Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Brain death:[1] The question of whether brain death is defined as death is highly debated in the Halachic world, and religious circles, and carried ramifications of several Halachic issues, such as removing the patient from life support, and organ transplants. The following is an analysis on the subject and the […]

Saying a blessing when tasting a food:[1] One who plans to swallow any amount of food, even if he merely intends to taste it to see if it needs salt or spices[2], must recite a blessing prior to eating it.[3] If however he plans to spit out the food and […]

May one remove cobwebs on Shabbos?[1] Some Poskim[2] imply that it is permitted to break cobwebs on Shabbos, and doing so does not involve the Muktzah or destroying prohibition, or any other prohibition. Other Poskim[3], however, rule that cobwebs are considered Muktzah, just like earth and twigs and other waste. […]

The source and reasons behind visiting graves of Tzadikim, relatives and cemeteries: The Biblical and Halachic source and custom for visiting graves: It is a Jewish custom dating back to Biblical times, to visit the burial grounds of one’s relatives. We find that Kaleiv, in his touring trip of Eretz […]

The three steps taken before Shemoneh Esrei-Part 2Prior to beginning Shemoneh Esrei, one is to take three steps backwards, and then three steps forwards, as explained in Part 1. The following are Q&A relevant to this custom:                           […]

The three steps taken before Shemoneh Esrei: Three steps forward:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that when one stands to Daven [Shemoneh Esrei] he is to go forward three steps, like one who advances forward towards something that he needs to do.[3] Practically, it is proper to suspect for their opinion [and […]

Removing cobwebs before Shabbos:[1] It is proper[2] for one to clear his house of [spiders[3] and] cobwebs [i.e. Korei Akavish] before Shabbos, in order so one’s house is clean in honor of Shabbos. [Preferably, this should be done prior to the 5th hour of the day on Erev Shabbos.[4]]   […]

Drinking liquids that were stored in metal containers:[1] One is not to drink beverages mixed with water[2] that have stayed overnight in a metal container or a container made of Neser[3].[4] (It goes without saying that plain water which stayed overnight in a metal container [is forbidden to drink].[5]) [However, […]

Are women obligated to recite 100 blessings a day? Background:[1] Every Jew is obligated to recite one hundred blessings each day.[2] The inception and reason behind this obligation was as follows:[3] Dovid Hamelech instituted that one must say 100 blessings every day as a result of the sudden death of […]

Not to stare excessively at a rainbow:[1] It is forbidden for one to stare excessively at a rainbow. [However, it is permitted to look at it without an intense stare or prolonged contemplation.[2] The rainbow corresponds to the Shechina, and hence one who looks at it is considered to be […]

What is one to do if he is in unsure as to which blessing in Shemoneh Esrei he is holding by?[1] Introduction: In the event that one is unsure as to which blessing in Shemoneh Esrei he is currently up to, one enters into a difficult Halacha dilemma as to […]

May one drink water before Havdalah?[1] It is a Rabbinical prohibition to eat, drink, or even taste, any amount of food or liquid [other than water, as will be explained] prior to saying, or hearing, Havdalah over wine, or other valid beverages [if one did not begin a meal of […]

How to take the steps back and bow by Oseh Shalom of Kaddish:[1] After the completion of Kaddish [prior to Sim Shalom] the custom is to take three steps back and then recite Oseh Shalom Bimiromav, just as is done at the conclusion of Shemoneh Esrei. [One is to turn […]

May a woman put up a Mezuzah or is only a man to do so?[1] Introduction: One the one hand we find that women are obligated in the Mitzvah of Mezuzah just like men, which implies that certainly they are valid to put it up.[2] On the other hand, we […]

Saying a blessing upon seeing a rainbow:[1] One who sees a rainbow is to say the blessing of “Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech Haolam Zocher Habris Neman Bevriso Vikayam Bimamaro.”[2] [Some Poskim[3], however, rule that the rainbow referenced to in this law is not necessarily the rainbow that we see […]

Repeating Shemoneh Esrei if forgot to say Ata Chonantanu and did Melacha: Background: Within the Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv recited on Motzei Shabbos, one is obligated to recite Havdala.[1] This prayer of Havdala is referred to as “Ata Chonantanu,” in name of its beginning words. It is recited within the […]

