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 […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Until what time may Selichos be recited?
Question: [Sunday 21st Elul 5781] I work an early morning shift and don’t have the time to say Selichos then, barely having time to Daven Shacharis. My question is whether I can still say it in the afternoon, after work, or if it must be said in the morning. […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Having a gentile turn off the lights on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 18th Elul, 5781] On occasion it happens on Shabbos that we accidentally leave one of the lights on in the bedroom. May we ask our live-in maid who is not Jewish to shut it off at night before we go to sleep, as it is quite difficult to […]
The reasons and Segulos associated with Melaveh Malka
Melaveh Malka: The Mitzvah:[1] After Shabbos it is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar[2] to have a meal out of respect for Shabbos, to escort it with honor while it is leaving.[3] [This meal is called “Melaveh Malka”.] The reasons and Segulos associated with Melaveh Malka Drawing the holiness of Shabbos […]
From the Rav’s Desk: In Eretz Yisrael, may one uproot a tree during Shemita?
Question: [Wednesday, 17th Elul, 5781] We live in Eretz Yisrael and need to uproot a tree that has roots interfering with the underground piping. I wanted to know if we must get this done before Shemita, or may do so also during Shemita. Answer: It is permitted to uproot […]
When should the Peruzbal be performed?
When should the Peruzbal be performed?[1] Initially the Peruzbal is to be performed at the end of the sixth year, prior to Rosh Hashanah of the seventh year.[2] [It is a Mitzvah to publicize this matter as it is not well known to the public.[3] It is proper to arrange […]
