Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Question: [Sunday, 28th Iyar, 5782] May I send out a Whatsapp message as to which night of Sefira we are holding in, prior to me counting? I have been doing this now for some time, sending two people on my WhatsApp group as to that nights day of Sefira, and […]

May a wife and children still perform Melacha after the father of the home accepts Shabbos early?[1] A. Background on accepting Shabbos early:[2] Accepting Shabbos early: Although Shabbos officially begins at the time of sunset[3], nonetheless it is possible, and a Biblical Mitzvah[4], for one to accept Shabbos prior to […]

Question: [Wednesday, 24th Iyar, 5782] Is it permitted for one to listen to Niggunim [with musical instruments] during the period of Sefiras Haomer or Bein Hametzarim? I have heard numerous times from people that it is permitted to do so being that Niggunim is not music, and that many Rabbanim […]

Question: [Tuesday, 23rd Iyar, 5782] I once heard mentioned that the Rebbe stated that the terrible terrorist attack and ensuing horrific murder of the 22 Safed religious school students in the town of Maalot [known as Chaf Beit Yaldei Maalot] came as a result of the Mezuzos of the school […]

The Mitzvah’s fulfilled upon visiting Eretz Yisrael: The following are a list of Mitzvos fulfilled, or which can be potentially fulfilled, upon visiting Eretz Yisrael. There is a Mitzvah to walk four Amos in Eretz Yisrael, as whoever walks four Amos in Eretz Yisrael receives a portion in the world […]

Question: [Sunday, 30th Nisan, 5782] If I counted Sefira by Bein Hashmashos, am I Yotzei? Answer: It depends on which Bein Hashmashos you are referring to, if you’re referring to the Bein Hashmashos which precedes that nights count or to the Bein Hashmashos at the end of that days count. […]

The law if the Olah was shown the wrong text by his Aliyah and it was only discovered after he said the blessing:[1]  The debate: If the Olah was shown the wrong text of the reading in the Sefer Torah and he already recited the blessing, then it is debated […]

Question: [Sunday, 21st Iyar, 5782] I know that by Oseh Shalom in Shemoneh Esrei we are to take the first step back using our left foot. Does the same apply also when taking three steps back when saying Oseh Shalom within Kaddish? Answer: Although I have not found anything explicit […]

The Rebbes opinion regarding moving to, and visiting, Eretz Yisrael:[1] In a public talk in the year 1955[2], the Rebbe discouraged the campaign of encouraging every Jew from leaving the Diaspora for the sake of fulfilling the Mitzvah of dwelling in Eretz Yisrael due to several factors. One of the […]

Question: [Thursday, 18th Iyar, 5782] This year, due to all the various government limitations, I am unable to make it to the gravesite of Rebbe Shimon in Meron as I do annually. My question is, is there any value in me traveling to the north to an area from which […]

Shehechiyanu during Sefira part 2: C. May one eat a Shehechiyanu fruit during Sefira? Those who are accustomed to avoiding saying Shehechiyanu during the period of Sefira, are to avoid eating new fruits during the weekdays of Sefira. One may, however, eat new fruits on Shabbos and Lag Baomer, as […]

Question: [Wednesday, 17th Iyar, 5782] Is there any issue with performing Tevilas Keilim [i.e. immersing new vessels] at night? I have heard many times that we don’t do so at night. Is this true? Answer: It is permitted even initially to immerse vessels at night. Nonetheless, one should only do […]

Reciting Shehechiyanu during Sefira-Part 1: A. The letter of the law & custom:[1] Letter of law:[2] From the letter of the law, it is permitted to recite the blessing of Shehechiyanu during Sefira.[3] The custom:[4] Nevertheless, despite the letter of the law, many are accustomed to abstaining from saying the […]

Is there a Mitzvah and Halachic obligation to visit Eretz Yisrael-Part 1?[1] A. The law: Obligation: It is debated amongst the Poskim[2] as to whether there is a positive Biblical command and obligation to dwell in Eretz Yisrael even during times of exile. According to all opinions, however, there is […]

Question: [Sunday, 14th Iyar, 5782] An individual called me at night and asked me if today is the 25th night of counting and I answered him that it was, but told him that I was unsure if he can now say a blessing being that he already said the correct […]

Marrying a Kohenes:[1] An Am Haaretz/Ignoramus is not to marry a Kohenes. If he does so, their marriage will not be successful, as either she or he will quickly die or they will be in constant fight with each other [or they will be poor[2]].[3] However, a Sage who marries […]

Is pasteurized wine considered cooked?[1] In order for wine to become “protected” from becoming Yayin Nesech due to touch of a gentile, it must be Mevushal/cooked.[2] The definition of cooked is that the wine has been heated over a fire[3] to the point that it diminished its quantity [i.e. evaporated] […]

Does a walk in closet need a Mezuzah?[1] This follows the same ruling as any other room and is determined by its size. If the closet is less than 4×4 but is spacious enough to walk inside of, then it is subject to the dispute regarding if and where a […]

May one swim or visit the beach during Sefira? Yes.[1] However, some Poskim[2] rule one must avoid doing so due to danger.   May one travel during Sefira? Yes.[3] However, some Poskim[4] rule one must avoid doing so due to danger. Question: [Monday, 21st Iyar 5781] Must one avoid doing […]

Question: [Sunday, 30th Nisan, 5782] If one has just reached Hallel after his private Shemoneh Esrei and the congregation has reached Musaf, what is he to do? Should he first recite Hallel and miss Davening Musaf with the Minyan in order not to mess up the order of the prayers, […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com Shlissel Challah-Kneading a key into Challah the first Shabbos after Pesach: 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 […]

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 […]