Question: [Tuesday, 26th Kisleiv, 5783] Is it true that all the holidays will be nullified in the future era except for Chanukah and Purim? Is there a source for this? Answer: The Sages state that in the future era, all the Holidays will be nullified with exception to Purim and […]

Where are students who dorm [i.e. Yeshiva Bochurim, seminary girls, college students, soldiers on base] to light the Chanukah candles-In their dorm room, or dining room?[1] A. Background: Their lighting obligation:[2] Bochurim [single Yeshiva students, as well as Bochurot, single girls] who live in Yeshiva [or seminary] do not fulfill […]

Question: [Monday, 25h Kisleiv, 5783] I run a store which works late hours and wanted to know if I can fulfill my obligation of lighting candles by lighting candles in the store such as in my office where I spend a lot of my time during the day at work? […]

Question: [Sunday, 24th Kisleiv, 5783] I was wondering what is the law if I will be going on Mivtzaim to help other Jews light Chanukah candles, and in some cases I will need to say the blessings for them. Number one, is it permitted for me to say the blessing […]

Question: [Thursday, 14th Kisleiv 5783] I am currently in Israel and have a gentile employee in the United States and wanted to know if it is permitted for me to converse with him after Shabbos is over for me in Israel, but while it is still Shabbos in the US? […]

Question: [Wednesday, 20th Kisleiv 5783] I came a little late for a Seuda and there were no more whole loaves available, as they were all broken into. Is there any preference regarding which of the broken loaves I say Hamotzi over such as a small broken loaf versus a large […]

Question: [Tuesday, 19th Kisleiv, 5783] I tried to keep up with the Daf Yomi and daily Rambam, but often due to time constraints and due to simple lacking of Talmudic skills it can happen that I don’t understand anything that I read on the Daf or Rambam, or understand it […]

If one is traveling overnight [i.e. plane, car] what is he to do about lighting Chanukah candles?[1] A. Background Halachos: Relying on one’s family’s lighting:[2] One who is staying as a guest in another person’s home during Chanukah, is not obligated to light candles if his wife [or other family […]

Question: [Tuesday, 22nd Kisleiv 5781] According to the Chabad custom, when should we initially light the candles? I’ve heard so many different things such as immediately after sunset or anytime between sunset and nightfall or immediately before nightfall or 10 minutes after nightfall. Which one is correct?   Answer: According […]

Question: [Sunday, 10th Kisleiv, 5783] Is it possible for angels to sin? I am a bit confused about the subject as everyone always says that angels can’t sin and that’s why they are called angels and therefore they do not even have freedom of choice. This is the basic difference […]

Question: [Thursday, 14th Kisleiv 5783] I have a relative who works in investments and has offered members of our family a great financial opportunity to invest in a string of nursing homes which we hope will bring in a nice income. However, when I was discussing this with a friend […]

Measuring on Shabbos or Yom Tov for the sake of a Mitzvah & Shiureiy Mitzvah:[1] Regarding Shabbos the Poskim[2] rule that it is permitted to measure on Shabbos a Mitzvah measurement [i.e. Medida Shel Mitzvah].[3] However, regarding Yom Tov the Poskim[4] rule that is that it is forbidden to measure […]

Giving Tzedaka at night:[1] A. The law: Based on Kabbalah, one is to avoid giving charity at night [until midnight, if he is able to give the charity during daytime].[2] [However, from the letter of the law it is certainly permitted to do so, and it is not considered a […]

Question: [Tuesday, 12th Kisleiv, 5783] I was wearing my Tefillin with my front straps of the Shel Rosh tucked into my Gartel and someone came over to me and said that it is not our custom in Chabad to do so. Is this accurate, and if so then what do […]

Katlanis-Remarrying after two or more deaths of previous spouses r”l:[1] Widow: A woman who became widowed twice [was married or Halachically engaged/Mekudeshes twice, and each of her husbands passed away during the marriage, or after the Kiddushin before the Nessuin[2]] is not to remarry a third time as she is […]

Question: [Monday, 11th Kisleiv, 5783] I was listening to a very popular radio show which features a very well-known and respected Rav and leading Posek who answers questions from listeners on the radio. One of the listeners asked him if there’s any source for the custom of some Jews to […]

May one sit by the corner of a table-and does it affect your chances of getting married? Many of the populace are accustomed for single men and women not to sit by the corner of a table as doing so prevents one from finding a Zivug.[1] There is no known […]

