Purchasing Life insurance: Many Poskim[1] rule that it is permitted [and one is to be encouraged[2]] to purchase life insurance and doing so is not a sign of lack of Bitachon and the like. Others[3] however take a colder stance towards its purchase.[4] There is no clear directive of the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Is it Yichud for an elderly man to have a female caregiver
Question: [Monday, 8th Elul 5781] My father is old and suffers from various medical issues due to a stroke he recently had. We are in the process of bringing him back to his home, and since he lives alone [as my mom passed away a few years back] I would […]
Changes in the prayers applicable to Aseres Yimei Teshuva
Changes in the prayers applicable to Aseres Yimei Teshuva [Halacha 2-3]: Saying Shir Hamaalos in Shacharis: It is customary to recite the psalm of Shir Hamaalos Mimamakim between Yishtabach and Barchu throughout the ten days of repentance. The purpose of reciting this psalm during Aseres Yimei Teshuvah is to sweeten […]
From the Rav’s Desk: May one place a box of salt in the same bag as meat or milk during shopping?
Question: [Monday, 7th Elul 5781] I once heard that when you go shopping you shouldn’t put the salt bag or box in the same bag as meat and milk and I would like to know if this is correct? Answer: While there is basis in the Poskim for such a […]
The Prayers of Rosh Hashanah & Aseres Yimei Teshuvah-Part 1
The Prayers of Rosh Hashanah & Aseres Yimei Teshuvah-Part 1 Introduction to the prayers of Rosh Hashanah The form of prayer required on Rosh Hashanah One should pray with profound bitterness, having recognition that one is approaching the King with “torn garments”, and thus begging G-d to have mercy and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Inflating balloons on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 4th Elul, 5781] I am in the process of recovering from covid, and my doctor instructed me to inflate balloons several times a day for the sake of exercising my lungs. I will inflate them and then deflate them and then reinflate them for this purpose. Is there […]
Sharpening knives on Erev Shabbos
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 […]
