When in the morning may one begin to put on Tefillin:[1] It is forbidden to put on Tefillin [at night and] even after Alos Hashachar, until the time that majority of people awaken from their sleep.[2] This is defined as the time of morning in which it is light enough […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Geniza to Torah cassette tapes
Question: [Monday 28th Tishrei 5781] We are moving homes and downsizing and thus need to get rid of a lot of extra stuff. Over the years we collected hundreds of cassette tapes of Torah classes which we no longer use due to the advancement of society to digital technology. I […]
Which direction should one face upon sleeping?
Which direction should one face upon sleeping?[1] From North to South:[2] Just as it is forbidden for one to face East or West when having a bowel movement, similarly it is forbidden to sleep facing East or West with one’s wife together in bed, when one has intention to have […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Drying eyeglasses, China plates, and cutlery on a shirt on Shabbos
Drying eyeglasses, China, and cutlery on a shirt on Shabbos Question: [Thursday, 27th Tishrei 5781] If I wet my eyeglasses to clean then, and I don’t have a towel readily available to dry them, may I wipe it dry using my shirt on Shabbos? I have the same question regarding […]
Doing Pesicha when one’s wife is pregnant
Doing Pesicha when one’s wife is pregnant:[1] It is a Segula for easy birth for the husband to endeavor to perform Pesicha and remove the Sefer Torah when his wife enters her ninth[2] month of pregnancy [until she gives birth[3]].[4] [This Segula includes closing the doors of the Aron after […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Building a private Mikveh at home
Question: [Wednesday 23rd Tishrei 5781] I would like to build my own private men’s Mikveh at home to be used by me each morning before Davening, but people have told me that one is not allowed to have a private Mikveh. Can you please clarify this matter for me, as […]
Laws relevant to after the Festival-Summary & Reminders
After Sukkos: A. Isru Chag: The name Isru Chag derives from the verse “Isru Chag Baavosim Ad Karnei Hamizbeiach.” This means to say that this day is to be attached [i.e. Isru] to the Holiday itself, and by doing so the verse considers him to have built an Altar and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: : 1) Drinking when traveling to Rebbe; 2) Source for hitting children with Aravos; 3) Getting drunk on Simchas Torah
Question: [Sunday 21st Tishreiy 5781] I am flying to New York for Simchas Torah. What should I do regarding eating and drinking on the plane? Answer: You may choose to eat and drink freely while on the plane. Nevertheless, it is praiseworthy and an act of piety to be […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Repeating blessing over food when going back and forth to Sukkah; 2) Chewing gum outside sukkah; 3) Putting down Esrog between sets of shakes in Ana
Q&A relating to Sukkos Question: [Sunday 20th Tishrei 5781] I would like to know what I am to do when I temporarily leave my sukkah in middle of eating and then come back, if I’m required to repeat the before blessing over the food? For example, if I’m drinking a […]
1) Mourner holding Sefer Torah by Hoshanos; 2) Entering garbage can into Sukkah
Question: [Wednesday, 17th Tishreiy, 5781] Should a mourner who does not perform the Hakafos of Hoshanos hold the Sefer Torah, or should not participate at all? Answer: This matter requires further analysis, as on the one hand we usually hand the Torah scroll to an individual who is not encircling […]