Question: [Sunday, 10th Kisleiv, 5783] I was asked to switch the Chazan by Yishtabach, and I accidentally already finished Pesukei Dezimra and said Yishtabach by the time it came time for me to switch when the Chazan for Pesukei Dezimra reached Yishtabach. What am I to do? Answer: In such […]

Passing a baby over a table: Many of the populace are accustomed not to pass a child over a table.[1] There is no known source for this custom in any Jewish literature, and it certainly does not derive from the Talmud or Poskim.[2] The Halachic debate: Some Poskim[3] would negate […]

Measuring on Shabbos:[1] The prohibition:[2] It is forbidden to measure [or weigh[3]] anything on Shabbos [or Yom Tov[4]].[5] This applies whether with one’s hands or with a measuring tape [or with a vessel[6]].[7] This applies whether for business or personal related purposes.[8] [This applies whether one uses a mechanical or […]

Question: [Thursday, 7th Kisleiv 5783] I borrowed an item from an individual and will be seeing them on Shabbos. May I return the item to them on Shabbos? Answer: You may only return a borrowed item on Shabbos if the individual has a use for the item on Shabbos. If […]

Dog owning prohibitions and restrictions:[1] A. The prohibition against owning a dangerous or intimidating dog:[2] It is [Biblically[3]] forbidden for one to raise a dangerous or vicious dog. [One who does so transgresses both a Biblical positive and negative command which obligates one to get rid of safety hazards.[4]] The […]

Question: [Wednesday, 6th Kisleiv 5783] Is the earliest time for Davening Mincha Gedola calculated as 30 minutes past midday, or as Shaos Zemaniyos. I am asking because I noticed in the calendar that they calculate Mincha Gedola as 30 minutes past midday throughout the year, and it does not change. […]

Married women covering their hair even when alone at home:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that, from the letter of the law, a married woman is not required to cover her hair in the privacy of her home or room when no one else is around.[3] [According to this opinion, she may […]

Sleeping with versus without socks: A. The Halachic issue of removing the socks and revealing the feet:[1] Communities of people that never reveal the feet:[2] (In those areas that it is not common to ever walk with revealed feet, even in the summer, they must be careful to always have […]

Question: [Sunday, 3rd Kisleiv, 5783] In response to your recent article on the subject of avoiding drinking wine that was seen by Gentile, does this apply even to wine that is inside a kiddush cup? As it was witnessed by the Rebbe by Kos Shel Bracha that he poured wine […]

The significance of 12 years of age: When a girl turns 12 years of age she becomes Biblically obligated in Torah and Mitzvos.[1] Until that age she is considered a Ketana, and is Biblically exempt from keeping Mitzvos.   The completion of the entrance of the G-dly soul into the […]

Question: [Thursday, 30th MarCheshvan 5783] The kitchen department of our learning institution which contains a dormitory just purchased a warming cabinet which is meant to store food after it is already cooked so it stays warm. I would like to know if there’s any issue with us using this on […]

Question: [Wednesday, 29th MarCheshvan 5783] I am the Gabbaiy of a Shul and I have the following unusual question. One of the congregants in our synagogue is in a year’s long financial dispute with our set Baal Korei, in which a lot of bad blood has been created between them. […]

Are the souls of the dead aware of what’s happening below in this world? A. Sources which imply that the dead are unaware of the happenings of below: Koheles and Rebbe Yonason in Brachos: It states in the verse in Koheles[1] that “Ein Hameisim Yodim Meuma/the dead know nothing.” The […]

Cleaning the table before Birchas Hamazon-what is to remain-Full article?[1] A. Slices and crumbs of bread: Not to finish all the bread during the meal:[2] Whoever does not leave some bread on his table [throughout the meal[3]] will never see a sign of blessing [and doing so can cause poverty[4]].[5] […]

Question: [Monday, 27th MarCheshvan, 5783] Is there any prohibition involved in entering a Mosque? To explain the context, we are going on a trip to a foreign country which has a Muslim majority and some of the tourist sites include mosques, and I would like to know if there’s any […]

Bringing or leaving a loaf of bread on the table by Birchas Hamazon: Not to bring a loaf of bread to the table for Birchas Hamazon:[1] [Although it is proper to have bread remain on the table while saying Birchas Hamazon, nevertheless even] if there is no bread remaining on […]

Question: [Sunday, 26th Marcheshvan, 5783] What is the source and reason for dipping one’s bread into salt three times after one says Hamotzi, prior to eating from it after the blessing, and does this apply only on Shabbos or even during the week?   Answer: According to Kabbalah, as recorded […]

