Using a pot that has not been used for 30 days:[1] One should not eat food that was cooked in a pot that had not been used for cooking for 30 days.[2] However, the world is not careful in this matter.[3] [Practically, the danger is only applicable if one did […]
Using a pot that has not been used for 30 days
Using a pot that has not been used for 30 days:[1] One should not eat food that was cooked in a pot that had not been used for cooking for 30 days.[2] However, the world is not careful in this matter.[3] [Practically, the danger is only applicable if one did […]
Yayin Nesech-The status of wine that a gentile or non-Frum Jew looked at?
Yayin Nesech-The status of wine that a gentile or non-Frum Jew looked at?[1] A. Halacha-Letter of the law:[2] From the letter of the law, wine can only become potentially forbidden due to contact with a Gentile [i.e. Yayin Nesech or Stam Yayin] if the Gentile comes into physical contact with […]
Yayin Nesech-The status of wine that a gentile or non-Frum Jew looked at?
Yayin Nesech-The status of wine that a gentile or non-Frum Jew looked at?[1] A. Halacha-Letter of the law:[2] From the letter of the law, wine can only become potentially forbidden due to contact with a Gentile [i.e. Yayin Nesech or Stam Yayin] if the Gentile comes into physical contact with […]
Celebrating the day of one’s Bris
* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Question: [Monday, 20th MarCheshvan, 5783] Someone invited me to his home […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Celebrating the day of one’s Bris
Question: [Monday, 20th MarCheshvan, 5783] Someone invited me to his home to celebrate his Bris. At first I laughed at him and thought he was joking as he had a Bris decades ago, but he said that he was serious and that he has a family custom to celebrate each […]
Halachic rulings and customs of the Rebbe Rashab
Halachic rulings and customs of the Rebbe Rashab: The Rebbe Rashab was greatly G-d-fearing, and had many stringencies and Hiddurim which he kept in Jewish law, many of which have become classic Chabad custom and practice. The following is a partial list: A. Learning Halacha:[1] The Rebbe Rashab writes that […]
Halachic rulings and customs of the Rebbe Rashab
Halachic rulings and customs of the Rebbe Rashab: The Rebbe Rashab was greatly G-d-fearing, and had many stringencies and Hiddurim which he kept in Jewish law, many of which have become classic Chabad custom and practice. The following is a partial list: A. Learning Halacha:[1] The Rebbe Rashab writes that […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Blessing over bread croutons for soup and salad
Question: [Sunday, 19th Marcheshvan, 5783] Which blessing should be recited over bread croutons Mezonos or Hamotzi? Is there any difference whether I will be eating it in a salad or soup? Answer: All store bought bread croutons are Mezonos due to one of several reasons [1) either due to […]
12. Blessing over bread croutons for soup and salad
Bread croutons, soup almonds [i.e. Shikidei Marak]:[1] Background: There are several factors affect whether the blessing over bread croutons is Mezonos or Hamotzi, including: The ingredients: If the dough is very spicy, or sweet, or was made with majority fruit juice then it is defined as Pas Hab Bekisnin, which […]
Answering Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo-Background and details
Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo:[1] A. The Mitzvah:[2] Any time one hears [G-d’s name mentioned in] any blessing the custom is to recite Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo.[3] This is a [mere] custom and was not instituted by the Sages.[4] [The saying of Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo has sublime mystical meaning.[5]] Q&A […]
Answering Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo-Background and details
Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo:[1] A. The Mitzvah:[2] Any time one hears [G-d’s name mentioned in] any blessing the custom is to recite Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo.[3] This is a [mere] custom and was not instituted by the Sages.[4] [The saying of Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo has sublime mystical meaning.[5]] […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Maaseh Shabbos of Katan-Child turned on fan on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 9th Marcheshvan, 5783] My two year old child loves playing with the fan on Shabbos, turning it off and back on. There is no stopping her and she simply won’t listen to our protests. Is there any issue with us benefiting from the fan if she turned it […]
Maaseh Shabbos of Katan-Child turned on fan on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 9th Marcheshvan, 5783] My two year old child loves playing with the fan on Shabbos, turning it off and back on. There is no stopping her and she simply won’t listen to our protests. Is there any issue with us benefiting from the fan if she turned it […]
Leaving your website store open on Shabbos
May one leave a website store open over Shabbos? Some Poskim[1] rule one is not to allow his website business to remain open on Shabbos.[2] Others[3] rule it is permitted to leave one’s website open over Shabbos even if it performs sales of merchandise on Shabbos.[4] Nevertheless, if it is […]
The Blessing on Seitan
Question: [Wednesday, 15th MarCheshvan 5783] What bracha should be recited over the vegetarian meat substance known as Seitan, Sheakol or Mezonos? [Seitan is a mildly flavored, high-protein meat substitute made of wheat gluten.] Answer: Shehakol. Explanation: Gluten is the protein of the wheat and does not provide sustenance as does […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The Blessing on Seitan
Question: [Wednesday, 15th MarCheshvan 5783] What bracha should be recited over the vegetarian meat substance known as Seitan, Sheakol or Mezonos? [Seitan is a mildly flavored, high-protein meat substitute made of wheat gluten.] Answer: Shehakol. Explanation: Gluten is the protein of the wheat and does not provide sustenance as does […]
The greatness and obligation of answering Amen
The greatness and obligation of answering Amen:[1] It is an obligation to answer Amen towards the blessing said by a Jew.[2] This applies even if the person who hears the blessing is not obligated in this blessing at all. The meaning:[3] The word Amen is an acronym for the words […]
14. Must the blower and listeners be in the same area/building/room?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 14. Must the blower and listeners be in the same area/building/room?[1] One can be Yotzei Shofar even if he is not in the same area as the blower, so long as an echo is not sounded. Thus, a person […]
13. Blowing without a Minyan
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 13. Blowing without a Minyan: If one is blowing Shofar on Rosh Hashanah without a Minyan in order to fulfill the Mitzvah, he is to beware to delay the blowing of the Shofar until three hours have passed from […]
12. When may the Shofar be blown?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 12. When may the Shofar be blown: The Mitzvah to blow Shofar begins from sunrise of each day of Rosh Hashanah until nightfall [צאת הכוכבים]. If one blew before this time but after the beginning of dawn he does […]
11. Kavana
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 11. Kavana: It is important to remind those hearing Shofar to have in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah of Shofar, as Mitzvahs require Kavana. See Chapter 10 Halacha 5 for the full details of this subject! Bookmark
10. Who says the Bracha on Mivtzaim?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 10. Who says the Bracha on Mivtzaim? Blowing for other men: One who has already heard Shofar, or plans to fulfill the Mitzvah with a later blowing, should have the listener say the blessing. If, however the listener is […]
Source in Halacha for eating pizza Motzei Shabbos
Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] We often go out for pizza on Motzei Shabbos, as is the custom of many good Jews. Recently, while shmuzing with the pizza store owner about how Frum Jews are obsessed with pizza eating on Motzei Shabbos, he told us that this is a real […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Source in Halacha for eating pizza Motzei Shabbos
Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] We often go out for pizza on Motzei Shabbos, as is the custom of many good Jews. Recently, while shmuzing with the pizza store owner about how Frum Jews are obsessed with pizza eating on Motzei Shabbos, he told us that this is a real […]
Mayim Emtzaim-Washing the hands between eating fish and meat/chicken
Mayim Emtzaim-Washing the hands between eating fish and meat/chicken:[1] *This Halacha does not delve into the obligation of rinsing the mouth between eating fish and meat, which will be discussed in a further Halacha. A. Background of prohibition to eat fish with meat:[2] One must beware from eating meat and […]
Mayim Emtzaim-Washing the hands between eating fish and meat/chicken
Mayim Emtzaim-Washing the hands between eating fish and meat/chicken:[1] *This Halacha does not delve into the obligation of rinsing the mouth between eating fish and meat, which will be discussed in a further Halacha. A. Background of prohibition to eat fish with meat:[2] One must beware from eating meat and […]
7. When to take breaths
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 7. When to take breaths:[1] One must take a breath between each blow. Each individual blow must be done in one breath. The Shevarim- Teruah of Tashrat is to be done in one breath, although making a small break […]
8. Mistakes-Blew the wrong sound
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 8. Mistakes-Blew the wrong sound: Blew a Teruah instead of a Shevarim or vice versa: In all cases that one was supposed to blow a Teruah or Shevarim and instead he blew a Shevarim or Teruah [i.e. one blew […]
9. Restarting an off pitched sound-If one blew a Teruah or Shevarim and stopped in middle, such as due to that the sound was not going well, may he restart the Teruah or Shevarim without repeating the first Tekiah?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 9. Restarting an off pitched sound-If one blew a Teruah or Shevarim and stopped in middle, such as due to that the sound was not going well, may he restart the Teruah or Shevarim without repeating the first Tekiah? […]
4. How to hold the Shofar
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 4. How to hold the Shofar: The Shofar needs to be placed on one’s lips when he blows. If feasible, it is proper to blow the Shofar from the right side of one’s mouth. It is proper to position […]
5. How many sounds must one blow?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 5. How many sounds must one blow? Initially one is to blow 30 blows Tashrat 3x, Tarat 3x and Tashat 3x for each and every group of individuals.[1] If one is unable to do so then some Rabbanim permit […]
6. How long is each sound to be?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 6. How long is each sound to be? The Tekiah of Tashrat is to be at least 18 Terumatin[1] long. The Tekiah of Tashat and Tarat is to be at least nine Terumatin long. Each Shever is to be […]
3. Is the Shofar Kosher?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 3. Is the Shofar Kosher? One must verify that the Shofar is Halachicly valid. This means that: It must be purchased under a reliable Hashgacha to verify it comes from a valid animal. One must check that it does […]
2. Who to blow for
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 2. Who to blow for: One is to blow for men, women[1] and children who have reached the age of Chinuch [i.e. ages 6-7 and older].[2] Nevertheless, blowing for a man takes precedence over blowing for a woman. _____________________________________ […]
1. Who may blow?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 1. Who may blow? Men below 18: On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, a man cannot be Yotzei the blowing of Shofar with the blowing of another man unless that man is above age 18 or has grown […]
Can women make a Zimun if they are ten?
Question: [Monday, 13th MarCheshvan, 5783] If we are having an only lady’s meal on Shabbos, can we make as Zimun with 3/10 women? Answer: While from the letter of the law women may make a Zimun without Eloikeinu if they are ten or three women who ate together, practically, the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Can women make a Zimun if they are ten?
