Is the Mitzvah of Sefiras Haomer Biblical or Rabbinical?[1] Temple times: It is a positive command of the Torah for every single Jew[2] to count seven weeks’ worth of days beginning from when the Omer was offered. In the Diaspora:[3] The Mitzvah of counting the Omer Biblically applies in both […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Blessing on essential oils
Question: [Wednesday, 25th Nissan, 5781] I often smell essential oils, such as Levona, and would like to know if a blessing of Minei Besamim should be said prior to smelling them? Answer: Yes. Natural 100% essential oils that have a good scent are to be blessed upon prior to being […]
Drinking Mashkeh of non-frum people after Pesach
Drinking Mashkeh of non-frum people after Pesach: Example: After Pesach, one was offered a beer by a non-religious friend or relative. May one drink it? A. Introduction: Chametz that was owned by a Jew during Pesach:[1] Complete[2] Chametz that was owned by a Jew[3] over Pesach, or that a […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Retrieving cakes that I threw out before Pesach
Question: [Monday, 23rd Nissan, 5781] Before Pesach, I threw out an entire box of sealed Osem cakes into a public area and noticed that the box is still there, went untouched throughout the entire duration of Pesach, and I would like to know if I can take it back and […]
From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Order of Hagbah when there are 2 Sifrei Torah; 2) removing stain 3) making Tzitzis
Question: [Friday, 20th Nissan, 5781] On Chol Hamoed Pesach, must the second Sefer Torah be placed by the Bima before Hagbah of the first Sefer Torah? I always thought that we always need to place the second Torah scroll on the bimah before removing the first one, however today in […]
Omitting Shehechiyanu/The order of prayer and Kiddush when Yom Tov coincides with Shabbos
Shehechiyanu by Candle lighting and Kiddush:[1] We do not recite Shehechiyanu during Kiddush [or candle lighting] of Shevi’i or Acharon Shel Pesach.[2] Order of Davening when Pesach falls on Friday evening:[3] Mincha:[4] Prior to Mincha, Hodu is omitted although Patach Eliyahu is recited. Maariv: When Yom Tov falls on Friday […]
Is nail polish remover Kosher for use on Pesach?
Question: [Thursday, 19th Nissan, 5781] May I use nail polish remover that contains wheat derivatives within its ingredients? I don’t have any other alternative nail polish remover available right now, and my nail polish has begun to peel off my nails in a very visible way and forms a Chatzitza […]
The prohibition of Melacha on Chol Hamoed
The importance of guarding the Moed: The Sages stated that one who belittles the Moed does not have a portion in the world to come and it is considered as if he has served idols. Hence, one must be very careful in the laws of the Moed, even though they […]
Learning Torah on Chol Hamoed
Chol Hamoed checklist: Drink Revius of wine Eat meal with bread by both night and day 6 Zechiros Eat and drink delicacies and do other forms of Simcha. Many are accustomed to gather and vist Jerusalem like Aliyah Leregel by the Holidays. Chapter 1: Melacha on Chol Hamoed 1. The […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Feeding animals by a petting zoo
Question: [Tuesday, 17th Nissan, 5781] Is there any issue with purchasing typical animal food that is set up to feed the birds and other animals at the petting zoo during Pesach? Answer: Absolutely! The animal/bird feed which is given to visitors by petting zoos is often made of Chametz ingredients, […]