Leaving bread on the table until after Birchas Hamazon & cleaning the crumbs before Bentching:[1] Not to finish all the bread during the meal:[2] Whoever does not leave some bread on his table [throughout the meal[3]] will never see a sign of blessing [and doing so can cause poverty[4]].[5] [Accordingly […]

1. Question: [Thursday, 23rd MarCheshvan 5783] I would like to know if my and my 2nd wife’s son who is our firstborn is eligible to receive a double portion as the Torah dictates if he was born after I had a daughter from a previous marriage? Answer: He is not […]

Picking fruits from under a tree on Shabbos:[1] All fruits which have fallen off a tree on Shabbos are forbidden to be eaten until after Shabbos[2] and are therefore Muktzah.[3] Furthermore, even if there is doubt as to if the fruits fell on Shabbos or beforehand it is forbidden.[4] [Accordingly, […]

Question: [Wednesday, 22nd MarCheshvan 5783] I’m writing a kosher Jewish will, and would like to know if my firstborn son is eligible to receive a double portion as the Torah dictates if he was born through C-section and not natural birth? Answer: A firstborn son who was born through C-section […]

Using a pot that has not been used for 30 days:[1] One should not eat food that was cooked in a pot that had not been used for cooking for 30 days.[2] However, the world is not careful in this matter.[3] [Practically, the danger is only applicable if one did […]

Yayin Nesech-The status of wine that a gentile or non-Frum Jew looked at?[1] A. Halacha-Letter of the law:[2] From the letter of the law, wine can only become potentially forbidden due to contact with a Gentile [i.e. Yayin Nesech or Stam Yayin] if the Gentile comes into physical contact with […]

Question: [Monday, 20th MarCheshvan, 5783] Someone invited me to his home to celebrate his Bris. At first I laughed at him and thought he was joking as he had a Bris decades ago, but he said that he was serious and that he has a family custom to celebrate each […]

Halachic rulings and customs of the Rebbe Rashab: The Rebbe Rashab was greatly G-d-fearing, and had many stringencies and Hiddurim which he kept in Jewish law, many of which have become classic Chabad custom and practice. The following is a partial list: A. Learning Halacha:[1] The Rebbe Rashab writes that […]

Question: [Sunday, 19th Marcheshvan, 5783] Which blessing should be recited over bread croutons Mezonos or Hamotzi? Is there any difference whether I will be eating it in a salad or soup?   Answer: All store bought bread croutons are Mezonos due to one of several reasons [1) either due to […]

 Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo:[1] A. The Mitzvah:[2] Any time one hears [G-d’s name mentioned in] any blessing the custom is to recite Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo.[3] This is a [mere] custom and was not instituted by the Sages.[4] [The saying of Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo has sublime mystical meaning.[5]] […]

Question: [Thursday, 9th Marcheshvan, 5783] My two year old child loves playing with the fan on Shabbos, turning it off and back on. There is no stopping her and she simply won’t listen to our protests. Is there any issue with us benefiting from the fan if she turned it […]

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 […]

Question: [Wednesday, 15th MarCheshvan 5783] What bracha should be recited over the vegetarian meat substance known as Seitan, Sheakol or Mezonos? [Seitan is a mildly flavored, high-protein meat substitute made of wheat gluten.] Answer: Shehakol. Explanation: Gluten is the protein of the wheat and does not provide sustenance as does […]

The greatness and obligation of answering Amen:[1] It is an obligation to answer Amen towards the blessing said by a Jew.[2] This applies even if the person who hears the blessing is not obligated in this blessing at all. The meaning:[3] The word Amen is an acronym for the words […]

Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] We often go out for pizza on Motzei Shabbos, as is the custom of many good Jews. Recently, while shmuzing with the pizza store owner about how Frum Jews are obsessed with pizza eating on Motzei Shabbos, he told us that this is a real […]

Mayim Emtzaim-Washing the hands between eating fish and meat/chicken:[1] *This Halacha does not delve into the obligation of rinsing the mouth between eating fish and meat, which will be discussed in a further Halacha. A. Background of prohibition to eat fish with meat:[2] One must beware from eating meat and […]

Question: [Monday, 13th MarCheshvan, 5783] If we are having an only lady’s meal on Shabbos, can we make as Zimun with 3/10 women? Answer: While from the letter of the law women may make a Zimun without Eloikeinu if they are ten or three women who ate together, practically, the […]

