The amount of dough needed to separate with a blessing: One may only separate Challah with a blessing if he has 1,666.6 grams of flour.[1] If one has less than this amount but more than 1,250 grams[2] he is to separate Challah without a blessing. [1] Shiureiy Torah Chapter […]
Hafrashas Challah 1
Separating Challah:[1] The greatness of the Mitzvah:[2] The Mitzvah of separating Challah is very great. It corresponds in Gematria to all 613 Mitzvos.[3] In merit of this Mitzvah blessing is found in one’s home and livelihood[4] and women are protected during childbirth.[5] In merit of this Mitzvah we were granted […]
Challah in meat oven
May one bake Challahs for Shabbos at the same time he is baking meat or chicken?[1] If the meat or chicken is covered it is allowed to be done if the oven is clean of any meat or chicken residue. If the bread is covered it may be done in […]
Baking Challah
Baking Challahs:[1] It is customary for every household to bake Challahs for Shabbos which are used for Lechem Mishneh and not to buy them at the bakery as is done during the week. This matter of baking one’s own Challah is included in the honoring of Shabbos and Yom Tov […]
Washing after haircut
A haircut:[1] [One who cuts his hair is required to wash his hands one[2] time immediately afterwards.[3] This applies even if he only cut a small amount of hair[4], and applies whether the hair was cut with a scissor or razor.[5]] If one does not wash his hands after cutting […]
When to get a haircut
Getting a haircut-when?[1] If one has long hair it is a Mitzvah to cut it [any day prior to Shabbos] in order so one not enter into Shabbos in disgrace. Furthermore, it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to cut the hair specifically on Erev Shabbos and not beforehand.[2] If however […]
14 Mitzvos of a haircut
The Kavanos of a Haircut:[1] One is to intend upon getting a haircut that he is removing the powers of severity, and is fulfilling the Mitzvah of having Peiyos, and the Mitzvah of paying a worker for his job on the same day and the Mitzvah of honoring Yom Tov. […]
Trimming mustache
May one trim his mustache? Many Poskim[1] and Kaballists[2] rule that one is obligated to cut the mustache hairs that interfere with ones food.[3] Nevertheless, there are communities that are accustomed not to trim any facial hair, including the mustache hairs that interfere with food.[4] The Rebbe answered that with […]
Cutting Hair and Peiyos
What number haircut may one take in the area of his Peiyos? To how short may the hair in the area of the Peiyos be cut?[1] It is only forbidden to cut the hairs, in the area of the Peiyos, together with a razor.[2] However there are opinions[3] that […]
Customs of 10th
The Customs followed until midday of the tenth of Av Click here Customs of the tenth of Av to read the laws pertinent in todays shiur
Laundering
The laws of Laundering clothing During the Nine days Click here Laundering clothing to read the laws covered in this Shiur.
Bathing
The laws of Bathing during the nine days Click here The laws of Bathing and Showering to read the laws covered in this Shiur
Meat and Wine
Meat, poultry & Wine during the Nine Days Eating meat and poultry Drinking wine
Shabbos Erev Tishe Beav
* The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email https://vimeo.com/280704584?fl=pl&fe=sh Tisha B’av that falls on Sunday This chapter will mention all […]
Women or sick Fasting on Tishe Beav
Fasting: It is forbidden for an adult man or woman to eat or drink anything on Tisha B’av, with exception to the cases brought below. Sick: One who is sick:[1] A person who is sick and needs to eat, is not required to fast on Tisha B’av.[2] If he […]
Havdalah on wine
Havdalah:[1] When saying Havdalah during the nine days [Motzei Shabbos Chazon] one is to give the wine to drink to a child [whether male or female[2], although some rule only male[3]] which has reached the age of Chinuch [of blessings[4] although some say also Chinuch of Havdalah[5]] but has not […]
Freshly laundered clothing
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 […]
Women hearing Shofar
Women: Women are not obligated to hear Shofar.[1] Nevertheless if they desire to blow Shofar they may do so[2] with a blessing.[3] Practically women today have accepted the hearing of Shofar as an obligation and hence they must do so due to this custom.[4] May a man blow Shofar for […]
Holes in the Shofar