How much wine is one required to drink by Kiddush?[1] The person who makes Kiddush is required to drink enough wine to fill his cheeks. This measurement is referred to as Malei Lugmav. This does not refer to the amount of liquid that fills the entire mouth, both cheeks, but […]

Must one take Maaser off the value of a present that he was given or inherited?[1] One received presents in honor of his wedding, or birthday, is Maaser to be deducted from it or its value? One was given a diamond ring as a present from their mother or grandmother, […]

May one greet a gentile on the day of his holiday?[1] It is forbidden to enter the home of an idolater on the day of his Holiday and wish him Shalom/peace.[2] If one found the gentile outside of his home, he may greet him with a low voice and melancholy […]

This Article is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Table of Contents  Nittel Nacht A. What is Nittel? Nittel is […]

May/Should one say a blessing of Besamim upon smelling a tea bag?[1] Plain teas [non-herbal; black tea, green tea, etc]:[2] One may not recite a blessing upon smelling generic teas which are manufactured from the Camellia sinensis plant.[3] [These include all the following teas: White tea, yellow tea, green tea, […]

How to remove dirt [i.e. dust, hair lash, insect] from your food on Shabbos: Background: It is Biblically forbidden to separate waste from the food on Shabbos.[1] This prohibition is called Borer. This prohibition applies even if the waste is the minority of the food.[2] Any item which one does […]

See here for our full article on gambling! May one play the lottery [i.e. purchase a lottery ticket]? Background: The act of gambling is subject to debate and discussion in the Poskim[1] as to its level of prohibition. Practically, in conclusion we rule that it is forbidden to gamble even […]

The order of Davening on a fast day if a Chasan or Baal Bris [i.e. Mohel; Sandek; Father]  is present: Tachanun [and Lamnatzeiach; Keil Erech Apayim]:[1] If there is a Baal Bris or a Chasan [within seven days of his wedding, or on the day of his wedding] present by […]

Waiting for Minyan by Yishtabach-Minyan arrived after Yishtabach: Where is the Chazan to wait:[1] In the event that a Minyan is not yet available in Shul, the Chazan is to wait [between Az Yashir and] Yishtabach [until the arrival of the tenth man]. He is to wait silently, without saying […]

May one make/use a Menorah of seven branches?[1] It is [Biblically[2]] forbidden to make a Menorah which resembles the Menorah in the Temple, [and is valid for use in the Temple[3]]. Accordingly, one may not make a Menorah of seven branches, but rather of 5, or 6, or 8 branches.[4] […]

This article is an excerpt from To purchase this Sefer, click here Women:[1] Women [who are the heads of their household] are obligated to light Chanukah candles just like men.[2] Thus, a single, divorced or widowed woman, is obligated to light Chanukah candles in her home. Likewise, a woman whose […]

To purchase this Sefer, click here Where in the home/property should the Menorah be lit? A. Inside the house versus outside the house-The letter of the law:[1] The candles are to be lit outside the front door of one’s house, which opens towards the public.[2] [This only applies if there […]

Using the flame of the Shabbos candles to light another candle? It is forbidden to light a mundane candle/match from a Shabbos candle [even if one did not yet accept Shabbos with this lighting[1]].[2] [Thus, one may not use it to light the gas, or a cigarette and the like.] […]

Using the flame of the Chanukah candles to light another candle:[1] Lighting a mundane candle-the Shamash: It is forbidden to light any mundane candle from an already lit Chanukah candle. This prohibition applies even against lighting a candle that will be used to light the other Chanukah candles.[2] [Hence, one […]

May one use Maaser money to purchase a seat in a Shul, or to pay for membership? Background: Under certain conditions, it is permitted to use Maaser money for the sake of fulfilling a Mitzvah.[1] These conditions are as follows: a) The Mitzvah is not an obligation for one to […]

Minyan troubles-What is one to do if there is no Minyan by Kaddish before Hodu and got Minyan later on: Before Baruch Sheamar:[1] If one did not have a Minyan available at the time that Kaddish Derabanon is recited before Hodu, and a Minyan later became available before Baruch Sheamar, […]

May one immerse in a hot Mikveh on Shabbos? Background: The Sages forbade bathing one’s entire body, or majority[1] of it, with hot water whether [the water] is within a vessel [or] whether it is in the ground, [and] even if it was heated from before Shabbos.[2] Thus, the use […]

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 […]