Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

May a body be buried in an over ground structure [i.e. Mausoleums; Kevurat “Komot”; Rama, Sanhedrin cave burials]?[1] Background: In today’s times, various Chevra Kadisha’s and municipalities in search of space have introduced alternative burial methods which differ from the accustomed ground burial within a field. These methods include building […]

Q&A What is the law if one forgot to say the verse of Adono-y Sefasaiy Tiftach and already began Shemoneh Esrei? Some Poskim[1] rule he nevertheless fulfills Shemoneh Esrei. Other Poskim[2], however, leave this matter in question. [Practically, one can Daven again as a Tefilas Nidava to escape the dispute, […]

The verse of “Adono-y Sefasaiy Tiftach” recited before Shemoneh Esrei:[1] It is an obligation to recite the verse[2] of Adono-y Sifasaiy Tiftach prior to starting Shemoneh Esrei, due to a Rabbinical institution. Due to this institution, this verse is considered as an actual part of Shemoneh Esrei and like an […]

This Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com The Mitzvah:[1] [Every month] upon seeing the new moon [at night[2]] one is to recite the blessing of “Asher Bemamaro Bara Shechakim”. [It is an obligation every month for one to see the moon in order to say this blessing […]

Must one cover Mezonos foods that are on the table during Kiddush?[1] Background: One is required to cover the bread upon making Kiddush on Shabbos night and day.[2] There are several reasons recorded behind this law and custom, and understanding these reasons is the key to determining whether one is […]

What is the law if one cut onions with a dairy knife and cooked them in a meat pot together with water or other foods? If one did not fry the onion first, but initially cooked the onions together with other foods in the meat pot [i.e. in a soup […]

What is the law if one cut onions with a dairy knife and fried them in a meat pot? If a Pareve Charif/sharp food was cooked in a meat pot then even if the pot was clean and not Ben Yomo, the food becomes meaty and is forbidden to be […]

  If one did not concentrate on Poseiach Es Yadecha:[1] If one did not concentrate on the words, he must repeat [the verse of Poseiach Es Yadecha[2]] with concentration.[3] [If one remembered he did not concentrate on the verse prior to completing Ashreiy, then he is to retract to the […]

Poseiach Es Yadecha: The meaning: The verse of Poseiach Es Yadecha is a praise to Hashem for supervising His creations and providing them with sustenance.[1] [In Chassidus, it is explained that this verse is a request from Hashem to enter into one’s heart His Divine will and desire to be […]

May one cut a medicine in half [for one who may take medicine on Shabbos], such as to achieve a smaller dose for a child and the like?[1] Yes. The prohibition of Tikkun Keli does not apply by medicine just as it does not apply towards food, and hence one […]

May one erase the name of Hashem that is on a screen [i.e. delete the name, close the file or computer, open a new file]?[1] Background: It is forbidden to erase even one letter of the seven names of Hashem.[2] This leads to the question of whether it is permitted […]

If one entered in middle of Havdala is he Yotzei? Missed Hinei Keil Yeshuasi:[1] The saying of “Hinei Keil Yeshuasi” is a custom and not required from the letter of the law as part of the Nussach of Havdalah.  Accordingly, one who walked late into Havdalah and missed the saying […]

The obligation of Shnayim Mikra:[1] Although a person hears the reading of the entire Torah every Shabbos in a public forum, he is obligated each week to read to himself the Parsha of that week in the form of Shnayim Mikra Echad Targum [as will be explained].[2] [This matter is […]

Public affection: Couples showing affection in public:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden even for a couple to affectionately touch each other in front of other people.[3] [Thus, one may not hold hands, dance, hug, or kiss in public. Practically, so is the final ruling[4], and so is the custom […]

Davening with a Minyan and learning Torah by Kivrei Tzadikim: It is forbidden to Daven, learn Torah, or wear Tallis and Tefillin, within four Amos of a Kever, or within a cemetery.[1] Nevertheless, the custom is to permit Davening and Torah learning near the Kever of a Tzadik, and thus […]

If one accidentally skipped part of Pesukei Dezimra, may he recite it between Yishtabach and Yotzer Or?[1] If one accidently skipped part of Pesukei Dezimra, it is permitted to recite the skipped paragraphs between Yishtabach and Yotzer Or.[2] Thus, if one accidently skipped Az Yashir, and already recited the blessing […]

Taking someone’s item without permission if one plans to keep the item [Part 2]:[1] It is forbidden for one to use or take an item that belongs to one’s friend without his permission.[2] One knows for certain that the owner is not particular against one using or taking it:[3] If […]

Erasing the name of G-d: In Hebrew/Lashon Hakodesh:[1] It is Biblically forbidden to erase even one letter of the seven names of G-d. These names include: [These names are:[2] Yud Kei Vav Kei[3]; Adniy; Keil; Eloka; Elokim; Elokaiy[4]; Shakaiy; Tzevakos[5]; Eh-yeh[6].] In other languages:[7] A name of G-d which is […]

Until what time may the morning Shema be recited-Understanding the Luach of Sof Zman Kerias Shema? From when do the three hours begin?[1] The three hours begin from the start of the morning.[2] It is however disputed amongst the Poskim as to when the morning begins in this regard. Some […]

Until what time may the morning Shema be recited-Understanding the Luach of Sof Zman Kerias Shema? It is a Biblical command for men[1] to recite Kerias Shema every morning.[2] The morning Kerias Shema may [Biblically[3]] be recited up until the passing of three hours into the day.[4] Thus, one must […]

Having a gentile light on one’s behalf:[1] If a woman [or man[2]] [Chas Veshalom[3]] forgot to light candles before Bein Hashmashos [i.e. sunset] and remembered during the period of Bein Hashmashos [i.e. before nightfall, Tzeis Hakochavim], then one may permit her [or him] to ask a gentile to light the […]

Using someone’s item without permission:[1] It is forbidden for one to use an item that belongs to one’s friend without his permission.[2] This applies even if one only plans to use it on a mere occasion and then return it.[3] It is thus forbidden for one to visit his friend’s […]

How to say Hashem’s name when in reference to other gods, such as in the words “Elokim Acheirim”: From the letter of the law, it is permitted to recite the actual name “Elohim” when in reference to deities and not to Hashem, such as in the words “Elohim Acheirim.”[1] Furthermore, […]

May one do Melacha after Shabbos before saying Havdala over wine or Melaveh Malka? Introduction: Shabbos ends when three small stars can be seen at night.[1] One must delay doing Melacha until he sees three small stars consecutively in one line. It does not suffice with three small stars which […]

One who forgot to light candles before Shekia/sunset: The General law: Initially, one is to light candles at the set time written in the calendar for one’s location, which is commonly at least 18 minutes before sunset.[1] If one did not do so, then they may light the candles up […]

The Mitzvah to testify in Beis Din and the prohibition against giving or publicizing testimony that cannot be corroborated in court: It is a [Biblical] command for one who witnessed a certain matter that can be of benefit to another person in Beis Din, for him to testify on this […]

If one is in doubt as to whether a certain vessel is dairy, meat, or Pareve, what is the law? If one is unsure as to a vessel’s dairy or meat status, and 12 months have not passed since its last use, then it is required to be Koshered if […]

Until when during the day may one recite Birchas Hashachar? Initially, one is to recite Birchas Hashachar early in the morning, in close proximity to awakening.[1] If one did not do so, the blessings may be said throughout the entire day [up until sunset].[2] Furthermore, some Poskim[3] rule it may […]