May one cut the branch of a fruit tree to use as a decoration for Shavuos? Background of the custom to place plants and trees in one’s home on Shavuos:[1] It is customary to spread plants and trees in Shul and home in honor of Shavuos. Plants are spread in […]

Question: [Tuesday, 29th Iyar, 5781] Rabbi, if we are unable to get six people to Daven Shemoneh Esrei at the same time, what is the order of having someone say Shemoneh Esrei aloud for the sake of Kedusha, and may we also still say the Kadeishim afterwards. Answer: In such […]

Having gentile guests Yom Tov:[1] It is forbidden to invite gentile guests for a Yom Tov meal.[2] This applies even if all one’s food is already cooked.[3] If, however, the gentile arrived on his own, one may give him food to eat[4], although it is forbidden to invite and press […]

Purchasing Jewelry and clothing for one’s wife and daughters before Yom Tov:[1] It is a Biblical positive command and obligation for one to rejoice and be of happy spirit on Yom Tov.[2] This applies throughout all the seven days of Pesach, the eight days of Sukkos [i.e. including Chol Hamoed], […]

Question: [Monday, 28th Iyar 5781] Dear Rabbi, I would like to know if it is permitted for one to leave his mikvah towel in shul. I personally find it very disrespectful to leave a towel that was used to dry all parts of the body in middle of the sanctuary […]

Question: [Sunday, 27th Iyar, 5781] Is it permitted this year for one to take a haircut on this upcoming erev Shabbos being that Shavuos falls on Sunday night? Answer: Those who are accustomed not to take a haircut until erev Shavuos due to reasons of Kabbalah or due to their […]

Moving a Muktzah item with a shinuiy [i.e. unusual manner]:[1]  All Muktzah objects [under all categories, Muktzah Machmas Gufo, Chisron Kis, and Keli Shemilachto Lei’issur] are only forbidden to be moved in in the regular way that they are moved during the week, which is through using one’s hands.[2] However, […]

Question: [Thursday, 24th Iyar 5781] My daughter has a sty pimple by the side of her eye which is very much irritating her. May she place a bag of tea on her eyes for the sake of healing it on Shabbos. The pimple is causing her eyelid to close up […]

Question: [Wednesday, 23rd Iyar 5781] We have a number of extra tiles on our porch which are stacked by the edge of the gate which surrounds our porch. It’s been there for months without moving. Last night, one of the tiles somehow fell with the wind and smashed the windshield […]

One who accidently switched an item with another person:[1] If one attended an event, or participated in a Minyan or Shiur, and at the end of the event he accidently took the wrong coat, hat, umbrella, Tallis/Tefillin, or any other item, may he use that item until he finds the […]