Knowing one’s deficiencies:[1] The beginning of one’s journey in fixing his bad traits is to recognize them. Just the mere fact that one is aware of his character flaw and illness helps sweeten the evil and work on the problem. If however one does not recognize this flaws and does […]
Hashem’s Taanug comes from our Avoda
Hashem’s Taanug comes from our Avoda:[1] Whenever a Jew learns Torah or performs a Mitzvah or Davens, it arouses a great pleasure above in Hashem. A person must believe in this with absolute faith, that his Avoda has meaning and is desired by G-d. A person should not say “Who […]
Gava in service of G-d
Gava in service of G-d:[1] Although in general ego is a negative trait that must be worked on and is the source of all evil and lusts, nevertheless in the start of one’s Avodas Hashem, one must use his ego to battle the evil and serve G-d. One who serves […]
Inviting a non-religious guest for Shabbos meal/prayer if he will drive
May one invite a non-religious guest for Shabbos if he will desecrate Shabbos in order to come to you?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden to invite guests to one’s home for the Shabbos meal if this will cause him to desecrate Shabbos, such as to drive, in order […]
Verbal domestic abuse
Verbal abuse towards wife:[1] One must be very careful not to oppress his wife, not to cause her pain with words.[2] G-dly retribution for oppressing one’s wife is quick to come.[3] A person is to be very careful with his wife’s honor as the blessing of the home of a […]
Verbal abuse-Hurting another with words
Onas Devarim-Hurting another with words: A. The law:[1] Just as there is a prohibition against oppressing another in business [by cheating him] so too there is a prohibition against oppressing someone with words.[2] Oppressing another with words is even worse than oppressing him monetarily [through cheating him].[3] A victim of […]
Inheritance of public position by son
Children’s inheritance of communal positions held by father: No custom or contract:[1] A son inherits his father’s position regarding all public matters that the father was empowered with. This however only applies if the son is capable of fulfilling the position. If the son is capable in fulfilling the […]
Saying the name Tzeva-os
May one say the name Tzeva-os?[1] The name Tzevaos is one of the seven names of Hashem that may not be erased.[2] It is permitted to say the name Tzeva-os.[3] [Nevertheless, according to all, when writing the name on an area that may get thrown in the garbage, one is […]
Taking a shower versus a bath for Chafifa
Showering versus bathtub during Chafifa:[1] Must a woman specifically take a bath upon doing Chafifa in preparation for Mikveh, or does it suffice for her to take a shower? From the letter of the law, a woman is not required to specifically soak in a bathtub as part of the […]
Jewish Cemeteries
Burying in a Jewish cemetery Burying near a Tzaddik, and near a Rasha and near a non-Frum Jew:[1] One may not bury a Rasha near a Tzaddik [and certainly may not bury a Tzaddik near a Rasha]. Furthermore, one may not even bury a small Rasha near a great […]
