The power of dreams:[1] A dream is rooted in the level of Soveiv Kol Almin, in which there is no order or regulations to which things are bound. In this level a ship can fly in the air and one can be in two places at once. Although, on the […]
Wearing wool clothing on top of linen clothing or vice versa
Wearing a wool clothing on top of a linen clothing or vice versa:[1] It is permitted to wear a wool shirt on top of a linen shirt [or vice versa]. Tying them together:[2] It is even permitted to tie the two clothing together in a way that they cannot be […]
Linen spandex in wool pants/sweater
Wool clothing with linen spandex, or vice versa:[1] It is permitted to insert a linen string/elastic into wool pants for use of tightening the pants [as is common in sweat pants and hoods[2]] so long as it is possible to remove the string without needing to cut the sewing.[3] It […]
Wearing wool clothing on top of linen clothing or vice versa
Wearing a wool clothing on top of a linen clothing or vice versa:[1] It is permitted to wear a wool shirt on top of a linen shirt [or vice versa]. Tying them together:[2] It is even permitted to tie the two clothing together in a way that they cannot be […]
Leaving your website open on Shabbos
May one leave a website store open over Shabbos? Some Poskim[1] rule one is not to allow his website business to remain open on Shabbos.[2] Others[3] rule it is permitted to leave one’s website open over Shabbos even if it performs sales of merchandise on Shabbos.[4] Nevertheless, if it is […]
Eating immediately after Kiddush-The obligation to eat the meal immediately after Kiddush
Eating immediately after Kiddush:[1] Introduction: In order for Kiddush to be valid [whether of night or day of Shabbos and Yom Tov] one is required to eat a “meal” afterwards [which consists of at least a Kezayis of Mezonos/Hamotzi or Revius of wine[2]].[3] The question dealt with in this article […]
Entering bus, car, store with woman singing
Must a man leave or not enter an area in which a woman is singing?[1] One is not required to leave, or not enter an area that contains a woman singing. One may thus enter a bus or taxi or store even though the radio is on with a woman […]
Women singing-Kol Isha on radio/tape
* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Donate May a man listen […]
The 400 Shekel Kesef and 400 warriors of Esav
The 400 Shekel Kesef:[1] There exist 400 worlds of Divine pleasure which the Tzadikim will inherit in the future. These 400 levels of Taanug/pleasure were represented in the 400 Shekel Kesef that Avraham gave when he purchased the Cave of Machpelah for Sarah’s burial from Efron. These 400 spiritual levels […]
Origin of souls of gentiles-Adam after sin
Souls of Gentiles came about after the sin of Adam:[1] If not for the sin of the Eitz Hadaas, the soul of Gentiles would not have been created, and all people would have a G-dly soul. Originally, Adam’s soul incorporated only Jewish souls, until he sinned. His sin caused him […]
The Kashrus status of Yoga, Eastern Meditations and Therapies
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 […]
Approximating the knot of the Yud to the Bayis
Approximating the knot of the Yud to the Bayis:[1] One is to beware that the Yud of the knot[2] [of the Tefillin Shel Yad] does not move from the Bayis [of the Shel Yad].[3] [It is thus to be constantly touching the Bayis of the Shel Yad. It is to […]
The liturgy of Shalom Aleichem
The liturgy of Shalom Aleichem: The Background of the custom: The Piyut of Shalom Aleichem was established by the Kabbalists, the students of the Arizal and is recorded in the Poskim to be said on Friday night upon arrival home from Shul.[1] It is recited in light of the Talmudic[2] […]
Avoiding making Kiddush during the 7th hour on Friday night
* This article is an excerpt from the above Sefer Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Donate Not to make Kiddush during […]
A Chasan leaving home during first year
Traveling from home during the first year:[1] The Torah[2] states that “When one marries a new wife he is not to go to the warfront or do other matters and is to be available to his house for one year and rejoice his wife that he took.” From here we […]
When may a widow or divorcee remarry
Todays Halacha is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy Here How long must a widow or divorcee wait to remarry? A. Not pregnant and not after birth:[1] All widows and divorcee’s must wait 90 days from after the divorce, or death of the husband, prior to remarrying [Kiddushin/Nissuin].[2] This applies even […]
Stopping a shoplifter-Preventing monetary damage
Preventing monetary damage from occurring to a friend:[1] If one is able to save his friend from a possible monetary loss, he is obligated to exert as much effort possible, with all his bodily strength, to try to prevent the loss.[2] Doing so is a positive command and is included […]
Should Brachos be said out loud for others to answer Amen
Is one to specifically recite blessings out loud in order so others can answer Amen? Some Poskim[1] rule one is to specifically recite blessings aloud in order to have others answer Amen after the blessing. One is to try to have at least two people answer Amen after the blessing.[2] […]
