Laws relating to breastfeeding and breast milk on Shabbos:[1] It is permitted without restriction for a woman to breast-feed a child on Shabbos, even if the child does not need to breast-feed such as if he is already satiated, or has formula or other foods available. Thus, a woman may […]

Question: [Tuesday, 16th Shevat 5782] I have a relative originally from Israel who years ago married his stepdaughter, and had children with her. To be clear, he first married a Jewish woman who had a daughter from a previous union, he then divorced his wife and later ended up marrying […]

Check out our Amazon Sefarim Shop WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Sponsor an Article Miscellaneous Q&A relating to Tu Beshvat Fruits What blessing is one to say on Esrog jelly?[1] Borei Peri Haeitz.[2]   Is the blessing of Shehechiyanu to be recited upon eating Esrog jelly?[3] No.[4]   Is the blessing […]

Question: [Sunday, 14th Shevat, 5782] I am accustomed whenever I write a formal letter or email to begin with the words Shalom Ubracha as did the Rebbe. My question is regarding if there is any issue in writing this when the letter is intended to a woman. [I am a […]

Question: [Thursday, 11th Shevat 5782] In the winter, when I come back from Shul on Friday night my hands are freezing. May I warm them by placing them near the Shabbos candles?   Answer: Yes. There is no halachic issue to warm dry hands near the Shabbos candles on Shabbos. […]

Question: [Wednesday, 10th Shevat, 5782] One of the questions I’ve always had on Chasidim [and I guess today also against some in the Litvish world who have today adapted to this position regarding their own rabbis and leaders], is what seems to be obsessive feelings and emotions that they have […]

Question: [Tuesday, 9th Shevat 5782] Is there any issue with resting Tefillin on top of a Sefer? Is there any difference between the actual Tefillin themselves, versus the tefillin while they are in the bag, and versus the tefillin cases?   Answer: It is best not to rest Tefillin on […]

Question: [Monday 8th Shevat 5782] I baked potatoes in my oven together at the same time that I was baking chicken. Both were uncovered when they were baking. May I eat these potatoes together with fish?   Answer: No, the potatoes are considered meaty and are not to be eaten […]

Having a cup of wine [i.e. Kos Shel Bracha] while Bentching:[1] A. The dispute: See Yesterdays daily halacha. B. The final ruling: There is no final Halachic arbitration regarding whether we rule like the opinion which holds that it is an obligation to Bentch over a cup of wine or […]

Having a cup of wine [i.e. Kos Shel Bracha] while Bentching:[1] There is a dispute recorded regarding the obligation of having a cup of wine, otherwise known as a Kos Shel Bracha, present while reciting Birchas Hamazon, and then having a blessing of Hagafen recited over it at the conclusion […]

Question: [Sunday, 7th Shevat, 5782] I had recently sent my tefillin to be checked and when they returned with a kosher verification from the Sofer I noticed that one of the corner sinews which tie the Bayis was loose and came out of its groove and is now resting on […]

Question: [Thursday, 4th Shevat 5781] I am accustomed when I make Kiddush to pour out some of the wine into another cup prior to drinking from it, as brought down in the Alter Rebbe in order to avoid the issue of Pagum for the listeners who will be drinking from my […]

Disowning the Shemita produce of one’s land-Part 2:[1] Summary: Every person who grows produce which is defined as a Kedushas Shevi’is in his field must disown the product and give entrance for all people to be able to come and partake from the food. How to be Mafkir the produce:[2] […]

Question: [Wednesday, 3rd Shevat, 5782] We are a family of converts, and have a Gentile relative who recently passed away and asked in his will to be cremated. We are his closest available relatives to arrange for the cremation to take place, and my question is from a Halachic perspective […]

Disowning the Shemita produce of one’s land-Part 1:[1] A. The mitzvah:[2] It is a positive command of the Torah for one [whether a man or woman[3]] to disown all the produce[4] that grows on his land during the seventh year. [Accordingly, one must give all Jews[5] access to collect the […]

Question: [Tuesday, 2nd Shevat 5782] Is there any issue with pouring non-Mevushal wine into the cup of a nonreligious Jew or Gentile and does it affect the rest of the one in the bottle?   Answer: It is permitted for one to pour Kosher non-Mevushal wine into the cup of […]

