Fast of 17th Tammuz

17th of Tammuz falls on Shabbos:[1] Whenever one of the four fasts fall on Shabbos, the fast takes place after Shabbos. [Thus, if the 17th of Tammuz falls on Shabbos, the fast takes place on Sunday, the 18th of Tammuz. It is permitted to have marital relations on this Shabbos […]

Hiding the thumb-When and why

Hiding the thumb-When and why: In Halacha, we find recorded in the following areas that the thumb is to be hidden: During prayer: There are certain regulations and restrictions of hand positions during the prayer of Shemoneh Esrei, such as not to stand with one’s hands on one’s thighs.[1] As […]

The custom of giving Tzedaka during Davening when saying the words “Veata Moshel Bakol”

The custom of giving Tzedaka during Davening when saying the words “Veata Moshel Bakol”:[1] Background: The Poskim[2] rule, based on the Talmud[3], that it is proper to give charity prior to Davening [i.e. Shemoneh Esrei[4]].[5] Doing so helps to remove foreign thoughts from entering one’s mind during prayer.[6] Likewise, doing […]

Isru Chag of Shavuos

Isru Chag of Shavuos:[1] A. The name:[2] The day after each of the three Holidays is called Isru Chag.[3] The name Isru Chag derives from the verse “Isru Chag Baavosim Ad Karnei Hamizbeiach”. This means to say that this day is to be attached [i.e. Isru] to the Holiday itself, […]

Marrying a Kohenes

Marrying a Kohenes:[1] An Am Haaretz/Ignoramus is not to marry a Kohenes. If he does so, their marriage will not be successful, as either she or he will quickly die or they will be in constant fight with each other [or they will be poor[2]].[3] However, a Sage who marries […]

Danger During Sefira

May one swim or visit the beach during Sefira? Yes.[1] However, some Poskim[2] rule one must avoid doing so due to danger.   May one travel during Sefira? Yes.[3] However, some Poskim[4] rule one must avoid doing so due to danger. Question: [Monday, 21st Iyar 5781] Must one avoid doing […]

Pirkei Avos

Reciting Pirkei Avos:[1] It is customary to recite Pirkei Avos on every Shabbos between Pesach and Shavuos.[2] Some are accustomed to continue reciting it after Shavuos, throughout the summer months, until Rosh Hashanah.[3] [Practically, the Chabad custom is to say Pirkei Avos until Rosh Hashanah.[4] On the Shabbosim which are […]

Eating garlic on Pesach

Eating garlic on Pesach:[1] Garlic is not Chametz, or Kitniyos, and is thus permitted to be eaten over Pesach.[2] Nevertheless, there are those who are accustomed not to eat garlic on Pesach.[3] Those families who are accustomed to follow this custom are not to swerve from it.[4] However, those families […]