Tosefes Rosh Chodesh:[1] There is a Biblical command to add to the time of the Shabbos and holidays in both its entrance and exit.[2] This means that one is to take in the Holiday prior to sunset and delay the leave of the Holiday past nightfall. It is disputed whether […]
The reasons mentioned behind eating dairy products on Shavuos
This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com What are the reasons mentioned behind eating dairy products on Shavuos? Commemoration of Shtei Halechem:[1] Dairy products are eaten in commemoration of the Shtei Halechem offering, which consisted of two loaves [i.e. two meals], which were brought on Shavuos. We […]
The names of the month
The names of the month:[1] A. The origin: The Yerushalmi[2] states that the names of the Hebrew months, Nissan, Iyar, Sivan etc, were brought down from Bavel, during the first exile [approximately in the 3200’s or 500 BC]. This teaches us that the names of the Hebrew months are not […]
The dispute of Rav Sadya Gaon [Rasag] and Rebbe Ahron Ben Meir of Eretz Yisrael
The dispute of Rav Sadya Gaon [Rasag] and Rebbe Ahron Ben Meir of Eretz Yisrael:[1] In the times of Rav Sadya Gaon [882-942] erupted one of the most infamous disputes with regards to the Jewish calendar that threatened a catastrophic split amongst the Jewish people regarding the dates of Rosh […]
One versus two days of Rosh Chodesh
One versus two days of Rosh Chodesh: A. Why in some months do we celebrate Rosh Chodesh two days and in some months only one?[1] Above we explained why there are months which contain 29 days and months that contain 30 days. This however does not explain why we celebrate […]
Calculating the new moon and creating a calendar of months
Calculating the new moon and creating a calendar of months: As explained in the previous Halachos, calculating the Molad and the expected time of the appearance of the new moon, was part of the process of the sanctification even in the times of the Sanhedrin. However, in the times of […]
When is Rosh Chodesh?
When is Rosh Chodesh?[1] Rosh Chodesh is determined based on when the new orbit of the moon begins and when the new moon can be seen. This itself can be determined in one of two ways: a) Calculating the Molad and calculating as to when the moon can be seen, […]
Understanding the moon’s cycle
Understanding the moon’s cycle: A. The moons orbit and its dark/light periods: We all witness throughout the month the cycle of the moon going from being invisible [i.e. New Moon] to being a full moon and then once again to being invisible [i.e. New Moon]. What causes this change to […]
The power of water-The root of all pleasure
Water is root of Taanug:[1] Water is a compound that contains in it a great power of Taanug, pleasure. Although water in it of itself has no taste, nevertheless, it serves as the root of taste, and pleasure in all produce. All produce needs water in order to grow, and […]
Until when can the blessing of Asher Yatzar be recited
What is the law if one forgot to recite Asher Yatzar and went to the bathroom a second time?[1] One who relieved himself, and forgot to recite Asher Yatzar and then went to the bathroom a second time, is not required to recite Asher Yatzar twice after the second time. […]