Question: [Monday 1st Shevat 5782] Is there any Torah or Halachic obligation for a husband to spend time with his wife? Obviously, couples must spend time with each other in order so the relationship grow and stay healthy. However, how often is the suggested practice? Every once in a while, […]

Reciting Hallel together with the Minyan:[1] It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to read Hallel together with the congregation immediately after [Shemoneh Esrei of] the Shacharis prayer.[2] Reading Hallel with the congregation prior to Shacharis?[3] If one came to Shul after the congregation completed the Shacharis prayer [of Shemoneh Esrei] […]

Question: [Sunday, 29th Teves, 5782] I have seen many times Lubavitchers placing a Pushka and/or Chitas in their car as a Segula against car accidents? Did the Rebbe ever speak of this matter?   Answer: Placing a Siddur, Tehillim, and Tanya [i.e. Chitas], and also a Tzedaka Pushka, inside the […]

Standing for Mizmor Lesoda:[1] One is required to stand for the recital of Mizmor Lesoda.[2] [Some Poskim[3], however, rule that according to the final ruling of Admur, one is not required to stand. Furthermore, some[4] rule one is specifically to recite Mizmor Lesoda in a sitting position. Practically, the Chabad […]

Parshas Vaeira No Jew will be left behind-is this really true? (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 11 Sicha 1) Parshas Vaeira begins in the middle of the confrontation between Moshe and G-d regarding the redemption of the Jewish people. In the previous Parsha of Shemos G-d instructs Moshe to tell the Jewish […]

Question: [Thursday, 26th Teves 5781] Last Shabbos I was talking to someone while washing hands and was told by an individual that it’s forbidden to talk while washing. I was kind of surprised, as while I always knew you can’t talk after washing until the blessing of Hamotzi is recited, […]

What should one eat for Shalosh Seudos-The menu requirements for the third meal: A. Introduction: Every person, whether man or woman[1], is [rabbinically[2]] obligated to eat three meals on Shabbos.[3] The source behind the Shabbos meals:[4] [Although the eating of the Shabbos meals is Rabbinical in origin], it is hinted […]

Question: [Wednesday, 25th Teves, 5782] As like every other Frum Jew most likely feels, I am in total shock over the tragic news involving the famous author and educator Chaim Walder, both from the actions that he was accused of doing as well as from his suicide. There’s so much […]

May one comfort a mourner after Shiva if one did not do so beforehand?[1] Comforting an Avel for the passing of a parent: One who is in mourning for a parent may be comforted by others for the first 12 months. After 12 months, he is not to directly comforted […]

Question: [Tuesday, 24th Teves 5782] I was at someone Shabbos table and they were very particular to only bring the dessert to the table after everybody Bentched. I asked them about it and they said that that’s the tradition that they follow and that’s what they saw their parents do. […]

Supporting Torah learners-Yissachar and Zevulun deal:[1] Although every single Jew is obligated to study Torah, one who is unable to study Torah, either due to lack of knowledge, or due to lack of time, is to support other people who study.[2] One who supports a Torah learner is considered as […]

Does one answer Amen after hearing someone recite the blessing of “Al Divrei Torah” by Birchas Hatorah?[1] A. The Background & Dispute-Is Viharev Nah considered a separate blessing? There is a dispute recorded in the Poskim regarding if the second blessing of Viharev Na is considered a continuation of the […]

Become a Member & Commit your support on this special Day Dear viewer of shulchanaruchharav.com, We hope that we find you all healthy and well. On the eve of the 24th of Teves, the day of the passing of the Alter Rebbe, we stretch our hand to you to partner […]

Question: [Monday 23rd Teves 5782] Is one required to immerse a glass microwave plate inside of a Mikveh?   Answer: If you never plan on putting any food directly on the microwave plate, and rather plan on placing the food on a plate and then place the plate on the […]

Question: [Sunday, 22nd Teves, 5782] I know that the widespread Chabad custom is to avoid saying blessings aloud when there are other people around due to that it can accidentally cause others to fulfill their obligation of the blessing. I was wondering if this likewise applies to the morning blessing […]

1. Reciting Parshas HaAkeida daily:[1] It is proper[2] to say every day the paragraph in the Torah which discusses the sacrificing of Yitzchak [i.e. Akeidas Yitzchak]. The reason for its recital:[3] It is said in order to remind [G-d[4]] of the merits of our Forefathers, [and also to motivate oneself […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Shemos Pesukim:124  [Siman:ויקח ] Haftorah:[1] Yeshayahu 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23  Number of Mitzvos: There are no Positive or Negative commands mentioned in Parshas Shemos. Rishon The family of Yaakov who arrived in Egypt: These are the names of […]

