The Chevra Kadisha-Who are they and what are their responsibilities?[1] It is a Jewish tradition for each and every community to have a group of people which are designated to deal with all the matters relating to the Taharah and burial of the deceased.[2] They are cordially known as the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying Chamisha Asar Beshvat versus Tu Beshvat
Question: [Monday 15th Shevat 5782] I have heard many times that one is to avoid using the term Tu Beshvat and is rather to use the term “Chamisha Asar Beshvat.” Is there any truth to this statement? Answer: Some are particular to call the holiday by its truly pronounced […]
Miscellaneous Q&A relating to Tu Beshvat Fruits
Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Miscellaneous Q&A relating to Tu Beshvat Fruits What blessing is one to say on Esrog jelly?[1] Borei Peri Haeitz.[2] Is the blessing of Shehechiyanu to be recited upon eating Esrog jelly?[3] No.[4] Is the blessing […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Beginning a letter to a woman with the word Shalom
Question: [Sunday, 14th Shevat, 5782] I am accustomed whenever I write a formal letter or email to begin with the words Shalom Ubracha as did the Rebbe. My question is regarding if there is any issue in writing this when the letter is intended to a woman. [I am a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Warming one’s hands near the flames of Shabbos candles
Question: [Thursday, 11th Shevat 5782] In the winter, when I come back from Shul on Friday night my hands are freezing. May I warm them by placing them near the Shabbos candles? Answer: Yes. There is no halachic issue to warm dry hands near the Shabbos candles on Shabbos. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Loving one’s Rebbe
Question: [Wednesday, 10th Shevat, 5782] One of the questions I’ve always had on Chasidim [and I guess today also against some in the Litvish world who have today adapted to this position regarding their own rabbis and leaders], is what seems to be obsessive feelings and emotions that they have […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Placing tefillin on top of Sefarim
Question: [Tuesday, 9th Shevat 5782] Is there any issue with resting Tefillin on top of a Sefer? Is there any difference between the actual Tefillin themselves, versus the tefillin while they are in the bag, and versus the tefillin cases? Answer: It is best not to rest Tefillin on […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Eating fish with Pareve food that was baked in oven simultaneously with meat
Question: [Monday 8th Shevat 5782] I baked potatoes in my oven together at the same time that I was baking chicken. Both were uncovered when they were baking. May I eat these potatoes together with fish? Answer: No, the potatoes are considered meaty and are not to be eaten […]
Having a Kos Shel Bracha while Bentching-Part 2-The final ruling
Having a cup of wine [i.e. Kos Shel Bracha] while Bentching:[1] A. The dispute: See Yesterdays daily halacha. B. The final ruling: There is no final Halachic arbitration regarding whether we rule like the opinion which holds that it is an obligation to Bentch over a cup of wine or […]
Having a Kos Shel Bracha while Bentching-Part 1-The Various opinions
Having a cup of wine [i.e. Kos Shel Bracha] while Bentching:[1] There is a dispute recorded regarding the obligation of having a cup of wine, otherwise known as a Kos Shel Bracha, present while reciting Birchas Hamazon, and then having a blessing of Hagafen recited over it at the conclusion […]
