Should one do “Iskafya[1]” on Shabbos and refrain from delving into lavish delicacies?[2] It is clear that both on the Halachic[3] and esoteric[4] aspects of the Torah it is a Mitzvah to embellish in Oneg Shabbos, by eating delicacies and drinking fine beverages, and the concept of sanctifying oneself with […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Resting items on top of a pot plant; 2) How to distribute the Kiddush wine to the listeners
Question: [Thursday, 17th Kisleiv 5781] Is it permitted on Shabbos for me to rest my Siddur on a pot plant? I have many pot plants in my yard sitting on the gate and they are a perfect height for me to rest my Siddur on when I Daven there on […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Replacing your Zabla judge; 2) Bnei Bris in Bentching
Question: [Wednesday, 16th Kisleiv 5781] I have a monetary dispute with a friend, and we decided to take her to a Zabla Beis Din. After I chose my judge I had a change of heart and would like to choose someone else instead. May I do so? Answer: It depends […]
Scaring a Fellow Jew
May one scare another person and is he liable for damages?[1] It is forbidden to scare another Jew. One who does so, such as he released a scream from behind him or suddenly appeared in front of him in a dark area, although he is not liable below in this […]
From the Rav’s Desk: When to start Shemoneh Esrei if Minyan already began
Question: [Tuesday, 15th Kisleiv 5781] It often happens that I reach Shemoneh Esrei a minute or two after the congregation has already begun to Daven Shemoneh Esrei together. I’m not sure what I should be doing in this situation and if I should just start Davening right away and take […]
When to write the Kesuba
When to write the Kesuba: It is best for both the Kesuba and Chuppah to take place by day, before sunset, in order to avoid all Halachic issues involved in the validity of the date of the Kesuba, and so is the custom in Yerushalayim. Below we will discuss […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Tikkun for eating non-Kosher 2) Mourning a non-Frum relative
Question: [Monday, 14th Kisleiv 5781] Dear Rabbi, I was unfortunately shocked to discover that I accidentally ate a food that was not kosher. I honestly thought that it had a Hashgacha, as there is a similar product under the same brand with a Hashgacha, and only after I ate […]
Listening to gentile music
Gentile[1] music and lullabies:[2] The words and tune: It is forbidden to listen to music that is sung for the sake of idolatry.[3] It is certainly forbidden to sing or listen to church melodies, or songs from Psalms which were orchestrated by Christians for the sake of their deity.[4] One […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Giving a speech with back to Aron 2) Lighting from flame of Yartzite candle
Question: [Sunday, 13th Kisleiv 5781] Is it permitted for one to give a speech in a shul with his back facing the Aron kodesh? Answer: Yes, it is permitted to do so. Although we do not sit with our backs facing the Aron [unless the Bima is between the Aron […]
May one enter Sefarim into a bathroom?
May one enter Sefarim into a bathroom?[1] It is forbidden to enter revealed Sefarim or Tefillin into a bathroom due to it being a belittlement to the Sefarim. If the Sefarim are covered, then at times it is allowed to enter the Sefer into the bathroom. This depends on whether […]