Parshas Shemos Bitachon-Trust versus wishful thinking-Understanding its true Avoda and what it can accomplish (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 36 Sicha 1) In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Shemos, we learn of Moshe Rabbeinu and his efforts to help the Jewish people. Scripture tells us that one day Moshe went out to the […]

Question: [Thursday, 19th Teves 5781] I have heard many times that whistling is a Gentile custom and therefore one should not whistle. Recently someone also told me that according to the Zohar whistling draws down many evil spirits and therefore is forbidden to be done. Can you please clarify the […]

Question: [Wednesday, 18th Teves, 5782] I am a convert and was recently told by someone that I should not be celebrating my birthday and birthday customs on my actual birthday but rather on the day that I converted. Is this correct?   Answer: Indeed, the Rebbe was addressed this very […]

Walking or standing between two dogs, two palm trees, two pigs, and two snakes, or two people walking or standing with them in between:[1] [The Talmud[2] lists a number of “in between” walking or standing restrictions, in which one may not allow a certain item to be between two people […]

Question: [Tuesday, 17th Teves 5782] Does the custom of not learning Torah on the night of Nittel apply also this year when the night of the 25th of December falls on Friday night? If it does, then what do we do by the Shabbos table and may a Devar Torah […]

Using the same Knife sharpener for meat and dairy knifes:[1] It is permitted to use the same knife sharpener for sharpening both dairy, meat and Pareve knives.[2] This applies whether the sharpener is made of metal, stone, and applies to both a hand and electric sharpener. Prior to sharpening the […]

Question: [Monday 16th Teves 5782] I had a very strange dream on Friday night, by Shabbos Hanukkah. In my dream I dreamt about the three Sifrei Torah being brought out, and that I was given the second Sefer Torah to hold. The third one was given to another individual and […]

Reciting Birchas Hatorah after Davening if one forgot to say it beforehand:[1] A. Background-Does Ahavas Olam take the place of Birchas Hatorah: The connection between Ahavas Olam and Birchas Hatorah:[2] The blessing of Ahava Raba, or Ahavas Olam [depending on one’s Nussach] contains similar statements to those recited in Birchas […]

Question: [Sunday, 15th Teves, 5782] I have heard that there is a problem to sleep with your shoes under your bed, is this correct?   Answer: There is no issue with sleeping with shoes under one’s bed, and on the contrary, so was traditionally done as evident from Shulchan Aruch […]

May the morning blessings be said after Shacharis if one forgot to say them beforehand? A. The general rule:[1] If one davened Shacharis prior to reciting the morning blessings he is to recite all[2] the morning blessings after davening [with exception to the blessings to be discussed below which are […]

Parshas Vayechi Which overrides, personal spiritual growth or public activism? (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 15 Sicha 3) In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayechi, we learn of the passing of our forefather Yaakov. Prior to his passing, Yaakov blessed each one of his children with blessings that represented their personal future as […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Vayechi Pesukim: 85 [Siman: פה אל פה] Haftorah: Melachim 1 2:1-12 Number of Mitzvos: There are no Positive or Negative commands mentioned in Parshas Vayechi. Rishon Yaakov summons Yosef and requests to be buried in Eretz […]

Question: [Thursday, 12th Teves 5781] Is it permitted for me to make an order from Amazon if the arrival date is Shabbos? Also, on Amazon prime we are guaranteed the product within a certain time [i.e. two days,48 hours]. Am I allowed to order an Amazon prime product within 48 […]

Cleaning spills on Shabbos Introduction: Cleaning a spill on Shabbos involves two actions which touch upon a number of possible prohibitions. These two actions are: 1) Wetting the cloth with the spill and 2) Moving around the soaked cloth. Wetting a cloth on Shabbos touches upon a possible laundering and […]

Question: [Wednesday, 11th Teves, 5782] I guess I was never made aware of this, but a Shabbos guest of mine told me that it is forbidden to bake fish and meat simultaneously in the same oven. What do I now do with the fish and meat that was baked together […]

Walking into the Shul wearing Tallis and Tefillin:[1] According to the Zohar[2], one is to leave his house[3] and walk to the Shul wearing his Tallis [Katan and Gadol[4]] and Tefillin.[5] If this is not possible, then one should put on the Tallis and Tefillin in the courtyard of the […]