Age 40 in Halacha and Divrei Chazal: The age of 40 contains unique significance in both Halachic literature and Chazal, as we will list below. Ben Arbaim Lebina-Age of Binah-Understanding: At the age of 40 one reaches the age of understanding.[1] This means that he is now able to understand […]

Question: [Sunday, 12th Marcheshvan, 5783] Years ago when we were newly married, my husband and I got into a major fight and out of sheer anger my husband wrote to me a Get in his personal handwriting on a piece of paper and gave it to me. It was not […]

Reading the Haftorah to oneself versus hearing it from the reader:[1] It is an obligation upon everyone to listen and pay attention to the Haftorah, just as they must listen to the reading of the Parsha by Kerias Hatorah.[2] Accordingly, two people may not read the Haftorah together, out loud, […]

Question: [Thursday, 9th Marcheshvan, 5783] My parents are going away, and are leaving me and my male cousin who lives by us to stay in the home. I know there is an issue of Yichud and would like to know if there is any way to make this work. We […]

Husband preparing the candles and pre-burning the wicks before Shabbos:[1] Preparing the candles:[2] Although the wife receives precedence in the Mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles, nevertheless, it is proper for the husband to prepare the wicks and candles. [This is likewise the Chabad custom.[3] Thus, the husband is to set […]

Question: [Tuesday, 8th MarCheshvan 5783] The first Yartzite of my mother is next month. My question is whether it is permitted for me to Daven for the Amud in the 13th month, being that she passed away in a leap year. I already finished the 12 months of mourning, and […]

Breakfast:[1] A. Its importance: It is proper for one to accustom himself to eating Pas Shacharis [i.e. breakfast, a small morning meal with bread].[2] This is in addition to his main meal [i.e. lunch, or early lunch] which is eaten later on.[3] One who does not eat breakfast, and only […]

Question: [Tuesday, 7th MarCheshvan, 5783] I ate meat but am not sure exactly at what time I finished eating. It was either 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. What am I supposed to do about waiting six hours. Must I be stringent to wait until 10:00, or can I eat […]

Question: [Sunday, 6th MarCheshvan, 5783] I know that it is forbidden to take three steps back at the end of Shemoneh Esrei if someone in back of me is still in middle of Shemoneh Esrei and within your 4 Amos. However, I heard that this only applies if the person […]

Sleeping during daytime:[1] Sleeping at night versus daytime-Health:[2] Natural sleep is best when it takes place at night. [The Sages state that the nighttime was created for the sake of sleep.[3]] However, sleeping during daytime hours is damaging to the body with exception to those who are accustomed to this. […]

Question: [Sunday, 5th Marcheshvan, 5783] When eating Chulent outside of a meal, what blessing should I recite? Mezonos, Sheakol, Hadama, or all three? My Chulent has barley, wheat, potatoes, and meat. Answer: If the ingredients include barley or wheat, and the Chulent is cooked down to the point that the […]

Question: [Thursday, 2nd Marcheshvan 5783] I am accustomed to light candles every Erev Shabbos even though I am not yet married and still live at home, as is the Chabad custom. I forgot to light candles one Erev Shabbos [running late and lost track of time until it was after […]

Handing a gentile, or non-religious Jew, an item on Shabbos which they will carry through an area without an Eiruv:[1] A. Gentile: Placing the item in the hand of the gentile:[2] It is Rabbinically forbidden for one to place a food or item into the hand of a gentile on […]

1. Question: [Tuesday, 1st MarCheshvan 5783] We are Davening in a Shiva home today on Rosh Chodesh and would like to know what we should do about saying Hallel. There are lots of opinions amongst the Daveners and there is much confusion as to what we are to do. Skip […]

Question: [Tuesday, 30th Tishreiy 5783] I am a non-Moroccan Sephardi and am touring Morocco with a group. We went to the local Shul in Marakesh [which has a kitchen] to pick up some Kosher food and they offered our group deep fried dough, known as spingim [i.e. Sufganiyot]. The dough, […]

Question: [Sunday, 28th Tishreiy, 5783] One of the handles of our Neigal Vaaser cup broke off, and I would like to know if it is still valid to be used or not? Answer: So long as the cup itself remains whole without leaks, it remains valid for washing hands in […]

Question: [Sunday, 28th Tishreiy, 5783] We recently had a Bris for our son and the Mohel left us the Arla in a cup that is filled with earth. What should we do with this cup and with the Arla? Answer: You should bury it somewhere in the ground anywhere of […]

