May one sit next to the opposite gender on a bus?[1] From the letter of the law, there is no prohibition involved in sitting near a person of the opposite gender. This applies whether on a bus, train or airplane, in which a man may be seated next to a […]
May one use Maaser money for other purposes?
May one use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzva? Some Poskim[1] rule it is forbidden to use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzvah, and rather it must be given as charity to paupers.[2] Other Poskim[3] however rule that under certain conditions it is permitted to […]
Repeating words in Davening
May one repeat words in Davening? A. General law: Certain words and sentences of reference to Hashem are forbidden to be repeated in close proximity if it can be viewed that the repetition is for the sake of a second deity, or if it can appear as if he […]
Severity of a sin
Severity of a sin: Separates one from G-d:[1] Every sin is likened to idolatry and separates one’s soul from G-d for that moment. When one sins he is more distanced from Hashem then even the Kelipos and Sitra Achra. He is more distanced than idolatry, impure animals and creatures. Ruach […]
Pelishtim
The Kelipa of the Pelishtim:[1] The term Pelishtim comes from the word Mefulash which is used in Halacha to refer to an alleyway, which is called a Mavuiy Mefulash. In Kelipa this refers to lightheadedness, a joking and frivol attitude towards all that is holy and important in life, taking […]
Approximating Yud to Bayis of Tefillin
Approximating the knot of the Yud to the Bayis:[1] One is to beware that the Yud of the knot[2] [of the Tefillin Shel Yad] does not move from the Bayis [of the Shel Yad].[3] [It is thus to be constantly touching the Bayis of the Shel Yad. It is […]
Poseiach Es Yadecha-Concentration & Customs
Psalm of Ashreiy “Tehila Ledavid”: One is required to concentrate upon saying the Psalm of Tehila Ledavid.[1] One who says this psalm three[2] times daily merits a portion in the world to come.[3] Poseiach Es Yadecha: The meaning: The verse of Poseiach Es Yadecha is a praise to Hashem for […]
Tu Beshvat
The Laws and Customs of Tu Beshvat Introduction: The day of Tu Beshvat is a Halachic date that affects the laws of Kashrus of fruits. Due to this, it has become known as Rosh Hashanah Leilanos.[1] Throughout the generations other customs have become attributed to this day, such as the […]
Cross-dressing by a skit or play
Cross-dressing by a skit or play Cross-dressing out of jest and fun/Purim/Chasana:[1] It is accustomed on Purim [and by Chasunas[2]] to allow males to wear the clothing of females and vice versa.[3] [However many Poskim[4] challenge this custom[5] and thus practically one is not to do so. Some write it is to […]
Children cross-dressing
Children wearing clothing of the opposite gender: It is a Biblical prohibition for a man to wear the clothing of a woman or a woman to wear the clothing of a man.[1] It is disputed as to whether the prohibition of Lo Silbash only applies when one wears the opposite […]
