The squareness of the Tefillin:[1] It is a Halacha from Moshe on Sinai that the Tefillin must be square. This applies to both the head and arm Tefillin. Thus, if the Tefillin is not square, it is invalid.[2] [Nonetheless, there is discussion amongst the Poskim as to the exact definition […]
The prayer of Berich Shmei-Its greatness, and detailed laws
Reciting Brich Shmei:[1] When the Aron is opened, one recites Vayehi Binsoa Haron, and the Zoharic[2] prayer of Brich Shmei. On which days is it said?[3] Some Poskim[4] write that the prayer of Berich Shmei is only to be said by Mincha of Shabbos. Other Poskim[5] rule it is to […]
The prayer of Berich Shmei-Its greatness, and detailed laws
Reciting Brich Shmei:[1] When the Aron is opened, one recites Vayehi Binsoa Haron, and the Zoharic[2] prayer of Brich Shmei. On which days is it said?[3] Some Poskim[4] write that the prayer of Berich Shmei is only to be said by Mincha of Shabbos. Other Poskim[5] rule it is to […]
Machatzis Hashekel
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me on Amazon.com Machatzis Hashekel-The Half Shekel:[1] Some[2] opinions rule that before Purim one must give half of his country’s coin currency [to charity, and so is the custom of all Jewry[3]]. It is given as a remembrance for the half shekel […]
Giving Maaser money to relatives
Giving Maaser money to relatives?[1] Tzedaka money and Maaser funds, is not only permitted to be distributed to poor relatives, but one is even required to precede a relative in need over other paupers. This includes one’s parents, one’s older[2] children, one’s brothers, and any other relative.[3] If one can […]
Guidelines to be followed when sending Tefillin and Mezuzos for checking
Directives to be followed when sending Tefillin for checking:[1] Verify the person is a certified Magiah. [Not every Sofer is certified to also be a Magiah.] It is advisable to have the Tefillin checked annually by different Magihim, rather than to use the same one each year.[2] Verify that the […]
Must one tithe [Teruma and Maaser in Eretz Yisrael] produce of Hefker [no owner]?
Hefker produce: Is Hefeker produce exempt from Teruma and Maaser?[1] All produce which did not have any ownership upon growth [i.e. was Hefker] is exempt from Teruma Umaaser. [Thus, fruits and vegetables which grew on an ownerless/Hefker tree or plant are exempt from Teruma and Maaser. This applies whether one […]
Turning one’s face around when the congregation is praying Shemoneh Esrei
Turning one’s face around when the congregation is praying Shemoneh Esrei:[1] An individual who prayed together with the congregation and completed his Shemoneh Esrei prior to the congregation, does not have permission to turn his face around, to face the congregation [who is standing behind him[2]], until the Chazan completes […]
Summary of Hilchos Shabbos Chapter 248: Traveling by Ship, train, plane over Shabbos
Chapter 248: Traveling by Ship over Shabbos 1. Traveling on a ship from before Shabbos including Shabbos: There are many possible Shabbos prohibitions that can be involved in traveling on a ship over Shabbos. This includes the following: Loss of Oneg Shabbos: One who travels on ship within 3 days […]
May one who has a headache, foot pain, back pain, and the like, take medicine, such as a pain killer, on Shabbos?
May one who has a localized pain, such as a headache, foot pain, back pain, and the like, take a pain killer on Shabbos? *Important note: This Halacha is dealing with the very specific case of taking pain killers for a non-lethal localized pain. It does not refer to illnesses, […]
