Question: [Sunday, 29th Nissan, 5781] If I don’t change my Tzitzis in the morning am I still obligated to check them daily? I currently have only one pair which I don’t change or take off and sleep with at night, and therefore my question. Answer: One is obligated to check […]
Covering the head with the Tallis Gadol during Davening
Covering the head with the Tallis Gadol during Davening: The letter of the law:[1] It is disputed whether one must also cover his head and perform the Yishmaeili wrap with the Tallis, in addition to covering the body. Some Poskim[2] rule that the Tallis must be large enough for one […]
Covering the head with the Tallis Gadol during Davening
Covering the head with the Tallis Gadol during Davening: The letter of the law:[1] It is disputed whether one must also cover his head and perform the Yishmaeili wrap with the Tallis, in addition to covering the body. Some Poskim[2] rule that the Tallis must be large enough for one […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Folding a page of a Sefer on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 19th Nissan, 5781] May I make a mark on the page of a book on Shabbos in order to remember the page for editorial or other type of purposes? Is this considered like writing? Is this considered like preparing for after Shabbos? Answer: It is forbidden to make […]
Shlissel Challah/Pirkei Avos
Shlissel Challah-Kneading a key into Challah the first Shabbos after Pesach: A. The custom: Many are accustomed to braid the Challah in the shape of a key[1] on the first Shabbos after Pesach.[2] Others knead a key within the Challah dough on the first Shabbos after Pesach. Some[3] record that […]
Is the Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer Biblical or Rabbinical?
Is the Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] Temple times: It is a positive command of the Torah for every single Jew[2] to count seven weeks’ worth of days beginning from when the Omer was offered. In the Diaspora:[3] The Mitzvah of counting the Omer Biblically applies in both […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Blessing on essential oils
Question: [Wednesday, 25th Nissan, 5781] I often smell essential oils, such as Levona, and would like to know if a blessing of Minei Besamim should be said prior to smelling them? Answer: Yes. Natural 100% essential oils that have a good scent are to be blessed upon prior to being […]
Is the Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer Biblical or Rabbinical?
Is the Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] Temple times: It is a positive command of the Torah for every single Jew[2] to count seven weeks’ worth of days beginning from when the Omer was offered. In the Diaspora:[3] The Mitzvah of counting the Omer Biblically applies in both […]
Drinking Mashkeh of non-frum people after Pesach
Drinking Mashkeh of non-frum people after Pesach: Example: After Pesach, one was offered a beer by a non-religious friend or relative. May one drink it? A. Introduction: Chametz that was owned by a Jew during Pesach:[1] Complete[2] Chametz that was owned by a Jew[3] over Pesach, or that a […]
Drinking Mashkeh of non-frum people after Pesach
Drinking Mashkeh of non-frum people after Pesach: Example: After Pesach, one was offered a beer by a non-religious friend or relative. May one drink it? A. Introduction: Chametz that was owned by a Jew during Pesach:[1] Complete[2] Chametz that was owned by a Jew[3] over Pesach, or that a […]