The job of the Rav:[1] The Rav of the town is responsible for checking prior to R”H that the Shofar is valid without any question or doubts of cracks and chips and the like. A Shofar that was made through welding together pieces of horn:[2] If one glued [or […]
Kashrus of the horn
Which animal horns may be used for blowing Shofar on Rosh Hashanah?[1] Introduction: Only those horns that are defined as a Shofar as opposed to Keren are valid to be used for blowing Shofar. The following will discuss the definition of a Keren and which horns are thus invalid to […]
Introduction to Blowing Shofar
Blowing Shofar according to Halacha Unfortunately, those which are not well versed in Halacha think that all and any form of blowing that resembles the traditional blow is valid. This is incorrect. The blowing has many fine Halachic details involved in it with which lack of doing so can invalidate […]
Sefer Torah in private minyan
Bringing a Sefer Torah to a private Minyan:[1] One may not bring a Sefer Torah to people that are incarcerated [or sick[2] and the like and are hence unable to make it to Kerias Hatorah]. This applies even on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.[3] [This however only applies to a […]
Chazaras Hashatz
Chazaras Hashatz: Standing when the ark is open: From the letter of the law one is not required to stand when the ark is open, however the custom of the world is to stand out of respect.[1] Nevertheless if it is difficult for one to stand he may be seated.[2] […]
Eating before Shofar
If one did not recite Vichein Ten Pachdecha and already concluded “Hamelech Hakadosh” must he repeat Shemoneh Esrei?[1] No. He is to continue with the remainder of Shemoneh Esrei.[2] If he remembered after reciting Hashem’s name in the blessing [Baruch Ata Hashem] he is to conclude the blessing with Hamelech […]
Zachreinu; Oseh Hashalom
Today’s daily Halacha is dedicated in the memory of Simcha Freida Bas Tzemach, whose Yartzite is today. What is the law if one recited Zachreinu or Mi Chamocha in Shemoneh Esrei after Aseres Yimei Teshuvah?[1] One who recited Zachreinu or another of the fours stanzas during Shemoneh Esrei when […]
Hamelech Hamishpat
Hamelech Hamishpat:[1] In Shemoneh Esrei of Aseres Yimei Teshuvah the tenth blessing of Hashiva Shofteinu concludes with the words “Hamelech Hamishpat” in place of “Melech Ohave Tzedaka Umishpat”. [This emphasizes that Hashem is the King that is currently in judgment at this time.[2]] Forgot to say Hamelech Hamishpat:[3] If […]
Hamelech Hakadosh
Changes in the Amidah applicable to the ten days of repentance: Hamelech Hakadosh:[1] In Shemoneh Esrei of Aseres Yimei Teshuvah the third blessing concludes with the words “Hamelech Hakadosh” in place of “Hakel Hakadosh”.[2] This begins from the first night of Rosh Hashanah until the end of the ten days […]
Prayer on Rosh Hashana #2
1. Reviewing the prayers: The Chazan for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur should review the Davening, the meaning of its words, and the Midrashic and Chassidic teachings on the prayers.[1] This especially applies to the Piyutim in Davening.[2] This is to be done every year even if he did so […]
Prayer on Rosh Hashanah
The form of prayer required on Rosh Hashanah One should pray with profound bitterness, having recognition that one is approaching the King with “torn garments”, and thus begging G-d to have mercy and accept him as his servant.[1] Nevertheless, when one accepts the yolk of heaven it must also […]
Customs of Elul
Wishing each other a sweet new year:[1] We begin to wish each other a “Kesiva Vachasima Tovah”[2] starting from Rosh Chodesh Elul. [Some[3] are accustomed to begin doing so from the 15th of Menachem Av.] In a letter to a friend one must begin [or end[4]] with a blessing for […]
Acronyms of Elul
Yom Kippur Katan:[1] Many are accustomed on Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul to fast and recite the Seder of Yom Kippur Katan, even if they are not particular to do so the rest of the year.[2] However some meticulous men are not accustomed to do so even on Erev Rosh Chodesh […]
Ledavid Hashem #2
Ledavid Hashem Ori Part 2: Q&A If one is praying in a Shul that says Ledavid after Aleinu what is he to do?[1] He is to follow the congregation. Thus he is to say Aleinu with the congregation and then say with them Ledavid.[2] However there are Poskim[3] which […]
Ledavid Hashem