Question: [Monday, 13th MarCheshvan, 5783] If we are having an only lady’s meal on Shabbos, can we make as Zimun with 3/10 women? Answer: While from the letter of the law women may make a Zimun without Eloikeinu if they are ten or three women who ate together, practically, the […]
Age 40 in Halacha and Divrei Chazal
Age 40 in Halacha and Divrei Chazal: The age of 40 contains unique significance in both Halachic literature and Chazal, as we will list below. Ben Arbaim Lebina-Age of Binah-Understanding: At the age of 40 one reaches the age of understanding.[1] This means that he is now able to understand […]
Age 40 in Halacha and Divrei Chazal
Age 40 in Halacha and Divrei Chazal: The age of 40 contains unique significance in both Halachic literature and Chazal, as we will list below. Ben Arbaim Lebina-Age of Binah-Understanding: At the age of 40 one reaches the age of understanding.[1] This means that he is now able to understand […]
Husband wrote Get to wife out of anger
Question: [Sunday, 12th Marcheshvan, 5783] Years ago when we were newly married, my husband and I got into a major fight and out of sheer anger my husband wrote to me a Get in his personal handwriting on a piece of paper and gave it to me. It was not […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Husband wrote Get to wife out of anger
Question: [Sunday, 12th Marcheshvan, 5783] Years ago when we were newly married, my husband and I got into a major fight and out of sheer anger my husband wrote to me a Get in his personal handwriting on a piece of paper and gave it to me. It was not […]
Reading the Haftorah to oneself versus hearing it from the reader
Reading the Haftorah to oneself versus hearing it from the reader:[1] It is an obligation upon everyone to listen and pay attention to the Haftorah, just as they must listen to the reading of the Parsha by Kerias Hatorah.[2] Accordingly, two people may not read the Haftorah together, out loud, […]
Reading the Haftorah to oneself versus hearing it from the reader
Reading the Haftorah to oneself versus hearing it from the reader:[1] It is an obligation upon everyone to listen and pay attention to the Haftorah, just as they must listen to the reading of the Parsha by Kerias Hatorah.[2] Accordingly, two people may not read the Haftorah together, out loud, […]
Locking oneself in his/her room to prevent Yichud
Question: [Thursday, 9th Marcheshvan, 5783] My parents are going away, and are leaving me and my male cousin who lives by us to stay in the home. I know there is an issue of Yichud and would like to know if there is any way to make this work. We […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Locking oneself in his/her room to prevent Yichud
Question: [Thursday, 9th Marcheshvan, 5783] My parents are going away, and are leaving me and my male cousin who lives by us to stay in the home. I know there is an issue of Yichud and would like to know if there is any way to make this work. We […]
Husband preparing the candles and pre-burning the wicks before Shabbos
Husband preparing the candles and pre-burning the wicks before Shabbos:[1] Preparing the candles:[2] Although the wife receives precedence in the Mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles, nevertheless, it is proper for the husband to prepare the wicks and candles. [This is likewise the Chabad custom.[3] Thus, the husband is to set […]
Husband preparing the candles and pre-burning the wicks before Shabbos
Husband preparing the candles and pre-burning the wicks before Shabbos:[1] Preparing the candles:[2] Although the wife receives precedence in the Mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles, nevertheless, it is proper for the husband to prepare the wicks and candles. [This is likewise the Chabad custom.[3] Thus, the husband is to set […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May an Avel Daven for the Amud in the 13th month by a leap year
Question: [Tuesday, 8th MarCheshvan 5783] The first Yartzite of my mother is next month. My question is whether it is permitted for me to Daven for the Amud in the 13th month, being that she passed away in a leap year. I already finished the 12 months of mourning, and […]
May an Avel Daven for the Amud in the 13th month by a leap year
Question: [Tuesday, 8th MarCheshvan 5783] The first Yartzite of my mother is next month. My question is whether it is permitted for me to Daven for the Amud in the 13th month, being that she passed away in a leap year. I already finished the 12 months of mourning, and […]
Breakfast in Halacha
Breakfast:[1] A. Its importance: It is proper for one to accustom himself to eating Pas Shacharis [i.e. breakfast, a small morning meal with bread].[2] This is in addition to his main meal [i.e. lunch, or early lunch] which is eaten later on.[3] One who does not eat breakfast, and only […]
Breakfast in Halacha
Breakfast:[1] A. Its importance: It is proper for one to accustom himself to eating Pas Shacharis [i.e. breakfast, a small morning meal with bread].[2] This is in addition to his main meal [i.e. lunch, or early lunch] which is eaten later on.[3] One who does not eat breakfast, and only […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Does not remember when finished eating meat-waiting 6 hours
Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] I ate meat but am not sure exactly at what time I finished eating. It was either 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. What am I supposed to do about waiting six hours. Must I be stringent to wait until 10:00, or can I eat […]
Does not remember when finished eating meat-waiting 6 hours
Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] I ate meat but am not sure exactly at what time I finished eating. It was either 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. What am I supposed to do about waiting six hours. Must I be stringent to wait until 10:00, or can I eat […]
Taking three steps back when person behind is in middle of Shemoneh Esrei
Question: [Sunday, 6th MarCheshvan, 5783] I know that it is forbidden to take three steps back at the end of Shemoneh Esrei if someone in back of me is still in middle of Shemoneh Esrei and within your 4 Amos. However, I heard that this only applies if the person […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Taking three steps back when person behind is in middle of Shemoneh Esrei
Question: [Sunday, 6th MarCheshvan, 5783] I know that it is forbidden to take three steps back at the end of Shemoneh Esrei if someone in back of me is still in middle of Shemoneh Esrei and within your 4 Amos. However, I heard that this only applies if the person […]
23. Using the Shofar on a regular weekday for mundane purposes
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 23. Using the Shofar on a regular weekday for mundane purposes:[1] During a regular weekday one may use the Shofar for mundane purposes. Nevertheless, since it is designated for a Mitzvah one must act with respect and not use […]
