Melting a frozen, or partially frozen, bottle of water or juice on Shabbos: A. Background:[1] While there is no intrinsic biblical prohibition involved in melting ice on Shabbos, so long as one does not heat it to the point of Yad Soledes and transgress the cooking prohibition, nonetheless, the sages […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Saying Shemoneh Esrei out loud for the sake of Kedusha
Question: [Wednesday, 28th Marcheshvan, 5782] We were only eight people in Shul for Mincha, and being that it was already very late, several minutes after sunset, five of us began Shemoneh Esrei without a minyan, and afterwards two people showed up. My question is regarding what we should do in […]
Bari Vishema-The law when a lender claims he is owed money, while the borrower says he thinks he already paid him back
Bari Vishema-The law when a lender claims he is owed money, while the borrower says he thinks he already paid him back:[1] The case: Reuvein lent Shimon a certain sum of money, and when he approached Shimon to pay him back his debt, Shimon replied to him that he thinks […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Removing dead leaves from plants and trees during shemita
Question: [Tuesday, 27th Marcheshvan 5782] I live in Eretz Yisrael and have a lot of dead leaves on my plants and trees. I would like to know if I can take them off during Shemita? Answer: It is forbidden to remove dead leaves or branches from a plant or […]
The various institutions of Rabbeinu Gershom
The various institutions of Rabbeinu Gershom:[1] Rabbeinu Gershom was a famous leader of Ashkenazi Jewry throughout the early 11th century, making various institutions on Ashkenazi Jewry that have reverberating effects until this very day. Rabbeinu Gershom was born in the year 960 in France, but he later moved to Maintz, […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Rebbe coin necklaces-Entering with a coin of the Rebbe into the bathroom
Question: [Monday 26th MarCheshvan 5782] I recently received a coin of the Rebbe in honor of my Bas Mitzvah and would like to know if I can turn it into a necklace and wear it when I enter the bathroom? Answer: In my opinion, it is highly improper to […]
Names of idols-Saying the names of the weekdays, secular months, and planets which are named after idols
Names of idols-Saying the names of the weekdays, secular months, and planets which are named after idols: A. The Halachic background: The prohibition against mentioning the name of an idol:[1] It is forbidden to mention the name of an idol or foreign deity.[2] This applies whether there is a need […]
Washing one’s hands after scratching one’s head
Washing one’s hands after scratching one’s head:[1] One who scratches [any area[2] of the hair[3] on] his head [with one’s hands[4]] is required to wash his hands with water[5] one time [immediately] afterwards.[6] [This applies even if one only scratched his head with his pinky.[7]] (However, one who merely placed […]
Parshas Chayeh Sarah- Summary of the Parsha
This article is an excerpt from our Sefer Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Chayeh Sarah Pesukim: 105 [Siman:יהוידע ] Haftorah: Melachim 1 1:1-31 Number of Mitzvos: There are no Positive or Negative commands mentioned in Parshas Chayeh Sarah. Rishon Sarah passes away: Sarah was 127 years old upon her […]
Likkutei Sichos-Parshas Chayeh Sarah -The importance of effort driven accomplishments
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 […]
