The order when two Torah scrolls are removed:[1] It is forbidden to roll a Sefer Torah in front of the congregation due to respect for the congregation.[2] Accordingly, whenever two different sections of the Torah need to be read, such as by every Yom Tov[3], Shabbos Rosh Chodesh[4], Shabbos Chanukah[5], […]
May one play chess on Shabbos?
May one play chess on Shabbos? Letter of the law:[1] It is permitted to play a game using [pre-designated[2]] bones[3] so long as one is not doing so for gambling purposes. [Some[4] explain that this bone game refers to chess. Others[5] explain this to refer to “five stones” or “Kugalach”. […]
May one answer Baruch Uvaruch Shemo in middle of Davening?
May one answer Baruch Uvaruch Shemo in middle of Davening?[1] One who is in an area of Davening in which it is forbidden to make an interval, which is from Baruch Sheamar in Pesukei Dezimra until after Shemoneh Esrei, then he may not answer Baruch Hu Uvrach Shemo to a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Are teenagers held liable for sins
Question: [Tuesday, 21st Adar 1, 5782] I have heard many times that a person is not held liable for his sins and does not receive punishment until the age of 20? This would basically mean that all teenagers are not held liable for their actions. Is this true and how […]
Which child is obligated in Pidyon Haben-Part 1-Mother versus father, miscarriages, c-section
Which child is obligated in Pidyon Haben? Part 1 A. Firstborn son versus firstborn daughter: Only a firstborn son is obligated in being redeemed and not a firstborn daughter.[1] Likewise, only if the son was the firstborn child is he obligated in being redeemed. Thus, if a daughter was born […]
Drinking during Davening if thirsty
Drinking during Davening:[1] Once one has begun Baruch Sheamar, it is forbidden to drink until after Shemoneh Esrei [and Tachanun[2]].[3] This prohibition applies even between the paragraphs [i.e. Bein Haperakim]. However, prior to Baruch Sheamar, and after Shemoneh Esrei [and Tachanun], it is permitted to recite a blessing over a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May the father of the child be the Sandek?
Question: [Sunday, 19th Adar 1, 5782] Is it permitted for the father of the child to be the Sandek for his own child rather than honor another individual? Is it praiseworthy for him to do so? Answer: Yes. It is both permitted, and praiseworthy and even customary, for a […]
Parshas Ki Sisa-Summary of the Parsha
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Ki Sisa Pesukim: 139 [Siman: חננאל] Haftorah: Melachim 1 18:20[1]-39 Number of Mitzvos: There are Nine Mitzvos in Parshas Ki Sisa. Four positive commands and five negative command. A. Positive commands: 1. Mitzvah 105/Positive 44: […]
Parshas Ki Sisa-Likkutei Sichos: An analysis on the sin of the Golden Calf and how it was not true idolatry
Parshas Ki Sisa An analysis on the sin of the Golden Calf and how it was not true idolatry (Likkutei Sichos Vol.11 Sicha 1) In Parshas Ki Sisa, the infamous sin of the golden calf is relayed. This story of the golden calf aggravates many critical and wondrous questions at […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Warming fish with gravy on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 16th Adar 1, 5782] Is it permitted for me to warm a pan of fish with congealed gravy, on top of a pot that is on the Blech on Shabbos morning? The fish is fully cooked, but the gravy is congealed and will melt with the heat, but […]