2. May one who is exempt from hearing Shofar blow for others?
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 2. May one who is exempt from hearing Shofar blow for others?[1] (Although the main Mitzvah of hearing[2] Shofar is merely to hear the sound nevertheless[3]) if the blower is exempt from the Mitzvah then he cannot fulfill the […]
Sleeping during daytime-Health, Halacha & Kabbalah
Sleeping during daytime:[1] Sleeping at night versus daytime-Health:[2] Natural sleep is best when it takes place at night. [The Sages state that the nighttime was created for the sake of sleep.[3]] However, sleeping during daytime hours is damaging to the body with exception to those who are accustomed to this. […]
Sleeping during daytime-Health, Halacha & Kabbalah
Sleeping during daytime:[1] Sleeping at night versus daytime-Health:[2] Natural sleep is best when it takes place at night. [The Sages state that the nighttime was created for the sake of sleep.[3]] However, sleeping during daytime hours is damaging to the body with exception to those who are accustomed to this. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The blessing over Chulent
Question: [Sunday, 5th Marcheshvan, 5783] When eating Chulent outside of a meal, what blessing should I recite? Mezonos, Sheakol, Hadama, or all three? My Chulent has barley, wheat, potatoes, and meat. Answer: If the ingredients include barley or wheat, and the Chulent is cooked down to the point that the […]
The blessing over Chulent
Question: [Sunday, 5th Marcheshvan, 5783] When eating Chulent outside of a meal, what blessing should I recite? Mezonos, Sheakol, Hadama, or all three? My Chulent has barley, wheat, potatoes, and meat. Answer: If the ingredients include barley or wheat, and the Chulent is cooked down to the point that the […]
Married woman missed lighting while by parents-Adding another candle
Question: [Thursday, 2nd Marcheshvan 5783] I am married with kids and was by my parents for Shabbos and I forgot to light candles [running late and lost track of time until it was after sunset] and would like to know if I am required from now on to add one […]
Girl at home missed lighting one Erev Shabbos-Must she now light 2?
Question: [Thursday, 2nd Marcheshvan 5783] I am accustomed to light candles every Erev Shabbos even though I am not yet married and still live at home, as is the Chabad custom. I forgot to light candles one Erev Shabbos [running late and lost track of time until it was after […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Girl at home missed lighting one Erev Shabbos-Must she now light 2? Married woman missed lighting while by parents-Add another candle?
