Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Yoga/Meditations/Therapies:[1] Rabbinical supervision: Yoga[2] and many eastern meditations, contain aspects of idolatry that are forbidden for a Jew, of which one is required to give up his life rather than perform. Nonetheless, the aspect of seclusion and meditation in it of itself does not contain idolatry and is not Halachically […]

Understanding Rasham versus Rashi: Some Matzah bakeries offer two different types of Matzah; one called Rasham and the second called Rashi. The Rashi Matzas are traditionally more expensive. To the unaware, this may seem like Matzas which follow two different opinions of Rishonim, however, in truth it does not refer […]

Does it help to mix the peeled egg/onion/garlic with other foods? Some Poskim[1] rule that the above prohibition only applies if the peeled egg/onion/garlic stayed overnight without being mixed with other foods. If, however it was mixed with other foods then it is permitted. Thus, if one adds oil or […]

Blessing on onion rings [i.e. rings of onion coated with breadcrumbs]:[1] Onion rings are typically made through coating a ring of an onion in a flour-based dip, and then deep frying it. In addition to the flour-based dip, some also coat the ring with dry bread crumbs, hence adding a […]

Understanding 18 minutes from table Matzos versus 18 minutes from kneading Matzos: Some Matzah bakeries offer two different types of Matzah, one being 18 minutes from the table and the second being 18 minutes from the kneading. The 18 minutes from kneading Matzas are traditionally more expensive. To the unaware, […]

  How many pages is one to show the congregation during Hagbah? One is to show [up to[1]] three columns of the Sefer Torah to the congregation upon performing Hagbah.[2] Possibly, one is to show exactly three columns [and not less or more].[3] Some Poskim[4] however rule that it is […]

* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode How much is one to give for the Half Shekel?[1]   One is to give three coins […]

Who may be given Matanos Laevyonim-Who is considered a pauper? Some Poskim[1] rule that only those paupers who are extremely poor [and are beggars[2]] are considered Evyonim, and are to be given Matanos Laevyonim.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule that anyone who is poor, even not to the extreme mentioned above, is […]

The small letters of “Taf” “Shin” “Zayin” It is customary to write in a smaller script three letters that are found within the names of the ten sons of Haman. These letters are: A small Taf in “Parshandasa”. A small Shin in “Parmashta” and a small Zayin in “Vayzasa”. It […]

Must women hear the reading of Parshas Zachor? It is a Biblical obligation to hear Parshas Zachor.[1] Some Poskim[2] rule women are not obligated to hear Parshas Zachor.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule they are obligated just like men.[5] Practically the custom amongst many women is to treat the reading as an […]

Peeled eggs, onions and garlic left overnight:[1] One may not eat peeled garlic or a peeled onion or a peeled egg which stayed overnight.[2] [One who eats this food enters himself into danger.[3]] If the food was in a bag or container:[4] The above prohibition applies even if the peeled […]

“Vanachnu Lo Neida” Standing at the end of Tachanun: In the paragraph of “Vanachnu Lo Neida” said in the end of Tachanun, some Poskim[1] rule it is proper to recite the words “Vanachnu Lo Neida” while sitting and then stand and recite the continuation from “Mah Naaseh”. Other Poskim[2] however […]

Reading another person’s mail or emails:[1] The famous Ashkenazi leader of the early middle ages, Rabbeinu Gershon Maor Hagoleh, instituted a Cherem [excommunication] against anyone who reads the mail of another person without permission. [This Cherem spread to all sects of Jewry, Sefaradim and Ashkenazim, and does not have a […]

Does placing a hand on one’s head suffice in place of a Yarmulke? It is forbidden for men to sit, walk[1] or say a blessing[2] without a head covering. The following will discuss whether placing a hand on one’s hand is considered a valid head covering in a situation that […]

May a man and a group of women be alone together?[1] *Important note: There are several circumstances that can break a Yichud prohibition between a man and women, such as a Shomer, child, wife/husband in area. Pesach Pasuach to public, etc. The following law does not come to negate any […]

May a child be trusted to immerse a vessel?[1] A child [who is below Bar/Bas Mitzvah] may not be trusted [alone] to immerse a vessel in the Mikveh.[2] However, if the child immerses the vessel in the presence [and under the supervision] of an adult [male or female above Bar/Bas […]

Are children obligated to recite the Shema?[1] Below age of Chinuch:[2] A child who is below the age of Chinuch is exempt from reciting Keiras Shema [by night and day].[3] Above age of Chinuch: A son who has reached the age of Chinuch is obligated in Shema [of both morning […]

Which blessing is said first-Shehechiyanu or the blessing over the fruit?[1] One who eats a new fruit which requires the recital of Shehechiyanu, is to first say the blessing of Shehechiyanu and only afterwards recite the blessing of Haeitz or Hadama.[2] [However, if one forgot and first said the blessing […]