Ledavid Hashem Ori:[1] Siddur Admur; Chemdas Yamim 1 p. 106 [That he would say by Selichos]; Moreh Baetzba 37; Shaareiy Rachamim [Chaim Kohen]; Sheim Tov Katan; Siddur Haari of Rav Shabsi; Shaar Hateshuvah 1/41 brought in Shaar Hakolel 11/28; Mateh Efraim 581/6; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128/2; M”B 581/2; See Divrei […]
Mezuzos and Tefillin
Checking ones Mezuzos and Tefillin:[1] It is customary to check one’s Tefillin and Mezuzos during the month of Elul [if they have not been checked within the 12 months[2]].[3] One is to publicize this matter to others.[4] Doing so helps draw down a Kesiva Vechasima Tova for the coming year.[5] […]
Shofar in Elul #3
Excerpt from Upcoming Sefer “The Laws and Customs of Rosh Hashanah” Erev Rosh Hashanah:[1] One does not blow the Shofar on Erev Rosh Hashanah.[2] This applies beginning from the night of Erev Rosh Hashanah [the night of the 29th of Elul].[3] This applies even when Rosh Hashanah falls on […]
Shofar in Elul #2
Excerpt from the “Laws and Customs of Rosh Hashanah” soon to be published! On which day of Rosh Chodesh does one begin to blow?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule one is to begin to blow the Shofar from the first day of Rosh Chodesh which is the 30th of Av. Other […]
Shofar in Elul #1
Excerpt from the upcoming Sefer on the Laws of Rosh Hashanah Blowing the Shofar in Elul:[1] It is the custom of Ashkenazi[2] Jewry to blow Shofar throughout the month if Elul. Background: The Rosh in his conclusion of Tractate Rosh Hashanah records the Pirkei Direbbe Eliezer 46 […]
13 Attributes of Mercy
The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy: It is forbidden to recite the thirteen attributes without proper concentration.[1] [It is to be recited slowly and carefully.[2] It is to be recited aloud.[3] Some are accustomed to count the Middos with their fingers.[4] Some are accustomed to picture each letter of each word […]
Kesiva Vechasima Tova
Wishing each other a sweet new year:[1] We begin to wish each other a “Kesiva Vachasima Tovah”[2] starting from Rosh Chodesh Elul. [Some[3] are accustomed to begin doing so from the 15th of Menachem Av.] Sparks of Chassidus The blessing affects oneself and the person being blessed:[4] The […]
The 5 Oppressions
To browse our database on the section of the five oppressions and other laws relevant to Yom Kippur, See here.
Aseres Yemei Teshuvah
To browse our database on the laws and customs of Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, see here.
Tzom Gedalia
For the full database on the laws of Tzom Gedalia, see here.
Hadasim Meshulashim
Meshulash/Three Leaved:[1] The Torah states that the Hadas must be braided. This means that there are three leaves that extend from each area of the branch and that these three leaves are symmetric to each other that they extend from the same horizontal line. If two leaves are symmetric […]
Daled Minim
Checklist of what to look for when purchasing Daled Minim: The following is a list of matters one is to look for to purchase a Kosher and Mehudar set of Daled Minim. Esrog: It is a Calabria Esrog from Italy [not Kfar Chabad]. Verify there are no missing […]
Building the Sukkah
Building the Sukkah 1. The reason behind dwelling in a Sukkah:[1] The reason G-d commanded us to sit in a Sukkah for shade is so we recall the miracles and wonders done for us in the desert, in which the clouds of glory[2] surrounded us for shade, as […]
Leftover oil
May one use the oil that remains after the candles have extinguished?[1] The leftover oil of the 8th day’s Chanukah lighting is to be burnt on its own if it extinguished prior to burning for a half hour.[2] [This same law applies for the leftover oils of any other night, […]
Blessing of Sheasa Nissim Lavoseinu on Chanukah
The blessing of Sheasa Nissim:[1] One who did not light Chanukah candles and will not be able to do so that night, and was not Yotzei with the lighting of his wife or household[2], is to say the blessing of “Sheasah Nissim“ upon seeing the lit candles of another Jew. […]
Lighting on Erev Shabbos
Lighting on Erev Shabbos:[1] When are the Chanukah candles lit? On Erev Shabbos the Chanukah candles are lit prior to the Shabbos candles.[2] The candles are lit with a blessing despite the fact that they are being lit while still day.[3] [The earliest time one can begin to light the […]
Lighting Checklist
