The prohibition to create and continue a Machlokes/dispute:[1] It is forbidden to hold onto and continue[2] [or lend support[3] to] a dispute, and one who does so transgresses a negative command, as the verse[4] states “Do not be like Korach and his people.”[5] This applies even if in truth one’s […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) How to take three steps back before Shemoneh Esrei 2) Update regarding the three jumps discussed yesterday
Question: [Tuesday, 28th Sivan, 5781] My daughter’s class in elementary school was just taught by their teacher how to Daven Shemoneh Esrei and take the three steps back and forth in the beginning of Shemoneh Esrei. There was a controversy amongst the class as to how the three steps back […]
Reciting the six Zechiros-Background, laws and details
Reciting the six Zechiros:[1] The Mitzvah:[2] It is a positive command in the Torah to remember [daily] the following actions: Matan Torah and Mamad Har Sinai:[3] It is a positive command of Torah to remember [daily] the the event of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Maaseh Amaleik:[4] […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Jumping up three times after taking three steps forward by the end of Shemoneh Esrei
Question: [Monday, 27th Iyar 5781] I have seen some people, especially women, bounce their feet up three times [like we do by Kedusha] after they finish Davening Shemoneh Esrei, after they finish going forward the three steps. Is there any source for doing so and should I do so? Answer: […]
Severity of vows, swears, and promises
Severity of vows, swears, and promises: One is not to be accustomed in making vows. One who makes a vow, even if he fulfills it, is called a Rasha and a sinner.[1] One who makes a vow is considered like one who built a Bama at a time that building […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Reciting Yehi Ratzon by Tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim
Question: [Sunday, 26th Sivan, 5781] Is one to recite the Yehi Ratzon after each book of Tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim if he is saying it without a Minyan? Answer: In such a case, there is no need to say it after each book of Tehillim, although if one desires to, […]
The Mitzvah of Techeiles-Back then & in today’s times
The Mitzvah of Techeiles-Back then & in today’s times:[1] As stated in the verse, the Biblical Mitzvah of Tzitzis requires that the Tzitzis strings contain both a set of white strings and a set of Techeiles strings. These two colors of string are all included within the same single Mitzvah […]
Mentioning Eliyahu Hanavi on Motzei Shabbos
Mentioning Eliyahu Hanavi on Motzei Shabbos:[1] It is accustomed to mention [the name of] Eliyahu Hanavi on Motzei Shabbos after Havdala[2] as a prayer that he should come and proclaim the redemption.[3] Eliyahu Hanavi writes the merits of the Jewish people:[4] During the time of Motzei Shabbos, Eliyahu Hanavi […]
From the Rav’s desk: 1) May one answer Amen in middle of Shanyim Mikra? 2) Getting a Covid vaccine on Shabbos.
Question: [Thursday, 23rd Sivan 5781] I was reciting Shnayim Mikra in Shul and heard Kaddish from the early Mincha Gedola minyan. May/Must I answer Amen and if I do then do I have to restart the Shnayim Mikra? Answer: Yes, you may choose to answer Amen to Kaddish or to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Geniza to printed papers of Torah that were never studied from or no longer have a use
Question: [Tuesday, 22nd Sivan, 5781] I printed about 100 pages of a certain Torah file for the sake of distributing during a lecture and I have about 20 extra pages which were not distributed and not used or read from. Must I put it into Geniza, or can I simply […]
