Parshas Chayeh Sarah The importance of effort driven accomplishments (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 10 1st Sicha) In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Chayeh Sarah, the purchase of the Mearas Hamachpeila by Avraham for the sake of burying his late wife Sarah is discussed. The negotiations that ensued for the purchase of this […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying a blessing when replacing old Mezuzos with new ones
Question: [Thursday 22nd Marcheshvan 5782] I bought a few new expensive Mezuzos to replace some of my old ones which are still kosher. My question is whether I need to say a blessing when I replace the old mezuzos with the new ones. Answer: One who replaces his Mezuzas […]
The law if one did not say Havdalah on Motzei Shabbos
The law if one did not say Havdalah on Motzei Shabbos, and its order when making it up a later day:[1] A. Making it up until Tuesday:[2] The main Mitzvah of Havdalah is for it to be recited at night [on Motzei Shabbos].[3] However, if one did not do so, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Following mourning customs if a relative is reburied
Question: [Wednesday, 21st Marcheshvan, 5782] My sibling is being reburied today from his current resting spot to a grave in Eretz Yisrael. My question is do I, and any of my siblings, and the children of the deceased have to keep any mourning laws as a result? Answer: The act […]
Entering gentile cemeteries -The law for Kohanim and non-Kohanim
Gentile graves and cemeteries-Tumas Meis, Kohanim, Yisraeilim: A. Laws of Tumas Meis-A Kohen coming in contact with Gentile graves, cemeteries, and corpses:[1] Touching the corpse of a gentile:[2] It is forbidden for a Kohen to come into contact with the corpse of a gentile. Tumas Ohel-Entering a cemetery and stepping […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Mourner getting haircut prior to the passing of 3 months if reprimanded
Question: [Tuesday, 20th Marcheshvan 5782] I have just entered my third month in mourning for the loss of my father, and after Davening an individual came over to me and told me I should get a haircut as my hair looks really long and unkempt. May I get a haircut, […]
How to remove Tzitzis from a Tallis-Knife, teeth, or undoing braid
How to remove the Tzitzis from a Tallis:[1] In those cases in which it is permitted to remove Kosher Tzitzis from the Tallis, one is to untie the Tzitzis rather than cut them or tear them, and cause them to become invalid.[2] [If, however, the strings are not Kosher then […]
From the Rav’s Desk: I ate an egg from a meat Cholent am I Fleishig?
Question: [Monday 19th MarCheshvan 5782] I ate an egg from a Fleishig Chulent? Must I wait six hours before eating dairy? The egg was cooked in its shell. Answer: Yes. You become Fleishig and must wait six hours prior to eating dairy even in the event that you only […]
Removing Tzitzis from a Tallis Gadol or Tallis Katan
Removing Tzitzis from a Tallis Gadol or Tallis Katan?[1] One may desire to remove the Tzitzis from his Tallis due to several reasons, such as to tie on a new pair of Tzitzis, or to use the Tztzis on a different garment. Now, several restrictions were emplaced against the removal […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying a new blessing on a Tallis Katan when switching during the day
Question: [Sunday, 18th Marcheshvan, 5782] I am married and work in renovations and have a special work Tallis Katan that I change into each day after davening prior to going to work, I then switch it back when I come home which in the summer is usually before sunset but […]