Question: [Tuesday, 10th Teves 5782] We are having a Bris today. Does the father of the child have to fast?   Answer: The Baal Bris [father of the child, Mohel and Sandak] are all required to fast the entire day of a fast day even though the Bris is taking […]

Bathing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, on a fast day:[1] It is permitted to bathe, anoint, wear leather shoes, and have marital relations on a fast day other than Tisha B’av.[2] Nevertheless, a Baal Nefesh is to be stringent not to bathe [in hot water[3], if it does not involve a […]

Question: [Monday 2nd Teves 5782] How many times is one required to immerse a vessel in the Mikveh Keilim? I have heard that one time suffices but have been told that the custom is to immerse them three times. Answer: From the letter of the law, a single immersion suffices […]

Question: [Sunday, 8th Teves, 5782] I, and many people I know, have been taught, perhaps erroneously, that the Ashkenazi custom is to always say the blessing of Minei Besamim by all spices whether they come from a tree or from the ground. Recently, someone else told me that this is […]

Parshas Vayigash An investigation into the marriage of Shimon and Dina (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 5) In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayigash, Yaakov and his children discover Joseph’s whereabouts and that he is the Viceroy of the country and journey to the country to remain by Joseph side. Yaakov and his […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Vayigash Pesukim: 106  [Siman: יהללאל] Haftorah: Yechezkal 37:15-28 Number of Mitzvos: There are no Positive or Negative commands mentioned in Parshas Vayigash. Rishon Yehuda contends with Yosef to release Binyamin: Yehuda confronted Yosef and asked to […]

Question: [Sunday, 5th Teves 5781] Should Chabad Chassidim recite Tachanun on Hei Teves?   Answer: In general, it is customary not to say Tachanun on a day on which one celebrates a miracle that took place. However, there is no universally accepted practice of omitting Tachanun on the fifth of […]

Summary: Drinking non-wine beverages: It is permitted on temporary occasion to drink any non-wine beverage from a vessel of a Gentile even if the vessel was designated for drinking or storing wine, so long as the vessel is properly rinsed from any leftover wine prior to usage. If one desires […]

Question: [Wednesday, 4th Teves, 5782] I have heard that many people save the oil and wicks of the Chanukah Menorah for the burning of chametz by erev Pesach. Is this allowed to be done or must one burn it right away?   Answer: Although some are accustomed to save the […]

Wine glasses of a gentile-Using glass vessels of a gentile that were used to drink or store Yayin Nesech: No need to Kasher with hot water: It is permitted to drink from clean wine glasses, and other clean wine glass vessels, of a gentile without Kashering them in between [using […]

Question: [Tuesday, 3rd Teves 5782] I’m getting married in the near future and buying a wedding ring for my Kallah. I know the wedding ring should be made of gold but I would like to know if it should be made out of yellow gold or can also be made […]

Forgot to say Vesein Tal Umatar:[1] One who forgot to say Vesein Tal Umatar during the period that it is to be said [which is in Eretz Yisrael between the 7th of Marcheshven and Pesach, and in the Diaspora between the 5th/6th of December and Pesach] is required to repeat […]

Question: [Sunday, 1st Teves, 5782] I and a number of my roommates lit the menorah on the floor in order so we can sit around it and have a Kumzitz around the lights. Someone then said to us that it must be lit three handbreadths above on the ground, otherwise […]

Eating festive meals on Chanukah and the Chanukah menu:[1] There is a dispute amongst Poskim regarding the form of celebration the Sages established to be performed on Chanukah. Some Poskim[2] rule the rejoicing was established to be performed only in a spiritual nature; to light candles, say Al Hanisim and […]

Question: [Thursday 28th Kisleiv 5782] We are accustomed, as many of the people are as well, to answer the Amen after the blessings of the Hanukkah menorah in a long tune which stretches out the Amen. One of my children said to me that she heard that it is forbidden […]

Question: [Wednesday, 27th Kisleiv, 5782] We are having a Chanukah party by relatives for which we must leave prior to the candle lighting time. My question is regarding what we should do about lighting and if we should light candles by our host, or should wait to light until we […]

The Shamash-Purpose & Halachic details-Part 2[1] E. How long is the Shamash to last for?[2] The Shamash is to last for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. F. When to light the Shamash: The candle which is used to light all the other candles is to be lit before the […]

