Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Washing and Al Netilas Yadayim on less than a Kebeitza of bread:[1] If one will not be consuming a shiur Kibeitza without its shell[2] [53.8 grams[3]] of bread within two times Kdei Acilas Peras [i.e. within 8 minutes[4]], each Kezayis within Kdei Achilas Peras[5] [i.e. 4 minutes[6]], then one is […]

Mourning customs applicable on Motzei Tisha B’av-Tenth of Av:[1] The Heichal [Kodesh and Kodesh Hakedoshim] was set afire on the 9th towards evening, and it burnt until sunset of the 10th.[2] It is therefore customary to avoid eating meat and drinking wine [as well as to guard all the mourning […]

Eating a large meal prior to Mincha and the Seudas Hamafsekes:[1] It is an accustomed Ashkenazi practice to eat a set meal on Erev Tishe Beav, prior to Davening Mincha.[2] After the meal, one Davens Mincha and then eats the Seudas Hamafsekes.[3] [Some Poskim[4] rule this meal is to be […]

Circumventing the need to Tovel-Giving the vessel to a gentile and then borrowing it back: Vessels that are borrowed or rented from a gentile do not require immersion.[1] Accordingly, in a case that one is unable to immerse a vessel in a Mikveh, such as on Shabbos or in an […]

Laundering clothing:[1] A. The prohibition:[2] It is forbidden to wash or launder clothing during the nine days.[3] One plans to wear it after Tishe Beav:[4] It is forbidden to launder clothing even if one only plans on wearing it after Tisha B’av. This applies to all material clothing, even linen.[5] […]

Is the blessing of Shechiyanu recited upon purchasing expensive items?[1] The blessing of Shechiyanu on new items is only recited upon purchasing important clothing, or a home. However, it is not customary to recite it upon purchasing objects, including when one purchases [expensive objects such as] vessels made of gold […]

Subletting-Renting or lending a rented home to another: No rental agreement or state laws:[1] One who rented a home, may rent it to another so long as the second renter does not bring to live in the home more people than the first renter. Likewise, one who borrowed a home, […]

Lending a rented or borrowed item to another Part 2:[1] In Part 1 we explained the general prohibition against lending a borrowed or rented item to another, without explicit permission of the owner. In today’s Halacha we will discuss various cases of exception.   Moveable objects and animals:[2] Exception #1-In […]

When does the fast end?[1] All fasts conclude after nightfall.[2] This is defined as the sighting of three medium stars, or when the moon shines very brightly on the earth.[3] It however does not suffice to see three large stars.[4] [Practically, in Eretz Yisrael, some[5] say that this is approximately […]

  How long are children to wait between eating meat and milk?[1] Introduction: The accustomed six-hour wait between meat and dairy is not a Biblical requirement, and is even debated as to if it is a Rabbinical requirement or a mere custom.[2] Either way, whether it is Rabbinical or a […]

  Closing up a window or door:[1] One may not completely [and permanently[2]] close off a window or door, being that demons use openings to enter and exit and hence can lead to danger. Rather one must leave a small hole in the area. [The custom is to place a […]

  When are the morning blessings to be recited; at home or in Shul? The ruling in Shulchan Aruch: Al Netilas Yadayim; Asher Yatzar; Elokaiy Neshama:[1] These three blessings are to be recited immediately upon awakening as explained in Chapter 6. Hanosen Lasechvi Binah through Hagomel Chassadim Tovim:[2] These blessings […]

  Is it permitted to cause pain or kill living creatures?[1] It is Biblically forbidden to actively[2] cause pain to any[3] living creature [for no justifiable reason, as will be explained].[4] [It goes without saying that one may not kill a creature for no justifiable reason.[5]] If the creature is […]

  Eating and drinking prior to the visit:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule one is not to eat or drink anything prior to visiting the gravesite of a Tzadik or of a relative. [Thus, starting from Alos of that day, until after the visitation, one is to fast.] Others[3] rule one is […]

May one drink coffee brewed by a gentile in a Kosher vessel with Kosher ingredients? Is coffee considered Bishul Akum?[1] Kashrus of the coffee powder, and pot: Drinking coffee made by a gentile poses several Kashrus concerns such as a) Is the coffee powder Kosher? b) Was non-Kosher milk added […]

Standing for Kaddish and Barchu:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is not necessary [for the listeners] to stand during the recital of Kaddish and Barchu. Other Poskim[3] rule one is required to stand upon answering Kaddish or any Davar Shebekedusha [i.e. a matter that requires a Minyan].[4] Practically, it is proper […]

Is Yichud permitted in an elevator?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule the prohibition of Yichud applies in an elevator, and it is therefore forbidden to be alone in an elevator with a woman even for a very short amount of time.[3] Majority of Poskim[4] however rule the prohibition of Yichud does not apply to elevators.[5] […]

May one say the names of saints of idolatry, such as Paul/Peter/Patrick/Francis? From the letter of the law, one may say their names without mentioning their status of sainthood.[1] Thus, while one may say Paul/Patrick in reference to the apostles, one may not say a preface to his name which […]

May one say the name Jesus or Yeshu? From the letter of the law, it is permitted to recite the name Jesus or Yeshu.[1] It is likewise permitted to write these names, as we find Gedolei Yisrael who wrote these names in their Sefarim.[2] Nevertheless, despite the letter of the […]