Question: [Thursday, 2nd Marcheshvan 5783] I am accustomed to light candles every Erev Shabbos even though I am not yet married and still live at home, as is the Chabad custom. I forgot to light candles one Erev Shabbos [running late and lost track of time until it was after […]
Handing a gentile, or non-religious Jew, an item on Shabbos which they will carry through an area without an Eiruv-PART 2
Handing a gentile, or non-religious Jew, an item on Shabbos which they will carry through an area without an Eiruv:[1] A. Gentile: Placing the item in the hand of the gentile:[2] It is Rabbinically forbidden for one to place a food or item into the hand of a gentile on […]
Davening with a travelers waist pouch
Question: [Tuesday, 1st MarCheshvan 5783] I sometimes wear a waist pack/pouch when I go out and would like to know if I may wear it during Davening. Answer: You should not wear the pouch during Davening Shemoneh esrei. Explanation: The Rambam rules that one should not Daven with an […]
Hallel in house of Avel
Question: [Tuesday, 1st MarCheshvan 5783] We are Davening in a Shiva home today on Rosh Chodesh and would like to know what we should do about saying Hallel. There are lots of opinions amongst the Daveners and there is much confusion as to what we are to do. Skip Hallel, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Hallel in house of Avel; Davening with a travelers waist pouch
1. Question: [Tuesday, 1st MarCheshvan 5783] We are Davening in a Shiva home today on Rosh Chodesh and would like to know what we should do about saying Hallel. There are lots of opinions amongst the Daveners and there is much confusion as to what we are to do. Skip […]
Segula of foreskin for barren women
Purchase “From Rav’s Desk” Q&A’s 3 Volumes* *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Question: [Tuesday, 30th Tishreiy 5783] I am a Mohel and was asked by a barren couple to provide them […]
Sewing torn garment to wear on Rosh Chodesh
Question: [Tuesday, 30th Tishreiy 5783] My school uniform skirt is torn and I do not have another one to wear. May I sew it on Rosh Chodesh so I can wear it today? Answer: You may sew it with a Shinuiy, irregularity, such as sewing with wider stitches. Explanation: […]
Bishul Akum for Sephardim
Question: [Tuesday, 30th Tishreiy 5783] I am a non-Moroccan Sephardi and am touring Morocco with a group. We went to the local Shul in Marakesh [which has a kitchen] to pick up some Kosher food and they offered our group deep fried dough, known as spingim [i.e. Sufganiyot]. The dough, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Bishul Akum for Sephardim; Sewing torn garment to wear on Rosh Chodesh
Question: [Tuesday, 30th Tishreiy 5783] I am a non-Moroccan Sephardi and am touring Morocco with a group. We went to the local Shul in Marakesh [which has a kitchen] to pick up some Kosher food and they offered our group deep fried dough, known as spingim [i.e. Sufganiyot]. The dough, […]
3. Days on which Rosh Chodesh will never fall
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 3. Days on which Rosh Chodesh will never fall:[1] The Sages established that Rosh Hashanah, which is Rosh Chodesh Tishrei, cannot fall out on certain days of the week even if the Molad is on that […]
2. The two days of R”H are considered one long day
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com 2. The two days of R”H are considered one long day:[1] Difference between the two days of R”H and the two days of other Holidays: In truth even in the Diaspora the two days of R”H […]
The Prohibition of Orlah
The Prohibition of Orlah: A fruit tree[1] which is planted is to have three years counted from the time of its planting. All the fruits which it grows throughout those three years is prohibited forever[2] not only in eating but in deriving any form of pleasure from them.[3] _____________________________________________ [1] […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Using a Neigal Vaaser cup which lost one of its handles
Question: [Sunday, 28th Tishreiy, 5783] One of the handles of our Neigal Vaaser cup broke off, and I would like to know if it is still valid to be used or not? Answer: So long as the cup itself remains whole without leaks, it remains valid for washing hands in […]
Using a Neigal Vaaser cup which lost one of its handles
Question: [Sunday, 28th Tishreiy, 5783] One of the handles of our Neigal Vaaser cup broke off, and I would like to know if it is still valid to be used or not? Answer: So long as the cup itself remains whole without leaks, it remains valid for washing hands in […]
From the Rav’s Desk: What is one to do with the foreskin/arla after a Bris?
