Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

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 […]

The law of an Esrog that contains a colored spot [i.e. white; black; green; etc]:[1] An Esrog must look beautiful, otherwise known as Hadar. This is not just a subjective form of beauty, but a beauty that carries Halachic definition and invalidations. Due to the obligation of Hadar, an Esrog […]

[Sick, Yoledes, Children]: Blessings, Kiddush and Birchas Hamazon for one who eats on Yom Kippur: Kiddush and Lechem Mishneh:[1] One who is [lethally] ill [or contains a medical condition, of a caliber that he is] required to eat on Yom Kippur [such as a woman after birth[2]], does not need […]

May one use Maaser money to purchase Kaparos? Background: It is disputed in Poskim[1] as to whether one may use Maaser money for the sake of a Mitzvah, or if it must be given as charity to paupers. Practically, it is permitted to use Maaser money for the sake of […]

Preparing on the 1st day of Yom Tov on behalf of the 2nd day of Yom Tov – May one remove food from the freezer on the first day of Yom Tov on behalf of the second night meal? The general law:[1] It is forbidden to do anything on the […]

From what age may a boy/Bochur blow Shofar for others on Rosh Hashanah? Background: [Biblically[1]], one can only be Motzi another in a Mitzvah if he is of equal, or greater, level obligation as the person who is being Yotzei with him. Thus, in order for one who is Biblically […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy me here or on Amazon.com May one eat garlic on Rosh Hashanah? Background: Customarily, just as certain foods are eaten on Rosh Hashanah to serve as a good omen for the coming year[1], so too certain foods are avoided due to them containing a […]