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 […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Having the Simanim of Rosh Hashanah on the table even if one can’t eat them
Question: [Tuesday, 23rd Elul 5781] I am allergic to several foods and have difficulty stomaching many vegetables and fruits, including some of the Simanim that are eaten on Rosh Hashanah, such as pomegranate, leaks, and carrots. Is there a point of me buying them anyways and having them on the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: How does one do Tashlich if there is no body of water in the area?
Question: [Monday, 22nd Elul 5781] We live in an area in which there is no body of water for us to say Tashlich. What should we do? Is it better to delay saying it until after Rosh Hashanah when we can drive to the beach during the weekday, or should […]
May one build a Sukkah in a public property [i.e. street, sidewalk, public lawn etc]?
May one build a Sukkah in a public property [i.e. street, sidewalk, public lawn etc]?[1] Initially, one may not build a Sukkah on public property, such as on a city street or sidewalk and the like of places that people pass by. This applies even if the entire city is […]
