Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Question: [Tuesday, 30th Shevat 5783] I know that when the month of Adar comes, we are supposed to increase in joy. What however does this practically mean? If I love milk chocolate, should I increase in eating milk chocolates during the month of Adar? Is this truly the meaning of […]

The process of determining Rosh Chodesh in times of the Sanhedrin?[1] Rosh Chodesh is determined based on when the new orbit of the moon begins and when the new moon can be seen. This itself can be determined in one of two ways: a) Calculating the Molad and calculating as […]

Question: [Monday, 29th Shevat, 5783] I accidentally took my Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin with me on Mivtzaim. What should I do? May I do Mivtzaim with my Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, and with or without a blessing?   Answer: In such a case, you may do Mivtza Tefillin with your Tefillin of […]

Understanding Kiddush Hachodesh and the Jewish Calendar–Part 1 *Important note: The Halachos in this chapter are based mainly on the rulings of the Rambam in his section on Kiddush Hachodesh. Although there exists several other opinions in Geonim and Rishonim regarding certain topics discussed here, they are beyond the scope […]

Question: [Sunday, 28th Shevat 5783] Shmuel Kunda of blessed memory is renowned for his story takes for children. To the best of my knowledge, I understand [as is self-evident] that at least some of his stories are fabrications. I was wondering regarding the story of the longest Pesach if you […]

Bal Tosif by Tzitzis-May one wear more than one pair of Tallis Katan at a time? A. Introduction-The prohibition of Bal Tosif:[1] The Torah prohibits one from adding to the commands. The interpretation, however, of this prohibition varies based on the type and form of addition and hence by every […]

Are raw Kosher eggs Muktzah on Shabbos?[1] Although raw foods that are not edible unless cooked are generally Muktzah on Shabbos[2], nevertheless, it is evident from the Poskim[3] that raw [Kosher[4]] eggs are not Muktzah on Shabbos and have the same status as any other edible food.[5] [Thus, one may […]

The speed of Chazaras Hashatz & The problem of Amen Yesoma: A. Introduction:[1] Answering Amen to a blessing contains a number of laws and restrictions. The proper answering of Amen is so severe that Ben Azaiy states in the Talmud that on one’s form of answer is dependent the longevity […]

Question: [Wednesday, 16th Shevat 5783] I bought a large amount of cutlery that needs to be immersed in the Keilim Mikveh I would like to know if I can just put them all in a bag or basket or pitcher or cup and immerse it all at once, or if […]

Forgiving your honor as a parent-Part 2:[1] Mechila in matters of fear: Some Poskim[2] rule that the ability for a parent to forgive his honor only applies to those matters that a child has to perform out of honor for his parent, however, those matters that a child has to […]

Question: [Sunday, 21st Shevat, 5783] I will be flying next week and will be arriving to my destination very close to midday. I do not like Davening on the plane as it is very difficult to concentrate as I’m sure you know. So, I have the option of Davening in […]

Forgiving your honor as a parent:[1] A father [or mother] who forgives his [or her] honor, his [or her] honor is forgiven. [This, however, only means that the children will not be punished for disrespecting him in such a case that the parent was forgiving of the respect. However, certainly […]

Is the Mitzvah to pray Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] A. Personal prayers-Praying in distress:[2] [According to all Poskim[3]] it is a Biblical command to Daven to Hashem in a time of need, when one is in a state of distress and requires Divine assistance. [Furthermore, this is the main intent of […]

Question: [Thursday, 18th Shevat, 5783] A few years ago, I became widowed from my husband, who did not have any children. My husband has brothers with whom I understand must perform Chalitza with me prior to me remarrying. It was really complicated to arrange so in the meantime, I simply […]

When to go shopping for Shabbos:[1] [In general,] it is better to go shopping for Shabbos on Friday, which is Erev Shabbos, than to go shopping on Thursday.[2] However, this only applies to readymade foods that do not require preparation to be fit to be eaten, such as beverages and […]

The constant Mitzvos: The Poskim[1] enumerate a list of Mitzvos that one has the ability to constantly fulfill throughout the day being that they are not limited to any specific time, place or action. These are: Belief in Hashem Not to believe in the existence of any other G-d. The […]

Question: [Wednesday, 16th Shevat 5783] We were married off during Covid by a local pulpit Rabbi in our area who was the Misader Kiddushin. The two witnesses for the Kiddushin were two individuals who are brother in laws of each other [married to wife’s sister. i.e. both are married to […]

