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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Understanding Hashgachas

How is it possible for stores to provide produce in a Shemitah year? There are various options used by Hashgacha companies in providing produce towards the law abiding consumers. Gidul Nachrim [Is followed by the Eida; not followed by Benei Brak Hashgachas] Oatzer Beis Din [Used by some Mehadrin Hashgachas; […]

Misc Laws of Shemitah

Misc Laws of Shemitah Giving Shemitah produce to a gentile:[1] It is forbidden to give Shemitah produce to a gentile.[2] May one offer a gentile in one’s home Shemitah food to eat?[3] Yes.   May one give Shemitah produce to one who will not treat it with Kedushas Sheviis? This […]

Kedushas Sheviis

Discarding Shemitah produce-Forbidden to destroy, cause loss or damage: It is forbidden to cause loss or damage to Shemitah produce.[1] It is however permitted to cause indirect loss to Shemitah produce.[2] Shemitah garbage: It is forbidden to discard Shemitah produce within a regular garbage bag as doing so is a belittlement […]

Gidul Nachrim

Gidul Nachrim-Produce of a gentile grown in Israel:[1] It is disputed amongst the Poskim as to the Kedusha status of products grown in Gentile owned lands within Eretz Yisrael. Some Poskim[2] rule that fruits grown by a gentile in Eretz Yisrael do not have a status of Shemitah produce, as […]

Sefichin

Sefichin:[1] All vegetation and plants that grew during Shemitah are Rabbinically forbidden to be eaten. This prohibition is called Sefichin. The prohibition includes any vegetation or grains that grew, even from seeds that fell the previous year, and certainly towards vegetation that was planted intentionally.[2] Fruits of a tree: Fruits […]

Shemitah Produce

Laws relevant to Shemitah produce? The following laws apply towards Shemitah produce: Must be disowned from one’s land Sefichin: All non-tree produce grown during Shemitah is forbidden to be eaten Forbidden to destroy Shemitah produce. Forbidden to do business with Shemitah produce. Forbidden to bring Shemitah produce to Diaspora. Forbidden […]

The Forbidden Melachos 2

Planting: A. What items are forbidden to be planted during Shemitah? It is forbidden to plant any produce during Shemitah. This includes:[1] Fruits Vegetables Non-fruit baring trees[2] Roses Flowers Grass   B. May one ask a gentile to plant for oneself?[3] It is forbidden to ask a gentile to plant […]

The Forbidden Melachos

1. The Biblical Melachos:[1] It is Biblically forbidden to perform any of the following Melachos during [Biblical] Shemitah: Seeding [Zeria] Harvesting [Ketzira or Betzira] Pruning [Zemira] Plowing[2][Charisha] Planting [Netia]     2. The Rabbinical Melachos: It is Rabbinically forbidden to perform any of the following Melachos [even during Biblical Shemitas]: […]

Biblical or Rabbinical?

Is Shemitah today Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is of Biblical obligation.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule that the observance of Shemitah in today’s times is of only Rabbinical obligation.[5] Other Poskim[6] rule that it is not at all obligatory today, even on a Rabbinical level, and is only observed […]

Calculation of Shemitah

The Shemitah calculation for today’s calendar: The cycle first began when the Jews entered Eretz Yisrael and settled the lands. This occurred 14 years after the entrance into Eretz Yisrael, as it took 7 years to conquest the land and another 7 to settle it. They then counted Shemitahs and […]

Introduction to Shemitah

Introduction-The Torah verses: The Torah[1] commands us that every seventh year one must sanctify the year as Shemitah. The Shemitah year entails a number of laws and regulations that relate to one’s land, ground produce, and loans. One is commanded to rest the land.[2] One may not sow the field […]

Blessing over Hallel

The blessing over Hallel:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that whenever half Hallel is recited, it is to be said without saying a blessing before or after.[3] Other Poskim[4] however rule that if the Hallel is being recited with a Minyan[5] then a before and after blessing is to be recited[6], however […]

Yaleh Veyavo by Shemoneh Esrei

Yaleh Veyavo in Shemoneh Esrei:[1] A. The general laws: On Rosh Chodesh one adds the paragraph of Yaleh Viyavo within Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv, Shacharis and Mincha. It is recited after Ritzei [prior to Modim].[2] Announcing Yaleh Veyavo before Shemoneh Esrei:[3] One may not announce prior to Shemoneh Esrei of […]

