Must a woman fast on a regular fast day [Tzom Gedalia, Asara Beteves, 17th Tamuz] if she is within two years of giving birth? General law by a nursing women:[1] Pregnant and nursing women are exempt from fasting a regular fast day.[2] This applies even if they do not experience […]
Erev Rosh Hashanah Reminders: & Laws; Peruzbal; Visiting Kevarim
Erev Rosh Hashanah The theme of the day: The night before Erev Rosh Hashanah was considered the Wacht Nacht of the High Holidays. “I do not remember that people went to sleep at a normal hour. Each person began his preparations for Erev R”H which introduces the days of […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) When should the Rimon be eaten? 2) Hataras Nedarim and Peruzbal for quarantined individual
Question: [Monday, 29th Elul 5781] When should we eat the Rimon? On the first night or second night, and may we eat it before Rosh Hashanah? Answer: The Rimon is to be eaten on the first night of Rosh Hashanah. It may also be eaten before Rosh Hashanah, as there […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Q&A relating to Rosh Hashanah 2) Q&A relating to Shemita
Q&A relating to Rosh Hashanah Question: [Sunday 28th Elul 5781] Should I repeat Shemoneh Esrei on Rosh Hashanah if I accidentally skipped Vichein Ten Pachdecha, but recited Hamelech Hakadosh? Answer: No, you are to simply continue as usual. Explanation: The saying of Vichein Ten Pachdecha is only a custom, […]
Tashlich Part 4-When & How
A. When is it recited? Tashlich is recited after Mincha[1], on the first day of Rosh Hashanah[2], prior to sunset[3]. Q&A on when to recite May one recite Tashlich before Mincha in a time of need?[4] Although the custom is to say Tashlich after Mincha, if one assesses that […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Having a gentile set up the table for the second night of Yom Tov
Question: [Thursday, 25th Elul, 5781] Our Chabad house is hosting a large number of guests for the meals of both nights of Rosh Hashanah. I know in general it is forbidden for us to do any preparation on the first day of Yom Tov on behalf of the second day. […]
Tashlich-Part 3-The Halachic details-Where and who
A. Tashlich-Where to say it: It is customary[1] to go on Rosh Hashanah to a river[2] [or well or spring[3]] to recite Tashlich.[4] Tashlich is to be recited near a river that contains live fish.[5] [See Q&A regarding if a river is not available.] It is best to be recited […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Should one blow Shofar in Elul when one is without a Minyan?
Question: [Wednesday, 17th Elul, 5781] If one is praying without a Minyan is he to blow Shofar after Shacharis? Practically, for example, if I am Davening at home should I blow Shofar after Davening, and should I blow Shofar for my wife and children during Elul? I have heard conflicting […]
Tashlich-Part 2-The reasons for the custom
The meaning of Tashlich:[1] The Poskim searched and offered various explanations behind the seemingly odd custom of Tashlich. Amongst the Poskim we the following reasons and explanations offered: To resemble Akeidas Yitzchak. The Coronation of Hashem as King To throw the Kelipos into the supernal waters. The seeing of fish […]
Tashlich-Part 1-Background and initiation of custom
Tashlich-Part 1:[1] It is customary to go on Rosh Hashanah to a river to recite Tashlich. The following are the details and background of this custom. A. Background-Its Start and Initiation: This custom of Tashlich is first cited in the Sefer Maharil [14the century] in the section of […]