Couples showing affection in public
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 […]
Paying back for items one stole as a child
Child who stole:[1] If a child stole an object, then if the stolen object is still in existence, it is required to be returned to its owner. [This applies only if it is well known that this object of the child is stolen.[2]] If the stolen object is no longer […]
Yichud with Mother/Father in-law with children at home
Yichud with ones mother in-law with children at home It is permitted for one to be in Yichud with the opposite gender if there are children of a certain age [to be explained] present in the area, thus acting as Shomrim. Below we will discuss the age in which […]
Standing up for Torah Scholars
Standing for a Torah scholar:[1] It is a positive command in the Torah to stand up in front of all Sages. The age: The command to stand before a Sage applies even if the Sage is not old but is young [even if he is a child under Bar Mitzvah[2]] […]
Invasion of privacy-Looking into another’s property
May one look into his neighbor’s property?[1] It is forbidden to look into another person’s property to see his actions and dealings, without his permission and knowledge.[2] This law applies even to a backyard and porch and goes without saying that it applies to a house. This applies even the […]
Playing aggressive activities with Parent
Hitting one’s parents:[1] One who hits his father or mother during their lifetime is liable for the death penalty of strangulation. This applies whether to a son or a daughter. However it only applies if blood was drawn through the hit. If however blood was not drawn through the hit, […]
Positions of bed in bedroom
Which direction should one face upon sleeping?[1] From North to South:[2] Just as it is forbidden for one to face East or West when having a bowel movement, similarly it is forbidden to sleep facing East or West with one’s wife together in bed, when one has intention to have […]
May one believe a person who says he converted or is proof required?
If one says he is Jewish because he converted, is he to be believed?[1] Marrying a Jew: If a person who was known to be a gentile claims that he went through conversion and became Jewish, he is not believed to be allowed to marry a Jew unless he supplies […]
Check cashing services and Ribis
Using check cashing services: Using a check cashing service is for all purposes similar to selling a loan to a third party, and follows all the restrictions relevant to it. The difference between cashing a check by a bank and by a check cashing service is that by a bank, […]
Giving a loan without documentation
The requirement to have legal proof of the loan:[1] It is forbidden for a lender to give a loan without receiving a form of legal testimony of its occurrence.[2] This applies even if the borrower is a Torah Scholar ]and is thus a trustworthy person].[3] Thus, one must either have […]
Sending Presents to women
May a man send a present to a woman? One is to avoid sending gifts to a widow or any single woman.[1] Likewise, some Poskim[2] rule one is to avoid sending gifts to a married woman due to Sheilas Shalom.[3] However, when doing so without any intent of affection, such […]
Causing a Parent to bleed
Hitting one’s parents:[1] One who hits his father or mother during their lifetime is liable for the death penalty of strangulation. This applies whether to a son or a daughter. However it only applies if blood was drawn through the hit. If however blood was not drawn through the hit, […]
Taking a Gentile to a secular court
May one take a gentile to a secular court? The Biblical prohibition against going to secular courts applies even against taking a gentile to such a court, and one who transgresses this prohibition has transgressed a negative command.[1] This applies even if the secular courts rule the same way as […]
Where to keep Kesuba
Where is one to keep the Kesuba?[1] Many Poskim[2] rule that the Kesuba is to be kept in the home of the wife’s mother [the husband’s mother in-law] or another trustworthy relative of the wife, or by the Rav or Beis Din.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule it is to be placed […]
Cutting nails on Thursday
Cutting nails on Thursday:[1] Some[2] are particular to not cut the nails on Thursday.[3] [Thus beginning from Wednesday night one should not cut his nails.] Q&A If one will not have time to cut his nails on Friday may he be lenient to do so on Thursday?[4] Yes. […]
Tzaar Baalei Chaim
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 a […]
Zecher Lechurban
Leaving out one dish by a meal:[1] The Sages enacted that in commemoration for the destruction, upon making a meal for guests [or any other meal, including even a Seudas Mitzvah[2]] one is required to leave out from the table one of the commonly served dishes of food. One is […]
Relatives Bathing together