Setting up the Menorah: Use olive oil and cotton wicks for the candles. Use wax candles for the Shamash. Each candle is to contain enough oil to last at least 30 minutes after nightfall. The candles are set up starting from the far right end of the Menorah. The […]
Obligation of Guests
The obligation of lighting for a guest and one who is traveling:[1] A. A married guest whose wife [or husband] has remained home: If one is married and is a guest in someone’s house during Chanukah without his wife, then if his wife is not lighting the candles at home […]
Who is obligated
The obligation of lighting the Chanukah candles:[1] The head of each household is obligated to light candles for Chanukah in his home.[2] This law applies both for men and women.[3] One who lives off charity is nevertheless obligated to light candles, and must go to the extent of either borrowing money or […]
Tachanun and doing Melacha
Tachanun:[1] Beginning from Mincha of the 24th of Kislev, until after the last day of Chanukah, Tachanun is omitted from the prayers. Q&A May one visit a cemetery during Chanukah?[2] One is not to visit a cemetery during Chanukah. This includes even if one desires to visit the grave […]
Segulos
Is Chanukah a Rabbinical or Biblical holiday? There are opinions[1] which rule that all holidays instituted to commemorate a miracle of G-d have Biblical status, and hence they rule that the commemoration of Chanukah and Purim are of Biblical origin. Nevertheless even according to this opinion the form of how […]
Why 8 days?
The date:[1] On the twenty fifth of Kislev begins the eight days of Chanukah. What it commemorates:[2] Chanukah commemorates the miracles that occurred during the reign of the Syrian Empire in times of the second Temple. They made decrees against Jews, preventing them from following Torah and Mitzvos. Their money […]
10th of Teves
10th of Teves:[1] The 10th of Teves is a public fast day. One is required to fast on this day due to the tragedies that occurred during this time.[2] [This fast is mentioned explicitly in scripture [Zecharia 8] as the “Tenth fast”. The Tenth fast refers to the fast of […]
Tu Beshvat
The Laws and Customs of Tu Beshvat Introduction: The day of Tu Beshvat is a Halachic date that affects the laws of Kashrus of fruits. Due to this it has become known as Rosh Hashanah Leilanos.[1] Throughout the generations other customs have become attributed to this day, such as the […]
Purim attire & doing Melacha
What attire is to be worn on Purim? A. Wearing Shabbos clothing:[1] One should wear Shabbos clothing throughout the day of Purim [starting from the previous night[2]]. Maaseh Shehaya Importance of wearing Shabbos clothing on Purim:[3] The Tzaddik of Zichlin, Reb Shmuel Aba, was extremely particular that people in his community […]
Traveling to Jerusalem
To browse the Purim database, click here A. Lives in a city of 14th and traveled to a city that celebrates on the 15th [i.e. Jerusalem]:[1] Plans to leave the city which celebrates on the 15th before Alos of the 15th: One who lives in a city that celebrates on the 14th […]
Seudas Purim
Purim Seuda: It is a Mitzvah to eat a lavish and festive meal on Purim. This Mitzvah is a Biblical command, as rejoicing on Purim is from the words of Scripture which has the same power as the words of Torah. One fulfills his obligation […]
Matanos Laevyonim
Matanos Laevyonim: The Mitzvah: Every Jew is obligated to give at least two presents to two paupers, [one present to each pauper]. Who is obligated? Both men and women are obligated in the Mitzvah of Matanos Laevyonim. Married women are to be stringent to give Matanos Laevyonim on behalf […]
Mishloach Manos
The reason behind sending Mishloach Manos:[1] The reason why the Sages instituted sending gifts on Purim is disputed amongst Poskim. The following are the opinions and practical ramifications. Opinion of Manos Levi[2]-Increase friendship: Some Poskim[3] rule the purpose of Mishloach Manos […]
Megillah reading
Megillah Reading Who is obligated in the Megillah reading? Every Jew is obligated in the Megillah reading. This obligation includes women. Children [boys and girls, who have reached the age of Chinuch], are educated to hear the Megillah once by night and once by day. When is it read? One […]
Rosh chodesh Adar
To browse our Rosh Chodesh Database-please click here Marbim Besimcha:[1] One is to increase in joy throughout the month of Adar.[2] [Hence one is to rejoice himself, his wife and children during this month, similar to the Mitzvah of rejoicing them on Yom Tov.[3] Included in this Mitzvah is increasing in all matters […]
