Question: [Tuesday, 1st Iyar, 5781] I did not have an opportunity to recite Birchas Ilanos during the month of Nisan and today plan on being in an area where I will see fruit trees. Can I still say the blessing? Answer: While this matter is under debate and some are […]

Question: [Monday, 30th Nissan, 5781] What blessing should be recited in non-grain products that contain gluten within their ingredients? Answer: The gluten has the status of a Shehakol food. Practically, it is nullified to the main ingredient of the product and one should recite whatever blessing the main ingredient deserves. […]

Blessing over heart of palm:[1] The heart of palm, known in Hebrew as Kura, is the center of a palm tree’s main stem.[2] The blessing that is to be recited on the heart of the palm is Shehakol.[3] [However, this only applies towards the heart of a wild palm tree, […]

Question: [Sunday, 29th Nissan, 5781] If I don’t change my Tzitzis in the morning am I still obligated to check them daily? I currently have only one pair which I don’t change or take off and sleep with at night, and therefore my question. Answer: One is obligated to check […]

Covering the head with the Tallis Gadol during Davening: The letter of the law:[1] It is disputed whether one must also cover his head and perform the Yishmaeili wrap with the Tallis, in addition to covering the body. Some Poskim[2] rule that the Tallis must be large enough for one […]

Question: [Thursday, 19th Nissan, 5781] May I make a mark on the page of a book on Shabbos in order to remember the page for editorial or other type of purposes? Is this considered like writing? Is this considered like preparing for after Shabbos? Answer: It is forbidden to make […]

Shlissel Challah-Kneading a key into Challah the first Shabbos after Pesach: A. The custom: Many are accustomed to braid the Challah in the shape of a key[1] on the first Shabbos after Pesach.[2] Others knead a key within the Challah dough on the first Shabbos after Pesach. Some[3] record that […]

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 […]

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: 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 […]