The blessing over an earthquake:[1] Upon [feeling[2]] an earthquake one is required to recite a blessing. [This applies to an earthquake of any magnitude, so long as it is felt.[3] The reason the Sages established a blessing is because earthquakes are frightening events which convey a powerful message to the […]

Halacha health: Health directives relating to fruit consumption as found in Halachic literature *To note that the information below is a mere overview from Halachic literature, and does not reflect the current medical beliefs surrounding the healthiness of fruit in a diet, which may be different today than it was […]

Question: [Sunday, 14th 5783] My son recently got engaged to a girl whose name is Rachel. Now, my wife, the Chasan’s mother, is also called Rachel. [She has two names but is only called by her first name Rachel.] What should my son, and other children, do regarding saying her […]

Question: [Thursday, 12th Shevat 5783] I am a Chiyuv l”a and Daven every day for the Amud for the passing of my father Hakam. For the recital of the daily Tehillim that we say after Davening, I am accustomed to turn around and say it by the Bima [we have […]

The Geder of Davar Lach versus Davar Yaveish: May one reheat a wet and moist food on Shabbos-How wet is considered wet?[1] *Important note: This article does not deal with the subject of reheating congealed gravy, or foods with congealed gravy, on Shabbos. Melting congealed gravy on Shabbos contains both […]

Question: [Wednesday, 10th Shevat, 5783] Should one recite one’s children’s Tehillim? What is this a Segula for?   Answer:               Yes. It is an old tradition, reiterated by the Rebbe Rayatz, for one to read daily the chapter of Tehillim which corresponds to the age of one’s sons and daughters, and […]

Question: [Sunday, 7th 5783] Which direction is one to face by Kiddush Levana? I always thought that one is to face the moon and my friend told me last night to face Mizrach. Which is correct? Answer: One is to face Jerusalem [i.e. Mizrach in USA] upon saying Kiddush Levana, […]

Saying Yishtabach immediately after Az Yashir:[1] One is to recite Yishtabach immediately after Az Yashir, without making any interval in-between.[2] This applies even on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Thus, in the event that the Chazan is not yet up to Yishtabach, as commonly occurs on Shabbos and Yom Tov in […]

Question: [Thursday, 4th Shevat 5783] I am a Chabad Bochur, and the custom in my family has always been for my father to make Kiddush and have everyone else fulfill their obligation. I was recently told in my yeshiva that the Chabad custom is for everyone to make their own […]

When on Erev Shabbos is one to begin the preparations for Shabbos?[1] Begin the preparations in the morning:[2] One is to always wake up early on Erev Shabbos in order to begin working and preparing for the needs of Shabbos in the morning of Erev Shabbos.[3] Add in preparations also […]

Question: [Wednesday, 25th Teves 5783] I have two names, Shalom Dovber [or maybe even three?], and wanted to know how many Pesukim I should say for my name at the end of Shemoneh Esrei, one, only for my first name Shalom, or also a second Pasuk for my name Dov? […]

Examples of Ayin Hara in Halacha: Orach Chaim: Father and son by Aliyah:[1] From the letter of the law, it is permitted to call two relatives to the Torah for an Aliyah one after the other. This applies whether they are brothers or father and son. However, the custom is […]

Question: [Tuesday 2nd of Shevat 5783] I had a flight to catch and needed to leave my home at 3:30 AM to go to the airport to catch my flight. I prearranged with a Frum person who runs a car service for them to pick me up from my house […]

Married brothers and sisters living in the same city:[1] A. The warnings of Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid: Four siblings: Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid[2] states that it is proper for four married brothers or four married sisters to not live in the same city in order so they live good and lengthy days, […]

Question: [Monday, 1st Shevat, 5783] I have heard that in the future era in the times of Moshiach that we will travel to Jerusalem every Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. Is this true and how will the traveling take place?   Answer: The prophet states that on every Shabbos and every […]

Is one to say Yaaleh Veyavo if he began the meal on Rosh Chodesh but is reciting Birchas Hamazon on Motzei Rosh Chodesh?[1] The dispute:[2] If one began a meal [of bread] on Rosh Chodesh [eating at least a Kezayis of bread during daytime prior to sunset[3]] and the meal […]