Parshas Zachor & Zayin Adar
Zayin Adar: Moshe Rabbeinu was born and passed away on Zayin Adar.[1]One is to increase in joy on this day.[2] Some are accustomed tofast.[3] This is not the Chabad custom.[4] However one should increase in charity on this day in exchange for the fast.[5] Some do not say Tachanun on this day.[6] Parshas […]
Chametz after Pesach
May one begin to eat Chametz after Pesach prior to the conclusion of the sale?[1] Yes.[2] Doing so does not border on stealing from the gentile or any other transgression.[3] This especially applies in those sale contracts that make an explicit stipulation with the gentile that one may eat […]
Kashering
Kashering: The laws of Kashering vessels are complex and hence it should only be done by one which is expert in these laws. One must be aware of the following details: Is the vessel made of a Kasherable material? How has the vessel been used? What form of Kashering […]
Mechiras Chametz
1. Is selling Chametz a Biblical/Rabbinical requirement?[1] One who plans on leaving Chametz in his possession over Pesach: Anyone which is planning to own Chametz over Pesach is Biblically[2] required to sell his Chametz prior to Pesach.[3] One who has cleaned his house from any known Chametz: One who has cleaned […]
Pesach Chumros
Pesach Chumros: The Alter Rebbe states that the Arizal said that on Pesach one should be stringent like all the stringencies, as one who is careful to avoid even a speck of Chametz is guaranteed not to sin throughout the year. This means that his nature will change to […]
Kitniyos
Kitniyos:[1] The Halacha: Is allowed to be eaten from the letter of the law[2], but the custom in these provinces is to not eat even on the last day of Yom Tov[3], Kitniyos [which have gotten wet with water. Dry kitniyus which has not gotten wet, may be eaten.[4]] The […]
Bedika on cleaned areas
May one do the bedikah on a night prior to the night of the 14th?[1] If one wants he may do the bedikah with a candle on all of his rooms on any night prior to the night of the 14th, although a blessing is not said[2], and he must […]
Birchas Ilanos
Birchas Ilanos/Blessing over the blossoming of fruit:[1] [One who walks around outside] in the month of Nissan, and sees trees which are sprouting forth blossom, needs to say the blessing of “Shelo Chiser Beolamo Klum[2] Uvara Bo Brios Tovos Veilanos Tovos Leihanos Bahem Binei Adam.” This blessing is only said […]
The month of Nissan
Changes in prayer-Omitting Tachanun and other prayers of supplication in the month of Nisan:[1] The custom in these provinces is that throughout the month of Nissan the following prayers are omitted from Davening: Tachanun is omitted daily. Vehu Rachum [added in Tachanun on Mondays and Thursdays] is omitted on Mondays […]
Cleaning for Pesach 3
Checking ones clothing for Chametz:[1] Every person must be careful to check his clothing and shake his gloves and pockets of his clothing, and of his children’s, as at times one enters Chametz into them.[2] However this only applies for one who is accustomed to at times place Chametz […]
Cleaning for Pesach 2
Does one have to destroy Chametz that is found on a high surface such as on top of a closet or bookcase?[1] One is obligated to destroy a Kezayis of Chametz even if it is found on a very high surface.[2] [Furthermore even less than a Kezayis should be destroyed.[3]] The […]
Cleaning- Where & How?
The obligation to clean one’s house from Chametz: The Biblical obligation:[1] Biblically, if one nullifies his Chametz and disowns it prior to the 6th hour he is not required to clean his house from Chametz, and the Chametz may rather remain in his home throughout the entire Pesach.[2] If one […]
When traveling
Traveling: Bedikas & Mechiras Chametz when traveling from home Note 1: When planning to Sell ones Chametz [In all the cases below that one is obligated to check his home before leaving, this does not apply if he will be selling his home to a gentile on the 14th. It […]
Prohibition of Chametz
The detailed commands and prohibitions: Tashbisu-The command to destroy Chametz: The positive command for one to destroy his chametz begins to apply at midday of Erev Pesach. Baal Yiraeh and Baal Yimatzei-The negative command against owning Chametz: The negative command against owning Chametz begins […]
What is Chametz?