Hair/Nails on Rosh Chodesh

Cutting hair and nails on Rosh Chodesh:[1] One may[2] not cut the hair of his head[3] or his nails[4] on Rosh Chodesh.[5] This applies to both men and women. When Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos:[6]  Even when Rosh Chodesh falls on Erev Shabbos some communities are accustomed not to […]

Melacha on Rosh Chodesh #2

Reminders:   Rosh Chodesh reminders No laundry No cutting nails, hair Eat festive meal Yaleh Veyavo in Davening Yaleh Veyavo in Bentching Tehilim with commentary   Elul Reminders Blow the Shofar Tashrat-Tashat-Tarat after Shacharis. Recite the three extra Kapitlach of Tehillim per day, after Davening. Recite Ledavid Hashem Ori in […]

Melacha on Rosh Chodesh

  Reminders:   Rosh Chodesh reminders No laundry No cutting nails, hair Eat festive meal Yaleh Veyavo in Davening Yaleh Veyavo in Bentching Tehillim with commentary   Elul Reminders Blow the Shofar on the first day of Rosh Chodesh for practice. Every day thereafter blow Tashrat-Tashat-Tarat after Shacharis. Recite the […]

Shavuos checklist

Shavuos Checklist 5775/2015: *The laws provided below are based on the upcoming Sefer “The Laws and Customs of Shavuos”. To browse online the content of the Sefer, including footnotes and sources, or to download a summary edition of the laws, please visit our Shavuos section provided on Shulchanaruchharav.com   1. […]

Eating dairy on Shavuos

The reasons for the Minhag What are the reasons mentioned behind eating Milk products on Shavuos? The Rama[1] writes that it is done in commemoration of the Shtei Halechem offering, which consisted of two loaves [i.e. two meals], which were brought on Shavuos. As our previous Shechita became invalid when […]

Morning Blessings when up all night

The morning blessings: According to Chabad custom one that did not sleep throughout the night is to nevertheless recite all the morning blessings himself, including washing hands with Al Netilas Yadayim[1], Elokaiy Neshama[2], Hamavir Sheiyna[3], Birchas Hatorah[4], and all the other morning blessings.[5] This however is with exception to the […]

Tachanun during Sivan

Tachanun: Tachanun is omitted from the first of Sivan until after Shavuos.[1] Our custom is to omit Tachanun until, and including, the 12th of Sivan.[2] Tachanun is resumes on the 13th of Sivan. Likewise on Shabbos of these dates Av Harachamim and Tzidkascha Tzedek is omitted.   [1] 494/8; Siddur […]

Waiting 6 hours

Waiting between eating meat and milk: A. How much time must one wait?[1] Michaber:[2] Wait 6 hours:  One who ate meat, whether meat of a domestic animal, or even meat of a wild animal or poultry[3], must wait 6 hours prior to eating milk products.[4] Rama No need to wait: […]

Shabbos Tablecloth

Setting the table for Shabbos:[1] Placing a tablecloth on the table: It is customary for there to be a tablecloth spread over one’s [dining[2]] table throughout the entire Shabbos. One may not swerve from this custom.[3] There are those which have the custom to spread two tablecloths over the [dining] […]

Cemetery on Shabbos

Times that one is not to visit a cemetery:[1] One is to avoid visiting a cemetery on Rosh Chodesh[2], Shabbos and Yom Tov.[3] However practically today the custom has become to visit graves on Rosh Chodesh.[4] However one is not to recite the Maaneh Lashon or other lamentations, although he […]

Tehillim Shabbos Mevarchim

* 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 https://vimeo.com/314470409 Tehillim Shabbos Mevarchim:[1] The Rebbe […]

Forbidden speech on Shabbos

Speaking of forbidden matters on Shabbos: Those matters which are forbidden to do on Shabbos, whether Biblically or Rabbinically, are forbidden for one to speak about doing them after Shabbos.[1]   One may not say: Tomorrow I am traveling tomorrow to this and this city.[2] Tomorrow I will cook this […]

Shabbos Shira

Shabbos Shira Standing for Shira:[1] The custom is to stand for the reading of Shira.   Zeicher/Zecher:[2] There is dispute amongst Poskim[3] as whether one is to read Zeicher Amalek or Zecher Amalek. Practically one is to read both dialects.[4] By the reading of Parshas Zachor [and Parshas Ki Seitzei] […]