Question: [Sunday, 29th Teves, 5783] On Shabbos, as we were rolling the Sefer Torah, we noticed a tear in one of the pages. The tear starts from the top of the parchment and continues down until the second line of script in that column [i.e. it goes through two lines]. […]

 Eating and drinking in a standing position:[1] Health: There are three things which weaken a person’s body, and one of them is a person who eats or drinks while standing.[2] [This applies especially regarding breakfast, Pas Shacharis.[3]] Accordingly, while one eats, one is to either sit in his place […]

Question: [Thursday, 26th Teves 5783] I am a diabetic and I am on a strict diet, and under doctor’s orders I may not drink any wine or grape juice. My question is regarding what I should do regarding making kiddush on Shabbos for my family, as there are four options […]

The mitzvah of Kavod and Oneg Shabbos:[1] A Biblical or Rabbinical precept: There are two matters regarding Shabbos that were expounded on by the prophets, which is [the Mitzvah] to honor Shabbos [i.e. Kavod Shabbos] and [the Mitzvah of] Oneg Shabbos.[2] These two Shabbos obligations [to honor and enjoy it] […]

Question: [Wednesday, 25th Teves 5783] My wife is out of town and left me our toddler to babysit for a few days. The first day I took him with me to Shul and nothing happened. However, the second day he began crying and screaming in middle of Shemoneh Esrei and […]

Ayin Hara Part 2-Segulos to be saved from Ayin Hara:[1] The following are some of these suggested Segulos to be used against the evil eye. These Segulos are to be respected, as following them is included in the Mitzvah of “Vinishmartem Meod Linafshoseichem.”[2] Saying Beli Ayin Hara:[3] One is to […]

Ruling of Alter Rebbe that differ from Tzemach Tzedek-Part 1:[1] A. Background: The Alter Rebbe was divinely appointed by the Maggid of Mezritch[2] in the late 1760’s[3] to compile a new Shulchan Aruch which would arbitrate a final ruling amongst the various opinions in Halacha and compile the reasons.[4] This […]

Question: [Wednesday, 24th Teves 5783] A big argument broke out in our Shul regarding a number of different matters in which some members are upset by how things are being run by the management and Gabaim. Tempers flared, voices were raised, as were a few hands, and it was really […]

Question: [Monday, 23rd eves, 5783] I know an Avel cannot get an Aliyah or read from the Torah during Shiva. May he then say the half Kaddish after Kerias Hatorah, or is he not to do so?   Answer: This matter is disputed amongst Poskim, and the Chabad custom is […]

Ayin Hara:[1] A. Introduction: Torah source or superstition? The concept of an evil eye is discussed in many areas of Jewish literature, including the Talmud[2], Midrash[3], and Shulchan Aruch[4], and is a real power that can affect another person negatively. In fact, the Talmudic Sage, Rav, stated that he visited […]

Question: [Sunday, 22nd Teves, 5783] I Baruch Hashem was blessed with Tishe Kavim of Dibbur [i.e. I talk a lot] and have been often told that Hashem gives us a limited amount of words to speak so I should save some up for my later years. Is there any truth […]

Respecting the Tefillin-Part 2-How to carry the Tefillin: One is required to act in a respectful way while wearing Tefillin, and in the presence of Tefillin even when they are not being worn. There exists several laws relating to this matter, including whether one may talk while wearing the Tefillin, […]

Question: [Thursday, 19th Teves 5783] How important is it to sing on Shabbos by the Shabbos table and does Chassidus talk about its importance? Answer: The Alter Rebbe in Torah Or discusses the importance and value of singing on Shabbos in order to bring oneself to Kelos Hanefesh. In his […]

On Shabbos, may one place hot food on a plate that contains food or liquid? Whenever one’s plate contains food on it, whether a solid or liquid, and one desires to place on it hot food, the question of Bishul [the prohibition of cooking food on Shabbos] arises. In certain […]

Question: [Wednesday, 18th Teves 5783] The other day I saw an individual remove his plastic box from his Shel Yad Tefillin prior to the blessing and then put it back on after the wrapping. Is there any reasons or source for doing so? I never take my box off the […]

Saying the names of the angels:[1] The Arizal was very careful to not verbalize the names of angels and considered it a prohibition. He abstained from mentioning even those names of angels which are written in Sefarim [and are known to all]. He was particular in this even when he […]