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 […]
The Shamash-Purpose & Halachic details-Part 1
The Shamash-Purpose & Halachic details:[1] A. Its name and the candle that it refers to: The technical term Shamash refers to the candle used to light the Chanukah candles, hence lending it its name “the servant,” and not necessarily to the extra candle that is lit in addition to the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Waiting for wife to come home to light candles
Question: [Monday 25th Kisleiv 5782] My wife will not be coming home until about an hour after nightfall. Is it better for me to light by myself on time or should I wait for her to come home in order to light? Answer: It is better in such a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May an Avel/mourner light the Shul’s Menorah
Question: [Sunday, 24th Kisleiv, 5782] In our Shul we usually have a custom that the Chazan of Mincha lights the Shul’s Menorah before Aleinu. I am actually within the year of morning and will be leading the prayers throughout Chanukah and I would like to know is there any issue […]
Parshas Vayeishev-Summary of the Parsha
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Vayeishev Pesukim:112 [Siman: יבק] Haftorah: Amos 2:6-3:8 Number of Mitzvos: There are no Positive or Negative commands mentioned in Parshas Vayeishev. Rishon Yosef’s relationship with his father and brothers: Yaakov dwelled in the land of […]
Parshas Vayeishev -Likkutei Sichos-The spiritual advantage of Yosef over Yaakov and his brothers and the lessons in Bitachon and Bechira Chafshis
Parshas Vayeishev The spiritual advantage of Yosef over Yaakov and his brothers and the lessons in Bitachon and Bechira Chafshis (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 3[1]) In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayeishev, we learn of the troubling tale of events that occurred between Yosef and his brothers. Yosef rouses his brothers anger […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Women cooking Sufganiyot or Latkes within the first half-hour that the candles are lit
Question: [Thursday 21st Kisleiv 5782] I know that women are accustomed to not do work during the first half-hour the candles are lit. My question is if this applies even against frying Latkes to give out to the family while they sit around the Chanukah candles? Answer: It is […]
Where in the home/property should the Menorah be lit-inside or outside the home?
Where in the home/property should the Menorah be lit- Inside the house versus outside the house? A. The letter of the law:[1] The candles are to be lit outside the front door of one’s house, which opens towards the public.[2] [This only applies if there is no courtyard in the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Not to hold grudges forever-if you feel hurt by someone, express yourself and give chance for closure and peace
Question: [Wednesday, 20th Kisleiv, 5782] Somebody said something to me the other day in Shul, within ears reach of other people, which I was deeply offended by. I know that he probably did not intend to offend me, and he may have had good intentions, but the way it came […]
