Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Question: [Wednesday, 26th Nisan, 5782] I have a whole bunch of little kids at home and it is very difficult to keep them occupied without music? For example, they are used to watching uncle Moishe videos with music which keeps them occupied. May I play this for them even during […]

Question: [Tuesday, 25th Nissan, 5782] My friend asked me as to which day of Sefira it is, and I signaled with my fingers the amount of days. It was the eighth night and so I showed him eight fingers. I had yet to count Sefiras Haomer that night and was […]

Question: [Sunday, 24th Nisan, 5782] When is Yizkor to be said in years that the last day of Yom Tov falls on Shabbos? I live in the Diaspora and went to a certain synagogue on Shabbos, the last day of Pesach, and they did not perform Yizkor. When I asked […]

Question: [Sunday, 23rd Nisan, 5782] Is it permitted for one to listen to music on Isru Chag, despite the fact that we don’t listen to music during Sefira? Also, what is the status regarding the Moroccan post Passover Mimuna party in which I have seen many play music? Answer: Those […]

Question: [Tuesday, 18th Nissan, 5782] We were having a picnic in the park together with our family and out of mere habit I was plucking grass from the ground. Someone who was there mentioned to me that it is forbidden to do so on Chol Hamoed. Is this correct?   […]

Eating garlic on Pesach:[1] Garlic is not Chametz, or Kitniyos, and is thus permitted to be eaten over Pesach.[2] Nevertheless, there are those who are accustomed not to eat garlic on Pesach.[3] Those families who are accustomed to follow this custom are not to swerve from it.[4] However, those families […]

Checklist for Bedikas Chametz Bedikas Chametz-Night of the 14th: Wrap 10 pieces of hard bread in paper in a way that they will not crumble out. Hide the pieces and take note of their whereabouts. Do not perform Melacha, eat a meal, or learn Torah within a half hour before […]

Question: [Wednesday, 12th Nissan, 5782] Can you provide a list of products and foods that do not need to be kosher for Pesach? Answer: Most processed foods require special certification for Pesach as innocent as they may seem due to that Chametz is commonly used in the processing of many […]

Laws relating to when Pesach falls on Shabbos-Part 2 2. Friday night: A. Maariv:[1] When [the first night of] Pesach falls on Friday evening, one begins the Maariv prayer from Mizmor Ledavid [psalm 29], [omitting all the Psalms from Lechu Neranina until Mizmor Ledavid].[2] [One recites the entire Nussach from […]

Question: [Tuesday, 11th Nissan, 5782] Must essential oils be Kosher for Pesach?   Answer: If plan to consume: If you would like to consume the essential oil and add them to a recipe, then they are to be certified or verified as Kosher for Pesach. This certainly applies to not […]

Laws relating to when Pesach falls on Shabbos-Part 1 1. Erev Pesach: A. Taanis Bechoros-Fast of the first born:[1] When Pesach falls on Shabbos, the firstborns fast on Erev Shabbos, which is also Erev Pesach. B. Making the Charoses:[2] When Pesach falls on Shabbos one is required to prepare [i.e. […]

Donate Question: [Monday 10th Nissan, 5782] I heard that this year we need to perform Biur Maasros before Pesach. Can you please explain to me the details of how this is done? Answer: The following is a summary of points regarding the mitzvah of Biur Maasros: It only needs to […]

Donate How does one do Hagalah? Having an expert do the Hagalah: Since the laws of Hagalah involve many details, it should only be done by one who is expert in its laws. When to Kasher: It is proper for a person to be careful to perform Hagalah to his […]

Question: [Sunday, 9th Nisan, 5782] Baruch Hashem, we have been blessed with a large home and I do not find it physically possible to be able to perform Bedikas Chametz to our entire house in one night. Can I get a head start and do it already beforehand to some […]

Donate How to Kasher-List of items: Pots, Cutlery and Kitchenware Forks/Spoons: All forks, spoons and other cutlery made of Kasherable material, such as silver or stainless steel, is to be Kashered through Hagalah.   Knives: It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar for all those which have the capability of doing […]

Question: [Thursday, 6th Nissan, 5782] I was present by a Sephardic Havdala on Motzei Shabbos and was told that I need to sit in order to be Yotzei Havdalah. I responded to the individual that we are accustomed for the listeners to stand for Havdala and he said that this […]

Donate Question: [Wednesday, 5th Nissan, 5782] In Chabad we are accustomed to avoid eating processed foods. Does this also apply to dairy, such as milk and cottage cheese and the like which contains certification of being kosher Pesach. It is very difficult for me to avoid eating dairy throughout the […]

Donate D. What form of Kashering does a vessel require-General rules? *The below list only refers to the form of Kashering required for vessels made of Kasherbale materials. For a list of those materials that are Kasherable and those materials that are not Kasherable-see Halacha E! For a list of […]

