Question: [Sunday, 9th Adar 5781] I wake up often in middle of the night to use the bathroom and I always wondered what I should do about saying the blessing of Asher Yatzar. Do I have to say it right away after using the bathroom, or can I, or should […]

Eating and drinking prior to Megillah reading of night and day:[1] It is forbidden to eat prior to hearing the Megillah reading [both] at night [and by day[2]].[3] This applies even if it is difficult for one to continue fasting Taanis Esther until the end of the Megillah reading.[4] Some […]

Question: [Thursday, 5th Adar 5781] Rabbi, due to COVID-19 I am in quarantine and possibly sick with the virus. What should I do about Parshas Zachar? Answer: Unfortunately, despite the great value and importance of hearing Parshas Zachar which is biblical, you cannot participate in a minyan in Shul due […]

Borer-Separating big pieces from small pieces in a salad on Shabbos: Example: Mommy asked two of her daughters to cut up vegetables for the salad for the Shabbos meal. Each daughter cut the vegetables in a different size with one set being much larger than the other, and entered them […]

Feeding street animals: One is not obligated to feed his friends pets or street animals from his own food.[1] [This applies even if the animal is endangered and may die.[2] However, in such a case, one would be obligated to place bodily effort to save the animal, if possible, such […]

Question: [Tuesday, 4th Adar 5781] I noticed that a single string of my Tzitzis tore from the area of the knots. The torn string is coming out between the first and second top set of knots and I assume that it originally tore above the double knot and somehow unraveled […]

Question: [Tuesday, 4th Adar 5781] When is the ideal time for me to Daven Musaf on Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh? Sometimes when I am Davening at home, I like to take a break between the prayers and end up Davening Musaf in the afternoon as opposed to the morning. Is […]

Question: [Monday, 3rd Adar 5781] I keep hearing that this year is a Purim Meshulash, a three-day Purim because it falls on Friday? Can you please explain the context of what this means and how my Purim will be three days? Answer: The concept of a three-day Purim, otherwise known […]

Is the Megillah read with its blessings in Jerusalem on Friday the 14th of Purim Meshulash, if a Minyan is not present?[1] A. The general rule: One must always strive to hear the Megillah reading in the presence of a Minyan, which consists of at least ten adult men.[2] If […]

  Purim Checklist: Wear Shabbos clothes Recite Al Hanissim No eating before Megillah at night and by morning Have small festive meal after Megillah at night Omit Tachanun in Kerias Shema Al Hamita Wake up early Have in mind by Shehechiyanu of Megillah the Mitzvos of the day Do not […]