Organ donation/transplant:[1] The question of organ donation is highly debated amongst Rabbanim and religious circles. Its question touches upon several Halachic prohibitions, which vary based on the state of the patient whose organ is being used. We have divided the ruling to four distinct cases: 1) If the person is […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) The order of Tashlumin for Maariv in Shacharis; 2) Eating food and drink that entered a cemetery
Question: [Monday, 14th Iyar 5781] If I forgot and did not Daven Maariv the previous night, what is the proper order of Tashlumin for the Maariv prayer? When should the second Shemoneh Esrei be prayed after Shacharis? Answer: The Tashlumin Shemoneh Esrei for Maariv which is prayed after Shacharis Shemoneh […]
Davening Mincha by Mincha Gedola versus Mincha Ketana
The start time of Mincha-Davening Mincha Gedola:[1] One who Davens Mincha from 6 ½ Zmaniyos hours into the day [i.e. half an hour after the Halachic midday], and onwards, fulfills his obligation. [This time period is commonly referred to as Mincha Gedola.[2]] [However] the main time to Daven Mincha is […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Read the wrong Haftorah
Question: [Sunday, 13th Iyar, 5781] This past Shabbos we got confused and accidentally read the wrong Haftorah. We read the Haftorah of Kedoshim [i.e. Yechezkal] instead of the Haftorah of Parshas Achrei Mos [Bnei Kushim]. Did we fulfill our obligation, and what should we have done if we remembered in […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Leaving the Haftorah open until the after blessings are completed
Question: [Thursday, 10th yar 5781] When I am called up to read the Haftorah, may/should I close the Haftorah book after concluding its reading prior to saying the after blessings, or should I leave it open until after the blessings are recited? Answer: The person who reads the Haftorah for […]
Drinking after Kiddush before Hamotzi
Drinking liquids after Kiddush prior to the meal: It is permitted for one who is thirsty to drink after Kiddush, prior to the meal.[1] Saying a blessing prior to drinking:[2] One who drinks prior to the meal is not to say a blessing over the liquid if [he drank from […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Babysitter incurred large phone bill
Question: [Wednesday, 9th Iyar 5781] When I was a teenager and used to babysit for families in the neighborhood, I often used their house phone without asking their permission and at times I would be on for many hours which I’m sure gave them an extra-large bill as this was […]
Stealing an item as a joke with intent to return
Stealing as a joke:[1] It is forbidden to steal even if one plans to return it immediately afterwards.[2] It is forbidden to steal even if one has no intent at all to cause pain to the owner and is stealing the item [temporarily] merely out of jest [and plans to […]
From the Rav’s Desk: The law if one accidentally said Vesein Tal Umatar or Mashiv Haruach
Question: [Tuesday, 8th Iyar, 5781] I absentmindedly recited Vesein Tal Umatar [after Pesach in the summer months] and remembered a few moments later. What is the proper order for me to do? Should I go back to Bareich Aleinu and say it properly, or should I simply say Vesein Bracha […]
When to recite Kiddush Levana in months that Motzei Shabbos is past the 10th
When to recite Kiddush Levana in months that Motzei Shabbos is past the 10th from the Molad: Background:[1] One is to recite Kiddush Levana only on Motzei Shabbos [or Motzei Yom Tov[2]].[3] [The above time is only with regards to Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar, however from the letter of the law […]
