Question: [Sunday, 7th 5783] Which direction is one to face by Kiddush Levana? I always thought that one is to face the moon and my friend told me last night to face Mizrach. Which is correct? Answer: One is to face Jerusalem [i.e. Mizrach in USA] upon saying Kiddush Levana, […]
Saying Yishtabach immediately after Az Yashir
Saying Yishtabach immediately after Az Yashir:[1] One is to recite Yishtabach immediately after Az Yashir, without making any interval in-between.[2] This applies even on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Thus, in the event that the Chazan is not yet up to Yishtabach, as commonly occurs on Shabbos and Yom Tov in […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Should a man or boy say his own Kiddush rather than be Yotzei with his father?
Question: [Thursday, 4th Shevat 5783] I am a Chabad Bochur, and the custom in my family has always been for my father to make Kiddush and have everyone else fulfill their obligation. I was recently told in my yeshiva that the Chabad custom is for everyone to make their own […]
When on Erev Shabbos is one to begin the preparations for Shabbos?
When on Erev Shabbos is one to begin the preparations for Shabbos?[1] Begin the preparations in the morning:[2] One is to always wake up early on Erev Shabbos in order to begin working and preparing for the needs of Shabbos in the morning of Erev Shabbos.[3] Add in preparations also […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying two Pesukim at the end of Shemoneh Esrei if one has two names
Question: [Wednesday, 25th Teves 5783] I have two names, Shalom Dovber [or maybe even three?], and wanted to know how many Pesukim I should say for my name at the end of Shemoneh Esrei, one, only for my first name Shalom, or also a second Pasuk for my name Dov? […]
Ayin Hara Part 3-Ayin Hara in Halacha
Examples of Ayin Hara in Halacha: Orach Chaim: Father and son by Aliyah:[1] From the letter of the law, it is permitted to call two relatives to the Torah for an Aliyah one after the other. This applies whether they are brothers or father and son. However, the custom is […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Monetary liability for a negligent car service which caused a person to miss his flight
Question: [Tuesday 2nd of Shevat 5783] I had a flight to catch and needed to leave my home at 3:30 AM to go to the airport to catch my flight. I prearranged with a Frum person who runs a car service for them to pick me up from my house […]
Married brothers and sisters living in the same city
Married brothers and sisters living in the same city:[1] A. The warnings of Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid: Four siblings: Rebbe Yehuda Hachassid[2] states that it is proper for four married brothers or four married sisters to not live in the same city in order so they live good and lengthy days, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Traveling on clouds on Rosh Chodesh in the future era
Question: [Monday, 1st Shevat, 5783] I have heard that in the future era in the times of Moshiach that we will travel to Jerusalem every Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. Is this true and how will the traveling take place? Answer: The prophet states that on every Shabbos and every […]
Is one to say Yaaleh Veyavo if he began the meal on Rosh Chodesh but is reciting Birchas Hamazon on Motzei Rosh Chodesh
Is one to say Yaaleh Veyavo if he began the meal on Rosh Chodesh but is reciting Birchas Hamazon on Motzei Rosh Chodesh?[1] The dispute:[2] If one began a meal [of bread] on Rosh Chodesh [eating at least a Kezayis of bread during daytime prior to sunset[3]] and the meal […]