Simcha-Rejoicing the Kallah:[1] A. The obligation of Simcha: The laws of Simcha refer to the obligation of the Chasan to rejoice his wife after the marriage takes place. This Mitzvah of rejoicing one’s wife includes spending time with her in festive meals, and not doing Melacha or going to one’s […]

Must one immerse electric appliances?[1] Electrical appliances which are used to cook food, and come in direct contact with food, are obligated in immersion in a Mikveh with a blessing. This includes toasters[2], sandwich makers, water urns and the like.  How to immerse and avoid damage: One is to immerse […]

Using someone’s Sefarim without permission:[1] It is forbidden for one to learn from Sefarim that belong to one’s friend without his permission.[2] This applies even if one only plans to learn from it on a mere occasion.[3] This applies even if one is certain that no damage will occur to […]

Visiting grave after seven years of absence:[1] Some are accustomed that if one did not visit the grave of a parent within seven years then he may not do so any longer.[2] Others[3] are only careful after ten years of absence. Some Poskim[4] argue that one may visit a parent’s […]

Placing the Tefillin by the hairline:[1] The entire Tefillin must rest in the area where hair grows.[2] This means that [even] the bottom end of the Titura must rest on the area where the hair first begins to grow on the forehead.[3] [One who is not careful in this matter […]

Is a gentile prohibited from castrating a human/animal as part of the Nohadite laws? This matter is disputed in the Talmud[1] and Poskim. Some Poskim[2] rule that gentiles are not prohibited against castrating. Other Poskim[3] rule that gentiles are prohibited against castrating. Practically, one is to be stringent like the […]

Making a Hefsek during Davening for the sake of a Mitzvah:   Hefsek for the sake of a Mitzvah:[1] It is forbidden to make an interval between Baruch Sheamar [and Yishtabach, and between Birchas Shema] and Shemoneh Esrei even for the sake of a Mitzvah [with exception to those cases […]

Bringing small children to Shul: [It is a Mitzvah and obligation upon a parent to educate his child to go to Shul and participate in a Minyan, once they have reached the age of Chinuch.[1]] One is to teach his young[2] children and educate them to answer Amen. From the […]

Living or visiting Egypt?[1] The Torah prohibits one from living in Mitzrayim in various places in scripture.[2] This prohibition is counted as one of the 365 negative commands.[3] Does the prohibition apply today? Some Poskim[4] however rule that the prohibition no longer applies today.[5] Other Poskim[6] however rule this prohibition […]

Men trimming/shaving their legs, arms, chest:[1] Trimming with scissor:[2] From the letter of the law, it is permitted for men to remove with a scissor the hair of the legs, arm, and chest. [Doing so does not transgress the prohibition of Beged Isha, or any other prohibition. However, removing hair […]

Blessing on lemons:[1] Lemons that are only mildly sour, and are thus edible, receive the blessing of Shehakol.[2] Lemons that are very sour to the point of inedibility, do not receive a blessing at all prior to consumption.[3] Lemon peel:[4] The peel of a lemon which is edible, receives the […]

How much does a Bechor inherit?[1] A firstborn son, who is Halachically defined as a Bechor[2], inherits a double share from amongst certain[3] assets of his father. For example, if a father passed away leaving five sons, and one is a Halachically valid firstborn, the firstborn receives 1/3 [33%] of […]

If one did not hear some of the words in a blessing, is he Yotzei?[1] One does not fulfill his obligation with any blessing, even if he answers Amen[2], unless he hears the [entire[3]] blessing from the beginning until the end. [Thus, if one did not hear the word Baruch […]

When does the fast begin? All fast days [other than Tishe Be’av and Yom Kippur] begin by Alos Hashachar/daybreak.[1] There is general dispute amongst the Poskim as to the definition of Alos/daybreak according to Halacha. Some Poskim[2], and calenders, rule Alos Hashachar begins 72 minutes prior to sunrise. Other Poskim[3], […]

Child support-Until what age is one Halachically obligated to support his children?[1] A person is [Rabbinically[2]] obligated to support his sons and daughters until the age of six years old.[3] From age six and onwards, he is to support them in accordance to the institution of the Sages, until they […]

Is Christianity considered Avoda Zarah? Christianity is considered Avoda Zara for a Jew, and carries all Avoda Zara related prohibitions.[1] However, some Poskim[2] rule that for gentiles, Christianity is considered Shituf and is not prohibited due to Avoda Zara.[3] Other Poskim[4] however rule that Christianity is considered like idolatry even […]

Nittel Nacht A. What is Nittel? Nittel is a gentile Holiday celebrating the birth of Yoshke. On this day there is an extra abundance of impurity and a stronghold of Kelipa. For this reason, the Jews throughout the generations took various customs upon themselves which are followed until this day, […]