Relatives bathing together:[1] The Talmud[2] prohibits one from bathing together with his father or step father[3], or father in-law[4], or sister’s husband [brother in-law].[5] Some Poskim[6] extend this prohibition even against bathing with one’s brother, however other Poskim[7] permit regarding a brother. One was already in the bathhouse when relative […]
Leaving square unpainted
Leaving part of one’s wall unpainted:[1] When the Temple was destroyed the Sages of that generation instituted that one may never build a home that is painted and decorated like the palace of a king, and rather one is to cement the walls and paint the walls of […]
Praying by Gravesite
How to pray by the gravesite: At the grave of a Tzaddik one is to pray to Hashem to answer his prayers in the merit of the Tzaddikim.[1] Likewise one may ask the Tzaddik to intervene on one’s behalf and pray to G-d for the matters which he needs.[2] Some […]
Closing up a window or door
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 hollow […]
Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch
Historical background:[1] The Shulchan Aruch Harav, also known as the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, or Shulchan Aruch Admur Hazakein; was written by Rav Schneur Zalman of Liadi. Its initiation: The Maggid of Mezritch was encouraged by the heavenly courts to search amongst his students for a proper candidate to compile […]
Practical Halacha
The importance of learning practical Halacha: Ruling of Shulchan Aruch:[1] In the laws of Talmud Torah the following ruling is given: The learning of practical Halacha takes precedence over other fields of Torah study. Only after one is clearly well versed in practical Halacha and knows the detailed laws relevant […]
Entering with Sefarim to a bathroom
* This article is an excerpt from the above book *The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Donate Buy in Paperback or Kindle Buy on Apple Books Purchase on our website Awaking like a Jew Learning Course + […]
Kavod of Sefarim
Order of Sefarim
Placing sefarim on top of each other:[1] It is permitted to place a Chumash on top of Nevim or Kesuvim. However one may not place a Nevim or Kesuvim on top of a Chumash, and one may not place a Chumash on top of a Sefer Torah.[2] One may place […]
Bayis Malei Sefarim
Bayis Malei Sefarim: It is a Mitzvah to publish [and purchase] Chumashim, Mishnah, Gemara and their commentaries.[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that this Mitzvah is a positive Biblical command, and is in place of the Mitzvah of purchasing a Sefer Torah. [This Mitzvah is fulfilled through writing or purchasing all Torah Sefarim and […]
Mondays & Wednesdays
Starting a new activity on Mondays and Wednesdays:[1] It is accustomed not to begin a new activity on Mondays and Wednesdays.[2] [Some[3] rule that this only applies for mundane matters and not for matters that involve a Mitzvah. Practically so is the custom.[4] One may thus get married on Mondays […]
Moving Houses
Moving houses:[1] One should refrain from moving houses until the 15th of Av if it is possible for one to do so.[2] [1] Igros Kodesh 9/228 [brought in Shulchan Menachem 3 p. 48; Sha’arei Halacha Uminhag 2/225]; Not found in other Poskim. [2] The reason: Seemingly the reason for this […]
Proving G-d
Intellectually Proving G-D- Mamar Veyadata Hayom For the full written review of the Mamar click here
Food left under ones bed part 3
Leaving food under bed Part 3 Q&A on bed that one did not sleep on May one place food under a bed that one is not sleeping on and is the food forbidden if one did so? Some Poskim[1] rule that one may place food or drink under the bed […]
Food left under ones bed part 2
Food that is under the bed-Part 2: A number of limitations to this ruling have been suggested in Poskim: Some Poskim[1] suggest that the prohibition only applies if the food is placed directly on an earth floor, while if it is on top of tiles or a wood floor, it […]
Food left under ones bed part 1
Food that is under the bed:[1] One may not place cooked foods [or other foods[2], even raw[3]] and liquids under a bed.[4] If the food or liquid is covered:[5] One may not place foods or liquids under a bed even if the food/liquid covered with a metal vessel. Bedieved: In […]
Kadima Bebrachos 2
The laws of precedence מזונות Wheat or spelt mixed with another bracha: If its made of wheat or spelt it has precedence over any other brocha even if the other food is more desirable, other than hamotzi. (סידור הל‘ י‘) Barley, oats or rye mixed with another bracha: Mezonos of […]
Challah: Name & Shape
The name Challah: Bread in Hebrew is called Lechem while the separated dough is called Challah. It is customary to call the Shabbos bread Challah in order to serve as a reminder to women to separate Challah from the dough.[1] In previous times it was common in many communities […]
Hafrashas Challah 3
Separating Challah: How much dough is one to separate:[1] One is to separate one Kezayis [approximately 28 grams[2]] of dough. If one separated less than this amount it is nevertheless valid. Saying the blessing? One is to designate an area from the dough that the Challah will be separated from. […]
Hafrashas Challah 2
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 […]