The history of the reading of the weekly Parsha in Shul [i.e. Kerias Hatorah]: The establishment of Krias Hatorah:[1] Moshe Rabbeinu established for the Jewish people that they are to read from the Torah scroll on Shabbos and Holidays. [This reading is of Rabbinical status.[2]] What should be read-who established […]

Hitting the children with the Aravos:[1] The custom of the Chabad Rabbeim [as well as that of Tunisian and Morrocan Jewry[2]] was to gently “whip” their sons with the Hoshanah branches. This included even their adult children. Children above age 18 received three light hits. Those below age 18 received […]

Topic: 1) Repeating Hoshanos of Shabbos on Sunday Question: [Friday, 19th Tishreiy, 5783] This year that Hoshanah Rabbah falls on Sunday, what do we do about the repeating of the Hoshanos that we omitted on Shabbos. Do we not repeat it on Sunday Being that anyways, we’ll be saying all […]

Hoshanah Raba 1. The meaning of Hoshana Raba:[1] During Sukkos we are judged regarding water [i.e. rain].[2] On Hoshana Raba, the judgment of the water is sealed. This is of significant importance to human life as human life is dependent on water. 2. The Aravos for Hoshanos:[3] A. The Mitzvah: […]

Shabbos Chol Hamoed: Cutting nails Erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed: If one cut his nails on Erev Yom Tov then the following is the law:[1] One who cut his nails on Erev Yom Tov [or in close proximity to Erev Yom Tov to the point there was nothing to cut before […]

1. Question: [Tuesday, 16th Tishreiy 5783] I have an urgent question regarding my Sukkah, which an individual who walked inside said that he thinks it may be invalid. Basically, I have sheets as walls, however they are not within three Tefachim from the ground, and are not attached well, as […]

From the Rav’s Desk-Some of our latest Q&A 1) Lavud string which surrounds entire Sukkah  Question: [Sunday, 14th Tishreiy, 5783] I am making my Sukkah walls using Lavud, as the walls are from sheets. I would like to know if I can use a single string to wrap around all […]

Havdala on Motzei Yom Tov:[1] *In those years that Motzei Yom Tov is also Motzei Shabbos then the order of Havdalah follows the same order as Motzei Shabbos. On Motzei Yom Tov, whether it is Motzei Yom Tov to a weekday or Motzei Yom Tov to Chol Hamoed, one is […]

Question: [Sunday, 7th Tishreiy, 5782] May I cook or barbecue in a Sukkah? I have a barbecue that is drilled into my Sukkah patio, may I leave it in the Sukkah and if so, may I use it to barbecue in the Sukkah?   Answer: No. You may not cook […]

The order of building-Setting up the walls before the Sechach?[1] One is not to place the Sechach over the [frame of the] Sukkah prior to building the [Halachically valid] walls.[2] Bedieved, if first placed the Sechach: If one transgressed and first placed the Sechach over the frame and only then […]

1. Question: [Sunday, 7th Tishreiy, 5782] I work in home renovations and have a Jewish employee who asked me if he can continue his work and get paid also on Chol Hamoed. I generally never work on Chol Hamoed, as is the law, but this employee is telling me that he really needs […]

1. Question: [Thursday, 4th Tishreiy, 5782] By Mincha time I remembered that by Shacharis I forgot to recite Hamelech Hakadosh. What should I do? Answer: After Mincha you should Daven an extra Shemoneh Esrei as a Tashlumin for Shacharis.     Sources: See Admur 108:17; M”A 108:16; Elya Raba 116:16; […]

1. Question: [Thursday, 4th Tishreiy, 5782] Why are the Parshiyos of Netzavim/Vayeilech sometimes read together and sometimes read separately, such as this year? Answer: The Parsha of Nitzavim is always read the Shabbos prior to Rosh Hashanah. Thus, when Rosh Hashanah falls on Monday-Tuesday, since there are two Shabbosos between […]

Question: [3rd Tishrei, 5783] How long must each Shever be and what is the law if blower blew a very short first Shever, similar in sounding to a Terua? Practically in our Shul the Baal Tokeia blew almost all the Shevarim blows in the following way: Tu, Tuuu, Tuuu, Tu, […]

Question: [Thursday, 26th Elul, 5782] I did a Peruzbal last year before Rosh Hashanah 5782 as is the Chabad ruling and custom. Should I do so once again this year before Rosh Hashanah 5783? Answer: Yes. Even those who already performed a Peruzbal before Rosh Hashanah of 5782, which was […]

Question: [Tuesday, 24th Elul, 5782] May an Avel who is within his 12th month of mourning [i.e. past 11 months, but before end of 12th month] lead the prayer of Selichos?   Answer: He should not do so unless there is no one else available. Explanation: While it is debated […]

