Minyan Versus Zman Tefila-Is it more important to Daven with a Minyan or to Daven within Zman Tefila?[1] Davening within the time period that the Sages established is more important than Davening with a Minyan. Thus, if one is Davening with a Minyan who will not reach Shemoneh Esrei before […]
Davening Mincha after sunset
Davening Mincha past sunset:[1] The prayer of Mincha may be recited until evening.[2] It is disputed amongst Poskim as to the definition of “evening.” Some Poskim[3] rule it is permitted [even initially[4]] to Daven Mincha past sunset, up until Tzeis Hakochavim.[5] Other Poskim[6] rule one may not Daven Mincha past […]
May one pay for an Aliyah using Maaser money?
May one pay for an Aliyah, or other Kibud, using Maaser money:[1] It is permitted to use Maaser money to pay for a Kibbud [i.e. Aliya, Pesicha, Hagba, etc] that was purchased in Shul, if one had intent to do so upon purchasing it.[2] If, however one did not have […]
May a Gentile and one in process of conversion keep Shabbos
May a gentile keep Shabbos?[1] It is forbidden for a gentile to keep Shabbos. It is forbidden for him to keep Shabbos even on a weekday. A gentile who keeps Shabbos is liable. May a gentile who is in the process of conversion keep Shabbos? A gentile who is in […]
Using Maaser money to pay tuition
Using Maaser money to pay tuition for school/Yeshiva/seminary/Camp or another Torah education:[1] The letter of the law:[2] If one cannot afford[3] to pay the tuition for Torah education from non-Maaser or non-Chomesh funds, it is permitted for him to use his Maaser or Chomesh money [which he separated], for the […]
A solar or lunar eclipse-Meaning and blessing
A solar or lunar eclipse: The Talmud[1] states that an eclipse is a bad omen for the entire world.[2] More particularly, a solar eclipse is a bad omen for the gentile nations, while a lunar eclipse is a bad omen for “The enemies of Israel[3].”[4] [Although an eclipse is set […]
Is a blessing recited upon seeing an eclipse?
Is a blessing recited upon seeing a solar or lunar eclipse?[1] No.[2] One is not to say any blessing, including the blessing of Oseh Maaseh Bereishis. __________________________________________ [1] Igros Kodesh 15:260 [printed in Shulchan Menachem 1:355]; Orchos Rabbeinu p. 95 [2] The reason: The Sages never established a blessing for […]
May one eat or drink after candle lighting?
May one eat or drink after candle lighting? Some Poskim[1] rule it is permitted to eat or drink after candle lighting until Tzeis Hakochavim. Other Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden to eat or drink anything after candle lighting. Nonetheless, if one is very thirsty, and is afraid to delay lighting […]
Borrowing a Sefer from a Shul
Borrowing a Shul’s Sefer:[1] An old edict that was founded in ancient congregations is that one may not remove a Tallis or Sefer from the Shul without asking permission from the owners. [This applies even if one can assume that the owner is not particular, nevertheless one must ask permission. […]
Accepting Shabbos in close proximity to the candle lighting:
Accepting Shabbos in close proximity to the candle lighting: Women who light Shabbos candles automatically accept Shabbos upon lighting them. However, men do not automatically accept Shabbos upon lighting the candles. Furthermore, even women, in a time of need, may stipulate to not accept Shabbos upon lighting the candles.[1] Nevertheless, […]