Donate   1. Kashering: The laws of Kashering vessels are complex and hence it should only be done by one who is expert in these laws. One must be aware of the following details: Is the vessel made of a Kasherable material? How has the vessel been used? What form […]

Donate Question: [Tuesday, 4th Nissan, 5782] I have in my freezer a sizable amount of unopened cuts of meat and chicken which I purchased during the year. It however does not state that it is kosher for pesach. May I still use them for Pesach?   Answer: Raw, non-processed, meat […]

*The article below 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 Buy on Website Hilchos Pesach Learning Course + Semicha Must one Kosher his water urn to use on Pesach?[1] Water urns are […]

How much wine is one required to drink by Kiddush?[1] The person who makes Kiddush is required to drink enough wine to fill his cheeks. This measurement is referred to as Malei Lugmav. This does not refer to the amount of liquid that fills the entire mouth, both cheeks, but […]

Question: [Wednesday, 28th Adar 2, 5782] I am marrying a Sephardi girl and would like to know if there’s any issue with me having a Sephardi Kesuba. I am Ashkenazi. Answer: There is no Halachic invalidation present with you doing so, so long as you agree to obligate yourself to […]

Question: [Tuesday, 26th Adar 2, 5782] Can you explain to me the meaning of Chaburah matzah and as to it’s advantage over regular Matzah that is sold from the bakery?   Answer: There are two possible advantages involved in purchasing Chaburah matzah. The first is in the event that one […]

Donate E. Owning-The prohibition of “Tashbisu” & “Baal Yiraeh Ubaal Yimatzei:” Owning Chametz: The Torah forbids owning Chametz on Pesach. This applies even if the Chametz will not be within one’s home over Pesach, but will be left elsewhere, in an area that one owns. Likewise, this applies even if […]

Donate Question: [Monday 25th Adar 2, 5782] I will be working several days constructing a bathroom unit [i.e. toilet, bathtub, shower] in a home. Now, I usually try to listen to Shiurim on my headphones while I work, and would like to know if I can do so while I […]

Donate 1. The Chametz prohibitions: There are six Torah commands [counted as part of the 613 Mitzvos] which involve the Chametz prohibition. Five negative commands, and one positive command. The following are the details of the Chametz related commands and prohibitions: 1. Prohibition of eating Chametz: It is Biblically forbidden […]

Donate Question: [Sunday, 24th Adar 2, 5782] Am I allowed to place Kishkeh into cholent, or Matzah balls into soup, right before Shabbos? Answer: If the pot of cholent or matzah balls is sitting on an uncovered flame, then it may not be done. If, however, the flame is covered, […]

Donate Question: [Thursday, 21st Adar 2, 5782] Am I allowed to enter a bar and order a beverage that does not have a Kashrus concern [not wine or wine flavored etc, and does not contain other Kashrus concerns] in order to drink in the bar? Does it make any difference […]

Donate Thirty days before the festival:-Part 2 [Chapter 1] G. Bedikas Chametz for one who is traveling: One who will be traveling from home before Pesach must check his house prior to leaving if he does not plan to sell his Chametz in that area to a gentile. See Halacha […]

Donate Question: [Wednesday, 20th Adar 2, 5782] I have a sink right next to my dining room table, which I can reach from my chair. I would like to know if I can wash hands from the sink while sitting in my chair, or if I must stand up when […]

Donate Thirty days before the festival:-Part 1 [Chapter 1] A. Learning the laws prior to the festival: [Chapter 1 Halacha 1] Starting from Purim, the 14th of Adar, it is a Mitzvah on every person to learn the laws of the festival until he is expert in them, and knows […]

Question: [Tuesday, 19th Adar 2, 5782] I have a vacation rental home which I rent out throughout the year and would like to know if there’s any issue with me renting it to a non–religious Jew during Pesach, being that he very likely will enter Chametz into the room. Is […]

Donate   Introduction & Historical Background Part 2 The dates of the publication: The compiled Sichos of Likkutei Sichos were first published and distributed on a weekly basis, as a pamphlet known as a Likut, in correspondence to that week’s Parsha. It was only later that these published pamphlets were […]

Donate Question: [Monday 18th Adar 2, 5782] Is there any truth to the statement that one’s conscience can mystically determine right from wrong and direct a person who is facing a fork in the road, as to whether he should choose one way or the other? I have heard stated […]

Donate Introduction & Historical Background on Likkutei Sichos The uniqueness of Likkutei Sichos-The Rebbe’s organized edited work: Likkutei Sichos is the most authoritative and significant published work of the Rebbe’s talks and teachings which were said throughout the years of the Rebbe’s leadership. The Rebbe publicly spoke on thousands of […]

