Sharpening knives on Erev Shabbos:[1] One is to beware to sharpen the [kitchen and eating] knives every Erev Shabbos, as preparing oneself for eating is included within the honor of Shabbos.[2] In addition, [at times] one needs to sharpen the knives for the sake of Shalom Bayis [marital harmony], such […]
The reasons behind the Shemita year and its restrictions
The reason behind the Mitzvah of Shemita:[1] Within the Talmud, and Rishonim, we find several reasons recorded regarding the purpose of the Mitzvah of Shemita. To emphasize that everything belongs to Hashem:[2] The Mitzvah of Shemita publicizes to the Jewish people that everything belongs to Hashem and in the end […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Until which date may I plant a non-fruit bearing tree in Israel this year
Question: [Wednesday, 27th Menachem Av, 5781] I live in Eretz Yisrael and would like to plant a non-fruit bearing tree in my garden before the Shemita year, and would like to know until which date I may do so. Answer: In the Halachic borders of Eretz Yisrael, a non-fruit […]
Putting on Tefillin past sunset-Until when during the day may one put on Tefillin
Putting on Tefillin past sunset-Until when during the day may one put on Tefillin? *This Halacha discusses specifically the law of one who wants to initially begin putting on the Tefillin after sunset. However, regarding one who already put on Tefillin before sunset and desires to continue wearing them after […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Asking a friend take an interest loan from a bank on your behalf
Question: [Monday, 2nd Elul 5781] I need to take out a loan from a bank for about $50,000 although I cannot do so [for a normal interest fee] due to my credit line and asked a relative of mine who has greater credit if he would be willing to take […]
When is the Torah scroll to be returned to the ark on Rosh Chodesh
When is the Torah scroll to be returned to the ark on Rosh Chodesh? Sephardic custom:[1] The Sefer Torah is returned to the Ark only after Uva Letziyon, prior to the half Kaddish recited before Musaf.[2] Ashkenazi custom:[3] The Sefer Torah is returned to the Ark immediately after the Torah […]
From the Rav’s Desk: What to do if forgot to skip in Hallel
Question: [Monday, 1st Elul 5781] During Hallel on Rosh Chodesh I absentmindedly forgot to skip the paragraphs of Lo Lanu and Ahavti, and remembered only after I finished saying the paragraph of Ahavti. What am I supposed to do now? Answer: In such a case you should skip the paragraph […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Giving thanks to Hashem during Shema Koleinu
Question: [Sunday 30th Menachem Av 5781] During the blessing of Shema Koleinu, I am accustomed to Daven for my personal needs and I would like to know if I’m allowed to also use this time during the blessing to give thanks to Hashem, such as if for example something I […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Where to light Shabbos candles if you’re invited as a guest for the Friday night meal
Question: [Thursday, 27th Menachem Av, 5781] We were invited as guests for the Friday night meal to a family that is a bit distanced from our house and we plan on walking there right after candle lighting time and will probably get home very late. My question is regarding where […]
Shabbos urns-Using an electrical urn on Shabbos
May an electric water urn be used for Shabbos?[1] The water is heated based on a thermostat: Some Poskim[2] rule a thermostat based electric water urn may not be used on Shabbos as the amount of water that is in the pot effects when the heat will turn on and […]
