Wearing freshly laundered clothing:[1] Wearing freshly laundered clothing is forbidden during the nine days. The above applies to any clothing, even if it is not worn on the body, such as towels, tablecloth, or linens for a bed. [Nevertheless those clothing that become overly dirty and sweaty, such as all […]
Tasting meat Erev Shabbos
May one taste a meat dish on Erev Shabbos?[1] One may taste a meat dish to see if it requires any extra spices. However it is forbidden to eat it even in order to fulfill the custom of eating the Shabbos food before Shabbos. Giving children meat on Erev […]
A Cappella Music
May one listen to A cappella music? The widespread custom even amongst G-d fearing Jews is to permit listening to A cappella[1] music.[2] However there are Poskim[3] that are stringent to prohibit listening to music even of such nature. [1] Music that is not accompanied by instruments of any […]
Peruzbal
Summary of the laws of Shemitas Kesafim and a Peruzbal The laws: The Torah commands us that at the end of the seventh year cycle one must annul all loans that he is owed by other Jews. It is thus forbidden for the lender to ask for the loan to […]
Selichos 2
Shabbos Mevarchim Tishrei:[1] No blessing before Musaf:[2] On the Shabbos before Rosh Hashanah we do not bless the coming month despite this being the custom on every Shabbos that precedes Rosh Chodesh.[3] Tehillim:[4] The entire book of Tehillim is recited before Shacharis just as on any other Shabbos Mevarchim. Av […]
Blowing of the Shofar 5
Not to talk of irrelevant matters until after Musaf:[1] One must beware not to talk of irrelevant matters between the Tekios Meyushav [which is the first set of blows that is sounded after Kerias Hatorah] and the Tekios Meumad [which is the second set of blows in Musaf].[2] One is […]
Blowing of the Shofar 4
The listeners: Not to answer Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo:[1] The listeners are not to say Baruch Hu Uvarach Shemo upon hearing Hashem’s name said in the blessing.[2] In the event one said Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo it is possible that one has not fulfilled his obligation of the blessing.[3] For […]
Blowing of the Shofar 3
The verses recited prior to the blowing:[1] After the above preparation is completed one is then to say the psalm of “Lamnatzeiach Livnei Korach” seven times.[2] [This psalm has the ability to turn the attribute of judgment into mercy.[3]] After the recital of this psalm the Chazan recites a series […]
Blowing of the Shofar 2
The spiritual preparation prior to the blowing:[1] One[2] is to [spiritually] prepare himself prior to blowing Shofar.[3] [This is accomplished by each person thinking of matters that spiritually arouse him, each person on his own level and in accordance to his nature.[4] On a deeper level at this time one […]
Blowing of the Shofar 1
The 15th of Elul-the Founding of Tomchei Temimim: On the fifteenth of Elul 5657 [1897; תרנ׳׳ז] the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva was founded in Lubavitch. Directives of the Rebbe in connection with this date:[1] One is to add in the learning of Chassidus on this day. This especially applies […]
