Wine glasses of a gentile-Using glass vessels of a gentile that were used to drink or store Yayin Nesech: No need to Kasher with hot water: It is permitted to drink from clean wine glasses, and other clean wine glass vessels, of a gentile without Kashering them in between [using […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Buying a white gold ring for the Chuppah
Question: [Tuesday, 3rd Teves 5782] I’m getting married in the near future and buying a wedding ring for my Kallah. I know the wedding ring should be made of gold but I would like to know if it should be made out of yellow gold or can also be made […]
The law if one forgot to say Visein Tal Umatar
Forgot to say Vesein Tal Umatar:[1] One who forgot to say Vesein Tal Umatar during the period that it is to be said [which is in Eretz Yisrael between the 7th of Marcheshven and Pesach, and in the Diaspora between the 5th/6th of December and Pesach] is required to repeat […]
From the Rav’s Desk: When to celebrate birthday if born on the 30th of Kisleiv
Question: [Monday 2nd Teves 5782] This past Shabbos, which was the 30th day of Kisleiv, we Baruch Hashem had a baby boy. I am wondering when this boy will celebrate his birthday in future years when there isn’t 30th day in Kisleiv. Answer: In years that there is no 30th […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Does one fulfill his obligation if he lights the menorah on the floor?
Question: [Sunday, 1st Teves, 5782] I and a number of my roommates lit the menorah on the floor in order so we can sit around it and have a Kumzitz around the lights. Someone then said to us that it must be lit three handbreadths above on the ground, otherwise […]
Eating festive meals on Chanukah and the Chanukah menu
Eating festive meals on Chanukah and the Chanukah menu:[1] There is a dispute amongst Poskim regarding the form of celebration the Sages established to be performed on Chanukah. Some Poskim[2] rule the rejoicing was established to be performed only in a spiritual nature; to light candles, say Al Hanisim and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Answering Amen with a Niggun by Chanukah candle lighting
Question: [Thursday 28th Kisleiv 5782] We are accustomed, as many of the people are as well, to answer the Amen after the blessings of the Hanukkah menorah in a long tune which stretches out the Amen. One of my children said to me that she heard that it is forbidden […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Attending a Chanukah party by candle lighting time
Question: [Wednesday, 27th Kisleiv, 5782] We are having a Chanukah party by relatives for which we must leave prior to the candle lighting time. My question is regarding what we should do about lighting and if we should light candles by our host, or should wait to light until we […]
The Shamash-Purpose & Halachic details-Part 2
The Shamash-Purpose & Halachic details-Part 2[1] E. How long is the Shamash to last for?[2] The Shamash is to last for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. F. When to light the Shamash: The candle which is used to light all the other candles is to be lit before the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Lighting using a broken seven branched menorah
Question: [Tuesday, 26th Kisleiv 5782] One of the branches of our tall Chanukah menorah broke off together with the Shamash, and we hence now have only seven branches by the Menorah. May I use this menorah to light with until the seventh night? Answer: If the menorah is made […]
