between the two shakes of Ana Hashem Hoshia Nah in Hallel. Is there a reason behind this custom? Answer: I am not aware of any source behind […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Repeating blessing over food when going back and forth to Sukkah; 2) Chewing gum outside sukkah; 3) Putting down Esrog between sets of shakes in Ana
Q&A relating to Sukkos Question: [Sunday 20th Tishrei 5781] I would like to know what I am to do when I temporarily leave my sukkah in middle of eating and then come back, if I’m required to repeat the before blessing over the food? For example, if I’m drinking a […]
The laws & Customs of Hoshana Rabbah-Summary
Hoshana Rabbah A. The meaning of Hoshana Rabbah: During Sukkos we are judged regarding water [i.e. rain]. On Hoshana Rabbah, the judgment of the water is sealed. This is of significant importance to human life as human life is dependent on water. The Hoshana Rabbah greetings: Some are accustomed to […]
1) Mourner holding Sefer Torah by Hoshanos; 2) Entering garbage can into Sukkah
Question: [Wednesday, 17th Tishreiy, 5781] Should a mourner who does not perform the Hakafos of Hoshanos hold the Sefer Torah, or should not participate at all? Answer: This matter requires further analysis, as on the one hand we usually hand the Torah scroll to an individual who is not encircling […]
Shabbos Chol Hamoed; Cutting nails Erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed
Shabbos Chol Hamoed: Read Haftorah of Shabbos Chol Hamoed on Erev Shabbos:[1] On Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos and Pesach one is to read to himself both the Haftorah of the Parsha of the coming week and the Haftorah which is read that Shabbos. Hodu before Mincha of Erev Shabbos:[2] Hodu […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Washing stockings on Chol Hamoed 2) Noticed a tiny Hole in Esrog; 3) Did not leave a Tefach of spine of Lulav above Hadasim
Question: [Wednesday, 17th Tishrei, 5781] May I wash my Yom Tov/Shabbos stockings during Chol Hamoed if I only own a few pairs and I change them daily? Answer: Yes. Explanation: It is permitted to launder on Chol Hamoed those clothing that are changed on a daily basis such as […]
Laws & Customs of Chol Hamoed-Summary-Part 3
Chapter 1: Melacha on Chol Hamoed The purpose of Chol Hamoed: Torah learning: The entire purpose of Chol Hamoed is for the sake of the Jewish people dedicating themselves towards Torah learning. Throughout the year we are involved in mundane work in efforts to sustain our family and contribute to […]