The seven Divine names The following are the Divine names that may never be erased:[1] Yud Kei Vav Kei; Adniy; Keil; Eloka; Elokim; Elokaiy[2]; Shakaiy; Tzeva–os[3]; Eh-yeh[4].] It is forbidden to mention any of the designated names of G-d in a bathroom. This refers to the seven names which may […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Wearing a coat over a Tallis
Question: [Sunday, 11th Shevat 5781] Now that we are praying outside in the freezing cold due to coronavirus is it permitted to wear a coat over one’s Tallis during the Shacharis prayer? Is it better to wear the Tallis over one’s coat, or to wear the coat over one’s Tallis? […]
The after blessing-Ate fruits of seven Minim, and Mezonos, and drank wine
The after blessing-Ate fruits of seven Minim, and Mezonos, and drank wine:[1] One who ate [a Kezayis of] fruits from the seven Minim and ate [a Kezayis of] Mezonos [within Kdei Achilas Peras] and drank [a Revius of] wine is to include all three after blessings in a single blessing […]
Customs of Yartzite that falls on Shabbos-Yud Shevat and Gimel Tamuz
Yahrzeit that falls on Shabbos and Yom Tov?[1] When to perform the Yahrzeit customs: When the Yahrzeit falls on Shabbos [or Yom Tov], the question is raised as to when the Yahrzeit customs are to be kept. Some customs are not feasible, or not permitted, to be performed on Shabbos […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Heating up a tin of Kugel wrapped in tin foil on Shabbos
Question: [Thursday, 8th Shevat 5781] Is it permitted to heat up a Kugel on Shabbos and if so may I do so with the tinfoil on top of it or is this considered insulation? Answer: You may heat up a Kugel on Shabbos on top of another pot so […]
When should one set up the Blech before Shabbos?
When should one set up the Blech before Shabbos?[1] Biblically, there are no restrictions involved in setting up one’s food on a flame before Shabbos, although the Sages enacted a number of restrictions. First off, they obligated that one may only leave food on a flame if either the […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Mold in rental property-whose responsibility and may one breach the contract?
Question: [Wednesday, 7th Shevat 5781] Rabbi, we have rented an apartment and after about four months of living there in the winter in the rain season, we noticed mold growing on a number of walls. The owner does not know of any practical solution to deal with it and we […]
If one pledged to loan money to someone may he retract
May one back out of a loan after giving his word to the borrower?[1] Legal liability: If one said he would loan money to someone he is not legally liable to go through with the loan and the borrower cannot force him in court to give him the money.[2] […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Who is a real Apikores/Tinok Shinishba today?
Question: [Tuesday, 27th Teves 5781] Who today is considered a Tinok Shenishba versus a real and true Apikores? Obviously, there are different approaches and attitudes that we must have between these two types of nonobservance Jews, as brought in Torah that one is obligated to hate the Apikores and consider […]
Listening to one’s wife sing
Listening to one’s wife sing: While Davening or learning Torah: The singing[1] voice of a woman is [Rabbinically[2]] an Erva.[3] This applies whether she is single[4] or married, and even towards the voice of one’s own wife[5] [even while she is pure[6]]. Thus, it is [Rabbinically[7]] forbidden[8] for a husband […]