Question: [Sunday, 28th Tishreiy, 5783] We recently had a Bris for our son and the Mohel left us the Arla in a cup that is filled with earth. What should we do with this cup and with the Arla? Answer: You should bury it somewhere in the ground anywhere of […]
What is one to do with the foreskin/arla after a Bris?
Purchase “From Rav’s Desk” Q&A’s 3 Volumes* *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Join Daily Halacha distribution list Sponsor an Episode Donate Question: [Sunday, 28th Tishreiy, 5783] We recently had a Bris for our son and the Mohel left us the […]
The history of the reading of the weekly Parsha in Shul [i.e. Kerias Hatorah]
The history of the reading of the weekly Parsha in Shul [i.e. Kerias Hatorah]: The establishment of Krias Hatorah:[1] Moshe Rabbeinu established for the Jewish people that they are to read from the Torah scroll on Shabbos and Holidays. [This reading is of Rabbinical status.[2]] What should be read-who established […]
The history of the reading of the weekly Parsha in Shul [i.e. Kerias Hatorah]
The history of the reading of the weekly Parsha in Shul [i.e. Kerias Hatorah]: The establishment of Krias Hatorah:[1] Moshe Rabbeinu established for the Jewish people that they are to read from the Torah scroll on Shabbos and Holidays. [This reading is of Rabbinical status.[2]] What should be read-who established […]
Parshas Bereishis-Torah Or-Selected teachings
Parshas Bereishis Number of Mamarim: 11 Pages: 16 Their names [i.e. Dibbur Hamatchil] and synopsis: Hashamayim Kisi Veha’aretz Hadom Ragli: Explains how Hashem humbled Himself [i.e. Kisi, sitting on a chair] by entering His infinite light into the Torah [i.e. Shamayim, the heavens], and explains how the Jewish people […]
How much wine or grape juice must one drink to recite an after blessing?
Wine and grape juice:[1] By wine and grape juice some question whether the shiur for an after blessing is a Kezayis [i.e. 30cc] or Revius [86 cc]. Practically, in order to avoid this debate, one is not to drink between a Kezayis and Revius of wine or grape juice [i.e. 30cc-86cc], […]
The custom of hitting ones chidlren with Aravos on Hoshana Raba
Hitting the children with the Aravos:[1] The custom of the Chabad Rabbeim [as well as that of Tunisian and Morrocan Jewry[2]] was to gently “whip” their sons with the Hoshanah branches. This included even their adult children. Children above age 18 received three light hits. Those below age 18 received […]
The custom of hitting ones chidlren with Aravos on Hoshana Raba
Hitting the children with the Aravos:[1] The custom of the Chabad Rabbeim [as well as that of Tunisian and Morrocan Jewry[2]] was to gently “whip” their sons with the Hoshanah branches. This included even their adult children. Children above age 18 received three light hits. Those below age 18 received […]
From the Rav’s desk: 1) Making up Hoshanos for Shabbos on hoshana raba; 2) Flatulating in sukkah 3) Hole in pitom
Topic: 1) Repeating Hoshanos of Shabbos on Sunday Question: [Friday, 19th Tishreiy, 5783] This year that Hoshanah Rabbah falls on Sunday, what do we do about the repeating of the Hoshanos that we omitted on Shabbos. Do we not repeat it on Sunday Being that anyways, we’ll be saying all […]
Hole in area of Pitom
Question: [Friday, 19th Tishreiy, 5783] I purchased a very expensive Pitom-less Esrog and just discovered a hole that goes through the top part of the Pitom into the Esrog? Is it Kosher? Answer: During Chol Hamoed it is for certain Kosher. On the first day [and second in Diaspora] of […]
Flatulating in a Sukkah
Question: [Friday, 19th Tishreiy, 5783] Is it permitted for one to flatulate in a Sukkah, or is this considered disrespectful, and therefore one should leave the Sukkah if he needs to do so? Answer: It is permitted for one to flatulate in a Sukkah if he feels the need to […]
Repeating the Hoshanos of Shabbos on Sunday
Question: [Friday, 19th Tishreiy, 5783] This year that Hoshanah Rabbah falls on Sunday, what do we do about the repeating of the Hoshanos that we omitted on Shabbos. Do we not repeat it on Sunday Being that anyways, we’ll be saying all 7 Hoshanos for Hoshana Raba which includes the […]
Hoshanah Raba-Laws & Customs
Hoshanah Raba 1. The meaning of Hoshana Raba:[1] During Sukkos we are judged regarding water [i.e. rain].[2] On Hoshana Raba, the judgment of the water is sealed. This is of significant importance to human life as human life is dependent on water. 2. The Aravos for Hoshanos:[3] A. The Mitzvah: […]
Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos-Laws and Customs
Shabbos Chol Hamoed: Cutting nails Erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed: If one cut his nails on Erev Yom Tov then the following is the law:[1] One who cut his nails on Erev Yom Tov [or in close proximity to Erev Yom Tov to the point there was nothing to cut before […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Sukkah with walls that do not extend throughout length 2) Does Chabad ignore Blectlach on an Esrog?