Introduction: There are a number of different commands and prohibitions regarding the owning and eating of Chametz on Pesach. There is a positive command to destroy Chametz, two negative commands not to own Chametz, a negative command against eating or benefiting from Chametz, and a Rabbinical command to search one’s […]
Matzah within 30 days
Matzah within 30 days before Pesach: It is our custom to refrain from eating Matzah for thirty days before Pesach, beginning on Purim.[1] [Others[2] have the custom to avoid eating Matzah from Rosh Chodesh Nissan.Others[3] only abstain from eating Matzah from the night before the Seder, which is the night of the 14th.. […]
Thirty days & Play dough
Other matters which begin to apply thirty days before Pesach? It is proper to beware from using Chametz in a way that will be difficult to remove on Erev Pesach.[1] Giving children play dough within thirty days before Pesach: Many varieties of Play dough are made of actual Chametz.[2]The […]
Counted two days
Knowing the day of the count before saying the blessing:[1] Lechatchilah one is not to say the blessing over the Sefirah until he verifies which day of the count it is.[2] In the event that one said the blessing prior to knowing which day of the count it is, he […]
Erev Lag BaOmer
Tachanun: Tachanun is omitted on Lag BaOmer. It is omitted beginning from Mincha of the 17th of Iyar [Erev Lag BaOmer].[1] When do the mourning customs cease? The mourning customs cease to be practiced beginning from the night of Lag BaOmer.[2] One may hence listen to music, get […]
Shehechiyanu during Sefirah
Shehechiyanu during Sefirah Shehechiyanu: It is permitted to recite Shehechiyanu during Sefirah.[1] Nevertheless, many are accustomed to avoid saying Shehechiyanu throughout the entire weekday period of Sefirah, from after Pesach until Erev Shavuos.[2] Practically, so is the Chabad custom.[3] Those which are accustomed to say Shehechiyanu throughout Sefirah may continue […]
Music during Sefirah
Music: It is forbidden to hear music during Sefirah.[1] It is forbidden to listen to music, whether live or recorded.[2] The widespread custom even amongst G-d fearing Jews is to permit listening to cappella[3] music.[4] However there are Poskim[5] that are stringent to prohibit listening to music even of such […]
Counting with a Minyan-Counting before Maariv
May one count before Maariv?[1] It is permitted to count the Sefira before Maariv [after nightfall]. This applies even on Motzei Shabbos, when one extends the Shabbos into the night [until Maariv].[2] Nevertheless it is proper to precede the Davening of Maariv to the counting of the Omer.[3] Is […]
Melacha before counting
Melacha prior to counting:[1] It is accustomed for both men[2] and women to avoid doing work/Melacha during the entire period of Sefiras HaOmer, from the time of sunset until after they have counted the Omer.[3] (Possibly those women which are not accustomed to count the Omer must refrain from work […]
Eating before counting
Eating before counting:[1] One must refrain from eating even a small a meal a half hour prior to the time of the Sefirah[2], which is a half hour before Bein Hashmashos [i.e. sunset].[3] This applies even if one has already Davened Maariv but has not yet recited Sefiras HaOmer.[4] If […]
The Mourning Period
When between Pesach and Shavuos is one to practice the mourning customs?[1] One is required to practice the mourning customs for 33 days between Pesach and Shavuos.[2] A variety of customs and opinions exist regarding the exact dates of which the mourning customs are to be practiced between Pesach and […]
The Mourning Customs
The Mourning period: It is accustomed amongst Jewry to observe certain customs of mourning within the period between Pesach and Shavuos. The reason:[1] The reason behind this custom is because during this time period 12,000 study partners, which were the twenty four thousand students of Rebbe Akiva, passed away.[2] In […]
Women counting
Women:[1] Women are exempt from the Mitzvah of Sefiras HaOmer.[2] [Likewise, based on Kabala, women are not applicable to this Mitzvah.[3]] However in certain provinces[4] women have accepted this Mitzvah upon themselves as a complete obligation.[5] [In such provinces the women are obligated to count due to this custom.[6]] All […]
Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer
The Mitzvah: It is a positive command of the Torah for every single Jew[1] to count seven weeks worth of days starting from the offering of the Omer. [In the times of the Temple the Omer was offered on the 16th of Nissan, the second day of Pesach. The Omer […]