Question: [Tuesday, 26th Kisleiv 5782] One of the branches of our tall Chanukah menorah broke off together with the Shamash, and we hence now have only seven branches by the Menorah. May I use this menorah to light with until the seventh night?   Answer: If the menorah is made […]

The Shamash-Purpose & Halachic details:[1] A. Its name and the candle that it refers to: The technical term Shamash refers to the candle used to light the Chanukah candles, hence lending it its name “the servant,” and not necessarily to the extra candle that is lit in addition to the […]

Question: [Monday 25th Kisleiv 5782] My wife will not be coming home until about an hour after nightfall. Is it better for me to light by myself on time or should I wait for her to come home in order to light?   Answer: It is better in such a […]

Question: [Sunday, 24th Kisleiv, 5782] In our Shul we usually have a custom that the Chazan of Mincha lights the Shul’s Menorah before Aleinu. I am actually within the year of morning and will be leading the prayers throughout Chanukah and I would like to know is there any issue […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Vayeishev Pesukim:112  [Siman: יבק] Haftorah: Amos 2:6-3:8 Number of Mitzvos: There are no Positive or Negative commands mentioned in Parshas Vayeishev.   Rishon Yosef’s relationship with his father and brothers: Yaakov dwelled in the land of […]

Parshas Vayeishev The spiritual advantage of Yosef over Yaakov and his brothers and the lessons in Bitachon and Bechira Chafshis (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 3[1]) In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayeishev, we learn of the troubling tale of events that occurred between Yosef and his brothers. Yosef rouses his brothers anger […]

Question: [Thursday 21st Kisleiv 5782] I know that women are accustomed to not do work during the first half-hour the candles are lit. My question is if this applies even against frying Latkes to give out to the family while they sit around the Chanukah candles?   Answer: It is […]

Where in the home/property should the Menorah be lit- Inside the house versus outside the house? A. The letter of the law:[1] The candles are to be lit outside the front door of one’s house, which opens towards the public.[2] [This only applies if there is no courtyard in the […]

Question: [Wednesday, 20th Kisleiv, 5782] Somebody said something to me the other day in Shul, within ears reach of other people, which I was deeply offended by. I know that he probably did not intend to offend me, and he may have had good intentions, but the way it came […]

In honor of Yud Tes Kisleiv, shulchanaruchharav.com, is offering a 30% discount in its English Sefer on Torah Or-Likkutei Torah, using code yudtes30. The following article was published today in the Daily Halacha podcast of shulchanaruchharav.com in honor of Yud Tes Kisleiv. You can sign up to receive the daily […]

Question: [Tuesday, 19th Kisleiv 5782] I just noticed that one of my Mezuzahs were upside down. I don’t know how this happened, but I must’ve absentmindedly put it in the wrong way into the case and only noticed now when I was looking for where the shin was, and saw […]

The Halachic obligation to celebrate the day of a miracle Chanukah and Yud Tes Kisleiv A day in which a miracle occurred is to be commemorated throughout the generations. This celebration is not a mere matter of thanks but according to some Poskim carries with it a Biblical obligation. There […]

Question: [Monday 18th Kisleiv 5782] If I have an itch by my ankle in middle of Shemoneh Esrei, may I lift my other leg in order to itch it with my shoe and the like?   Answer: If the itch is really bothering you, then you may use your foot […]

Question: [Sunday, 17th Kisleiv, 5782] May or should a Chazan who is a non-mourner recite the Kaddish before Hodu if there is no Avel in the room? Does this apply even if both his parents are still alive? Answer: Yes, even a Chazan whose parents are both alive may, and […]

The measurement of the Batim-Understanding the 4×4 Chabad Batim:[1] Letter of law: The length and width of the Batim [i.e. Ketzitza] do not have any [minimum or maximum] size.[2] [Nonetheless, one cannot make them too big that they won’t rest on the head properly, and may also not make them […]

This article is an excerpt from our Sefer    Buy now on Amazon.com Parshas Vayishlach Pesukim: 154 [Siman: קליטה] Haftorah: Ovadia 1:1-21 Number of Mitzvos: There is a total of One Mitzvah in Parshas Vayishlach; Zero positive command and One negative commands. The following are the commands in the order […]