1. Question: [Tuesday, 16th Tishreiy 5783] I have an urgent question regarding my Sukkah, which an individual who walked inside said that he thinks it may be invalid. Basically, I have sheets as walls, however they are not within three Tefachim from the ground, and are not attached well, as […]
A Sukkah with walls that do not extend throughout the length of Sukkah
Question: [Tuesday, 16th Tishreiy 5783] I have an urgent question regarding my Sukkah, which an individual who walked inside said that he thinks it may be invalid. Basically, I have sheets as walls, however they are not within three Tefachim from the ground, and are not attached well, as I […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Lavud string which surrounds entire Sukkah 2) I am visiting Israel with my wife for Sukkos. Must I keep two days of Yom Tov? 3) Turning the electricity back on, on Yom Tov 4) Buying new sneakers on Chol Hamoed
From the Rav’s Desk-Some of our latest Q&A 1) Lavud string which surrounds entire Sukkah Question: [Sunday, 14th Tishreiy, 5783] I am making my Sukkah walls using Lavud, as the walls are from sheets. I would like to know if I can use a single string to wrap around all […]
Electricity shut off on Yom Tov-Turning it back on
Question: [Monday, 15th Tishreiy, 5783] The electricity of my home suddenly shut off in middle of our meal in the sukkah on the night of Yom Tov. We tried looking for a gentile in our neighborhood to turn it back on but could not find one. Is there any Halachic […]
Buying new sneakers on Chol Hamoed
Question: [Tuesday, 16th Tishreiy 5783] It’s a long story, but I lost my sneakers which I use for weekdays and by Simchas Beis Hashoeiva dancing. May I purchase a new pair of sneakers on Chol Hamoed? Answer: You may purchase new sneakers if you have no other shoes available […]
I am visiting Israel with my spouse, must I keep two days of Yom Tov?
Question: [Sunday, 14th Tishreiy, 5783] I am visiting Israel with my wife for Sukkos. Must I keep two days of Yom Tov? Answer: You should keep one day. Sources: See Admur 496:11 for a dispute regarding if he should keep the second day if he plans to return to Diaspora, […]
Is a blessing of Shehakol to be said when sucking the salt of sunflower seed shells
Question: [Sunday, 14th Tishreiy, 5783] I like sucking on the salt that is on sunflower seed shell. Should I say a blessing of Shehakol on the salt, aside for saying a Hadama on the seed? Answer: Yes, a blessings of Shehakol is to recited independently on the salt prior to […]
Esrogim and Aravos planted in stolen or public property
Aravos planted in other persons property Question: [Sunday, 14th Tishreiy, 5783] A friend of mine planted an Arava tree in the school grounds which she heads and had the branches cut off and collected to be sold for Daled Minim for Sukkos. I told her that I wasn’t sure if […]