Taking breaths during Shofar blowing: A. Within a single sound:[1] [The minimum required measurement of the Tekiah blow must be done in one breath.[2]] The [minimum required] amount of the Yevavos [i.e. Terumatin] of the Teruos in the sound of Terua, as well as the three Shevarim[3] in the sound […]

Washing hands in a bathroom, or with water that came from a bathroom: A. Washing hands after using the bathroom and after other impurities:[1] One who uses the bathroom [or does other actions which requires him to wash hands afterwards in order to get rid of the evil spirit that […]

Question: [Thursday, 19th Elul, 5782] One of the rooms in our home has a very interesting doorway, in which its lintel does not hover over the doorposts but rather is to the side of the doorposts with the doorposts reaching all the way to the ceiling. Meaning, that the lintel […]

Question: [Tuesday, 17th Elul, 5782] I am looking to purchase a new shofar for my Shul to use this Rosh Hashanah and would like to know if I can purchase the Yemenite Kudu shofar which is most beautiful in both appearance and sound and I would really like to use […]

Question: [Monday, 16th Elul 5781] Our neighbor owns a goat which often enters into our yard and for the past few months has begun eating from our garden. We have spent much time and money investing in our garden which boasts beautiful plants, flowers, and vegetation. The goat is causing […]

Is there any issue with having a Gold Kiddush cup? Halachically-No, and on the contrary, it is the most beautiful for the Mitzvah. Kabbalistically and traditionally-Yes, as gold is Gevuros, and a cup is the Gematria of Elokim which is Gevuros, and hence it is best for the cup to […]

Handing a gentile, or non-religious Jew, an item on Shabbos which they will carry through an area without an Eiruv:[1] A. Non-religious Jew:[2] It is forbidden for one to provide an item to a Jew if one knows that the Jew will carry it in an area without an Eiruv.[3] […]

Question: [Monday, 9th Elul 5781] When taking a flight, when is the prayer of Tefilas Haderech to be recited? Should it be said on the airplane or on the way to the airport? If it should be said on the airplane, then should it be said after takeoff or before […]

Q&A on which roofs require a fence If a non-commonly used roof is now decided to be commonly used, does it now become obligated in a fence?[1] Yes.   Indoor Balcony [i.e. Hallway of upper floor]:[2] The balcony of an upper floor which oversees the lower floor is Biblically obligated […]

Which roofs are obligated in having a fence?[1] Beis Dirah-A roof of a home which is commonly used:[2] A guardrail is only obligated to be established to a roof of a home which is used for living purposes [i.e. Beis Dirah][3], and which its roof space is commonly used [for […]

Question: [Sunday, 8th Elul 5782] In the Hayom Yom for the 4th of Elul we read that when receiving an Aliyah to the Torah and reciting the blessings, the person saying the blessing is to look towards his right. Why is this done, and why do I see many other […]

Making a fence around one’s roof:[1]  כִּי תִבְנֶה בַּיִת חָדָשׁ וְעָשִֹיתָ מַעֲקֶה לְגַגֶּךָ וְלֹא תָשִֹים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ כִּי יִפֹּל הַנֹּפֵל מִמֶּנּו” “When you build a new home and make a fence for your roof, and you shall not spill blood in your home when the faller falls from it” [Devarim […]

Mezonos bread on Shabbos-Using Mezonos bread for Lechem Mishneh and to fulfill one’s Shabbos Seuda:[1] * Important note: The law below applies equally to all Mezonos baked products, whether what is known as Mezonos bread, or cookies, cake, and the like which can potentiolly become Hamotzi if one sets a […]

Is one required to wash his hands after touching insects and non-Kosher animals? Background: Certain actions that are performed cause a spirit of impurity to reside onto the hands and hence requires one to [immediately[1]] wash his hands afterwards with water in order to get rid of the impurity.[2] Amongst […]

Question: [Tuesday, 3rd Elul, 5782] I wanted to verify if the following occurrence in which I was saved from a potentially deadly car accident requires me to recite Hagomel? It was minutes after candle lighting on Erev Shabbos when I was driving with my kids in the backseat on a […]

The custom of pulling at the ear after sneezing-Myth, superstition, or authentic Jewish custom:[1] Some individuals, and God-fearing Jews, have the custom of pulling the [left[2]] lobe of their ear after sneezing.[3] Some pull at the full length of both ears, and not just at the earlobe.[4] Others pull at […]