Parshas Vayishlach The importance of the day of the wedding and its everlasting effect (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 30 3rd Sicha) In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayishlach, the names of the wives of Esav are mentioned. In total, he had three wives one of which one was the daughter of Ishmael […]

Question: [Thursday 14th Kisleiv 5782] I was in middle of saying a blessing of Hamotzi by the Shabbos table when one of my small children started talking in middle, and I shushed him up to be quiet. I didn’t actually say any words but simply said to him “Shah.” Is […]

Question: [Wednesday, 13th Kisleiv, 5782] I originally baked a potato Kugel in a fleishig oven, and would like to know if I am allowed to reheat it in a Pareve oven, and what is the law if I ready did so, does my oven remain Pareve. Answer: If your meat […]

Traveling restrictions-Returning home after already leaving the house, if one forgot something: Example: I left my house to go to work and realized I left something at home. May I return home to get it? What if I left my house in order to catch a flight, and realized I […]

Question: [Tuesday, 12th Kisleiv 5782] I often visit nonreligious families in their homes as part of my Shlichus work and it quite often occurs that I am offered a drink [of tea or coffee or water or soda] in one of their cups, either Glass or porcelain [i.e. China]. Is […]

Making sure that the Kesher of the Yud of your Tefillin Shel Yad remains Kosher:[1] It is a Halacha from Moshe on Sinai that a knot in the shape of the letter Yud be formed by the Tefillin Shel Yad after the straps have been entered into its Mabarta. This […]

Question: [Monday 11th Kisleiv 5782] We were sitting on the lawn in a city in Israel playing with the grass and plucking it out when someone told us that you can’t do that during shemita. Is this correct?   Answer: It is definitely proper to avoid plucking grass during Shemita. […]

The Segula of reciting the Mizmor of “Lamnatzeiach Ye’ancha” during pregnancy prior to retiring to sleep:[1] Throughout all the days of a woman’s pregnancy, the husband[2] is to say the Psalm of Lamnatzei’ach Ya’ancha [Kappitle 20, printed between Ashreiy and Uva Letziyon] prior to sleep. Repeating the last verse: At […]

Question: [Sunday, 10th Kisleiv, 5782] During Chazaras Hashatz, is it permitted for one to learn Torah in his mind without verbalizing the words, for example to review something by heart, or to look into a sefer without actually reading from it? Answer: Although there exists a Limud Zechus for those […]

Holding onto the handles of the Sefer Torah during the Aliyah-Why and how:[1] One holds on to the [handles[2], known as the Eitz Chaim, of the] Sefer Torah while saying the blessing [and during the reading[3]].[4] While saying the blessing he is to hold onto both handles, holding onto the […]

Question: [Thursday 7th Kisleiv 5782] The maintenance of our website is performed by a non-Jewish web technician. I would like to know if it’s permitted for him to do work on Shabbos on my website or if I have to tell him not to do any work on my website […]

Comforting a mourner on Shabbos:[1] It is permitted to comfort an Avel on Shabbos.[2] [However, one is not to publicly announce for people to go be Menachem Avel, due to the prohibition against showing public Aveilus on Shabbos.[3]] The Nussach:[4] It is even permitted to comfort the Avel in the […]

Believing in superstitions: A. Introduction:[1] The prohibition of Nichush:[2] It is Biblically forbidden due to the prohibition of “Lo Sinacheish” for one to practice superstitions such as to say that if a black cat crosses his path then he will not leave his house that day due to belief that […]

Question: [Wednesday, 6th Kisleiv, 5782] Many families have a tradition that a child should not look in the mirror prior to him growing teeth, and that you should not step over a child lest he not grow, and if you do step over him that you should step over him […]

Question: [Tuesday, 4th Kisleiv 5782] I have heard a number of times that you can be more lenient with Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, to put them on past sunset or even past nightfall prior to the time of Rabbeinu Tam? Is this correct?   Answer: This is incorrect. Initially one must […]

May a child below Bar Mitzvah eat before Davening Shacharis [i.e. Hamotzi breakfast]: A. Background-The general prohibition of eating before prayer:[1] The sages prohibited one from eating or drinking starting from the time of Alos Hashachar until after one Davens Shemoneh Esrei [of Shacharis].[2] This is in addition to the […]

Question: [Monday 4th Kisleiv 5782] I would like to perform a Hatavas Chalom for bad dreams that I have been suffering from. My question is if I need to personally do it before three men, or if I can send my husband to do so for me?   Answer: Seemingly, […]