Question: [Sunday, 17th Adar 2, 5782] If there is no Levi in Shul, who should wash the hands of the Kohanim prior to them performing Nesias Kapayim? Answer: If there is no Levi available to wash the hands of the Kohanim, then Admur and the Poskim rule that a Bechor […]

How many verses are to be read during the Haftorah:[1] Shabbos:[2] On Shabbos, the person who reads the Maftir from the Navi is to read no less than 21 verses.[3] Nonetheless, if the entire subject of the chosen Parsha in Navi contains less than 21 verses, such as the Parsha […]

1. The Date of Purim All cities known today celebrate Purim on the 14th with exception to Jerusalem which celebrates on the 15th. Cities of doubt: Due to doubt, the following cities celebrate Purim also on the 15th: Akko; Gaza; Bagdad; Beiriy; Beis Shean; Damascus; Gush Chalav; Haifa; Hebron; Eiyn […]

Donate Question: [Tuesday, 12th Adar 2, 5782] I usually always do laundry on Thursday on behalf of Shabbos. Am I allowed to do so this Thursday even though it will be Purim?   Answer: In my opinion, this may not be done. All laundry should be done before Purim, or […]

Donate Matanos Laevyonim: The Mitzvah: Every Jew is obligated to give at least two presents to two paupers, [one present to each pauper]. Who is obligated? Both men and women are obligated in the Mitzvah of Matanos Laevyonim. Married women are to be stringent to give Matanos Laevyonim on behalf […]

Donate Question: [Sunday, 10th Adar 2, 5782] I had purchased a very large and expensive megillah from an individual and showed it to a friend of mine who is a Sofer, and he was very impressed by the writing and its beautiful script. However, he said that he thinks that […]

* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Donate Mishloach Manos: Who is obligated to send Mishloach Manos? Both men and women are obligated in […]

Donate   Parshas Vayikra Knowing ones hidden evil   Compiled from the following sources: Likkutei Sichos Vol. 3 p. 201 Parshas Vayikra is the first of a long set of Parshiyos which discuss the bringing of the sacrifices to the altar. There are various types of sacrifices that can be […]

Question: [Thursday, 7th Adar 2, 5782] I am suffering from stomach pains and the only thing that seems to relieve the pain is a hot water heating bag. My question is regarding if I may use this on Shabbos, and if yes, may I fill it up with hot water […]

Donate Summary of laws-Megillah reading-Part 4: Refraining from talking during the reading: Once the blessing has been recited, it is forbidden to speak from that point and on until the reading is completed, and the final blessing is recited. This applies for both the reader and the listener. One who […]

Question: [Tuesday, 5th Adar 2, 5782] One of our older children unfortunately passed away r”l? Should/May I be saying Kaddish for him, for my child?   Answer: If the child did not leave any male offspring, then this matter depends on the status of your parents [i.e. if alive, or […]

Question: [Monday 4th Adar 2, 5782] I live in Eretz Yisrael and have a potted plant on my windowsill which is growing a type of wild flower that is very damaging to the plant. May I remove it?   Answer: Yes, you may. It is best to kill the weed […]

Question: [Sunday, 3rd Adar 2, 5782] May I greet my friend with the word Shalom inside of the changing area of the Mikveh? Does it make a difference if there are people there who are undressed or not? I did so this morning and someone told me that its forbidden. […]

Question: [Thursday, 30th Adar 1, 5782] If I taste or eat salt, am I to say a blessing?   Answer: Yes, if you plan to swallow it and you receive some measure of benefit from eating or tasting it, then the blessing of Shehakol is recited. If, however you receive […]

The dilemma of the date of the 30th of Adar 1 and how one can commemorate a birthday/Yartzite: A. What is one to do if he was born on the 30th of Adar I and in the current year there is only one Adar of 29 days?[1] If one was […]

Question: [Wednesday, 29th Adar 1, 5782] Yesterday, when I was walking into shul I found a folded $100 bill on the floor by the entrance area of the Shul. I of course wanted to return it to whoever lost it and did some investigation and returned it to a member […]

Giving a Hesped-Chabad custom and custom of other communities not to eulogize:[1] The Chabad custom is not to give any eulogies[2] and so is the custom of other communities.[3] One is to prevent eulogies from taking place for a deceased who belonged to a community who follows the above custom.[4] […]

Question: [Tuesday, 28th Adar 1, 5782] I recently had a charity campaign done on my behalf for a specific personal cause. I wanted to know if I am obligated to separate Maaser from the charity money that I received?   Answer: If the charity campaign was for a specific cause, […]

Eulogy/Hesped-Should it be done, How and why:[1] A. The general law: It is a great Mitzvah to properly eulogize the deceased.[2] Whoever cries upon the death of a Kosher Jew, Hashem counts the tears and places the tears in his supernal treasure chest. Whoever is lax in eulogizing a Kosher […]